Perfectly Paired: English Heritage and Scottish Highlands 2027

Palaces dripping in historical intrigue. Streets thronged with iconic red buses. A bustling pub on every corner. London couldn’t be a more fitting place to embark on our tour of Britain! Begin by greeting your expert Tour Leader and the rest of your small group before we dig into our very first meal together. Uncover each other's back stories over the dinner table and say cheers to the adventure ahead!  

After an energy-boosting breakfast with your group, we'll wave goodbye to the Big Smoke as we start our journey north. Our next stop’s skyline is equally as impressive as the capital’s – with twisting spires, majestic domes and more than a few grinning gargoyles. 

Did you know that Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world? Or that the city served as the official capital for four years during the English Civil War? We’ll uncover plenty more historical nuggets as we walk in the footsteps of the colleges’ illustrious alumni – think Oscar Wilde and Lewis Carroll – on an orientation tour with our clued-up Tour Leader.  

After a little free time to wander and grab some lunch (the city’s historic Covered Market is our top pick!), we’ll continue our journey west. Our path will take us through several of the idyllic old-world villages of the Cotswolds. Marvel at their honey-hued cottages forged from yellow limestone and soak up vistas of the undulating wolds. Then, a free evening awaits in Mickleton, where you'll find a choice of charming local pubs to dine in.

All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players! Today, our stage will be the storied streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon: the esteemed birthplace of William Shakespeare. Revel in remarkable tales of his life, loves and losses on a walking tour with your Tour Leader. If there’s time, we’ll pay homage to the playwright with a visit to his grave. Make sure you spare a minute to peruse the epitaph which is supposedly a curse written by Shakespeare himself...  

This afternoon, there’s more exploring to be done in the delightful Cotswolds. We'll weave effortlessly along the region’s narrow lanes, stopping off at a few of your Tour Leader’s favourite villages. Broadway, often called the prettiest village in England, will likely be one of them. If the weather’s dry, stretch your legs with a walk through its unusually long high street, stopping for coffee and cake breaks along the way.  

Thrilling tales of the crusades fought by saints and kings are on the agenda today as we leave the Cotswolds behind for Worcester. Gaze up in awe at Worcester Cathedral’s intricately painted ceiling and feel the temperature drop as we venture down into its Norman-era Crypt of St Wulfstan: the Bishop of Worcester during the 11th century. 

Following our medieval history fix, we’ll begin our scenic journey to Denbighshire – rolling through the serene Shropshire Hills where we'll make two memorable stops en route. Uncover an Olympic connection in the unassuming village of Much Wenlock and stand in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the UNESCO World Heritage Ironbridge Valley. 

Wales’s Denbighshire region is known for its tiny, twisting country lanes – but we’ll make short work of them in our minicoach. When we do arrive at tonight’s hotel, you can expect a very warm welcome from the inn’s characterful owner who loves to personally greet every one of his guests. 

Warning: not much will prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty of Snowdonia National Park. This 823-square-mile tapestry of rugged peaks, shimmering lakes (known locally as lynns) and windswept coastline is the setting for today’s adventure – and you can expect plenty of imagination-stirring encounters. 

Your Tour Leader will decide the specific route you’ll take but you can expect it to be steeped in local history and outstanding natural beauty. Cast your eyes across soaring summits in the charming mountain town of Betws-Y-Coed. Challenge yourself to a tongue twister in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – a village on the lovely Isle of Anglesey that’s famed for having Europe’s longest place name.  

You might also feel your heart race a little while walking across the Pontcysyllte (pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay) Aqueduct – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s suspended 40 metres above the tumbling rapids of the River Dee. Then, we’ll retrace our steps back to the hotel for another sumptuous group meal and an after-dinner surprise...

We’ll get a little help from our friends at The Beatles Story Museum today as we swap the picture-perfect Welsh countryside for the hustle and bustle of Liverpool. Get into the Beatlemania spirit while touring the museum’s musical displays, including stepping foot in a recreation of the iconic Abbey Road Studios. 

Afterwards, there’ll be free time to explore Liverpool’s Grade I-listed Royal Albert Docks. Once one of the UK’s busiest dock complexes during Victorian times, it’s now a hub of culture and cuisine – complete with its very own Tate art gallery.   

This afternoon, our route takes us east to York. But before we immerse ourselves in fearsome Viking tales, we’ll sweep through the wild moors and rippling hills of the Pennines. Perhaps you’ll hear the whispers of the Brontë sisters’ timeless characters as we go. 

Treat yourself to a full English breakfast this morning – you'll need the extra energy for a busy day of exploring extraordinary York. History echoes off every cobblestone of this incredible city. Soak up stirring stories of old during an orientation walk with your Tour Leader, slipping down enchantingly narrow Snickleways, past the crooked 13th-century cottages of the Shambles and emerging in the shadow of the monumental York Minster. 

The rest of the day is free for you to dive further into the city’s many allures. Experience Viking tales come to life in the interactive Jorvik Centre museum. Walk in the footsteps of medieval sentries on the impeccably preserved York City Walls. Or sink your teeth into a fat rascal – a traditional scone bursting with juicy currants and zesty citrus – at the quintessentially Yorkshire tearoom, Bettys.     

Our final night in York is yours to do with as you wish. The city has a fantastic independent food scene – just ask your Tour Leader for suggestions for tonight’s dinner.  

We’ll leave medieval York behind this morning and jump forward a few hundred years at Castle Howard. This glorious 17th-century English estate has some serious curb appeal, with its Baroque-style frontage embellished with exquisitely carved coronets, cyphers and cherubs a true feast for the eyes.  

Wander the castle’s grand rooms and gaze up at the whimsically painted ceiling of its 70-foot dome before riding the free road train through the splendid grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for the tinkling Atlas Fountain and the Temple of the Four Winds – a hilltop folly originally built as a reading and writing nook.  

Next, our path will take us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, winding us past tumbling rivers, through lush valleys and into tiny villages that appear trapped in time. Cricket fans will strike lucky with a stop in Thirsk – the birthplace of Thomas Lord, founder of Lord’s Cricket Ground. And if there’s time, we’ll also make a small detour to the Ribble Valley to witness the Grade II Ribblehead Viaduct snaking its way across the heather-dusted moors. 

The final chapter of today’s adventure sees us entering the legendary Lake District. Marvel at the verdant scenery as we glide effortlessly down twisting country lanes towards our hotel. Tonight, we’ll settle in for a delicious group dinner with a lovely view of Lake Windermere – England's largest lake. 

Rugged mountain fells, tarns that sparkle in the sun and forests that hum with birdsong...it's no surprise that this spectacular region has been a muse for so many literary geniuses over the centuries!  

With that in mind, it’s only fitting to start our day at Hill Top – the idyllic former holiday home of Beatrix Potter. Feel your inner child squeal with delight in the flower-filled gardens where miniature scenes from some of her most famous books nestle amongst the greenery. You can even flick through a few books (or buy some as souvenirs) in the house’s second-hand book nook. 

More inspiring vistas await us this afternoon as we explore the heart of the Lake District – allowing your Tour Leader to personalise the route with their most beloved stops. Finally, we’ll end the day soaring across Windermere on a tranquil boat cruise. Soak up the serenity of the region as dusk settles over the soaring peaks, casting fantastical shadows on the water. Is this “the loveliest spot that man hath found” as William Wordsworth wrote? We certainly think so.

We’ll hit the road early this morning – heading north through Northumbria towards bonnie Scotland. Before we cross the border though, it’s time to hunt for treasure in The Bowes Museum. This palatial art gallery sits on the fringes of Barnard Castle and its halls are stuffed with an eclectic collection of priceless art and antiques. And its crowning glory? A life-size silver clockwork swan that you won't believe dates to the 18th century! 

As we creep ever closer to Scotland, we’ll stumble across one of the most northerly frontiers of the mighty Roman empire: Hadrian’s Wall. Hop off the minicoach at Lanercost Priory to explore a duo of historical architectural gems, unearthing stories of old as you wander between eerie yet beautiful ruins dating back as far as the 2nd century.  

Then, one last group dinner awaits at our hotel in the rugged Scottish Borders. On tonight’s menu? A traditional Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties, of course! Before you tuck in, your ears will be treated to the moving notes of the bagpipes – a fitting end to our very British romp. 

We’ve got two more highlights in store for you before we round off our tour in the history-rich Scottish capital. First up is an artistic masterpiece in the form of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Situated within its own dedicated visitors centre near the Borders, this immense tapestry (that's made up of a whopping 160 linen panels) is one of the world’s largest community art projects. Countless tales from ancient times to the present day have been adorned upon it – making it a true saga of Scottish history.

With our creative juices flowing, we’ll move onto the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel. The eagle eyed among you might recognise it from the Da Vinci Code (both the novel and the film). We’ll inspect its intricately carved interiors, whose mysterious patterns and symbols have long baffled historians, before we board our luxury minicoach one last time.

Edinburgh might be this tour’s final stop – but your journey isn't over yet. Guests on Highlights of Britain tour will head home today, while you get to enjoy some free time in the city before beginning the 10-day Scottish Journey tour tomorrow evening.    

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. Orange glows from low-lit lamps that dot centuries-old houses, leading the path to a stoned castle on top of the hill. Paths smudged with long forgotten footsteps eager to tell their tale. And an array of locally owned stores that have stood the test of time. Edinburgh is an engrossing city to explore at your leisure today, ahead of meeting your new group and Tour Leader for the 10-day Scottish Journey tour. In the evening it's time to clink glasses and share stories as we tuck into a welcome meal with soon-to-be friends.  

This morning we’ll wind northwards, passing through the quaint villages of East Neuk until we reach St Andrews – the city where young royalty meets golf heritage.

There, we’ll have free time to explore. Seek the University of St Andrews, where a certain love story began. Polish off your golf facts with a venture around the British Golf Museum – home to a colourful history that spans centuries. Or travel back in time to when St Andrews housed the largest cathedral in all of Scotland, its ruins evoking a sense of age-old nostalgia. As we head northwards to our hotel in the Highlands, bask in the ever-changing scenery filled with rugged glens and dramatic hills.      

That fresh Highland air filling your lungs – there's no feeling like it! We’ll begin our day with a visit to one of the treasures Scotland is famed for... castles. Prominent and majestic in stature, these holders of history reign over the land like the kings and queens who once lived within their walls. With a bounty of castles in the area, you might be wondering which stronghold we’ll explore... We’ll give the honour of divulging to your local Tour Leader.  

Following our stroll into the past, a journey through nature is next! Something to be aware of? The weather – as varied as it is in bonnie Scotland – will dictate the atmosphere you experience. Low cloud over mulls and glens promises an ethereal feeling that raises the hairs on the back of your neck – as though a Gaelic witch is brewing a storm, whilst clear blue skies promise vast scenery. Our minds filled with lush landscapes and local tales shared by our Tour Leader, we’ll return to our hotel.  

Wake up and breathe in your morning coffee – we have another day of embracing all Scotland has to offer! First: buckle up in the minicoach and watch a cacophony of green forest trees, imposing mountains and shimmering waters flit by from the comfort of your seat as we travel towards the Highlands’ capital: Inverness.  

Before we cross into city lines, let’s take a moment for the Highland Folk Museum. It’s Britain’s first open-air museum buzzing with direct insight into the past. For guests who have a passion for all things film and TV, this was a location used for Outlander!  

Onwards to Inverness. Settle in for dinner with your newfound travel companions as a local bagpiper welcomes you to this evening’s meal, playing traditional notes in a melody that will stir the soul.  

Nestled in the heart of the Highlands – where the lingering breath of the Loch Ness monster reaches its streets – Inverness is ours for the taking. During our walking tour with a local guide, we’ll stroll along the cobbled streets of Old Town, glance towards the towering structure of Inverness Castle, and listen to ancient tales of the city (you can almost hear the Scottish war drums!).

Later, secrets will be spilled as we experience a whisky tasting at Malt Rooms, a business created by two locals and their love of traditional beverages. More diverse than your usual distillery which proudly houses a signature label, the Malt Rooms is home to a vast array of Scottish whiskies. So, ask yourself... will you prefer a smoked flavour that goes down a treat? Or will it be a sweet, fruity nectar that lifts your spirits? Bellies warmed; the rest of the day is yours to roam the city as you please – perhaps that includes a spot of haggis!  

Wave a fond “mar sin leat” (farewell in Scottish Gaelic) to the spirited city of Inverness – our next stop is just a short drive away, and it’s laden with the ghosts of a bloody battle from 1796. Embrace the gooseflesh along your arms as you hear tales of the Jacobite Rising’s final, tragic end at Culloden Battlefield. From harrowing history to magical mythology – keep your eyes peeled for Scotland’s favourite monster in the calming waters of Loch Ness. Any slight ripple could be her shyly welcoming you to her home!    

Back onto the minicoach for our next stop: Plockton! Or, as it’s lovingly known as to the locals – “The Jewel of the Highlands”. Seek fresh, rose-coloured tulips growing in bunches. Cast your eyes over quaint homes that seem to have tumbled out of an old fairytale. Follow the mountain line under a cloud-filled (or clear blue!) sky.  

Our journey takes us to our home for the next two nights – the Isle of Skye – where we’ll stay at a family-owned hotel surrounded by fragrant gardens. But first, a group dinner with decadent food awaits our arrival!  

Do you know the origins of the word ‘Skye’? It’s derived from Old Norse ‘skuy’ meaning ‘cloud island’. That may be an indicator of today’s weather – but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the isle’s mythic charm. Today’s journey begins in Portree – a quaint fishing village, and Skye’s capital. Dotted along the harbour is a line of pastel-coloured buildings bright enough to tussle with any cloudy day. Stroll beside calm waters, breathe in that fresh Scottish air and pick up a spot of lunch (including Scottish favourite Irn-Bru!) ready to eat during our travels later.  

Then, we’ll immerse ourselves in the gentle hum of mountains, lochs and castles as golden eagles circle in the sky and wild dolphins jump in the sea. A taste of the sights we’ll see today? The Old Man of Storr – famed for hiking and views, Kilt Rock – a cascading waterfall with plunging depths, and Quiraing – a walking route that takes you to the skies. This evening, enjoy dinner at your own leisure – we suggest embracing the island life with a plate (or two!) of fresh seafood. 

From one island to another, our adventure continues. Let’s dive into the origins of Scottish Gaelic a little, giving you some food for thought as we pass through lochs, glens and Munros (mountains to us!). Irish settlers, known as Scoti, brought the language with them during the fourth or fifth century. From then, the language travelled through the land like a rush of water until the 16th century when it began to decline due to the immergence of English. Some words are preserved and many pockets of the population hope to revive Gaelic culture today.  

After a lunch stop in Mallaig (try to find some shortcakes to fill that spot!), our Tour Leader will share more stories and historic anecdotes alongside folklore and fairytales about the enchanted setting we find ourselves in until we settle in our new home for the next two nights: Mull.  

Do you believe in fairies? How about mermaids, seal people and sea monsters? Today’s stop, the Isle of Iona is a bewitched island, filled with magic, mischief and mystery. During our meander across Iona, we’ll visit Iona Abbey. Being the oldest Catholic church in the UK (and one of the oldest in Western civilisation), this sacred site holds an unearthly amount of history within its stone walls. If you wander to the edge of the land, you can look out onto the glistening waters and imagine the legends of the deep.

Upon our return to Mull, we’ll toast to our Scottish journey and the friendships made with a final dinner together on the Scottish Journey tour. 

One final adventure for the road? Before we head back to the point where our tale began, we’ll briefly stop in Oban for some free time after we arrive at the mainland. The seafood capital of Scotland boasts a bustling port, crashing waves that rival the anger of the old gods, and all the colours of the rainbow dotted along the harbour.  

Our second-to-last stop takes us to Stirling where its magnificent hilltop castle will raise the hairs on the back of your necks as it presides over the city and all who wander there. Once we’re inside its gleaming walls adorned with immaculately painted crests, we’ll soak up sweeping views and wonder what whispers haunt the rooms. Our final journey aboard the minicoach is now upon us, so settle in, swap your favourite memories, and follow the back roads to Edinburgh with a heart full of Scottish stories.