Edinburgh to London

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Edinburgh

Upon arriving in Edinburgh, meet your ACIS Tour manager for an orientation, then set out to familiarize yourself with Scotland’s capital, renowned for its rich history and literary heritage. Perhaps stroll through the Grassmarket or Victoria Street shopping districts. It’s said Victoria Street–a narrow and winding lane lined with tall buildings–inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series of books; the nearby Elephant House Café is where she wrote parts of the first Potter novel.

Day 3: Edinburgh

Sightseeing shows you Princes Street and Charlotte Square before a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high up in the old town. The afternoon is free to indulge in local literary history at the Writer's Museum or shop for souvenirs; woolens, tartans and sheepskins are especially popular. In the evening, cap off the day by learning the poetic history of Scotland’s national dish with a traditional haggis tasting and dinner.

Day 4: York

Journey south through the Northumberland countryside. Arrive in the walled city of York and uncover the secrets of its quaint cobbled streets during a sightseeing tour including entrance to York Minster. This grand English Gothic cathedral is among the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe.

Day 5: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Continue to the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and his burial site at Holy Trinity Church. After a pre-theater dinner, experience a performance by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (in the event that it is unavailable, a play in London's West End will be substituted).

Day 6: London

This morning take a step back into Tudor times with a visit to Shakespeare's Schoolroom for an interactive lesson as though you were the Bard yourself—brushing up on Latin, writing with a quill, exploring sonnets, and more. Then get your imagination fired up as you depart for a visit to Oxford, including a tour of Christ Church College where Lewis Carroll penned Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and also where many memorable scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed (note the Great Hall, the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall). Arrive in London this evening and begin to discover the wonders of this thriving city. An included three-day London transport travel card allows you to explore with ease.

Day 7: London

This morning, learn about London's majestic past and fast-paced present on your guided sightseeing tour. See Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Along the way, our guide will point out more landmark sites like the Gherkin, the Shard, and the Cheese Grater—all new buildings changing the London skyline. Another highlight of the day is a tour inside St. Paul's Cathedral. Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece is an enduring symbol of London, the seat of the Church of England and famed for its dome and Whispering Gallery. If you have time, your ticket includes access to climb to the top of the dome. After you'll have time to explore more of London at your own pace. Stroll along under the London Eye or drop by the National Gallery for eye-opening art.

Day 8: London

Experience an up-close look at London's iconic treasures on this morning's guided London by Bike tour, including views of the Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more. As you cycle and stop for photos, your guide's commentary will bring the history of what you are seeing to life. The afternoon is free for you to perhaps check out the shops along Portobello Road in Notting Hill or stroll the artsy South Bank. Tonight enjoy a theater performance in London's famous West End.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and delights of England's capital with an extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.