Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Highlights of Scotland & England: Edinburgh to London

with London extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 6

A little island—with a lot to discover.

Take time to uncover the amazing sights Great Britain has to offer. Start in Edinburgh, soaking in the Scottish city's Georgian charms, before setting off into the English countryside for everything from Shakespeare to Stonehenge. Then, end in London, where you'll see iconic landmarks and get a glimpse into the royal life outside Buckingham Palace.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

The Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
York Minster
Stratford-upon-Avon
Roman Baths

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.

Edinburgh3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Edinburgh

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
Pass the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to a writer in the world
Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Enjoy a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Coastal Scotland & St Andrews Pub Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

York1 night

Day 5: Transfer to York & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to York and soak in the city's medieval charms on a sightseeing tour.

Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and the Shambles, a historic street in York lined with timber-framed houses
Join a local guide inside York Minster, home to the world's largest collection of medieval stained glass
View the Roman wall, the oldest section of the city’s historic fortifications

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Bath2 nights

Day 6: Bath via Stratford-upon-Avon

Included meal: Breakfast

Drive through the Cotswolds countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Here, you’ll step inside the Shakespeare family home with a local guide. Then, continue on to the town of Bath.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Bath

Included meal: Breakfast

On a guided sightseeing tour, get to know the charming city of Bath, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

See the city’s most famous architectural sites, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus
Enter Bath Abbey to view its fan vaulting and striking stained glass window

London2 nights

Day 8: London via Lacock & Stonehenge

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to London today. En route, visit the charming village of Lacock and stop to admire the mysterious monoliths at Stonehenge.

Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval town of Lacock
Continue on to Stonehenge, where you'll learn about the ancient site at the visitor center before making your way to the monument

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of London

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals
View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London
Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Spend a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Windsor Castle

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring London.

Extension to London

Extend your stay in London and your next quintessentially British experience will be just a Tube (that's what the Brits call the subway) ride away. Lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the city's best, and set off to chase your own sense of adventure.

London2 nights

Day 10: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in London or add an excursion.

Thames River Cruise & Pub Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

Tower of London

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

A true British Experience! Lush, beautiful scenery and lots of rain!

10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Cathy S.

Our tour director Kat was fantastic- took care of all the details seamlessly. Our bus drivers, were skillful and enjoyable. Hotels and restaurants were well chosen, especially loved the Bath hotel. Our local tour guides were excellent all very knowledgeable and most very personable. All of the stop...

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09/29/2019 by 6th time traveler Anonymous

This was a great tour. The tour director, Reuben, was awesome. He was knowledgeable, articulate and always willing to help all the members of the tour. The individual tour guides in St. Andrews, York, Bath and London were also excellent. The only reason that I gave accommodations a 4 star was...

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09/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Elizabeth B.

Truly felt the tour covered the highlights as advertised. Tour director was very knowledgeable but did not overload us with information. Accommodations were great - would highly recommend this tour

Great overview of Great Britain

08/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

This was a great way to see a lot of Great Britain, especially for a history buff. From the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge, to the Roman architecture of Bath and York, to the renaissance churches and Shakespeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, history was everywhere. The tour director was fantastic,...

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Take Me Back to St Andrews

08/07/2019 by 4th time traveler Lori M.

If possible, this was the best tour yet with the MOST delightful tour guide, Gavin Delaney. We had a small tour of only 15, with a wide range of ages. Everyone got along like a family should, laughing, sharing experiences, etc. Starting in Edinburgh, you could immediately feel the Scottish vibe - a ...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Edinburgh Castle, the Nation...

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Holiday Inn York City Centre

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown York. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find the York Castle Museum, York Shamb...

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Apex City of Bath Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Bath city. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a gym, and pool. Nearby, you'll find Bath Thermae Spa, The Holburne Museum, and the...

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H10 London Waterloo

This newly-built hotel is located in the Newington neighborhood in Central London. Guests enjoy multiple restaurant and bar options, free Wi-Fi, and a...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Lacock, England

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 40°F

Edinburgh, Scotland

Weather averages

Today
High 46°F Low 34°F

York, England

Weather averages

Today
High 44°F Low 34°F

Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 40°F

Bath, England

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 40°F

London, England

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 43°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter the United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Edinburgh and depart from London. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.

Electricity & air conditioning

The United Kingdom operates within 230–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Pound sterling on tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

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2020

Highlights of Scotland & England: Edinburgh to London

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