Tours Beyond

Guided tour of London, England

The largest city in England and its capital, London first became an organized city under Roman rule around 47AD. The city now boasts a population of just under 10 million people, has 4 World Heritage sites and is the financial capital of Europe. It has a vast array of architecture, from historic buildings to modern, and parks, gardens and museums are everywhere!

State rooms at Buckingham Palace, England

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Today it is also the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. More than 50,00 people visit the palace every year to attend State Banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and Garden Parties. At Buckingham Palace, His Majesty also holds weekly audiences with the Prime Minister and receives newly appointed foreign Ambassadors.

Tower of London, England

Discover "London’s castle" – a secure fortress, royal palace, infamous prison, and now a World Heritage Site. Almost 1,000 years old and right at the heart of the Tower of London, the White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world. The Tower is also home to the nation’s most precious treasures, the Crown Jewels, protected here since the 1660s.  

Stonehenge, England

You have seen pictures of it, but there is nothing like the experience of being there. Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Experience the unforgettable atmosphere of the Stone Circle and follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric people who lived here 4,000 years ago as you walk among the Neolithic houses.

Bath and the Roman Baths, England

This elegant, city built by the Romans in 60 AD became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and was later added as one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe” in 2021.  The visit to the baths reveals the history, culture, and engineering skill of the ancient Romans. 

Cardiff Castle, Wales:  www.cardiffcastle.com

Llechwedd Slate Mine, Wales:  https://porthmadog.wales/directory/llechwedd-slate-caverns 

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Wales:  https://www.whr.co.uk

Bodnant Gardens, Wales:  https://bodnant-estate.co.uk

York Minster Abbey, England

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Since the 7th century, it has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England, and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer. With one of the UK’s leading cathedral choirs; its mastery of the English choral tradition is one of the cathedral’s crowning glories, and attending the Evensong Service is a special experience. 

Yorkshire Moors, North York National Park, England:  https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/ 

Castle Howard, England:  https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/ 

Alnwick Castle, England

If this striking castle looks familiar, it’s likely you have seen Alnwick Castle in movies and television series such as Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. 

Edinburgh:  https://ca.hotels.com/go/scotland/best-things-to-do-edinburgh 

Royal Yacht Brittania, Clydebank, Scotland:  www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Dalwhinnie Distillery, Scotland:  https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/dalwhinnie 

Aviemore, a town in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland: 

https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/aviemore

Culloden Battlefield & Museum, Scotland:  https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden 

Urquhart Castle, Scotland:

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/ 

Commandos Memorial Spean Bridge, Scotland: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/speanbridge/commando/ 

Luss on Loch Lomond, Scotland:  https://www.seelochlomond.co.uk/discover/luss 

3 Countries, Each with Their own Compelling Charm

Visit the “Best of” three countries with all the boxes checked and the arrangements taken care of.  All you need to do is relax, enjoy the scenery, and experience their “old world” charm.

Magnificent Sightseeing and Scenery

England, Wales, and Scotland all can boast distinctly different but beautifully scenery, everywhere you go.

Historical Sites and Famous Places

Visit castles, abbeys, battlefields and ruins, seeing these famous historical places and beautiful architecture up close. For those with family roots in the U.K, it’s a special feeling to walk where your ancestors once walked!

• Our unique Connections Program
• Round trip airfare from Toronto (YYZ) 
• 11 hotel nights of accommodation (1st night is aboard the plane)
• 12 breakfasts, 9 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees to included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include all applicable taxes. 

See Terms & Conditions - Prices.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

• Guided tour of London
• Buckingham Palace State Rooms
• Tour the Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• Stonehenge
• Guided tour of Bath
• Visit Roman Baths
• Tour Cardiff Castle
• Tour LLechwedd Slate Mine
• Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
• Bodnant Gardens
• Evensong at York Minster Abbey
• Yorkshire Moors
• Castle Howard
• Alnwick Castle
• Tour of Edinburgh
• Royal Yacht Brittania
• Dalwhinnie Distillery Tour
• Aviemore
• Culloden Moor, Battlefield, & Museum
• Urquhart Castle
• Commandos Memorial Spean Bridge
• Luss on Loch Lomond

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS

The following optional experiences need to be arranged in advance, and mentioned at the time of booking: 

Day 3 in London: dinner and theatre (show TBA)

Day 9 in Edinburgh: Ghouls & Ghosts walking tour

Day 10 in Edinburgh: Scottish dinner show

See  Optional Additions section below.

Day 1: Fly to London, England 

This is a big travelling day.  Enjoy your overnight flight from Toronto to London Gatwick Airport.

Stay:  n/a (in flight)

Day 2: Guided Tour of London, State Rooms at Buckingham Palace

After arriving in London, meet your Tour Director, board the coach, and you’ll be on your way for a guided tour of London with local guide sharing stories of the history of the city. Following a break for lunch, travel to beautiful Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1873. The guided tour will show you some of the State rooms of the Palace.  Then, check into your hotel, and enjoy an included dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

Stay:  The Holiday Inn Kensington High Street, London, England

Nights:  2

Meals:  B (on the plane), D

Day 3: Tower of London & Westminster Abbey

In the morning, we’ll travel to the iconic Tower of London.  During the self-guided tour, see the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Wardens, and the ravens.  In the afternoon, visit Westminster Abbey, the coronation church since 1066, and where some of the most significant people in Britain's history are buried or commemorated. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free time for exploring.  If interested, there is an optional dinner and theatre show for the evening. (See optional additions.)

Meals:  B

Day 4: Stonehenge, Guided Tour of Bath and a Visit to Roman Baths

Today, travel to one of the most impressive wonders of the world, Stonehenge. Explore the exhibits in the visitor’s center then take a shuttle bus out to the standing stones. You may have seen them in pictures many times but there is nothing like seeing them in person. Grab a bite to eat at the Stonehenge café, then we’ll be back on the coach headed to Bath. After enjoying a guided tour of the city, explore the ancient Roman Baths.

Stay:  Royal Bath Hotel, Bath, England

Nights:  1

Meals:  B, D

Day 5: Cardiff Castle, North Wales

After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, travel to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and visit the iconic Cardiff Castle. In its 2000 years of history, it’s been a Roman fort, a Victorian Palace, a safe haven during World War II, and now it is Wales’ most popular visitor attraction. In the afternoon we’ll travel north to the beautiful town of LLechwedd on the north coast of Wales. Your home for the next two nights is overlooking The Irish Sea.

Stay:  Esplanade Hotel, Llechwedd, Wales

Nights:  2

Meals:  B, D

Day 6: Llechwedd Slate Mine, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

After a hearty Welsh breakfast at the hotel, travel to the slate mine to learn about the slate industry in Wales. As you traverse into the depths of mine, imagine you’re stepping back into the 19th century, when the demand for slate was world-wide. In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a train ride on a historic narrow-gauge railway, with a stop the explore the railway heritage centre, and then return to the hotel with time to explore the Esplanade before dinner.

Meals:  B, D

Day 7: Bodnant Gardens, York Minster Abbey

The day begins with a tour of Bodnant Gardens. The gardens have been in the making for over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, with the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family. With the stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains, this haven of rare beauty is a delight for the senses. After lunch, travel to York, England, a medieval walled city, arriving in time to experience York Minster Abbey and the Evensong service before dinner.

Stay:  Novotel York Centre York, England

Nights:  2

Meals:  B, D

Day 8: Guided Tour of York, Drive Through Yorkshire Moors, Castle Howard

After a delicious breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of York. This walled city has a history dating back to the Viking era, including an archaeological find that stunned the world. Then, travel through part of the Yorkshire moors with some of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. At Castle Howard, enjoy lunch at one of the cafes, explore iconic architecture and beautiful interiors when you visit the House, then venture out into the magnificent gardens. There’ll be free time to explore York before getting ready for dinner.

Meals:  B, D

Day 9: Travel to Edinburgh, Tour Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Today’s first stop of the day is at the second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick. Enjoy a tour of the castle, the castle grounds, and be sure to have a walk around the magnificent gardens. It is quite possible that  parts of the castle look familiar if you are a Harry Potter or Downton Abbey fan!  Early in the afternoon, we’ll continue northward into Scotland and arrive in Edinburgh. After settling into the hotel, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.  If interested, an optional Ghouls and Ghosts walking tour is being offered. (See optional additions.)

Stay:  Yotel Edinburgh, Scotland

Nights:  2

Meals:  B, D

Day 10: Tour Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Brittania, Free time

After breakfast at the hotel, get a proper introduction to Edinburgh with a guided tour. The city has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. Take in the sights of the Royal Mile, Arthurs Seat and the glorious Edinburgh Castle sitting high on its promontory rock looking over the city. Then travel a short distance out to Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Brittania. This floating palace was built in Scotland in 1953, and in 1998 it opened to the public for all to see and enjoy. Mid-afternoon, return to Edinburgh, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring on your own. If interested, an optional Scottish Dinner show is being offered. (See optional additions.)

Meals:  B

Day 11: Whiskey Tour, Aviemore, Culloden

This morning, travel to the highlands of Scotland. The Dalwhinnie distillery is situated in Cairngorm National Park and is the highest distillery in Scotland. Enjoy a tour to learn how Scotch whisky is made. Then, in the village of Aviemore beautifully situated in the park, take some time to stroll and browse the great selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. Your adventure continues with a tour of Culloden Battlefield, where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Your day ends with an included dinner at the hotel.

Stay:  Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness, Scotland

Nights:  1

Meals:  B, D

Day 12: Urquhart Castle Travel to Glasgow

After breakfast, at the Urquhart Castle, discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centered on the Great Glen. Magnificently situated on the shore of Loch Ness, this castle has seen some of the most dramatic conflicts between the Scots and the English. Then our travels will follow the Lochs that make up the Caledonia Canal, with a photo stop at the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during WWII. After lunch in Fort William, the journey heads southward through Glencoe, past the Rannoch Moor, and after a break at beautiful Loch Lomond, arrive for your final night’s stay in Glasgow.

Stay: Glasgow Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland

Nights:  1

Meals:  B, D

Day 13: Fly Home

There will be an early departure from the hotel over to Glasgow International Airport, and the plane will land in Toronto late morning. Hopefully you have made dinner plans and can share the memories and stories from your adventures in Great Britain with friends or family.

Meals:  B

Holiday Inn Kensington High Street, London, England (2 nights)

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/london/lonwl/hoteldetail 

Royal Hotel, Bath, England ( 1 night)

https://www.royalhotelbath.co.uk/ 

The Esplanade Hotel, Llandudno , Wales (2 nights)

https://www.esplanade-llandudno.com/ 

Novotel York Centre, York, England (2 nights)

https://all.accor.com/hotel/0949/index.en.shtml 

Yotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland (2 nights)

https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotel-edinburgh 

The Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness, Scotland (1 night)

https://www.royalhighlandhotel.co.uk/ 

Glasgow Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland (1 night)

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gladt-glasgow-marriott-hotel/overview/ 

This tour begins at Gatwick airport London and departs from Glasgow Airport Scotland. Round trip airfare is included from Toronto.  Our unique Connections Program is included, making it easier to catch the flight from Toronto to London. If flying through a different airport or if an additional hotel night is desired after the tour, please contact us to discuss your pre- and post-tour flight and  accommodation options. 

PACKING NOTES:

• We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours, cobblestoned streets and uneven ground, and running shoes or boots are required for the tour of the slate mine. 
• The weather in the UK is unpredictable and changeable, so being able to dress in layers is recommended. 
• Pack a waterproof jacket.  It may or may not be needed for rain, but it will also provide protection from cool damp winds. 

This tour starts in London and ends in Glasgow. It is possible for guests from anywhere in the world to join this tour by flying directly to London, Gatwick airport (LGW).  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour  accommodation options. You can also arrange to arrive early or stay later if you wanted to visit family or friends you may have in the UK.

The following optional additions need to be arranged in advance, and mentioned at the time of booking: 

Day 3 in London: dinner and theatre (show TBA, transportation IS included, 10 guest minimum)

Day 9 in Edinburgh: Ghouls & Ghosts walking tour (transportation is NOT included)

Day 10 in Edinburgh: Scottish dinner show (transportation is NOT included)