Iconic British cities by train

Arrive in London and self-transfer* to the hotel. The vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, London is famous for its amazing museums, trend-setting fashion scene, immense history and as the home of the Royal family. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important settlement since it was founded by the Romans almost two millennia ago!

A global city, London is a center for arts, commerce, education, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Once you've checked in at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore this huge city. Hop on the London Underground or use the excellent bus network to easily travel between sights as you spend your first evening exploring at your own pace. 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.

Breakfast at the hotel. See the city 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 the London Eye and the Tower of London, while listening to entertaining onboard commentary.

Take the afternoon to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Why not go shopping along Oxford Street or Carnaby Street, stroll along the vibrant South Bank, or visit Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guards? We also recommend joining our optional afternoon tea for a true taste of English tradition.** Overnight stay in London.

*The cruise is one-way only, traveling from the London Eye to the Tower of London. Live English commentary is provided onboard.

**Optional English Afternoon Tea: for a traditional English occasion, sip tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Relax in this luxury hotel overlooking the Royal Mews, the historic stables that house royal horses and carriages, while enjoying delicate pastries and cakes prepared by the pastry kitchen. From the impressive selection of teas to the refined setting, this elegant ritual offers an unforgettable experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take this time to soak up the beauty of London, or even venture beyond the city. It’s a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs and explore the many pubs and eateries the city has to offer.

Alternatively, we recommend joining our optional full-day excursion to Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath,* or opting for a shorter tour that focuses on Stonehenge alone.* Overnight stay in London.

*Optional Full-Day Tour: Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath: This history-packed tour takes you about an hour from central London to Windsor, where you’ll visit the famous castle. Discover its lavish rooms, ornate ceilings, the iconic Round Tower, and picturesque grounds. It’s easy to see why Windsor Castle remains a favored residence of the royal family.

Next, head to Stonehenge, the mysterious and world-renowned megalithic monument. Marvel at the massive sarsen and bluestone pillars, an incredible feat of prehistoric engineering accomplished over 5,000 years ago.

Finally, arrive in Bath, a charming city on the River Avon. Enjoy free time to explore, admire Georgian architecture, and feel as though you’ve stepped into the world of Bridgerton or Northanger Abbey. Before returning to London, you’ll have time to visit the Roman Baths and the Pump Room, where you can taste the famous spa waters believed to have healing properties.

**Optional Stonehenge Tour: Without a doubt, a visit to Stonehenge is a must. Head west to Salisbury Plain and spend around two hours exploring this centuries-old wonder. Known worldwide for its megalithic stone circle and the enduring mystery of how and why it was built, this UNESCO-listed site is truly awe-inspiring.

Note: We highly recommend selecting only one optional excursion for this day, as the timings conflict with each other.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station to catch a train to York. Arrival and self-transfer to your hotel.

Take some time to settle in before discovering one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: York Minster, with your included admission. This magnificent Gothic cathedral, famous for its stunning stained glass and towering architecture, offers a deep dive into centuries of history.

Afterward, enjoy free time to relax and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend joining our optional Ghost Bus Tour* to discover York’s sinister side aboard a vintage bus. With live guides and actors, you’ll be immersed in the city’s most chilling and entertaining tales. Overnight stay in York.

*The Ghost Bus Tour: Hop aboard a vintage double-decker for a theatrical and spine-tingling journey through York’s haunted streets, where eerie stories and dark humor bring the city’s ghostly past to life. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore York at your own pace. Wander through its medieval streets, discover hidden corners, or relax in one of its cozy cafés while soaking up the city’s historic charm. We also recommend joining our full-day optional excursion to the North York Moors & Whitby Tour*. Overnight stay in York.

*North York Moors & Whitby Tour: Departing from York, visit the evocative ruins of Byland Abbey before continuing to the charming market town of Helmsley. Journey through the sweeping North York Moors, rich in history and natural beauty, and stop in Goathland, known as “Aidensfield” from “Heartbeat” and as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films. Continue to the seaside town of Whitby, where you’ll have free time to explore. Enjoy classic fish and chips, learn about Captain Cook’s voyages, or visit the dramatic abbey ruins that inspired Dracula. Return to York in the afternoon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station to catch your train to Edinburgh. Arrival and self-transfer from the train station to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring this captivating city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the Scottish capital with an included hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy multilingual audio commentary as you travel through the historic Old Town and beyond. Hop off along the route to explore key attractions at your leisure. A special “Horrible Histories” commentary is also available for younger travelers.

Afterward, enjoy free time to relax or explore at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend joining our optional Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls* experience, an immersive ghost tour led by an expert storyteller, where you’ll uncover chilling tales of witchcraft, crime, and restless spirits. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

*Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls: As night falls, dive into Edinburgh’s darker side and walk through the shadowy closes of the Old Town before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Uncover chilling tales and end the evening in a candlelit cellar with a dram of Scotch whisky (or alternative drink), surrounded by haunting stories that linger long after nightfall.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore Edinburgh at your own pace. To make the most of your day, we recommend joining one of our optional excursions: the West Highlands, Lochs & Castles* tour, or discovering the Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile**. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

*West Highlands, Lochs & Castles: Journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes on a full-day tour. Travel by mini-coach with an expert guide, visiting Loch Lomond, the charming village of Luss, Inveraray, and the scenic Trossachs National Park, with a stop at Doune Castle.

**Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: Step into the past on this guided walking tour along the iconic Royal Mile. Discover hidden corners, historic landmarks, and fascinating stories of royalty, crime, and culture, brought to life by expert storytellers.

Note: Due to scheduling constraints, guests may book only one optional activity on this day. 

Breakfast* at the hotel. We end our stay in Edinburgh with unforgettable memories and experiences. At the scheduled time, independent transfer** to the airport to board your flight back home. Arrive in the US*** and end of this extraordinary journey.

*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.

**Airport transfer is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

***Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day.