Scots, Bards and Brits

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday May 31: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 1: London

Welcome to London! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore the city's unique neighborhoods. You may want check out the street markets along Portobello Road in Notting Hill; explore the paths of Hyde Park or the mansions of nearby Belgravia; visit museums in South Kensington; or stroll along the artsy South Bank. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 2: London

Today's panoramic sightseeing tour, led by a local guide, shows you Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Continue with a guided visit of the British Museum, home to an astounding 150 million items. You'll discover objects from around the world including the Rosetta Stone and sculptural friezes from the Parthenon. Later you can explore more of the museum or maybe stroll down nearby Oxford Street. In the evening perhaps revel amid the sights and sounds of West End attractions such as Leicester Square or nearby Piccadilly Circus. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 3: Stratford Area

Drive to Oxford, home to the oldest and grandest of England's universities. During a walking tour of the campus, learn some of its centuries-old traditions and what it's like to study here. Among the highlights is Christ Church College. Then try your hand at a classic Oxford pastime with a punting excursion on the River Cherwell. Continue to the Stratford area for the night. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 4: York

Today explore Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. Entrance is included to Shakespeare's Birthplace, followed by 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 journey to York and begin to uncover the secrets of its quaint cobbled streets during a walking tour. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 5: Edinburgh

Journey north, stopping to photograph the impressive Alnwick Castle. Fans will recognize the medieval fortress as Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films. Then continue on to Edinburgh. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 6: Edinburgh

A guided sightseeing tour includes entrance to Edinburgh Castle, the seat of Scottish royalty for centuries and home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Built atop an extinct volcano, the castle dominates the city’s skyline. Later, you’ll stroll along Princes Street, a noted shopping district, and through Charlotte Square. During your free afternoon, perhaps explore sites linked to famous Scottish literary figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 7: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)