Castles and Kilts

Delight in the magic and mystery of an ancient land of kings and queens, knights and magical creatures. Your springboard to an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain is the lively capital of London, which you will have an opportunity to explore with your clan before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable Kickoff bash.

March down the grand boulevards and secret lanes of London, exploring the city's iconic sights with a Local Specialist. Practice your royal wave at Buckingham Palace, snap a selfie in front of Big Ben and see where Britain's royalty has been crowned since the 11^th century. Enjoy some Family Fun and head to platform 9¾ to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. Then shrug off your Muggle mantle and see the red telephone box where Harry Potter and Mr. Weasley descended into the secret Ministry of Magic in 'Order of the Phoenix'. Admire the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to the event taking place), before enjoying free time for a leisurely lunch at St. Katherine's Dock near Tower Bridge. Our last stop today is the brooding Tower of London where we'll rub shoulders with the Beefeaters and see the Crown Jewels.

Soak up the buzzing multicultural atmosphere of London on this full day at leisure. Explore the wonders of science and centuries of natural history at the city's fascinating museums, delve into the dark depths of the London Dungeon or take a spin on the London Eye. Wander through the colorful array of toys at Hamleys on Regent Street or take a day trip to 11^th-century Windsor Castle – the choice is yours.

Imagine yourself as an Oxford scholar as you enjoy a quick visit (as long as students are not sitting exams) to the imposing historic hall of Oxford's Divinity Schools. This was used as the film location for the Hogwarts hospital wing. Later, we continue to the pretty Wiltshire village of Lacock for some Family Fun to see Harry Potter's house. Perhaps visit the 13^th-century Lacock Abbey, or devour a traditional afternoon tea and cake in one of the local tea rooms before arriving in Bath for your overnight stay. Gain insights into the elegant city of Bath during Roman times, enjoying an orientation that will include beautiful Pulteney bridge. Admire the honey-hued Georgian architecture of Bath and view such highlights as the 15^th-century Bath Abbey before crossing the border into Wales. 

We stop in the historic town of Llangollen, famous for its annual Eisteddfod, and then cross the Horseshoe Pass to a medieval castle and one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, where we'll spend the next two nights. Dine like lords and ladies this evening enjoying a delicious Welsh dinner with your new travel friends.

Go back in time today during your visit to Chester, whose medieval city walls and famous red cathedral will give you a sense of what it must have been like to live in the Middle Ages. You’ll take to its ancient walls with a Roman centurion Local Specialist, learning all there is to know about 2,000-year-old Deva, Britain’s biggest Roman fortress on which modern-day Chester was built. The highlight of today will undoubtedly be the opportunity to Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring an English cream tea at the renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Center. We return to our regal home-away-from-home this afternoon for free time to relax, or ramble along its ancient walls and through the beautiful castle grounds.

Discover centuries of history at Tatton Park, set within a 1,000 acre (400 ha) deer park. We'll join the butler and housekeeper of this elegant medieval manor house and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the day-to-day of English aristocrats once upon a time. We continue north to the Lake District, whose enchanting landscapes have inspired poets and writers for centuries. Consider boarding a steam train for a brief journey, then cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere before arriving at your hotel, where you'll dine tonight.

Start today with some Family Fun to experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Emperor Hadrian's northern frontier, exploring the treasures of the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall. We cross into 'Bonnie Scotland' and arrive in the charismatic capital of Edinburgh where we'll have an opportunity to explore tonight at leisure.

Delve into the magic of Edinburgh's iconic sights and stunning landscapes as you join a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Ramble up the Royal Mile and see the tall spires of the Scott Monument, visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will hear tales of bravery, treason and intrigue. Get lost in 'Auld Reekie', strolling through its secret lanes and past medieval façades or join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience. Our epic family adventure is almost at its end. Celebrate a memorable holiday with new friends and your Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

It's time to say bye for now, but not goodbye forever, as the curtain falls on an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain.