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. (D) Stay: Hallmark Inn Liverpool (or similar)

Lap up your last dose of Liverpool before we go back to the time of the Vikings... in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford's Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth (or similar)

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.

We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire's impressive Hadrian's Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. End the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town before Scotland! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities. (B) Stay: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! 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. (B) Stay: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

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 or indulge in some whisky tasting. (B)

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. (B/D) Stay: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct, the mood will only be rising.

We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness and hop on board for a cruise of the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of...

Feast your eyes on the railway viaduct – once a calling stop for the magical Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel, which seems to stretch on endlessly. We'll arrive into Glasgow tonight, grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay ready for some more exploration in the am! (B) Stay: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)

Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early this morning.

Next stop, Stirling! We make a stop in Stirling, known for its 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. (B)

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. (B)