London is a huge megapolis, with which not any person will fall in love at first sight. It can meet you with dull weather, fussy streets, gloomy shadows from the past and its industrial zones. But it could not be otherwise. This is London - here every building and square is soaked in rich history, be they sometimes even gloomy or seemingly unfriendly, but they are quite unique in their type. Only London can boast for its unique, different and incompatible style. Regardless of its age which counts 2000 years, no much evidence is preserved about its age in the city's architecture. Practically, there are no antique ruins, medieval streets or impressive palaces of the Renaissance epoch. No much will be found here having an age of more than 400 years. Nevertheless, the pulse of centuries and the national character are felt in the face of London, like in no other megalopolis of the world, making the British capital a coveted destination for absolutely all travelers.
On the whole, Cambridge is a quieter and more isolated area. But for travelers, the only thing that sets the difference between Cambridge and its "Educational rival" is "The Backs". Green layers of land which stretch along the Cam river allow to glance at the backyards of old Colleges and Universities. The front facades of the same colleges form the appearance of a city center leading to the main streets. The majority of old colleges are dating to the end of the XIII and the beginning of the XIV century. They are built according to the same architectural project with main gates leading to the row of "backyards" which are usually well-kept and surrounded with residential or administrative buildings from 4 sides. Many of them are incredibly beautiful, but the most famous among them is the King's College. It has a magnificent chapel which is deemed to be one of the masterpieces of late gothic architecture. Overall, there are 31 University Colleges, each of which is a self-governed institution proud of their achievements and the love and devotion of their students.
York is an English town with centuries-old history. It is an administrative unit and is considered to be the Northern capital of the country. Concealed behind the walls of medieval fortresses, York can boast for its modern and eventful life. The city never sleeps as the architectural- historical monuments, festivals and social events regularly held here attract thousands of tourists all over the world. In the 7th century, York became an important city in the Kingdom of Northumbria. In the 10th century, York suffering from invasions by Vikings, became a part of the United Anglo- Saxon Kingdom. Later the current name of the city was formulated. Eboracum which means "wild-boar town" was renamed by the Vikings as Yorwick, in the 13th century it was simplified and shortened into York.
Edinburgh - the rows of streets of the Royal Mile launch at the Edinburgh palace and descend to the Holyrood Palace. Of course, any traveler who thirsts for visiting both sights will make the right decision. But, even if you are short of time, measuring the Scottish mile by steps which is longer by 200 meters than the British Mile and makes up about 1.8 km, is a MUST DO thing. One, two..and you are already involved in a mystical tour along ancient streets, and the guide seems to be the eye witness of all the presented stories and historical events.
The lake of Lock- Ness almost for every person is associated with a huge beast dwelling (or not dwelling) in the depths of the lake. Naturally, nothing is surprising, as the first legends and stories of witnesses dating back to the 565 B.C. are about this most mystical in the world water reservoir and its prehistoric beast. Besides the mystical secret, the Loch- Ness is the largest freshwater reservoir in all Great Britain. The surface of the Lock- Ness is a bit more than 65 square kilometers, and its depth is more than 230 meters. The majority of lakes in this region of the country have a glacial origin. The water in the lake is very muddy and has a specific shade because of the high consistency of peat in the bottom soil.
Stirling Carlisle - Dive into the rich history of Stirling and its surroundings by visiting the Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument and the museum of Bannockburn battle. In the old city and the center of Victorian Stirling Arcade, you will find lively boutiques selling extraordinary things and entertainment for the whole family. "He who holds Stirling holds Scotland" is often quoted here. Make sure to visit the lake of Loch Ness which is the largest freshwater reservoir in Great Britain and the Trossachs National Park which is located nearby.
The Lake District is renowned for the incredibly beautiful landscapes of England. Fancy lines of the local emerald green fields and meadows, the sparkling of clean water in the lakes will not leave anybody indifferent, even the most ardent lovers of urban life. It seems that nature has adjusted each line of a hill and a mountain and has thoroughly thought where to locate lakes, where to plant forests and where to abundantly sow colorful fragrant flowers in the meadows.
On the whole, Chester has rather a big amount of sights and attractions, restaurants and a corresponding atmosphere to make you stay here for a couple of days. The most popular tour is the one to the famous local Zoo. The history of the city counts 2000 years. In 79 B.C. the Romans built the Castra Deva meaning a "Military Camp" on the river Dee, which is the largest known fortress in Great Britain. It was home to the 20th Legion (Valeria Victrix) for about 200 years. Later, Ethelfelda, the daughter of King Alfred the Great expanded and reconstructed this fortress but a century later William the Conqueror captured and devastated it.
The first fortresses on the territory where the city of Caernarfon and its castle are currently located, were built by the Romans and this area was called Segonius. It was located on the banks, at the confluence of the Senai River in the bay of Menai. There is no updated information about Segonius since the 5th century B.C. when there were no Romans in Britain any longer. The castle of Caernarfon is worth being spoken about no less than with the preposition of "the most". It is the largest, the most ancient, the most graceful and one of the most important castles in Great Britain and the most impregnable fortress of The Ancient World which has a century-old history, full of both heroic and dramatic events.
The Warwick Castle is situated in Warwick county town which is in Warwickshire, England, on a bend of the River Avon. William the Conqueror built this castle in 1068 on the place or nearby the Anglo-Saxon fortress of Warwick. The castle was used as a stronghold till the beginning of the XVII century when Fulke Greville, I Baron Brooke turned it into a countryside mansion. Till 1978 it was owned by the Greville family which in 1759 received the title of Graphs. Throughout time the building of the castle underwent several reconstructions, some new towers were added, residential buildings were constructed. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone in 21 century. During the Hundred-year-War the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognizable examples of 14th-century military architecture.
In Stratford- Apon- Avon everything is connected with its most renowned habitant - William Shakespeare. In the rural town of Yorkshire is situated the house where Shakespeare was born, the cottage where Ann Hathaway lived till her marriage and church were they were buried. In this town you can visit the largest in Europe farm of butterflies. The first dwellers of the town first crossed the river Avon, then built a bridge over it and started to develop trade relations with local farmers who used to work in the nearby flatland. A Diploma for holding a weekly market in Stratford was granted in the XIII century. The tradition has survived till now. later the town became the center of letter posts among London, Oxford, and the North.
The most beautiful castle of England is the Windsor Castle in Berkshire which is well known to every habitant of the foggy Albion. Moreover, according to several sociological surveys, it is considered to be the most impressive castle in the whole world. It is not surprising, whatsoever, as currently it is inhabited by the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the members of the royal family. Naturally, the former power of English monarchs have faded for so long, however, the Queen, the princes, and their wives live in indescribable luxury till now. It is because the Royal Family of the Monarchs keep beeing deemed as the main symbols of the Foggy Albion.
The tour program: London, Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, Blair, Loch-Ness, Stirling Carlisle, Lake District, Chester, Caernarfon, Jorvik palace, Stratford-Upon- Avon, London, Windsor palace
The flights are on Thursdays.
10 Days, 9 Nights
970
$
April - November
Meeting at the airport with a "BSIUK" sign. A group transfer is implemented for the flight BA234.
Accommodation in a hotel in the vicinity of Heathrow airport.
Accommodation in St Giles Hotel Hounslow Road, Heathrow, Feltham, Hounslow, TW14 9AD.
This modern hotel is located in 10-minute drive from the Heathrow airport, across the railway station Feltham
(25 minutes away from London's city center and Windsor).
From the hotel, you can easily get both to Heathrow airport and the center of London.
There is an air-conditioner, soundproof windows and Wi-Fi (payable) in each room.
The hotel St Giles Heathrow has its own restaurant, bar and fitness center which the guests can attend free of charge.
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide.
Group transfer to the North of England by a comfortable bus with a stop at Cambridge town, which is one of the oldest university towns in England.
In fact, Cambridge is a city in a university, the fame of which is so high, that currently, 30 inhabited settlements in the world carry that name.
Cambridge can boast for its graduates, as more than 60 of them were Laureates of Nobel Prize. A walking tour accompanied by a guide
through Cambridge, along the main streets where among other colleges you will see the King's College which is famous for its chapel. Here, the Trinity
College is also a popular sight. It was in the backyard of this very college where an apple fell on the head of Isaac Newton bringing up the idea and
formulation of the theory of gravity. In your free time, you can take an unforgettable walk by a Cambridge punt along the river Cam, to the mathematical
bridge, the first in its type which was built without bolts and screws. You will also see the beautiful and cozy backyards of colleges and universities.
Accommodation in a hotel. Supper at the hotel Jurys Inn Bradford 3* or a similar one: 2 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2DH, United Kingdom.
There will be provided Wi-Fi through the whole territory of the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the city of York- the most attractive Cathedral city of Medieval England. This is the city of Vikings built on the ruins of the Northern Province
capital of the Roman Empire. It is renowned for its Cathedrals- it is the largest early-gothic church in North England, the repository of magnificent art
values. But the main treasure of the Cathedral is the biggest in Europe collection of Medieval stained glass.
You will make a tour around magnificent walls of York of the XI century which feels like a journey through a museum of medieval culture. You will also walk
along the famous streets of Shambles. Likewise, You can visit the museum of Vikings and Clifford's Tower where 100 people were burnt alive during the
Persecution of Jews. Visit to the Alnwick Castle which is in North England, in the Northumberland county not far from the southern borders of Scotland.
It used to be the main residence of Duke of Northumberland. Northumberland is the seventh heaven for fortress lovers.
There are more than a dozen impressive fortresses in this northern county. All of them are a result of centuries of tense confrontation between England and
Scotland. Some scenes of the Harry Potter movie were shot in this very castle. Moreover, this castle became the prototype for the Hogwarts School.
Transfer to Scotland through the official border which is marked by a massive Carter Bar at which a "Border piper" used to stand to guard the integrity of
Alba according to tradition.
Transfer to Edinburgh. Accommodation in Edinburgh or a countryside hotel:
Britannia International 3* or a similar one- 69 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DG.
You will be provided free of charge Wi-Fi at the hotel lobby.
Breakfast at the hotel.
An exploring excursion through Edinburgh accompanied by a guide. Visit to the official residence of British Monarchs in Scotland, the Palace of Palace of
Holyroodhouse where notorious Marie Stuart spent 6 years of her reign. Here, in her bedroom, her personal secretary was ruthlessly murdered by her
jealous husband and his accomplices. A walk through the Royal Mile and impregnable Edinburgh castle where you will see dungeons for captives,
and military museums. In the palaces of Scottish monarchs, their portraits are well kept, including the ones of sullen and arrogant Stuarts. Here are also
presented ancient regalias of Scottish monarchs: gemstone sword, scepter and a crown. Among the royal regalia, there lies the "Stone of Scone" with which
the first Scottish monarchs were coronated. The legend has it, that the Stone possesses a unique gift: It is able to distinguish between an authentic
monarch and a false pretender to the throne. In the second case, the stone splits making a scary sound.
Near the Edinburgh Palace, there is a creepy and quite an odd underground city, the former lane of Mary King where all the dwellers passed away
during the plagues in 1645. The efforts to inhabit the empty houses failed despite the huge accommodation shortage in the Old Town. New dwellers would
leave this place in fear telling that they heard awful moans and groans and saw pale faces and the hands of former owners stretched up to them.
Edinburgh became the home for many renowned people as Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott, Robert Burns, Arthur Conan Doyle, Daniel Defoe,
Sean Connery, the famous 007 Agent, who was burn and brought up in Edinburgh.
In the evening you can alternatively visit the popular "Scottish Show" for extra pay. Besides the show, you will savor local dishes prepared according to
traditional recipes. Return to the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leaving the hotel we will head through the National park of Perthshire where extraordinary fauna will amaze you, to the Scone Palace. This Palace used to
be the family residence of the Mansfield counts and served as the main place where the first Scottish monarchs were coronated.
Here, once, the famous "Scone Stone" used to be held.
Visit to the Blair Castle which is the only white castle in Scotland holding big collections of weapons, porcelain, embroideries and many more. After dinner in
a restaurant with a family cuisine (for additional payment) you can walk in the royal park where the biggest trees of the Kingdom grow. Transfer to the
whiskey distillery of Blair Athol where you will be informed about the production and have a pleasant degustation of brand whiskey.
Transfer to the North of Scotland.
Accommodation in The Craiglynne Hotel 3* or a similar one: Woodlands Terrace, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3JX.
Free Wi-Fi at the hotel lobby.
Breakfast at the hotel.
An excursion through the Scottish highlands. On that day you will make a journey to the Great Glant
and see the Mysterious lake of Loch Ness. You will visit the Cawdor Castle: a majestic fortress of the XIV-th century. According to Shakespeare,
the royal residence of King Macbeth was located here. It is also curious to know that Cawdor is the only castle in the world which is built around a tree
and the "Valley of Tears" by Glen Coe where the clan of Campbells ruthlessly executed the leader of the clan McDonalds with his wife and children.
Later, transfer through the district of Rannoch Moor to the border Village Gretna Green which is worldwide renowned for its forge.
It was the only place where lovers could legally get married without parental consent. The famous Tartan shop where the memorial tartan
of Lady Di was first put for sale, is also located here.
Accommodation at the hotel in Gretna Green (Day Inn Gretna Green 3* or a similar Welcome Break Service Area,
Junction 21/22, A74 M, Gretna Green, DG165HQ GB ).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer through the most often attended National Park of England to the Lake District of Chester, which is renowned for its black & white houses.
A city-walk accompanied by a guide.
Transfer to Wales which is on the borderline of the largest National Park "Snowdonia".
Accommodation in the hotel Britannia Daresbury Park Hotel 3*
or a similar hotel (Red Brow Ln, Warrington WA4 4BB).
Breakfast at the hotel.
A trip to the Northern Wales and a visit to the largest National Park of "Snowdonia" which covers 1350 km territory in the North-West of Wales. The area is
prominent by its mountains and wilderness of Britain. The pearl of Wales is deemed to be the Snowdonia, which is the highest mountain in Wales.
The legend has it that the giant that was killed by King Arthur is buried here.
According to another welsh legend, King Arthur's famous sword Excalibur is well hidden in one of the local lakes of Snowdonia.
You will also visit the former ancient capital of Wales- the town of Carnarvon, the fortress of Carnarvon with its massive octagonal towers and walls with
loopholes, which, according to the idea of Edward I, were designed to personify the power in which the princes of Wales have been crowned
since the 13th century, including the current one.
Return to the hotel: Britannia Daresbury Park Hotel 3* or a similar hotel: Red Brow Ln, Warrington WA4 4BB.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to England and a visit to the Warwick Castle which has been the branch of Madame Tussauds museum since 1978.
It made here a number of high-quality waxworks including King Henry VIII with his 6 wives.
At English schools there is a nursery rhyme which helps to memorize the story of the royal family:
"Divorced, Beheaded, Died: Divorced, Beheaded, Survived".
In the arsenal of the castle, on the walls, you can see hung a big number of sets of weapons and which includes the pointed helmet of Oliver Cromwell.
Transfer to Stratford-Apon-Avon which is the hometown of Shakespeare.
This town takes second place by its attractiveness for tourists interested in cultural monuments.
Exploring excursion, visit to the Shakespeare Center.
Transfer to London.
Accommodation in 3* hotel in the center of London:
Royal National Hotel 3* or a similar one:
Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time. A short excursion for an extra-pay.
Transfer of the main group to the airport of Heathrow.
