8 Day UK Mini Group Tour England Scotland and Oxbridge Highlights

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1London-Windsor-Oxford-London⌄

   In the morning, depart from London to [Windsor Castle], a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years. It remains a working palace to this day and is the official residence of His Majesty The King.

   After lunch, visit Oxford, a city renowned for [Oxford University], which is steeped in British cultural heritage. Here, you'll find the [Ashmolean Museum] and [Trinity College], which produced three British prime ministers, as well as St. Mary's Church, the main church of Oxford University. If time permits, you can also visit the [Carfax Tower], located in the busiest area of Oxford, and the [Oxford University Museum], where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. Additionally, don't miss [Radcliffe Square], a picturesque location often featured on Oxford postcards. We’ll end today's tour around 16:00, Overnight near London or Oxford.

   Overnight: Overnight at London/Oxford or nearby, a 4-star hotel

2. 2London-Cotswolds-Shakespeare’s Birthplace-Manchester⌄

   Depart for the [Cotswolds], famous for its lush rolling pastures, picturesque stone villages, and winding rivers. This rural gem has graced countless books, artworks, and TV shows.

   Afterwards, travel to the town of [Stratford-upon-Avon], the birthplace and burial place of William Shakespeare. Visit [Shakespeare's Birthplace], the house where he spent his childhood, located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover stories of Shakespeare's family life. Overnight in Manchester or nearby.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Manchester or nearby, a 4-star hotel

3. 3Manchester-Lake Windermere-Glasgow⌄

   Depart for [Lake Windermere], one of the most popular natural lakes in England, where you can stop to admire the royal swans playing in the water, stroll along the lakeshore, and walk on the trestle bridge to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains up close. Take the time to relax and enjoy the comfort and tranquility of the Lake District at your leisure.

   If you want to relive the magic of childhood, head to the heart of the town to visit [The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction], a beloved fairy tale paradise that has become a British household name. Overnight in Glasgow or nearby.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Glasgow or nearby, a 4-star hotel

4. 4Glasgow-Scottish Highlands-Loch Ness(only Apr-Sep)-Scottish Town⌄

   After breakfast, head to the stunning natural scenery of the [Scottish Highlands]. Visit the famous [Glencoe Glen] and the iconic [Three Sisters], then continue to enjoy the natural beauty along the way, passing by the United Kingdom's highest peak, Ben Nevis.

   Next, we will pass through the picturesque village of [Fort William] and arrive at [Fort Augustus], a medieval fortress on the shores of Loch Ness. Take in the breathtaking views of [Loch Ness]. Overnight stay in a Scottish town or nearby.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Scottish Town or nearby, a 4-star hotel

5. 5Scottish towns - Skye - Scottish towns⌄

   After breakfast, we will head to Scotland's beautiful island, Skye. Along the way, we will enjoy the spectacular [Five Sisters Mountains] and visit the stunning [Eilean Donan Castle]. Next, we will cross the only bridge connecting Skye to Scotland's mainland, and pass by the picturesque [Storr Loch]. We will admire the magnificent [The Storr] and then arrive at the [Lealt Waterfall] and [Kilt Rock]. Overnight stay in a Scottish town.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Scottish town or nearby, or hotels along the way, a 4-star hotel

6. 6Scottish towns - Pitlochry - Edinburgh⌄

   In the morning, we will leave for [Pitlochry], known for its stunning natural beauty, charming Victorian architecture. And then head to Edinburgh. Overlooking the entire city from [Edinburgh Castle] is a must-do when you visit. Afterwards, you will have some leisure time to explore on your own.

   Here are some recommendations: Stroll along the [Royal Mile]. Stop by the [Elephant Café], located on the corner of the street, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter. Explore the bustling commercial streets of [Princes Street], which divides Edinburgh into the New Town and the Old Town. If you're interested, visit the [National Gallery of Scotland]. To the east, you can enjoy a peaceful walk in the [Princes Street Gardens]. From a distance, you can see [Calton Hill], which offers stunning views: on one side, the blue Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, a full view of Edinburgh Castle. If time allows, you can visit the slightly farther [Holyrood Palace], the Queen’s summer residence. Finally, we will gather and head to the hotel for check-in and rest.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at Edinburgh or nearby, a 4-star hotel

7. 7Edinburgh - York⌄

   Depart for [York], an ancient city with over 1,900 years of history. It seamlessly blends the cultures of different eras in Britain and serves as both a microcosm and a witness to British history. Explore the [York Minster], which have stood for more than 2,000 years, and walk along the ancient city walls.

   Don't miss [The Shambles], which served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. If time allows, you can also visit [Betty's Café Tea Rooms] for a traditional British afternoon tea, embracing the quaint, elegant charm of this historic town. For a relaxing experience, take a stroll along the River Ouse or explore the fascinating [National Railway Museum York]. Overnight in York or nearby.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at York or nearby, a 4-star hotel

8. 8York - Cambridge - London⌄

   Depart for Cambridge University, the renowned universities in the UK. Xu Zhimo’s famous poem "Farewell to Cambridge" captures the essence of this historic institution. You can [take a punt] on the River Cam to enjoy the city from a unique perspective, or stroll through the colleges to soak in the rich cultural atmosphere. Visit [King's College], known for its stunning Gothic architecture, and see the apple tree at the entrance of [Trinity College]—said to be a descendant of the tree under which Newton had his famous inspiration. Don’t miss the two iconic bridges spanning the River Cam: Newton's [Mathematical Bridge] and the [Bridge of Sighs], which connects St. John's College. After the tour, return to London and conclude your visit.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast