Now Journey 2023 Small Group Tours of Italy & Beyond: Up to 16 Guests | Reservations | 1 (888) 412-4322
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This itinerary is designed for the discerning independent traveler who enjoys having the perfect combination of free time for exploration and the assurance that they won’t miss the highlights of these world-capital cities. Looking for the Small Group Tour version with Journey Tour Director? Click here. You will have guided tours with certified guides in each city and recommendations for additional sightseeing activities. This journey is designed as a private tour or small family or friends group throughout the year.
The central location of our hand-picked hotels gives you the opportunity to experience the vibrant life of each city. You will be amazed at the living history that surrounds you in London as you see Piccadilly Circus (the Times Square of London), Trafalgar Square and the Globe Theater. Your guided tours will take you inside the major highlights with skip-the-line access.
Your journey continues in Scotland and the beautiful and mysterious city of Edinburgh. You’ll travel in comfort on a high speed train departing London after breakfast and arriving in Edinburgh in early afternoon. You’ll stroll along the historic Royal Mile in the Old Town and learn the city’s amazing history. Edinburgh is known as the city of writers and you can visit the cafés where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book. You might even get inspiration, as JK Rowling did, on your train ride through England!
THIS IS WHY WE SUGGEST JOURNEY FOR YOUR ADVENTURE THROUGH ENGLAND & SCOTLAND:
Enjoy Daily Departures on this Journey
ADVENTURE PRICING:
Deluxe: 4+ to 5 Star Average: $6,979 per person
Classic: 3 to 4 Star Average: $5,979 per person
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Journey's hotels are located in and around the heart of the cities.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options
Your flight to London Heathrow (LHR Airport) should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 9 Days (8 Days, 7 Nights Land). Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight — inquire with us about a pre-tour overnight hotel room in London. Make your return flight from Edinburgh. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.
CONSIDER EXPANDING YOUR JOURNEY
Expand the Journey: Consider expanding your experience in England and/or Scotland for more time in these amazing countries.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO LONDON
Upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport, clear customs You will be greeted in the International Arrivals Hall by our driver for your included transfer to the hotel (Deluxe and Classic). Upon arrival, you will check-in, drop luggage and then relax or explore until your room is ready in mid-afternoon.
Reservations for London Dinner
Tonight we've made a reservation for you at one of our favorite restaurants in London. It's nearby but you may still want to taxi or "tube" it. The cost of dinner is not included in your tour price.
Accommodation in London, 4 Nights with daily breakfast
Deluxe: The Resident Covent Garden or Similar
Classic: Victory House Hotel or Similar
DAY 2: DISCOVERING LONDON
Today's Adventure: Discovering Historic London
Our experience in London with our official Blue Badge Guide will find you seeing amazing sites in a panoramic mini-coach including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace. Our Guide will break so guests can enjoy lunch at their own expense near the Tower of London. Then we enjoy a visit to the Tower complete with a Beefeaters Guide.
We return to our hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.
Journey is Different: We've got recommendations for great dining options tonight or you can explore at your leisure.
DAY 3: LONDON TREASURES TOUR
Today's Adventure: Discovering London's Treasures
Our experience today takes us to Kensington Palace and Gardens and Royal Albert Hall. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore. You might consider a visit to the world-renowned Victoria & Albert Museum, a stroll up Brompton Road to Harrods or a visit to Hyde Park. Perhaps Afternoon Tea is in order? Consider a ride in a world-renowned London taxi and enjoy a “private tour” and a chat with one of the most interesting people you will ever meet! In London you can hail a taxi on the street or at a taxi rank. If the yellow TAXI sign is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.
We've got recommendations for great dining options tonight or you can explore at your leisure. Make sure that you try a meat pie in a London pub sometime during your stay!
DAY 4: DAY AT LEISURE
Today you will enjoy a complete day at leisure in London. This is a wonderful opportunity to take the train to the small town of Windsor and tour magnificent Windsor Castle. Or take a boat ride down the Thames to Hampton Court. We can arrange your optional tours.
Other optional tours include the Harry Potter Walking Tour or special admission to Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey (entrance is based on season). Inquire with your Trip Planner for details.
We have recommendations for great dining options for your last night in London or you can explore at your leisure.
We've got recommendations for great dining options for your last night in London or you can explore at your leisure.
DAY 5: TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
This morning after breakfast we will transfer you to the Train Station for your onward journey to Edinburgh. Enjoy the scenic journey that becomes more interesting the further north we trek — see the English countryside, historic cities like Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and its Tyne Bridge, along the coast to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, and then the final frontier before entering Scotland and the finalé of the journey — it's an amazing ride and one you'll remember for years. Total travel time is about 4.5 hours.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver and transferred to our hotel on the Royal Mile. This afternoon you might want to explore the shops and pubs along the Royal Mile or perhaps visit Princes Street in the New Town and the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
Dining
Tonight, we've made reservations for your dinner in Edinburgh or you can explore at your leisure. The cost of dinner is not included in your tour price.
Accommodation in Edinburgh, 3 Nights with daily breakfast
Deluxe: The Balmoral Hotel or Similar
Classic: Hotel Novotel, Hotel Ibis or Similar
DAY 6: DISCOVERING HISTORIC EDINBURGH
Today's Adventure: Treasures of Scotland: Old Town Edinburgh, tour of Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket
Enjoy the expert guided tour of Edinburgh with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, the GrassMarket area with its many famous pubs and eateries, and learn about the National Museum, the National Galleries and the Royal Mile. Our morning tour ends after the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon consider a visit to Holyrood Palace (the British Monarch’s official residence in Scotland). Perhaps you might prefer a Scotch Whisky Experience or afternoon tea at the Balmoral Hotel. Our Trip Planners can assist you with reservations.
We have recommendations for great dining options for tonight or you can explore at your leisure.
DAY 7: VISIT TO STIRLING CASTLE AND THE WORLD OF SCOTLAND’S RENAISSANCE MONARCHS
Today's Adventure: Stirling Castle
After breakfast, we travel to the town of Stirling, home of Stirling Castle, to enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens and discover a world of splendor. We learn of Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. You will have to decide who the “real” Braveheart was!. Stirling's strategic position along the River Forth between the lowlands and highlands made it a coveted location and fought over since Roman times.
After our adventure we return to Edinburgh for the balance of the day at leisure.
Tonight enjoy your last evening in Scotland. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey — Good Travels!
Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast is included this morning should you have time before your departure. May we recommend extending to explore more of amazing Scotland?
