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Day 1
Southampton
Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the Queen’s at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.
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Day 3
Queensferry
Wander through this striking city within stone walls and the imposing towers of Edinburgh Castle. Explore narrow passageways and hidden staircases that lead to stately Georgian terraces and historic landmarks; museums, tall townhouses, art galleries, fabulous shopping, iconic festivals and the crown jewels. Listen for the one o’clock gun fire and then head for some haggis. Tread the royal mile to Arthur’s Seat, taste whisky at a distillery, visit the royal chambers and a city zoo, take a ghost tour, have your own kilt made and listen to the emotive Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Head out to the Scottish Highlands for wild beaches, highland cows, deep lochs and rugged castles. And as night falls, watch the city come alive from traditional inns, underground bars and sophisticated whisky lounges. There’s no escaping the history, romance, culture and art at the core of the enchanting Scottish capital.
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Day 4
Queensferry
Wander through this striking city within stone walls and the imposing towers of Edinburgh Castle. Explore narrow passageways and hidden staircases that lead to stately Georgian terraces and historic landmarks; museums, tall townhouses, art galleries, fabulous shopping, iconic festivals and the crown jewels. Listen for the one o’clock gun fire and then head for some haggis. Tread the royal mile to Arthur’s Seat, taste whisky at a distillery, visit the royal chambers and a city zoo, take a ghost tour, have your own kilt made and listen to the emotive Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Head out to the Scottish Highlands for wild beaches, highland cows, deep lochs and rugged castles. And as night falls, watch the city come alive from traditional inns, underground bars and sophisticated whisky lounges. There’s no escaping the history, romance, culture and art at the core of the enchanting Scottish capital.
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Day 5
Newcastle upon Tyne
Step into the progressive, compact hub of England’s North-East. In contrast to its Roman and Medieval architecture, historic heritage and powerful industry, Newcastle continues to reinvent itself. Explore radical retail, lively nightlife, sporting prowess and the Angel of the North sculpture - all just a short way from glorious coastline and rugged countryside. Head further afield to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumbria, Alnwick Castle and enjoy a tea-tasting party in York. Friendly ‘Geordies’ have their own language and distinct accents – prepare to be called ‘pet’ and be welcomed with open arms. With ambitions to be the UK’s first carbon-neutral town, soak up Newcastle today - for tomorrow, there’ll be change.
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Day 6
Invergordon
Bottlenose dolphins escort you into this land of legends, history and spectacular scenery. Explore auld castles, battlefields, steam railways, wildlife parks, nature reserves and forts in the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Play golf on championship courses, mountain bike or hike through hills, fish wild salmon and taste the world’s finest malt whisky at the Glenmorangie Distillery. And then there’s Loch Ness. No visit to Scotland would be complete without searching for a wee glimpse of the legendary hump-backed monster. End your day with rosy cheeks, lungs full of the purest air and a dram (or two) of scotch.
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Day 7
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Head to a far-off land in the Outer Hebrides, where unique culture awaits you at one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Spot seals and whales from breathtaking beaches and dramatic headlands that fringe miles of peat-covered moorland. Visit Lews Castle, the prehistoric Standing Stones at Callandish, learn the art of weaving or crofting and enjoy peat-smoked scallops or battered fish and chips. And as you admire your new hand-woven Harris tweed jacket, bid farewell to authentic Gaelic values, and the fabulously iconic long-haired cattle.
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Day 8
Greencastle
The Eire Force is strong along the Wild Atlantic Way. Scout the filming sites of Star Wars movies on the rugged cape of Mailin Head. Taste the legends of Donegal County in gin and whiskey at Sliabh Liag Distillery. Take a swing at the two courses at Ballyliffin, which golfing superstar Rory McIIroy proclaims, “are must-play championship links”. Step back in time at Grianan of Aileach, a massive man-made stone ring fort and one of Gaelic Ireland’s royal sites. Go with the flow along the Lough Foyle to the bold Greencastle, built in 1305 by the Earl of Ulster. Or delver deeper into nearby Derry to see how its “Troubles” have eased into a vibrant and beautiful community. And never forget, “Go mbeidh an fórsa leat” or “May the force be with you”!
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Day 9
Liverpool
Rock around this lively creative city, where Scousers rule and The Beatles reign. Explore the core through a mass of museums, art galleries, multi-ethnic restaurants, entertainment and vibrant fashion. Where friendly locals with distinct dialects welcome with ‘iya’, and football fans follow in the footsteps of their heroes. Hike along remote trails in the Lake District for unrivalled views of spectacular scenery, wildlife and naturally vast lakes. Then back in the city visit the Cavern Club to hark back to the boom of the sixties beat. All you need is love in this holistic setting of town and country.
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Day 10
Greenock
Arrive in style to the haunting hum of a piper. Bursting with colourful character and a cutting-edge arts scene, this vibrant city merges history and heritage with architecture and design. Visit Medieval spires, Victorian gems, Art Nouveau icons at art galleries and the museum at Kelvingrove. Set forth out of town to experience mythical landscapes; romantic yet rugged countryside where glacial lochs rest, small islands skirt and wildlife runs free. Known for courage, Glaswegians welcome with wee tales of clans, kilts and crests.
