England & Scotland

Good morning dear Londonites! And welcome to your 9-day deep dive into all things England and Scotland. Big things are just around the corner. So big we've nicknamed one of them Big Ben. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent - this is the call of the day as we pull up in lively Liverpool.

Lap up your last dose of Liverpool before we embark on a wild countryside journey in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes exploring York Minister, the Shambles and Clifford's Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alley ways & prepare to be spooked.

Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise and shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. Whatever you do, don't Google this place before we arrive. It will spoil the surprise of its unfathomable beauty. Endless green hills, 16 serene lakes & streets of stone homes will have you pining for the country life.

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! Shortly after our first border hop into Scotland we'll be in a world of fairytale cuteness at the wedding hotspot of Gretna Green. An old blacksmith's shop & a kissing gate are all part of the story (for winter departures we will visit Gretna Green on Day 3). Back over the border to take in a spectacular drive this morning to the Roman Empire's impressive Hadrian's Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh, a city that, although still simmering in ancient history, comes alive with music festivals, a rousing creative scene & fun bars. Top the day off with a Scottish meal, complete with haggis and a traditional bagpiper.

Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!!) to kickstart your love affair with this city. Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street. Strictly for the purpose of being cultural, you should probably make time for a traditional deep fried chocolate bar during your day. The things we do for cultural immersion...

Wake from your fried chocolate food coma crazy travellers, it's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland's oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales and a lake cruise on Loch Ness.

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Isle of Skye, the mood will only be rising. Time to explore an island famed for its pastel houses that fringe the coastline like a giant selection of marshmallows. We'll look around a fishing port and the seaside town of Portree, all the while learning how people live in this dramatic environment. Before the day's out we'll set our eyes on Britain's highest mountain. Whether capped by snow or overflowing with green, it's sure to take your breath away & leave you more than content with your day's discoveries.

After a few days of remote and rugged goodness, a change of pace in Scotland's biggest city is sure to fire things up a notch. We make a stop in Stirling, known for it's famous Castle nestled right on a hill, and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeeedom!" Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique.

The trip sadly comes to an end after breakfast in Glasgow. It's time to say bye to your new travel squad and plan the next journey. Or if you've chosen to end in London, catch the train back to London, where the trip ends upon arrival.