Classic England & Scotland with Gate1 Travel

Classic England & Scotland with Gate1 Travel

Sat, May 4 – Fri, May 17, 2024

From poetic countryside and magnificent castles to bustling cities and stunning vistas, you’ll see the very best Britain has to offer on our 14-day exploration of England and Scotland! See the sights that inspired some of history’s greatest artists, from the writers of the Romantic Era to John Lennon’s Strawberry Fields, and William Shakespeare’s birthplace.

DAY 1 – We’ll fly from Boston to London. Transfers and airfare will be arranged for the group.

DAY 2 – Our local guide will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Visit the famed British Museum, ride the London Eye, take in a show in the West End, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of this bustling city on a self-guided walking tour. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner with the group. (D)

DAY 3 - Discover the history and pageantry of London on a half day tour that begins with a drive through fashionable Kensington, with its elegant squares and parks. Pass Harrods store and see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and the famous Big Ben! Go on to view Buckingham Palace, which was the London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Your tour ends in the heart of the city to explore at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour of Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral. (B)

DAY 4 - Today, depart London and head to the circles of Stonehenge, located in the middle of Salisbury Plain. Stonehenge is unique among stone circles and its construction still defies belief. Continue to Bath's Georgian Crescents. Visit the original 2000-year-old Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room. Later in the afternoon join the optional tour to the Village of Lacock. You will have time to explore the village before dinner at a historic local inn. (B)

DAY 5 - Drive north today into the heart of England, through the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds. Admire the stone cottages, thatched roofs, and rolling hills, on our way to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. View Anne Hathaway's cottage, the school that Shakespeare attended, and Shakespeare's birthplace. Spend time at leisure in this town, where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Then, travel to Liverpool where The Beatles were born and rose to fame. With your guide, explore the notable sights made famous in song by the Beatles - Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. View the legendary Cavern Club where the Beatles began their journey to fame and Liverpool's Albert Dock complex. Dinner tonight is at our hotel (B,D)

DAY 6 - Today, travel along the shores of Windermere, at the heart of the picturesque Lake District, stopping for tea and fresh-baked scones at a local farmhouse. Continue towards the village of Grasmere, the 19th century home of the poet William Wordsworth. Next, cross into Scotland at the border town of Gretna Green, and past Moffat. Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Its Old and New Town are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

DAY 7 - This morning, join our guide for a city tour of historic Edinburgh. The route will take you past the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and Princes Street. Also included is a visit to Edinburgh Castle where you can see the Crown Room, St. Margaret's Chapel, and much more! The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Scottish Dinner with traditional entertainment. (B)

DAY 8 - Spend the day at leisure in the Scottish capital. Shop for traditional handicrafts and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this elegant city, known for its
arts and military festivals. Visit one of the many museums or, join the optional morning tour to the former Royal Yacht Britannia. You’ll continue to Holyrood House, official residence of the royal family in Scotland; see the State Apartments, Throne Room and priceless collection of tapestries and paintings. (B)

DAY 9 - Sightseeing begins in the town of St. Andrews, renowned for its famous golf course and the University where Prince William studied. Continue to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen-Mother. Visit this well-preserved ancient Scottish castle with its literary connections to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Next, scenic views await you as you travel farther north into the Scottish Highlands and through the mountainous Cairngorms National Park. Arrive in Inverness in time for dinner. (B,D)

DAY 10 - Heading north from Inverness you start the day with a photo stop in Carrbridge, a small Highland village. Continue to the site of the famous Culloden Battlefield

near Inverness where the Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746. This final battle marked the decisive collapse of the Jacobite uprisings and the beginning of the integration of the Highlands into the United Kingdom. Next, tour a whisky distillery and enjoy a tasting before returning to Inverness for leisure time. (B)

DAY 11 - Today, drive to the most notorious site in all of Scotland, Loch Ness. There will be time to take pictures and try to spot the elusive Nessie. The tour continues its exploration of the Highlands up into the Isle of Skye, passing Eilean Donan Castle and crossing Skye Bridge. Drive through the lush countryside to the Clan Donald Museum of the Isles before returning to the mainland. Arrive in Fort William in the late afternoon and savor dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

DAY 12 - Continue towards Loch Lomond and cruise on the lake, taking in the views of the surrounding Trossachs National Park. This afternoon, arrive in vibrant Glasgow, where you will take a tour of the city sights. Spend your evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 13 - Begin the day with a visit to Stirling Castle. Then, view the impressive "Kelpies", a large equine sculpture and Scotland's latest iconic landmark rising majestically over the Forth & Clyde Canal. Return to Glasgow in the late afternoon. (B,D)

DAY 14 - Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to Boston. (B)

A Valid Passport and proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is Required for this Trip

Land package: $ 4,889 per person, double occupancy, $ 6,039 single occupancy

Airfare & transfers TBD, estimate $ 600-800 per person.

Please note: To sign up for this trip, you must call Funtastic Getaways with your name (and your roomates) - exactly as it is spelled on your passport, passport number, date of birth, and trip deposit. You will not be able to book this trip online

Package Includes:

• 12 nights accommodations:

• 2 nights London at the Tower Hotel

• 1 night Bath at the Hampton Bath City

• 1 night Liverpool at the Hard Days Night Hotel

• 3 nights Edinburgh at the Novotel Edinburgh Centre

• 2 nights Inverness at the Mercure Inverness Hotel

• 1 night Fort William at the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club

• 2 nights Glasgow at the Hilton Glasgow

• baggage handling

• 12 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine

• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach

• Services of English-speaking tour managers throughout

• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

• Transfers from Cape Cod to Logan Airport

• Gratuities for Tour Escort

Please note: To sign up for this trip, you must call Funtastic Getaways with your name (and your roomates) - exactly as it is spelled on your passport, passport number, date of birth, and trip deposit. You will not be able to book this trip online

Payments & Cancellations:

$300 per person deposit is required to book

Reservation cut-off date is December 6, 2023

Final Payment is due 100 days prior to departure - January 25, 2024

Cancellation Date                                                 Cancellation Fee

Up to 151 days prior to departure (12/5/23)              No Fee

150 - 91 days prior to departure (12/6/23 - 2/3/24)   $300 cancellation fee per person

90 - 61 days prior to departure (2/4 - 3/4)               50% of cost per person

60 - 31 days prior to departure (3/5 - 4/3)               75% of cost per person

30 days prior or less (4/4)                                     100% of cost per person

Optional Excursions:

Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral    -  4.5 hours  - $125

Today the focus is on two of the most impressive monuments within London's original "Square Mile". Take a guided visit of St. Paul's Cathedral, where Charles married Diana in 1981. Also, view the exterior architecture of Sir Christopher Wren's Dome, a masterpiece and landmark of London's skyline. Continue to the Tower of London, a former fortress and Royal Palace that has witnessed 1000 years of history most notoriously as a prison. Now the Crown Jewels are kept here and you will have a viewing of these, as well as seeing the iconic Tower Bridge.

Village of Lacock with dinner  -  3.5 hours - $85

Leaving Bath in the late afternoon, enjoy a drive through the Wiltshire countryside to the picturesque village of Lacock. Owned by the National Trust to preserve its character and heritage, Lacock is often used as a location for films, such as the Harry Potter series, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford and many others. Time to explore the town and later enjoy dinner at an historic local Inn.

Scottish Dinner & Show  -  4 hours  - $115

Enjoy a memorable evening of traditional entertainment in Scotland's capital. The colorful tartan clad entertainers will perform a program of music, including the most famous Scottish songs, highland dancers and bagpipers. The show includes a hearty dinner with wine, including a taste of Haggis!

Half Day Royal Yacht Britannia & Holyrood Palace  -  4 hours  - $95

An exciting morning tour which gives you the opportunity to board the former Royal Yacht Britannia. You’ll visit the state rooms, captain’s cabin, bridge, galley and engine room and learn about life aboard this elegant ship which has seen so many historic occasions and glittering state visits during 40 years of service to Her Majesty. Continue following in the footsteps of Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse*, the official residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland and see the state apartments and throne room, with an unrivalled collection of tapestries and paintings.