England and Scotland: Historical Cities

Brace yourself for the quintessential sights, sounds and flavors of the London Bridge area on this guided food tour. After a light breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide at a designated spot. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic excursion, as you navigate local markets and popular old pubs for a taste of London. Start off with the classic English breakfast of bacon and egg bap at the Borough Market, with its distinctive character and history. Try a traditional fish and chips platter next, arguably the most popular British dish, and sample a freshly baked roll with traditional Cumberland sausages. Explore the bustling old marketplace, soak up the area’s history and walk up to Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, the Shard, and Southwark Cathedral. Discover a traditional pub in the old neighborhood, and sit back to enjoy a select platter of English cheese with fruit, crackers and chutney, washed down with a tankard of traditional English cider (Half Day; Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 3–3.5 hrs; Times: 11:00 or 3:00; Shared Activity; Transfer not Included; Meals included: Street food, pub fare, cider & tea. Fitness level: Moderate; Please inform of any special dietary needs before tour, and wear comfortable walking shoes).

Take a peaceful 1 hour drive to visit Avebury henge, a lesser-known ancient monument featuring Britain's largest stone circles from the Neolithic age. Explore the concentric stone circles amid the village's farmlands, frequented by grazing sheep. See earth mounds with white horse artwork, before exiting past Silbury Hill. Continuing through the sleepy English countryside, arrive at Lacock, a charming 13th century village protected by the National Trust. Admire the half-timbered houses fringed by geranium blooms, and streets sans electric poles. Step inside the medieval Lacock Abbey, popularized by the Harry Potter's films as the setting for the movie’s classrooms, corridors, and houses. Learn about the abbey's former resident Henry Fox Tablot, renowned as a pioneer of photography. Browse the adjoining museum that showcases the world's first negative image, among other artifacts. Drop by the National Trust tea room for afternoon tea and cream scones. Finally, driving through the Cotswolds, enjoy the quintessential English village of Castle Combe, considered the prettiest in the country! (Full Day; Duration: 8hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate)

Experience a short, leisurely river boat ride down the charming Cherwell River with a professional punter. Come abroad your flat-bottomed boat at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, which stands next to Magdalen College Tower, across the road from Oxford’s Botanic Gardens. If you wish, you could also make a day of it on the river, returning half an hour before sunset. Glide past some of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including the Botanic Gardens and Magdalen College school fields. Row past the Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll once taught students and wrote his two great masterpieces – Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Continue traveling past the lovely gardens of St Hilda’s College before returning to the boathouse. If you wish, you could also continue rowing down towards the “Isis”, what they call the Thames in Oxford, and enjoy cruising along this beautiful riverscape. (Duration: 30 mins; Private Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Easy)

Zip through the historical streets of Edinburgh in a classic Mini Cooper, accompanied by Rowan or Andy Mackie, both well-known tour guides. Head to Holyrood Park, which is home to the Scottish Parliament Building. Drive into the heart of the city, while admiring views of Edinburgh Castle that is perched atop an extinct volcano. Cruise through the picturesque Grassmarket area, nestled in Edinburgh’s old town, a haven for local designers and artisans. Listen to the history of Grassmarket, where public executions used to take place, as narrated by your guide. Check out Scotland’s oldest pub before driving to Calton Hill. It is one of the first public parks in Britain and offers panoramic city views. Next, head to the serene residential area of Dean Village that lies along the Water of Leith. Finally, dine on hearty pub classics paired with ale, whiskey and craft beers. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: light lunch or dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)