Compare Great Britain New Year by Expat Explore vs England & Scotland in 11 days - The Royal Capital and The Highlands - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Cambridge - York

Welcome to your tour of Great Britain! Today you will fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air, as you depart the city of London, and head to where the grass is greener. Arriving in Cambridge, your first adventure will have you punting along the river in traditional style, taking in the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings in the most relaxing way. Simply wonderful! The afternoon sees you continuing your rural ‘rovering’, towards York, a mecca for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Your walking tour offers fascinating insights, stories and history of the city. Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional British pub - plenty of choices on the menu including English favourites such as Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash (that's sausages and creamy mashed potatoes)!

Experiences
Cambridge River Punting: we visit this historic city renowned for its leading university. Savour the history and marvellous views as we punt along the river.
Walking tour of York: take a walking tour round this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
This evening, enjoy dinner in a traditional British pub 

Accommodation
Ibis York
Other Foods to try
Yorkshire is home to the pudding of the same name - a side dish made from batter consisting of eggs, flour, and milk. The dish is sometimes served with beef and gravy and is a staple of the traditional British Sunday roast.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands

This morning we carry on heading north to the iconic Scottish Highlands. Our first stop along the way is Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification constructed by emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia. We'll then travel on to Gretna Green, a beautiful historic village in southern Scotland that is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations. This evening we'll arrive at our hotel in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an included dinner.

Experiences
Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall: visit Hadrian’s Wall on the border between England and Scotland.
Gretna Green: a hotspot for tying the knot since the 18th Century, as young star-crossed lovers travelled over the border from England to avoid a law that stopped couples under 21 years of age marrying.
Scottish Highlands: enjoy an overnight stay in the iconic Scottish Highlands.

Accommodation
Arrochar Hotel
Dreadnought Hotel Callender
Rob Roy Hotel
Other Foods to try
Haggis - a savoury pudding containing sheep's offal, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - New Year's Eve in Edinburgh

If the weathers clear you may catch a sight of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, as we make our way to Glencoe, a spectacular Glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands) and where the massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet saddest stories encompassing Scotland’s history. As we travel on to Edinburgh, we'll make a photo stop at Loch Ness - home to ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster; join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot her! On arrival in Edinburgh we'll check in to our hotel and then depart for a driving tour to help you get your bearings for the city and plan your free day tomorrow. It is then time to celebrate Hogmonay (the Scots word for the last day of the year) and ring in the New Year!

Experiences
Scenic drive: cross your fingers and hope the weather's clear so that we catch a sight of the grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Glen Coe: get your camera ready as we drive through amazing scenery. Your Expat Explore tour leader will also tell you about the amazing history of this region.
Photo stop at Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster 'Nessie', and the option to join a cruise to see if you can spot her from the water.
Edinburgh driving tour: arrive in the capital of Scotland and experience the historic sights from the comfort of your Expat Explore coach as your tour leader takes you on an evening driving tour of this magnificent city.
Hogmanay: celebrate the new year with an included ticket to Edinburgh's famous hogmanay celebrations!
Optional Excursions
Loch Ness Cruise £14
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Britannia Hotel
Other Foods to try
Scottish Shortbread - a type of biscuit, associated Christmas and Hogmanay festivities.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Edinburgh - Free day

Don’t waste a minute! Today you are free to explore the city as you wish, and there is so much to see and do. Edinburgh is blessed with stunning greystone and gothic architecture, art galleries and memorials. Take a step back in time and wander through the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and meander down to the Grass Market, to a row of pubs where public hangings used to ‘entertain’ the crowds. Edinburgh Castle is well worth the entry fee, and requires a few hours to explore and learn about Scottish history and royalty - there are wonderful views from the top! For those wishing to shop for souvenirs Princes Street attracts shoppers from all over the world. In the evening, why not enjoy a pint or a traditional whisky with the locals, or explore the city on a guided Ghost tour - experience the secret, underground passages underneath the streets of the Royal Mile, and visit the local graveyards under the ‘brawd bricht moon licht nicht’ (superb, bright, moonlit night...)!
Attractions to discover in your free time
Arthur's Seat Daily 09.30am - 18:00 pm Please speak to your tour leader
Royal Mile Daily 09.30am - 18:00 pm Please speak to your tour leader
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 5: Lake District - Liverpool

As your heart sinks at the thought of leaving Scotland, be reassured that there are exciting adventures to be had today in England! Your Great Britain tour will take a twist into modern history, as you head across the border, bound for Liverpool - the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! On the way, you can soak up the last of the Scottish landscape, before reaching the picturesque Lake District for a lunch stop – the views are simply stunning! We then arrive in Liverpool late afternoon, where you will have the evening free to explore. Upon checking in at the hotel, head to one of the many local pubs for dinner. For Beatles fans, there are a myriad of locations that were significant to developing the world-class pop act, which shaped modern music as we know it. Home to Paul, John, George and Ringo, Liverpool inspired such timeless classics including ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club, the perfect place to enjoy your time in Liverpool.

Experiences
Experience the Lake District of England. Here, you will have free time for a comfort stop in the beautiful village of Grasmere (or similar), where the author William Wordsworth lived, in the Lake District.
Optional Excursions
The Beatles Story & Museum £16.50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Liverpool
Other Foods to try
Scouse - a type of lamb or beef stew with vegetables. A similar dish, lapskaus, is traditional in Norway.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales

This morning, we will take a driving tour of Liverpool, where you will be shown the sights, before we venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare - Stratford-upon-Avon. An orientation tour will allow you to explore the quaint, historical village, and then you shall have free time to explore on your own. Sliding into south Wales, we take a photo stop at Caerphilly Castle, a medieval fortification built in the 13th Century, ranked the second largest castle in the UK. Surrounded by artificial lakes, not only is the architecture a sight to behold, but it was also a ground-breaking design back in its day. Heading onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, you have an evening in which to enjoy the local nightlife on offer.

Experiences
Liverpool driving tour - take a driving tour and see the Albert Dock, Anfield football stadium and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles. 
Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare - Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you will have free time to wander the city. 
Caerphilly Castle Photo stop - on our way to Cardiff we stop off for a quick photo stop at this impressive 700-year old castle. 
Visit to Cardiff - we continue on to the Welsh capital where you have some free time to spend the evening as you wish.

Accommodation
Park Inn Cardiff City Centre
Mercure Cardiff
Clayton Hotel
Jury's Inn Cardiff Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Newport
Other Foods to try
Lamb, particularly roasted, is strongly associated with Welsh food. The leek, because of its role as the country's national vegetable, is also used frequently.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

This is the last day of your British Tour, and there is no sign of slowing down! First stop for the day is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Join us on an orientation tour of the town, and learn about the historical significance of the region, including the natural hot springs that supply the Roman baths - visited by over 1 million international tourists every year! Continuing on the last legs of your journey, you have an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries. At Stonehenge, you have the opportunity to witness an ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. We arrive back in London this evening at the end of a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!

Experiences
Bath Orientation tour: your Expat Explore tour leader will point out all the main attractions of Bath, so you can make the most of your time here.
Optional Excursions
Roman Baths £16
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Other Foods to try
A local delicacy in Bath is the Sally Lunn Bun - a light, airy, brioche-style bun, popular at breakfast and afternoon teas.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to London. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: London

Arrive in London and self-transfer to the hotel*. London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important human settlement since it was founded by the Romans originally named Londinium almost two millennia ago. London is a global city, one of the nerve centers in the arts, commerce, education, maintenance, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in London. * You will have the option to add a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the next step of the booking process. Please contact our customer service if you require a transfer from an airport other than LGW or LHR.

Day 3: London

Breakfast at the hotel. See London from a different perspective today, with a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames! Take in the views of several of the capital's most emblematic riverside landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Southbank and the London Eye and enjoy the fully-stocked bar to buy drinks and snacks as you listen to the entertaining onboard commentary! Afternoon free to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Overnight stay in London.

Day 4: London

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to continue exploring the wonderful city of London. Overnight stay in London.

Day 5: London - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer* to the London Kings Cross Station to take the train to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and self-transfer to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure. * You will have the option to add a transfer from your hotel to the station and from the station to the hotel in the next step of the booking process.

Day 6: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. We recommend an optional visit to legendary Edinburgh Castle*. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. * Optional Edinburgh Castle visit: Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress built on a volcanic rock located in the centre of the city. It has been used for military purposes since the 12th century, being used for civil uses only in very recent times. Enter it and explore all the corners of this wonderful castle!

Day 7: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 8: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.

Day 9: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore

Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.

Day 11: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 12: Edinburgh - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add the airport transfer in the next step of the booking process.