Extraordinary England & Scotland
Extraordinary England & Scotland
Extraordinary England & Scotland
10 Days Starting in Windsor, England and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Windsor, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, The Lake District, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, Highlands, Glasgow
Tour Overview
Small groups translate to intimate experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of England and Scotland! Covering the scenic splendor of the Cotswolds and the Lake District in England as well as the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland, you’ve got everything covered. From castles in Windsor and Edinburgh to palaces at Blenheim and Scone, you’ll experience the delights, history, and culture of the two countries. Follow bigger-than-life adventures by train and boat and celebrate Scottish tradition with whisky and haggis on this Small Group Discovery tour!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Windsor,England
Location: Windsor
Accommodation Name: Macdonald Windsor Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
At 3.00pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and walk the short distance to Windsor Castle to visit inside the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and one of the official residences of over 40 monarchs. Later enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Windsor,Oxford,Blenhiem Palace,Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
WINDSOR–OXFORD–BLENHIEM PALACE–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Dukes and Dreams Walk with your Tour Director through the beautiful streets of Oxford with a small group focused tour to be introduced to “the city of dreaming spires.” On to magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Dukes of Marlborough since the early 1700s. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of the Cotswolds. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTDREAMING AND LEARNING Architectural beauty, academic significance and cultural contributions are only three reasons why the city of Oxford is renowned worldwide. The University of Oxford, established in the 12th century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and consistently ranks in the top universities in globally. The city is home to stunning and unique architecture as well as a bustling covered market that is home to over 50 independent shops, cafes, bars, and experiences. Truly film set stuff!
Day 3: Stratford-Upon-Avon,Cotswolds Excursion
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COTSWOLDS EXCURSION Cotswolds Charm This morning, you’ll be enchanted by the landscape of rolling hills and the picturesque villages as you explore the Cotswolds. Time to enjoy the honey-coloured limestone buildings, stone walls and thatched houses before your return to Stratford-upon-Avon and a visit to William Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Plenty of time to explore this market town on your own this afternoon. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 4: Stratford-Upon-Avon,Levens Hall,Grasmere,The Lake District
Location: The Lake District
Accommodation Name: Daffodil Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LEVENS HALL–GRASMERE, THE LAKE DISTRICT To the Lakes Travel north through the English midlands to Elizabethan Levens Hall with its renowned topiary garden, the oldest in the world. Onwards to the heart of the Lake District, and at Rydal Mount get absorbed by the life and times of poet William Wordsworth and in an intimate reading of his poems discover why this tranquil setting inspired him to write some of the finest romantic poems in the English language. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTFLOWERY WORDS William Wordsworth lived in the Lake District for much of his life, 36 years at Rydal Mount. His “Daffodils” poem beginning “I wandered lonely as a cloud” is the quintessential Lake District poem characterized by its emphasis on nature, emotion, and the importance of the individual experience. Feel it all amongst the beauty that motivated its creation.
Day 5: Grasmere,Lake District Excursion
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation Name: Daffodil Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
GRASMERE–LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION Trains, Lakes & Gingerbread Enjoy a relaxed and scenic day in the Lake District, including a train journey through the Leven Valley to Lakeside where you’ll board a boat for a cruise of unrivaled scenic beauty across Lake Windermere. Stroll in the bustling village of Bowness-on-Windermere before returning to the village of Grasmere to sample the famous Grasmere Gingerbread. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEFULL STEAM AHEAD Step back in time on the Haverthwaite Steam Railway, a heritage line originally built in the mid-19th century to carry iron ore between Barrow in Furness and the Lake District. Saved from closure in the 1970s, the 3.5-mile track is operated by enthusiasts with the journey taking you to the shore of Lake Windermere. Scenic beauty and nostalgic charm at its best!
Day 6: Grasmere,Abbotsford House,Edinburgh,Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
Meals Included: Breakfast
GRASMERE–ABBOTSFORD HOUSE–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Escape to Scotland Continue to the Scottish border, pausing at Gretna Green where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples, and into the Scottish Lowlands. At Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, a guided tour is followed by a tasting of Abbotsford Whisky. Spend the next two nights in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTTOMES AND TARTANS Your small group tour of Abbotsford House gets you up close to the home of Sir Walter Scott, renowned Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and biographer. His numerous novels helped to shape the modern perception of Scotland and its history through characters such as Rob Roy and his interpretation of key events in Scottish history, and he is credited for promoting the use of tartan and Highland dress. And to top off your visit, join a special private tasting and talk about Abbotsford Whisky.
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Crown Jewels and Castle Views Morning sightseeing with your small group companions in the company of a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors and novelists associated with the city of Edinburgh. In the “Old Town” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire up close Scotland’s crown jewels. The afternoon is free to explore. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTMUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain”. Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Day 8: Edinburgh,St Andrews,Scone Palace,Highlands
Location: Highlands
Accommodation Name: Dunkeld House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–ST ANDREWS–SCONE PALACE–HIGHLANDS Highland Tees From Edinburgh head over the mighty Firth of Forth and a fun inclusion is the opportunity to hit a few balls at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range. At Scone Palace, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Mansfield, join your guide for a private tour and hear about the crowning of Scottish kings including MacBeth and Robert the Bruce. On into the Highlands to your overnight accommodation. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HOME OF SWING St Andrews is considered the “Home of Golf” for good reason. The earliest documented mention of golf in St Andrews dates back to 1552. Two hundred years later The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was formed, and it has played a significant role in shaping the rules and traditions of golf. The Old Course is, as the name suggests, one of the oldest courses in the world with a history spanning over 600 years. Hole in one!
Day 9: Highlands,Castle Menzies,Glenside Farm,Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLANDS–CASTLE MENZIES–GLENSIDE FARM–GLASGOW A Toast to the Haggis First stop today is coffee at Castle Menzies, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years, its location ensuring it has been involved in much of Scotland’s turbulent history. At the [LF] Glenside Farm Haggis Experience, you’ll hear all about Scotland’s national dish. Discover how to make it and enjoy a never-to-be-forgotten haggis lunch. Through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the final stop is the city of Glasgow where dinner in a local restaurant rounds off a memorable time in England and Scotland. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Dig into the iconic dish of Scotland with a celebration and Haggis dinner. This traditional Scottish specialty is famously associated with Burns Night, celebrated annually each January 25th in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. His legendary poem, “Address to a Haggis” is traditionally recited before haggis is served. At Glenside Farm, your small group will hear all about the history, traditions, and cultural importance of this national dish of Scotland. A must-try for a true Scottish experience!
Day 10: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Transportation
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as walking tours, train journeys, and boat cruises, providing a scenic and immersive travel experience through England and Scotland.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at the following hotels: Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel, Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, Daffodil Hotel and Spa, The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, Dunkeld House Hotel, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow.
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Meals
The tour includes various meals: daily breakfasts, several dinners, and a special haggis lunch at Glenside Farm.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for Windsor Castle, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, William Shakespeare's Birthplace, Levens Hall, Rydal Mount, Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House, Edinburgh Castle, Scone Palace, and Castle Menzies.
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Special Experiences
Special experiences include a whisky tasting at Abbotsford House, a haggis experience at Glenside Farm, and the opportunity to hit a few balls at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range.
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Scenic Cruises
Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Forth Road Bridge|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|The English Lake District
Accommodation
Windsor:Macdonald Windsor HotelStratford - upon - Avon:Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare HotelStratford - upon - Avon:Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon AvonGrasmere:Daffodil Hotel and SpaEdinburgh:The Intercontinental Edinburgh The GeorgeHighlands:Dunkeld House HotelGlasgow:Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What types of transportation are included in the tour?
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as walking tours, train journeys, and boat cruises, providing a scenic and immersive travel experience through England and Scotland.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers accommodation in several high-quality hotels, including Macdonald Windsor Hotel in Windsor, Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel and Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, Daffodil Hotel and Spa in Grasmere, The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George in Edinburgh, Dunkeld House Hotel in the Highlands, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow in Glasgow.
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What activities are planned for the Lake District?
In the Lake District, you will enjoy a train journey through the Leven Valley to Lakeside, followed by a boat cruise across Lake Windermere. You will also have time to stroll in the bustling village of Bowness-on-Windermere and sample the famous Grasmere Gingerbread.
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Will there be any special experiences related to local culture or cuisine?
Yes, the tour includes several special experiences such as a whisky tasting at Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, a visit to the Glenside Farm Haggis Experience where you will learn about and taste Scotland’s national dish, and a private tour of Scone Palace.
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What historical sites will we visit in Scotland?
In Scotland, you will visit several historical sites including Edinburgh Castle, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, and Scone Palace. You will also have the opportunity to visit Gretna Green, known for its historical significance in runaway marriages.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour. For example, on Day 3, you will have plenty of time to explore Stratford-upon-Avon on your own in the afternoon, and on Day 7, the afternoon is free for you to explore Edinburgh.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include a scenic cruise across Lake Windermere, a whisky tasting at Abbotsford House, a visit to the Glenside Farm Haggis Experience, and the opportunity to hit a few balls at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Windsor, England, and ends in Glasgow, Scotland.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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