The Best of Britain and Scotland

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local International airport
• Roundtrip airfare from local international airport to Heathrow, London 
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• 9 night hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach with WiFi (when available)
• Services of a Professional Trafalgar Travel Director, Driver and Local Experts
• Gratuities  for the Trafalgar Travel Director, Driver and Local Experts
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Welcome Reception
• Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest Lunch, 2 Dinners
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Edinburgh 
• Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare
• The Roman Baths in Bath
• Anne Hathaway's Cottage
• York Minster
• Durham's Romanesque Cathedral
• Jedburgh Abbey
• St. Andrews and the Lake District
• Glasgow and George Square
• Scottish Highlands
• Fort William
• Gretna Green
• Bristol
   

Itinerary

Thursday, May 1st: Depart Central PA For London 

Transfer by motorcoach from Central Pa to a local International Airport for an overnight flight to London, England.  

Friday, May 2nd: Welcome to London

Upon arrival you will have time to explore the vibrant city and the royal heritage of London. Spend the day strolling along the tree-Lined Thames, admire treasures from across the globe, enjoy the night-time buzz of the city. Get a good night's rest as your adventure begins the following day. Hotel: Hilton Kensington

Saturday, May 3rd: Stratford-upon-Avon - York

This morning you meet your Travel Director and travel to the romantic Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit the visitor center and admire Shakespeare's work that has been viewed by audiences for more than 500 years. We will also visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage. As we continue to the ancient cathedral city of York, enjoy a view of the ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and magnificent 800-year-old Minster. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception and delicious local pub fare. Hotel: Clayton Hotel Leeds (Breakfast, Welcome Reception)

Sunday, May 4th: Cross Hadrian's Wall - Edinburgh

Venture north to the medieval riverside of Durham. The 11th century cathedral sits alongside Durham Castle looking over the streets below. We will cross Hadrian's Wall, once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Enjoy the scenic drive as we travel through Northumberland National Park.  As we cross the Scottish border, admire spectacular views of Cheviot Hills. We will stop to view the 12th century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey en route to Edinburgh. Hotel: Marriott, Holiday Inn (Breakfast)

Monday, May 5th: Edinburgh

Join a Local Specialist and travel up the Royal Mile for astonishing views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Visit Edinburgh Castle that sits on top of Castle Rock that overlooks the city. This afternoon  is at leisure to explore Edinburgh and all of its beauty. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, May 6th: Scottish Highlands

Cross the Firth of Forth as we make our way to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews. The famous golf course is known for its 18th hole along with the 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge. The journey continues to the Scottish Highlands where you will Dive Into Culture at Blair Athol whisky distillery to sample a wee dram. Next, visit the picture-perfect Pitlochry, on the edge of Ben Vrackie and Cairgorms National Park.  Tonight we will we will have an included dinner at the hotel.  Hotel: Highlander (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, May 7th: Onwards to Loch Lomond and Glasgrow's Rich Legacy

Enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands as we make our way to Glasgow. View the World War II Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. Take on the views of Britain's highest mount-Ben Nevis. Visit Glencoe, where the 1692 massacre followed the Jacobite Uprising, and travel to 'bonnie' banks of Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. This afternoon we will arrive in Glasgow for an orientation that will take us past Mugo's Cathedral and George Square, lined with statues and monuments dedicated to famous Britons, like Robert Burns and Sir Robert Peel. Hotel: Novotel (Breakfast)

Thursday, May 8th: Lake District - Liverpool 

Our first stop today is the Gretna Green, known as the runaway wedding capital, and where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Marriage Anvil. We will return to England to Connect With Locals for lunch at a Be My Guest experience. Take on the beautiful scenery of the Lake District landscapes, the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England as we arrive in Liverpool where the famous "Beatles" were from for an evening at leisure. Hotel: Mercure Atlantic Tower (Breakfast, Be My Guest Lunch)  

Friday, May 9th: Welsh Countryside - Bristol 

This morning we will travel though the Welsh countryside before visiting the Shropshire market town of Ludlow with time to explore at your leisure. Later we will have an orientation drive in Bristol. You won't want to miss the Optional Experience (not included in the price of the trip) to the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge along with other highlights of Bristol. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner to share memories of this wonderful trip. Hotel: Mecure Holland House (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, May 10th: Stonehenge - London

As we make our way back to London we will visit the UNESCO-listed city of Bath, where we will admire the elegant Georgian facades and the Roman baths. From the Salisbury Plain, the imposing monoliths of Stonehenge will be our final stop before continuing through Wiltshire and Hampshire landscapes to London. Tonight is a final night at Leisure to explore the city as you wish. Hotel: Hilton Kensington (Breakfast)

Sunday, May 11th: Goodbye London

Our trip comes to an end as we prepare to return home after a memorable holiday.  Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the London Heathrow International Airport for a flight and transportation back to Central, PA. (Breakfast)

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. 

Activity Level:3

This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

Original signed Passport  valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. 

As Travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information. 

Payment

A deposit of $200 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by February 14, 2025.

Cancellation Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure-                 $25 per person, plus...
From January 1, 2025-                                   $200 per person, plus additional suppliers' fees
From March 4 to April 15, 2025-                   30% paid per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From April 16, to April 23, 2025-                   50% paid per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
From April 24 to April 30, 2025-                    90% paid per person, plus any additional supplier's fees
After April 30, 2025- NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment. 

Insurance 

For your protection , AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz. 

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures in Britain and Scotland in May, average from the 50's to the low 60's. Casual Clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended 

Baggage 

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance. 

GRP1825

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