Price: Starting from USD $599.52 per person, twin shareDuration: 3 days / 2 nights
Day 1 - Edinburgh
Your train from London's King's Cross Station whizzes you due North skirting England's East coast to arrive at the Royal City of Edinburgh. Right by the station you can board your open top sightseeing bus where you'll get a bird's eye view of the city! Your hop-on hop-off ticket allows you the freedom to leave and re-join the bus as often as you like over a 24 hour period - frequent departures throughout the day mean you have total flexibility to plan your day the way YOU choose!
You will see all the main sights, attractions and landmarks of this lovely City, including the Old Town quarter, the gloriously intricate Scott Monument, the Palace of Holyrood House where state ceremonies and official entertaining take place when the Queen is in Scotland and the brand new Scottish Parliament Building. Your tour includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle where you can live like a King for a day! The Royal apartments include a tiny room in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the boy who was to become King of Scotland and England upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603. The dazzling Scottish Crown Jewels are also on view.
Day 2 - Loch Ness and Highlands
Your journey begins with a drive through "Rob Roy MacGregor" country, Rannoch Moor. Then to Glen Coe site of the 1692 battle of the MacDonalds and Campbells. Next see Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis. A real highlight is the drive through the Great Glen. Stop at the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, then along the shores of Loch Ness for some monster spotting! Then on to Inverness where you stop to discover the capital of the highlands, before heading south along the Spey valley to Pitlochry and back to Edinburgh.
Day 3 - Edinburgh
Enjoy some last minute shopping in Edinburgh, visit the attractions on your "must-see" list, stroll through the city center - it's your day! ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $378.96 per person, twin shareDuration: 2 days / 1 night
Your day starts with a relaxing train journey to the spectacular Lake District National Park Area. Travel through the Midlands passing canals, market towns and old mill towns built during the Industrial Revolution, before breaking out into the landscape dotted with lakes, rolling green spaces and monastic ruins nestling in the shadow of the brooding peaks of Cumbria, a world away from frantic London.
On your arrival in Oxenholme you'll be met by your professional guide who will take you on your tour of the Lake District. Join a Lake Cruise, gliding through the waters of one of the Lakes for which this area is justly famous, against the fabulous and dramatic backdrop of the District's silent mountains. Continue to the picturesque medieval village of Hawkshead, an enchanting combination of whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and narrow alleyways overlooked by a 16th Century Church.
Continue to Hill Top, the inspiration for many of Beatrix Potter's winsome and delicate illustrations. The author's home remains exactly as she left it and in each room there's something that appears in one of her books. The cottage garden contains the same pleasing mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables as grown by Beatrix.
Experience stunning views from Tarn Hows, one of the Lake District's most picturesque beauty spots, as you travel through the majestic mountain scenery of the Langdale Valleys to Grasmere, inspiration for the Romantic poet Wordsworth, who extolled its serene lake and mountain setting in his poetry. Afternoon tea is included at the "World of Beatrix Potter".
Stay overnight in a local B and B so you can savor the scenery of the Lake District and wander through the picturesque streets, enjoying the restaurants and atmospheric pubs. Visit one of the many visitor attractions the following morning after breakfast as you have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $198.50 per personDuration: 13 hours
Board the Eurostar to Lille where you will be met by a specialist French Battlefields guide.
"The Salient" struck fear into the Great War Tommy for being the hottest spot on the 70 mile front held by Imperial and Empire troops. Over a quarter of a million men gave their lives to hold this last bit of Belgium from the Germans. Although history records three great battles fought at Ypres, it was in fact a constant battle against shell, bullet, bomb, gas, water and rats.
On your day of touring the Salient you'll see some of the most important sites that remain; the German trenches at Kemmel, "Shot at Dawn" execution sites, sites of the first gas attack and where flame thrower were introduced into modern warfare, John McRae's Essex Farm site, the grave of double VC winner, Noel Chavasse, Hoogt crater and museum, the Passendaele dug-out and Tyne Cot cemetery.
You will walk the moonscape of the Hill 60 battlefield and see literally dozens of memorials to British, Australian and Canadian regiments. There is also time spent in Ypres itself with the opportunity to visit St George's Chapel, the Menen (Menin) Gate Memorial, and for those who want to take an optional tour of the "In Flanders Field" Museum to do so.
You will return to London from Lille onboard the Eurostar.
With a maximum group size of 11 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience. ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $128.33 per personDuration: 10 hours
Begin the day travelling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the "City of Dreaming Spires", whose hushed courtyards and elegant, dignified timeworn buildings have inspired generations of scholars (including Bill Clinton in the 1970s!). During your walking tour you will see Christchurch College, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and where Albert Einstein studied. Also see the Bodleian library and the picture-perfect College courtyards for which Oxford is famous.
Next travel through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, an area steeped in history and heritage, to Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town at the edge of the Forest of Arden made famous for being the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. You will visit the Tudor-style birthplace of William Shakespeare, gaining an insight into his childhood with its typical parlor, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and the glove-maker's workshop used by his father John.
Then it's a short drive over to the medieval Warwick Castle, most of whose magnificent towers and ramparts are still intact. Warwick Castle will take you back through its 1,000 year history as you enter over the footbridge to a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremony. Visit the Tussaud's waxwork, or if you're feeling brave visit the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured.
You might wish to stroll through the Castle's delightful and lovingly tended gardens set in the peaceful surroundings of England's finest medieval Castle. During the summer months, archery, falconry and jousting take place in the grounds. After Warwick Castle you will head back through the Warwickshire countryside to London. ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $70.18 per personDuration: Varies
The award winning musical (winning "Best Musical" awards from Society of West End Theaters, Drama Magazine, Ivor Novello and Play and Players) Blood Brothers, tells the story of two twins who are separated at birth, but whose paths cross again when they are older. The musical is set in Liverpool and contains the song "Tell Me It's Not True".
Interestingly of all the long-running musicals currently in London, Blood Brothers is unique in that the current production, which originally opened at the Albery Theater in 1988, is actually its second incarnation - the original production failed to score a West End success at the Lyric Theater in 1983 (where it ran for six months). The producer Bill Kenwright picked up the rights to the musical in 1987, and a re-vamped Blood Brothers returned to the West End the following year.
Make the most of this memorable performance and enjoy a pre-show dinner at Pulcinella. The menu has a variety of Italian and vegetarian dishes, with the pizzas the local favorite.
Ticket Collection:
When you book your ticket, you will receive a voucher which must be printed. Your tickets will be held at the theatre box office for collection on the day of the performance, no earlier than one hour before performance time. You will be required to present your printed voucher, along with photo ID in exchange for your tickets. At this time, you will receive your ticket and seating assignment.
Special Offer - Save 62% off the regular retail price of weekday performances from September, 2007 to March, 2008 - BOOK NOW! ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $252.64 per person, twin shareDuration: 2 days / 1 night
You begin the day travelling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the "City of Dreaming Spires", whose hushed courtyards and elegant, dignified timeworn buildings have inspired generations of scholars (including Bill Clinton in the 1970s). See Christchurch College, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and where Albert Einstein studied. On your walking tour of Oxford you'll see the Bodleian library and the picture-perfect College courtyards for which Oxford is justifiably famous.
You then travel through the rolling Warwickshire hills to Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town at the edge of the Forest of Arden, made famous for being the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. Visit the Tudor style birthplace of William Shakespeare, gaining an insight into his childhood with its typical parlor, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and of course the glove-maker's workshop used by his father.
Overnight will be at a three star hotel in Stratford Town Center near all the major bars, cafes and restaurants so that you can enjoy your evening in Stratford taking in a play at one of the theatres, or strolling through the town center and enjoying a meal out at one of the many restaurants. The next morning, after breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning in Stratford where the choice is yours - visit Hall's Croft, the home of Shakespeare's daughter or stroll along the banks of the River Avon by the Bancroft Gardens.
Your coach will pick you up for a short drive to Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle will take you back through its 1,000 year history as you enter over the footbridge to a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremony. Visit the Tussaud's waxworks or visit the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured! You might wish to stroll through the Castle's delightful and lovingly tended gardens set in the peaceful surroundings of England's finest medieval Castle. ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $258.66 per personDuration: 15 hours
Brussels is a beautiful medieval city ideally suited to a one day visit from London.
After checking in at Waterloo International, your Eurostar train will depart at 7:43am. When you arrive in Brussels you can take the overground train into the city center (around 5 minutes), or catch a taxi (approximately GBP5.00).
Brussels is home to The Grand Palace with its incomparable City Hall, precious Guild Houses and numerous restaurants nearby. This is a cosmopolitan yet friendly and compact city where English is widely spoken.
Sightseeing buses leave the Grand Palace area on a frequent basis and your tour day includes a ticket on a panoramic "hop-on, hop-off" tour of the city taking in all the premier sights such as the Palais de Justice, Parliament and the Atomium.
Your return train departs Brussels-Misi at 8:26pm and arrives back at Waterloo at 9:56pm local time.
Please Note:
This is an unescorted tour, a guide is not included. ... read more »
Price: Starting from USD $48.12 per personDuration: 4 hours
Riverboat parties are unique to London's nightlife.
A novel way of partying with friends, family or work colleagues. Each vessel used is fully equipped, built and maintained to a high standard. Most have two decks and some with two bars. All have totally enclosed decks with some exterior areas.
Enjoy a delicious chicken or vegetarian supper while cruising past the river's illuminated sights. ... read more »
