Coasts & Countrysides of England featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Liverpool & London

From bustling capitals to poetic countrysides, experience the many distinctive sides of Great Britain. Encounter the history, connect with the locals, and see what life is like in the towns and cities.

Arrive in Scotland, where age-old legends intersect with scenic beauty. In Edinburgh, the country’s capital, enjoy time on your own to discover this eclectic and vibrant city. As arrival times will vary, there are no scheduled activities until this evening. Tonight, gather for your first taste of Scottish culture during a locally inspired dinner with a modern-day twist.

See the city like a local during a two-hour walking tour of the Old Town, passing by Victorian houses and cobblestone streets. Explore the Royal Mile, ending at the bottom of the hill at Holyrood Palace, where you’ll enjoy exploring this historic home of the monarchy. The rest of the afternoon is yours. Later this evening, take your seat at the spectacular, world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events.

Say goodbye to Scotland and travel towards the scenic Lake District, eternalized through the works of Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth. Along the way, spend a little time on a family farm and learn about rural life along the Scottish border with England. Visit the village of Lanercost for a guided visit of one of Cumbria's best-preserved monasteries from the 13th century. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Lake Windermere, your home for the next two nights. Breathe in the crisp air and admire the rolling hills nestled against the water.

See the area from a different perspective and step back in time as you board a steam train for a scenic ride. Then, set sail on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. This afternoon, decide how you’ll explore more of the Lake District's surrounding beauty - it’s your choice! Discover a magnificently restored and rare architectural gem with a visit to Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house -OR- embark on a two-hour guided hike through glacial valleys and along lakeside trails with a local expert.

Head to Liverpool, England’s popular port city. You will visit Strawberry Fields, the site where John Lennon came to play as a child, which he later immortalized in the song, Strawberry Fields Forever. Here you will experience an Impact Moment and learn about the work the Salvation Army does at Strawberry Fields to give young people with learning difficulties the opportunity for work experience. This afternoon, join a local expert and embark on a two-hour walking tour of the Georgian Quarter, discovering one of the most beautiful parts of the city and where Paul McCartney went to school.

This morning, take a ferry across the Mersey, and as Gerry Marsden sang, see how “life goes on day after day." This public commuter ferry gives you the most spectacular views of the iconic cityscape. Continue your journey by motor coach to Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Set amidst the glorious Shropshire countryside close to the Welsh border, Shrewsbury is one of England's finest medieval market towns. Take time to meander the streets or walk along the river and have lunch. Tonight, settle into an 18th-century modern boutique hotel in the heart of a charming Cotswolds town.

This morning, visit Broadway, often called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.” Join a local for a walking tour through its honey-hued streets. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing quaint shops, strolling scenic footpaths, or simply soaking in the village’s peaceful rhythm. This afternoon, spend time in Stow-on-the-Wold. Perched nearly 800 feet above sea level, Stow is the highest of the Cotswolds towns, and its grand Market Square speaks to its rich history as a trading hub. Wander among elegant townhouses, antique shops, and cozy cafés, all crafted from the region’s signature golden stone.

The morning will be spent in the city of Bath, where centuries-old history is told with a visit to the Roman Baths. Learn about the indulgence and opulence of a bygone time and see how Bath developed over centuries. After lunch on your own, the journey continues into the heart of Poldark’s Cornwall. Tonight, after dinner, join your fellow travelers for an evening of music and lore as a Cornish sea shanty band shares songs of the sea.

Today, uncover the wild beauty of Cornwall’s dramatic north coast. Start your day with one of the shortest, yet most scenic, train journeys in Britain, winding along the coast to the picturesque town of St. Ives. Your local guide will introduce you to the town, once a vital fishing port. After lunch on your own, rejoin your local guide and take an hour-long coastal walk with spectacular views. Along the way, hear stories of Cornwall’s Celtic roots and its tin mining history. The day offers opportunities to experience the beauty of the rugged north coast on foot and a visit to a typical Cornish town.

This morning, explore Cornwall’s idyllic south coast. Join a local guide on foot and discover what makes this peaceful peninsula so special. After the walk, enjoy a beloved local tradition - Cornish cream tea, complete with scones, jam, and clotted cream. This evening, you might wish to indulge in the region’s flavors with an optional tasting experience featuring local wines and cheeses, guided by an expert sommelier.

Bid farewell to the countryside as you board the Great Western Railway bound for London, England’s lively capital. Upon arriving in London, get the lay of the land on a walking tour led by a local expert. Take in exterior views of London’s iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. The evening is yours - London offers endless ways to make the night your own.

Spend the day discovering London your way. Whether you’re sipping a pint in a cozy pub, wandering through world-class museums, or soaring above the skyline on the London Eye, the city is yours to explore. For those looking to dive deeper into England’s royal past, an optional excursion to Hampton Court Palace offers a glimpse into the lavish world of Henry VIII and the Tudor court. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and toast the end of an incredible adventure.

Your journey through Great Britain comes to a close today.