Upon arrival in London. Proceed through customs, collect baggage and meet your multi-lingual tour manager and AFW representative who will be at your service for the entire duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. Transfer to London city center to be oriented to the city and the downtown area. Based on time of arrival, lunch will be enjoyed in small groups.  In the early afternoon receive a guided walking guided tour with local educational professionals. Your visit will include: Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Lancaster Square, Soho and much more that contribute to this culturally impressive city.  In the later half of the afternoon experience a River Cruise on the Thames from which you will see Westminster to Tower Bridge (ticket admission included).  There may be a little time for initial shopping, then proceed to your selected hotel in the London Area, check-in, accommodate into your room, refresh and enjoy dinner conveniently scheduled your first night in your hotel. 

Wake to breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, transfer to downtown London for an additional guided tour this morning focusing on Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and more. (Note Buckingham Palace is closed in May). During this tour you will enter Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral (tickets admission are included). Following another outstanding educational experience in this city absolutely steeped in history, enjoy some free time and lunch in small groups. In the middle afternoon you will come back together and proceed to experience the Shakespeare Globe Theater (ticket admission included).  Following this insightful stop focusing on arguably the greatest playwright of all time members of the tour group will have time to enjoy London on their own.  At the appropriate time we plan for the group to regather for dinner at a London Pub-Restaurant or at the hotel.

Breakfast, check-out then load your motor coach to begin your journey north through historically significant England destination Stratford-upon-Avon.  Along the way take a few moments to see the academically rich and architecturally stunning area of Oxford.

In the latter morning arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon where you have time for lunch in this quaint, authentic English town that is synonymous with William Shakespeare. Visit his birthplace, the home of his daughter as well as New Place the last chapter of his life. Lunch on your own and then have a little more time to explore the town.

By mid-afternoon move on to Warwick Castle (approx. 25 min. - admission included).  Afterward transfer further north.  If possible a potential Co-Practice with BAFL Tamworth Phoenix American Football Club (or another nearby American football club). Ultimately, transfer to your selected hotel in the area, check in and dinner.

Breakfast at your hotel then check out continuing north to the stunning Lakes District National Park  Irish. We will determine the best spot for you to enjoy a good lunch then immediately proceed to an area where general hiking (1-2 hours exploration with trail maps) can take place or an activity can be constructed that meets your interests for your team (price to be added to tour cost). All the while, take in the sheer beauty of nature in one of the most naturally attractive places in all of the United Kingdom.

Following an exhilarating afternoon transfer to Carlisle where after check-in to your select hotel where you will be provided a hearty, well-earned dinner (1 night).

The later evening will be set at coach’s expectations.

Wake to breakfast at your hotel then load your motor coach departing for Edinburgh, Scotland.  Upon your arrival in this most impressive city, enjoy a tour with local professional guides that will include: the famous Royal Mile, Old Town, Sir Walter Scott Monument, Robert Burns Monument, and the imposing and impressive Edinburgh Castle which you will enter along with St. Giles Cathedral (admission included).   

v You will then have free time for lunch in small groups and then the afternoon is free to explore this fascinating town in which it is easy to get around.

v In the later afternoon transfer selected hotel in Edinburgh Area, check in, dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight (3 nights stay)

Breakfast at your hotel then the morning is free for final walk-throughs or meetings. If interested, a Youth Clinic with local young players can be arranged.  At the appropriate time relative to kick-off a pre-game meal for players and family members will be provided.  Early in the afternoon, transfer to the sport center to play a special International Game vs. a proud Scottish American Football Club.

Following the game we will seek to arrange a social and meal with the host Scottish American football club team, staff and fans. These events always promise to be a highlight of the tour. The evening is to be enjoyed in accordance with the head coach’s policies. 

Sleep-in a little after what was a fun, celebratory evening then enjoy breakfast a little later. This day can be free for you to explore Edinburgh at your option. Your AFW tour manager and representative will be on hand to make recommendations or assist you in meeting your interests.

One option to consider is participation in a Highland Games exhibition. If you have any inquiries feel free to ask AFW! (Costs of activity to be added to tour costs below).

In the evening all will come together for your Macalester College Scots UK Tour Celebration Dinner. Share stories of the day and of the whole week fondly reminiscing as to what all was experienced.

For those on group flights and others for whom it times up, breakfast then transportation to Ediinburgh Airport for your return flight home to the USA. After a thrilling, full and fast-paced week it is likely you will sleep a good amount on the flight home :-). Thank you, England! Thank you, Scotland!  During the prior week you will have grown exponentially, made incomparable memories and established some tremendous friendships. There will be much to share - and you should - with other family and friends in the days and weeks after arriving at home.