Britannia
A Royal Tour of
England, Wales & Scotland
July 17 - 27, 2003

 

INTRODUCTION

The very long history of Britain seems etched into the very landscape. Looking out over the green and cultivated land, where it is not disfigured by the inevitable cities, towns and villages, one can see what seem to be anomalies on the hillsides. There are strange mounds; remains of terraced or plowed fields; slopes suggesting forgotten hill forts; strangely carved designs in the chalk; jagged teeth of upstanding megaliths; stone circles of immense breadth and height, and mysterious wells and springs.
     These faint physical markers bespeak past civilizations that have long since come and gone from the land. One wave of immigrants followed another, and then came the conquering Romans, Saxons, Angles, and Normans. The Brits, therefore, are truly a mongrel breed whose various ancestors left behind a collection of castles that seem to pop up in every remote corner of the country. Visitors quickly realize that this has indeed always been a land of kings.
     This royal tour begins in London, visiting many of the major sights. Since we arrive on a Friday, you will have two full nights to revel in the city’s gay nightlife. Then we are off to the English countryside, hitting the historical sites of Stonehenge, the ancient Roman spas of Bath, and Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare. You’ll have a chance to sport your hiking togs in England’s vacation spot known as the “Lake District.”
     Wales is perhaps the least well known of Britain’s many treasures, but it is a tremendous repository of culture, history and scenic beauty. Spend the night in a bonafide castle and hike through the mountainous region of Snowdonia National Park.
     Scotland is famed for its scenic beauty, old cities rich in culture and history, and many lakes, including one reputed to have a monster lurking beneath the surface. Tour the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, hike the Scottish Highlands, and visit Loch Ness.
     Toto Tours is excited to present a truly royal tour. This is the best of Britain, from its Stone Age temples, Roman fortresses, medieval castles and romantically ruined abbeys to its rolling farmlands, breathtaking mountains, rugged coastlines, and shimmering lakes.  See why Britain’s most famous native son, William Shakespeare, called it “this demi-paradise, this other Eden.”

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ITINERARY

Thursday, July 17, 2003
USA to London, England

Today is a travel day. Flights from the U.S. to London typically depart in the afternoon, arriving the next morning.

Friday, July 18, 2003
Arrival in London

Upon landing in London, transfer on your own to our home for the first two nights, the Strand Palace. Directions on how to get there via the tube will be provided prior to departure. The entire day is free to relax or explore on your own. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel. Afterwards enjoy the city’s gay nightlife just a few steps away from our hotel.     (Dinner Included)

Saturday, July 19, 2003
London Sightseeing

After breakfast take a half-day sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights, including Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. The rest of the day is free to sightsee or rest up for another night on the town.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, July 20, 2003
Stonehenge / Bath / Stratford

Experience 5000 years of history in just one day. From London, travel to the middle of the barren Salisbury Plain, with its mysterious monument Stonehenge built more than 5000 years ago. Continue on to Bath, the country’s historic spa town, where we have lunch. In the afternoon tour the Roman Baths Museum and see the famed Georgian Pump Room, where natural mineral water once attracted fashionable society from far and wide. Later in the day, arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. At dinner tonight we’ll pay homage to the Bard, and perhaps later catch a performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company.     (All Meals)

Monday, July 21, 2003
Stratford-upon-Avon / North Wales

Enjoy a morning tour of this charming market town, visiting Shakespeare’s house and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (his wife’s separate residence). Afterwards, drive into Wales, with a brief stop in Shrewsbury, a beautiful country town on the River Severn.
     Our final destination today is the medieval town of Ruthin in North Wales. The castle here was originally a fortress of wood and stone, built in 1282 and enlarged in 1296. Its stormy history saw an unsuccessful siege in 1400, many noble changes of ownership, and it’s near complete ruin by the republican government in 1647 following a civil war. This historic edifice is now a hotel, and after tonight you will truly be able to say that you once slept in a castle! Experience an authentic medieval banquet, complete with court jesters, musicians and truly excellent food.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Snowdonia / Lake District

Snowdonia is the most mountainous region in Wales, with 3,000 ft. peaks carved by glacial activity. It is a veritible playground for hikers and climbers, and this morning we are going to join them by taking a hike in Snowdonia National Park. This afternoon, travel into the English Lake District to see some of the country’s most lovely scenery. You’ll see why so many Britons choose this region as their annual vacation spot.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Lake Hike / Edinburgh

The Lake District is the largest national park in England. Today see rolling farmlands, idyllic stone cottages and magnificent country estates while strolling along the shores of Windemere Lake (optional lake cruise available).
     After lunch we proceed to Edinburgh, Scotland, commonly thought to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with its castle sitting atop an extinct volcano in view of the entire city. Arriving in this dramatic spot you will understand why UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site. You will always remember Edinburgh as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.     (All Meals)

Thursday, July 24, 2003
Scottish Highlands

This morning take a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, beginning with the 11th Century castle. From there walk along the Royal Mile, a fascinating street with many historic sites, to the Palace of the Holyroodhouse, once the residence of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Enjoy the peaceful gardens surrounding the Palace.
     After lunch, travel across magnificent rolling moors to the Scottish Highlands, stopping at St. Andrews, home of one of Britain’s oldest universities and where golf was born. Arriving in Inverness in early evening, we’ll organize a stroll along the river to take in the picturesque old town.     (All Meals)

Friday, July 25, 2003
Inverness / Loch Ness

Inverness is home to the world’s most famous lake, Loch Ness, and mythical monster Nessie. Fact or fiction, the Loch Ness myth has persisted down the centuries ever since 565 AD when St.Columba claimed to have driven back a roaring beast attacking a local villager. We’ll have a look for “Nessie” ourselves and visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle. We continue into the Highlands and drive through Glen Coe, the most dramatic canyon in the region. Returning to Inverness the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, July 26, 2003
Glasgow / Farewell Dinner

This morning’s scenic drive takes us to Glasgow, Scotland’s city of culture, with striking Victorian architecture, a Royal Concert Hall, the Theater Royal, and great galleries and museums. After check-in at our hotel, take a city sightseeing tour. This evening Toto Tours hosts a kingly feast to celebrate the end of our royal holiday in Great Britain.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Sunday, July 27, 2003
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Transfer on your own to the airport for flights home. Let us know if you would like to extend your stay.     (Breakfast)