Scotland and England

Explore the breathtaking Highlands of Glencoe, surrounded by misty peaks and rich history. Visit the legendary Loch Ness, where a boat cruise offers views of the deep waters said to hide the elusive Nessie, and see Culloden Moor, site of the final Jacobite battle in 1746.

Travel through the heart of the Scottish countryside, where dramatic peaks, quiet lochs, and peaceful glens create landscapes that inspired poet William Wordsworth. Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent gray stone fortress that towers over the land from its cliffside perch. For centuries it held strategic importance, passing between Scottish and English hands countless times. Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned here, and stories of ghosts still linger in its grand halls filled with medieval and Renaissance art and breathtaking views of the Highlands.

Tour Stirling Castle, a grand medieval fortress and former seat of Kings James IV and James V. Explore the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, featuring regimental colors, pipe banners, and silver. From the castle walls, take in sweeping views of the Wallace Monument.

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city of steep streets, stone buildings, and dramatic views, all watched over by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Follow your Tour Director along the Royal Mile, which runs from Holyrood Palace to the castle, passing St. Giles’ Cathedral, long a center of learning and civic life in the city’s Old Town.

Explore Edinburgh, the historic and cultural heart of Scotland. Led by a licensed guide, walk the Royal Mile through the city’s Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Admire the elegant Georgian New Town, known for its neoclassical design, and gaze up at the 200-foot Sir Walter Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens, a tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest literary figures—and his loyal dog, Maida, immortalized below.

Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle commands the skyline with its imposing presence. Explore this medieval fortress, uncover its role in Scottish history, and take in sweeping views of the city below.

Learn the art of Scottish dancing at a social gathering, or Ceilidh, (pronounced “Kay-lay”). Dance to live music as an instructor shows you some traditional steps.

Take a city walk through the heart of London. Cross Trafalgar Square, a lively gathering place for the city, and step inside the National Gallery, home to masterpieces by da Vinci, Monet, and Rembrandt. Continue past the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, and finish in Covent Garden, where markets, street performers, and the Royal Opera House showcase London’s lively spirit.

Nothing says local flavor quite like fish and chips. Join your Tour Director at a traditional pub to enjoy this classic dish, usually served with a side of malt vinegar. From bustling cities to seaside towns, “chippies” remain a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.

Join a licensed local guide for an in-depth tour of London. See Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard, and stroll through Hyde Park, home to the famous Speakers’ Corner. View Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then step inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation site of English monarchs. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and admire the iconic Tower Bridge spanning the Thames.

Soar 450 feet over London in the world's highest ferris wheel. The London Eye, the fourth tallest structure in London, whisks visitors up up and away above the River Thames for spectacular views of the city and its surrounds. The unique, futuristic passenger "capsules" allow unobstructed, 180-degree views. On a clear day visitors can see as far as the King's residence at Windsor Castle -- 25 miles away.

Uncover the mystery of Stonehenge, the ancient circle of massive stones built around 3000 B.C. and believed to be a sacred site or early astronomical calendar. Continue to the medieval city of Salisbury to visit its stunning cathedral, home to the tallest spire in Britain and one of four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, displayed in its beautiful 13th-century Chapter House.

Enjoy a meal at the original Hard Rock Cafe, a legendary spot for rock 'n' roll fans around the world.