Our Journeys

England Exploration with Scotland Extension
September 23-October 1, 2023

$3,950

England Exploration with Scotland Extension- Fall 2023

Join us for this exploration of England. From London to Cambridge to Oxford and more, there is something for everyone on this trip. In addition to seeing the highlights of England, we will be off-the-beaten path visiting some of tour leaders favorite hidden gems. For those wanting to spend more time in Great Britan, we have included a Scotland extension.

About our trip guide: Louise Maciejewski
Born in Great Britain, Louise grew up in Oxford, England. She attended St. Clare’s Hall in Oxford, and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology London, England. Having travelled widely throughout Europe, she settled in Tuscany where she runs an Organic Olive farm. She also works as a certified tour guide all over Europe. She is excited to share her love of England & Scotland with you.


MAP

DAY 0 - Friday, September 22

Fly from the USA to London, England.

DAY 1 - Saturday, September 23: Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in central London. You will have time to check-in and relax before meeting the group for a welcome talk this evening. A casual walking tour of the nearby area is available for those arriving earlier in the day. Overnight in London.

DAY 2 - Sunday, September 24: London

Today we will start the morning by enjoying the classic pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. A boat ride down the Thames will bring us to the Tower of London. We will finish the day with an optional visit to the Westminster Abbey for Sunday evening song service. Overnight in London.

DAY 3 - Monday, September 25: London

We will continue our exploration of London today with a visit to the British Museum and London Eye. We will learn about the museums most famous and interesting artifacts. After we will enjoy lunch in the museum’s magnificent and impressive Great Hall. The afternoon and evening are yours to continue exploring on your own. Overnight in London.

DAY 4 - Tuesday, September 26: Canterbury

Today we will leave London to start our exploration of the rest of England. We will start with a visit to the quaint medieval city of Canterbury. We will visit its storied cathedral and learn some of its more interesting (and sometimes gruesome) past. Afterwards we will make our way to city of Cambridge with its famous namesake University, out base for the next two nights. Overnight in Cambridge.

DAY 5 - Wednesday, September 27: Cambridge

Today we will get a good look at the charming University town of Cambridge. We will visit the areas near to the University, the beautiful botanic gardens and enjoy strolling along the lovely streets and greenways of this small city. Overnight in Cambridge.

DAY 6 - Thursday, September 28: Oxford

Today we will move to Oxford to visit its wonderful museums, storied libraries, and famous colleges. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize some of filming locations set at the University. Later you will be fascinated by the collections at the Pitt Rivers Museum. Overnight in Oxford.

DAY 7 - Friday, September 29: Bath & Avebury Henge

Today we will visit the breathtaking city of Bath (a UNESCO world heritage site), where we will learn about its ancient past. The Roman Baths, about 2,100 years old, are amongst the most famous and important Roman remains north of the Alps and mark the beginning of Bath's history as a spa town. We’ll then admire the city’s many beautiful buildings before we head to Avebury, a lesser know henge and standing stone circle where we will be able to explore freely and up close. Overnight in Oxford.

DAY 8 - Saturday, September 30: The Cotswolds

Today we will explore the Cotswolds area with its charming and picturesque villages. We will start the day with a visit to the magnificent Blenheim Palace and Gardens., followed by some charming and picturesque villages where we will enjoy a festive farewell lunch at a local pub. Overnight in Oxford.

DAY 9 - Sunday, October 1: Departure

Today you will be transferred to the airport in London or extend your trip for an additional 5 nights with our Scotland Extension.

EXTENSION DAY 1 - Sunday, October 1: Inverness

For those continuing on the Scotland extension, you will fly this morning from London to Inverness, Scotland. Upon arrival your driver will pick you up from the airport to take you for visits to the nearby Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness followed by an afternoon whiskey tasting. Later you will arrive to your hotel in Inverness where you will have time to rest or start exploring from your centrally located hotel where you will find bustling resturants and nearby live Scottish music at one of our favorite pubs. Overnight in Inverness.

EXTENSION DAY 2 - Monday, October 2: Isle of Skye

Today we will visit the Isle of Skye for an exploration of the natural wonders of this island. On the way we will stop to visit the picturesque Eileen Doonan castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world. We will then arrive to Skye where we will visit some of the natural wonders of the islan and the charming town of Portree. We will return to Inverness in the late afternoon giving us maximum time to explore Skye. Overnight in Inverness.

EXTENSION DAY 3 - Tuesday, October 3: Highlands Heritage & Whiskey

This morning you will start your way south with a drive through the scenic Cairngorm National Park, the largest in Britain. The group will stop along the way for visits to an open air museum and whiksey tasting. Time permitting, the group will enjoy a visit to a working sheep farm to see how a local farmer trains the dogs that work the farm. We will arrive in Edinburgh in the afternoon in time to start soaking the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Overnight in Edinburgh.

EXTENSION DAY 4 - Wednesday, October 4: Edinburgh

Today we will spend the day exploring Edinburgh, its castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland. You will have the afternoon on your own to continue exploring. Overnight in Edinburgh.

EXTENSION DAY 5 - Thursday, October 5: Departure

Today you will be transferred to the airport in Edinburgh for your return flight to the US or extend your trip for a few extra nights to continue exploring Scotland.



INFORMATION

England Trip Details:
3 nights in London
2 nights in Cambridge
3 nights in Oxford
Total: 8 nights, 9 days

England Price:
$3,950 USD per person (double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $1,075 USD
12 minimum travelers

Scotland Extension Details:
2 nights in Inverness
2 nights in Edinburgh
Total: 4 nights, 5 days

Scotland Extension Price:
$2,265 USD per person (double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $550 USD
6 minimum travelers (transportation in a mini-van without tour leader)
10+ travelers (transportation in a mini-bus with tour leader)

What is included in the trip

  • All accommodation in nice hotels and country inns
  • All breakfasts and either lunch or dinner every day
  • All sightseeing and guided tours as per the itinerary
  • All transportation in a deluxe bus with air conditioning
  • Whiskey tastings
  • Professional tour leader and local guides
  • Airport Transfers

What is not included

  • International airfare from and back to the US
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel Insurance: https://customizedjourneys.com/travel-insurance/
  • Tips for tour leader, drivers and local guides

MORE INFO

    Upcoming Web Maintenance: November 2023

    Hi Friends & Travelers,

    Big changes to our website are on the way this year! At times, our website might be down or some pages may be “under construction”. If you have any questions on itineraries or other materials, feel free to email us at info@customizedjourneys.com. We can send you full copies of itineraries and answer any other questions you may have.

    Looking foward to seeing you on an upcoming or future trip!!

    The Customized Journeys Team