August 4, 2023

Arrive in London today.  Meet your Meridian Guided Travel tour director.  Transfer to your hotel and later enjoy a Welcome Dinner to get to know your fellow travelers.

Overnight: London (D)

August 5, 2023

Today, we’ll enjoy a London City Tour.  We’ll see sights such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square & Nelson’s Column and much more.  We’ll also have an opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if held).  Enjoy the evening at leisure. Perhaps take in a show at a theater in London’s West End.

Overnight: London (B)

August 6, 2023

This morning, we’ll head outside of London to 

Windsor Castle.  Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.  Located on the banks of the Thames and surrounded by a charming village, the castle is frequently used by the Queen to host distinguished guests from around the world.  Tour the castle and visit the State Apartments, see the magnificent ballrooms of the Grand Reception Room and see the doll house collection of Queen Mary.  Enjoy time to explore the village of Windsor before returning to London for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: London (B)

August 7, 2023

Today, we’ll leave London and head towards the English countryside.  There, we will visit Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.  We’ll see the mysterious stone circle and have time to explore the visitor’s center to discover how Stonehenge was built and what life was like in Neolithic times.  Next, we’ll continue to the historic town of Bath.  There, we’ll see the Roman Baths, a well-preserved thermal spa built by the Romans around a natural spring.  Afterwards, we’ll check into our hotel in the Bristol for a two-night stay.

Overnight: Bristol (B,D)

August 8, 2023

Today, we will visit Cardiff, capital city of Wales.  Known for its distinct language and rugged mountainous landscapes, Wales is one of the four countries which comprise the United Kingdom.  We’ll enjoy a Panoramic City Tour of Cardiff and see Cardiff Bay, Millennium Stadium and the National Museum.  Next, we’ll visit Cardiff Castle, built in the 11th century.  The castle is known for its “motte and bailey” construction, which features a stone keep atop a hill surrounded by an enclosed courtyard.  On a tour of the castle, we’ll see the opulently decorated rooms known for their murals, gilding and elaborate wood carvings.

Overnight: Bristol (B)

August 9, 2023

This morning, we will visit the village of Stratford-upon-Avon.  This medieval market town is best known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, quite possibly the most famous writer in the English language.  We’ll learn all about his life and times today, visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where he was born and spent his childhood.  From there, we’ll continue North to the town of York and check in for a one-night stay.

Overnight: York (B,D)

August 10, 2023

Explore York, one of the best preserved medieval towns in England.  We’ll see the famous Shambles district, known for its timber-framed buildings and narrow streets that date back to the 14th century.  We’ll also visit York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, revered for its striking Gothic architecture.  Afterwards, we’ll continue North and see Hadrian’s Wall, another remnant of the United Kingdom’s Roman roots.  Construction of the wall began in the year 122 and marked the Northern limit of the Roman Empire.  We’ll continue traveling North and will finish the day in Glasgow.

Overnight: Glasgow (B,D)

August 11, 2023

This morning enjoy panoramic tour of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. From the magnificent St Mungo Cathedral to the People's Palace and Glasgow Green, explore Glasgow's rich past as a religious center and one of the most important industrial cities in Britain. En-route to Inverness, visit Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Later arrive in the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, for a 2-night stay.  Enjoy dinner tonight.

Overnight: Inverness (B,D)

August 12, 2023

After breakfast, enjoy stunning landscapes as you journey through the Highlands. Visit the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before enjoying a cruise on Loch Ness, one of Britain’s most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open for Nessie! Later, travel to one of Scotland’s renowned whisky distilleries. Taste and see for yourself why Highland whisky is considered the world’s finest.

Overnight: Inverness (B)

August 13, 2023

Begin your day with a visit to a local farm set in the heart of the Highlands. See sheepdogs at work while surrounded by the mountain wilderness. Later, travel to Edinburgh.  This evening, we’ll enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, located on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle.  This spectacular cultural showcase features music, dance and precision display rooted in Scottish tradition with performances by the Massed Pipe & Drums, Pipers Trail, the Tattoo Dance Company and the iconic Lone Piper.

Overnight: Edinburgh (B)

August 14, 2023

Today, enjoy an Edinburgh City Tour to explore Scotland’s historic capital city.  See the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and Princes Street. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. In a dominating position overlooking the city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers. 

Overnight: Edinburgh (B,D)

August 15, 2023

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home

(B)