Compare Great Britain New Year by Expat Explore vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

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 Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Day 2 Fort William

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

Day 4 Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 Inverness

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Day 7 Edinburgh

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

Day 8 Edinburgh

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.