Compare The Best of England and Wales: Shakespeare to Snowdonia Castles to Colleges by Road Scholar vs Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,699 | $ 4,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 264 | $ 430 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 8 Dinners The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian |
8 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners |
| Description | Enjoy a comprehensive exploration of England and Wales as you discover the spires of Oxford, mountains of Snowdonia, cobbled streets of Windsor, Conwy castle and much, much more. |
Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom. |
Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Macdonald Hotel Windsor
Arrival Day
Lunch: In the hotel dining room for those arriving by lunchtime. A light lunch with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. At 5pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a series of Study Leaders who will lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening: Free time to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead. You may also wish to join your Group Leader for an orientation walk.
Day 3
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Macdonald Hotel Windsor
Windsor Castle
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. A breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning: Begin your morning with a walk from the hotel to Windsor Castle – a remarkable building that has been shaped by the Kings and Queens of England for over 1,000 years. It remains the weekend residence of Her Majesty the Queen and is still used for ceremonial and state occasions, whilst also being home to some of the greatest paintings and works of art in the world. From within the castle we will be able to watch the famous Changing of the Guard, a procession of active Household Guards and a marching band. Please note, the Changing of the Guard may not be available on every departure as schedules are released at very short notice for security reasons.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: Free time. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions should you wish to further explore Windsor.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day 4
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Alveston Manor
Transfer to Stratford-Upon-Avon: The City of Oxford
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We board the motor coach for our transfer to Stratford-upon-Avon, with a visit en-route to Oxford – the city of “dreaming spires”. Your Oxford expert will meet you in the morning before we set off to explore this fascinating city on foot. Expect to see such sights as the Radcliffe Camera, the Clarendon Building and the Bridge of Sighs, and discover the contrasts of the Classical and Gothic architecture in discussion with your expert as you walk.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: This afternoon we go behind the scenes at Christ Church, one of Oxford’s most famous, and indeed most traditional colleges. Enjoy the secret garden, the famous water meadows and a panoply of buildings from different periods in the city’s history; from Henry VIII and Wolsey’s Tudor Kitchen to the Great Hall and the classical Peckwater Building. From Oxford we will then continue onwards to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 5
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Alveston Manor
Stratford-Upon-Avon & The Royal Shakespeare Company
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Enjoy an introduction to Stratford-upon-Avon, before we begin today’s activities with a front of house tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s building and theatres. Your Group Leader will then provide you with a city sightseeing pass, which allows you to visit the famous properties associated with the Great Bard, William Shakespeare. You are then free to explore at your own pace.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Free time, perhaps to continue your independent exploration.
Dinner: Served at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s rooftop restaurant.
Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre. Performance details will be available in your second set of preparatory materials.
Day 6
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Alveston Manor
The Cotswolds
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today’s field trip takes us by motor coach into to the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. Board the motor coach and set off to explore the quintessentially English villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden. Noted for its elegant High Street dating back to the 14th Century, Chipping Campden is lined with traditional Cotswold honey coloured limestone buildings housing some delightful specialist shops and inns. At its centre stands the 17th Century Market Hall, the grand early wool church St. James and a vast and extravagant monument to local wealthy silk merchant Sir Baptist Hicks.
Lunch: Served in a traditional inn.
Afternoon: We continue our exploration of the Cotswolds before returning to the hotel.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day 7
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Quay Hotel and Spa
Transfer to Deganwy: Chester & Its Grand Cathedral
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We transfer by motor coach to our next base, Deganwy. Perched at the mouth of the River Conwy, it sits across the bay from Conwy itself - an historic walled market town on the north coast of Wales. On the way we will visit the ancient city of Chester, where we will meet a local expert to take a walk through 2,000 years of history. Originally a Roman fortress and settlement known as Deva Victrix, we’ll see how Chester has grown and evolved from these foundations into a fully walled city before finishing at the spectacular Chester Cathedral.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Our transfer to Conwy continues.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 8
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Quay Hotel and Spa
Conwy Castle & Town
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning your Study Leader will give you a potted history of Wales, telling you everything you’ll need to know about this fascinating and ancient country. We will then board the motor coach to explore Conwy Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the city walls. Conwy Castle sits above the town, and still dominates the skyline with its rugged stone and imposing fortifications. It was originally built by Edward I as part of his “iron ring” of castles in an attempt to contain the rebellious Welsh, and furthermore to provoke a humbling reaction – something it still manages to do to this day. We’ll follow this with a walk of Conwy’s ancient circuit of walls, guarded by no fewer than 22 towers and stretching over three quarters of a mile in length.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Your Study Leader will lead you through some more highlights of this city and orientate you to its many and varied attractions, followed by free time.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Wales is famous for its mellifluous music, and this evening you will be able to experience this with a traditional Welsh musical performance.
Day 9
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Quay Hotel and Spa
Snowdonia National Park
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We board the motor coach for a full day expert-led excursion into Snowdonia National Park. Spanning over 800 square miles, it was the first of three National Parks in Wales, officially inaugurated in 1951. Snowdonia boasts, amongst other things, the largest mountain in Wales, the largest natural lake in Wales and a wealth of charming villages. The area is rich in culture and history and more than half of its participants speak Welsh.
Lunch: Taken out in a village in the Snowdonia National Park.
Afternoon: The field trip continues through landscapes of stunning natural beauty.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day 10
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Castle Inn Hotel
Transfer to The Lake District: The City of Liverpool
Breakfast: Full Welsh and continental breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: This morning we transfer by motor coach to the Lake District, via the city of Liverpool. Home to the Beatles, the world famous Liverpool Football Club and the bustling Albert Docks, Liverpool was once one of the busiest port cities in the world. Known for its rich architectural heritage, it is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world and several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Status in 2004. We will stop at Albert Dock, constructed in 1846 and today comprising the single largest collection of Grade I listed building anywhere in Britain. The dock houses restaurants, bars and shops as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum and a museum dedicated to The Beatles. Art lovers may wish to visit Tate Liverpool, which houses a large collection of modern and contemporary greats.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: The transfer to the Lake District continues, followed by an illustrated talk and Q&A session with your Study Leader for this section of the programme.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time, or join your Study Leader for an optional walk of the local area.
Day 11
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Castle Inn Hotel
Castle Cottage & Beatrix Potter’s Lake District
Keswick B Castle Inn Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: A unique opportunity to hear and learn about the real Beatrix Potter as we board the motor coach and travel to the village of Sawrey. Here the new tenant of Castle Cottage, Beatrix Potter’s former home and now a National Trust property, will show us around the cottage, the garden and the historic barns before treating us to tea and coffee, served with traditional Lake District treats. Following this we will take a gentle walk through Sawrey and on to Hill Top Garden, a beguiling space full of flowers, fruits and vegetables before exploring the village of Hawkshead – home to a young William Wordsworth during his schooldays.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Enjoy a different perspective on the Lakes as you take a steamer ride from Lakeside to Ambleside, with an opportunity to visit ancient Castle Rigg stone circle along the way.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: Free time.
Day 12
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Castle Inn Hotel
Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston & Brantwood
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Once aboard the motor coach, we’ll take a scenic lakeside drive to Bowness-on-Windermere and the Arts & Crafts style Blackwell House. Here we will receive an introductory talk from a local docent before exploring the many fine pieces on display.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: This afternoon we travel by launch across the picturesque and serene Coniston Water, to pay a visit to Brantwood House & Gardens. Home to the great Victorian and man of letters John Ruskin, it is one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. The house itself is both a treasure trove of historical importance and a lively centre of contemporary arts and the environment. Displays and activities in the house, gardens and estate reflect the wealth of cultural associations with Ruskin’s legacy – from the Pre-Raphaelites and Arts & Crafts movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State. We’ll return to the hotel via the Langdales, a pair of valleys dramatically cut through the very heart of the Lake District.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 13
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport
Transfer to Manchester: Kirkstone Pass & Holker Hall
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we transfer by motor coach to our final destination, Manchester, via the dramatic Kirkstone Pass – the highest pass open to motor traffic in the Lake Distrct home to some truly spectacular views. As we travel onwards we’ll stop at 16th Century Holker Hall and Gardens, contemporaneously described as “the grandest building of its date in Lancashire, by the best architects living in the country”. We’ll have time to explore the house, as well as the gardens which seem to merge into the very hills themselves.
Lunch: Taken at Holker Hall.
Afternoon: The transfer to Manchester continues.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time to pack and say farewell to your new found friends.
Day 14
Meals: Breakfast
Program Concludes
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning: Transfer by Shuttle Bus to Manchester Airport (MAN) for onward flights. Your Group Leader will assist you in making arrangements. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry
Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands
Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)
Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 - Edinburgh
This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.
This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)
Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales
This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle
Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)
Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England
This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 9 - London
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Depart London
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)
