Edinburgh to London with Paul

Day 1, Tuesday July 20: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday July 21: Edinburgh

Upon arriving at Edinburgh airport, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Paul and head into town. Drop your luggage at the hotel then enjoy a walk to the summit of Arthur's Seat to take in the best overview of Edinburgh and beyond—fertile lowlands to the South and across the Firth of Forth with a glimpse of the majestic Highlands. Wend your way back through the city to check in to your hotel and enjoy a well earned dinner. (D)

Day 3, Thursday July 22: 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday July 23: Durham

Cross the border into England this morning and take the causeway across the mudflats to visit Holy Island, where you will hear stories of St. Cuthbert and Viking raids while you ramble around the famous Lindisfarne Castle and explore the beaches. Continue south and have a coffee and photo stop at Alnwick. The castle was one of the principal exterior shooting locations for Hogwarts, as Harry Potter fans will likely recognize. Then arrive in the compact city of Durham, dominated by the Cathedral and Castle of the Prince Bishops. Your introduction to the small city will include tours of both. At the Castle, a University student may be your guide as it is now a college of the University of Durham and the medieval keep is student accommodation! (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday July 24: 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). (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday July 25: London

Depart for a visit to Oxford, the famous university town whose beautiful architecture, green spaces and riverside will be explored with Paul on a walking tour. Then travel towards London, stopping for a tour of the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studio, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the movies, based on author J.K. Rowling's books about the young orphaned wizard, were made, from detailed sets to animatronics. Arrive in London this evening and begin to discover the wonders of this thriving city. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday July 26: 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. Continue to the British Library for a visit with Paul, where you'll discover documents of England's history from the Magna Carta to handwritten Beatles lyrics. 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. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday July 27: London

Today's focus is the history of England's royal family with a Monarchy by bike tour around Hyde Park and St. James's Park. Starting at Kensington Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, pedal your way past many notable buildings and monuments linked to England's royal history and learn their stories. 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. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday July 28: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)