Edinburgh to London with Paul

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 June 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 14: 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, Wednesday June 15: 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, Thursday June 16: 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, Friday June 17: 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 18: 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. You will also enjoy a self-guided visit to the 15th century Divinity School at the Bodleian. Then travel towards London. Upon arrival, visit St Paul's Cathedral (audio-guides included). 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. After visit, drive to hotel for check in. Dinner followed by a theater performance in London's famous West End (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 19: 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. Visit the Tower of London. Later 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, Monday June 20: London

Today enjoy 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. Tonight enjoy a theater performance in London's famous West End. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 21: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)