Kingwood Chorale and Lonestar College UK 2028

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, Sunday May 21: Overnight Flight

Departure from Houston airport for Edinburgh.

Day 2, Monday May 22: Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh! Meet your Encore Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to Stirling Castle for a journey into Scottish history and its independence. Later, continue to the hotel and check in. Have some time to freshen up before having a welcome dinner together this evening in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday May 23: Edinburgh

Enjoy exploring the historic Old Town with your tour manager including the Royal Mile and a visit to Holyroodhouse – home to the King when he visits Edinburgh – and location of much of Scottish royal history. Afterwards enjoy some whisky tasting at the fabulous Johnny Walker Whisky Experience. Today you'll rehearse and perform your debut concert of the tour which will take place at the St Augustine United Church, in conjunction with a local choir. Alternatively, there is the afternoon concert series (acceptance TBD) at St. Giles. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday May 24: Glasgow

Today you will enjoy a spectacular journey through quintessential Scottish countryside, over heather-clad moorlands and alongside pristine crystal-clear lochs. En route to Glasgow, enjoy scenic stops to take in the wonderous vistas with plenty of time today to enjoy a leisurely visit to Loch Lomond Shore for lunch on your own, a wide variety of shopping, or quiet time to take in the wonder of this region's stunning natural beauty. The final touch to today's travel is a fun and educational visit and tour of a local Loch Lomond whiskey distillery. Continue to Glasgow for hotel check in and a bit of free time before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday May 25: Liverpool

After breakfast at your hotel and hotel check out, depart Glasgow for a beautiful journey southward through the lovely landscapes of Cumbria, and Lancashire all the way to Chester, a beautiful medieval Town with a rich history. Upon arrival, have time for lunch on your own, then prepare to present a concert in the main nave at Chester Cathedral. Rehearsal will be at 2:00 pm, followed by your concert at 3:00 pm. You'll then have time for dinner together as a group at a local restaurant, before continuing to Liverpool for your overnight. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday May 26: Liverpool

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel this morning then spend the day exploring the famed port of Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. This afternoon and evening is yours to explore. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday May 27: Cardiff

After breakfast and hotel check out, depart Liverpool and travel to Cardiff, the capital of Wales and the nation’s largest and most vibrant city. After dropping your bags at the hotel head to Cardiff Castle, for the visit of a truly remarkable site with a history that spans over 2000 years. Enjoy a guided tour of its amazingly lavish and opulent interiors, where each breathtaking room is rich with murals, stained glass, gilding and superb craftsmanship. Afterwards prepare for your final concert which will take place tonight at the Tabernacl Chapel, in conjunction with a local Men's Choir. After the concert, celebrate this extraordinary experience with your Welsh singing partners on a drinks’ reception with refreshments in a private room in a local pub. (B,R)

Day 8, Sunday May 28: London

Leaving Cardiff behind, you will travel eastward towards Wiltshire and the Salisbury Plain, where you will visit Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Enjoy your lunch break at the medieval Salisbury. Visit the delightful market square, walk along the beautiful traditional shopping streets, and see the magnificent Early English Gothic Cathedral. before travelling on to London, today’s final destination. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a free evening after dinner together in a local restaurant. Tonight is the ideal night to take in a West End Performance on your own. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday May 29: London

In the morning meet your local London blue badge guide for a guided tour taking in all the beauty, the pageantry and the wonder of London. You will see all the iconic sites, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Household Cavalry, Whitehall, the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as well as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon there is an optional Champagne Afternoon Tea in a prestigious venue. After some free time for lunch on your own and last minute souvenir shopping, meet together in the hotel lobby so you can all transfer to the site of your farewell dinner cruise on the river Thames. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday May 30: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)