Enchanted Lands: England and Scotland
September 19 - October 3, 2010
14 Days and 13 Nights!
Space for this fantastic tour is limited to 16 travelers!
This tour has it all - it combines the best of southern and northern England plus Scotland! This carefully designed British tour offers an exceptional opportunity to experience some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. This journey offers a unique view of Great Britain not seen by most tourists. Spectacular scenery and fascinating history and lore will be appealing to everyone. Those pre-conceived notions of how England and Scotland are supposed to look will be happily fulfilled. For this unique tour overnight accommodations will be in a combination of small hotels and charming Bed and Breakfast inns. “B&B's”, as they are called, offer unique ways to experience the true flavor of Britain, and provide the comfort of hotels but with a much more personal touch.
ITINERARY
September 19 - Sunday (Day 1)
PLEASE NOTE: This tour originates in London and ends in London. Please make flight arrangements or tour extension plans accordingly. Arrange flights to arrive at Heathrow no later than 12:00 PM on September 20th.
Guests depart on flights to London Heathrow (not included). Guests are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Your Man in Europe will assist with transportation information, but flight bookings are the responsibility of tour participants. There is available transportation between London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, but adequate time must be allowed for the transfer if arrival will be at Gatwick.
September 20 - Monday (Day 2)
Our tour group will rendezvous at the Heathrow Terminal 1 International Arrivals area at 12 Noon.Your Man in Europe will notify all guests of the meeting point at Heathrow Airport and/or meet everyone at the International Arrivals gate in the appropriate terminal upon arrival. Once we know everyone’s arrival schedule we will set our meeting time to allow for the most convenient departure time from Heathrow. We will be sure to let all our guests know in plenty of time. For those arriving into a different airport, and for those already in London, Your Man in Europe will be pleased to assist in coordinating the meeting plans.
 After our group assembles we’re off on an exciting journey by private van. We will be stopping along the way for a picnic lunch. Then it’s on to one of England’s most picturesque villages: Lacock. We’ll feel right at home in our cozy bed and breakfast inns right in the heart of the town. It will be a treat to explore the little fairytale village in the afternoon.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a casual stroll down our street to enjoy a fabulous dinner together in one of the most enchanting (and renowned) restaurants in all of Britain.
September 21 – Tuesday (Day 3)
After a sumptuous breakfast we will visit the nearby Lacock Abbey and grounds. This historic abbey on the nearby River Avon has an incredible history to match its gorgeous setting. After our tour of the abbey grounds, cloisters, and museum we’ll stroll back into the village for a unique meal: a real English Cream Tea in a beautiful garden – an experience you’ll never forget!
Afterward, we go on another private van tour – this time to some of the most fascinating and mysterious places on earth, beginning with the enigmatic village of Avebury. There we’ll explore the huge stone circle that surrounds the village. We will also have time to examine the mysteries of nearby Sil
bury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow (where Barrow-Wights lurk!).
We conclude a very full day by returning to our charming B&B. In the evening there will be free time to have dinner on your own and just soak in the ambiance of this most delightful English village.
September 22 – Wednesday (Day 4)
After another wonderful home-cooked breakfast or van tour takes us the short distance to Bath.
This captivating small city traces its origins back to the Romans, who were drawn to the place by its healthful hot springs. We’ll enjoy a leisurely morning taking in the sights of the charming place. Lunch will be on your own at one of the many inviting small restaurants dotting the city.
 Then we’re off to the world-famous Stonehenge. No visit to this area of England would be complete without a chance to get an up-close look at one of history’s greatest mysteries. This ancient monument has baffled historians for centuries, and is one of the most magical places on earth. We’ll return to Lacock in time for everyone to have dinner on your own at your leisure.
September 23 – Thursday (Day 5)
We won’t want to leave Lacock, but right after breakfast we begin our journey – first by private van, and then by train – to England’s most amazing city: York. We’ll enjoy a lunch onboard our train on the way to York. Our home-away-from-home in York will be a charming hotel inside the city’s breathtaking ancient medieval wall. After settling in we’ll have a walking tour to orient everyone to the charms of Olde York, which fulfills the image of “how England is supposed to look.” This is the home of the magnificent York Minster, one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals.
Our hotel is right in the center of the ancient town, and enjoys a breathtaking view. We’ll have a lovely dinner together, and then experience a real treat. York is renowned for its many ghosts; so what better place for us to embark on a thrilling ghost walk before going to bed and pulling the covers over our heads!
September 24 – Friday (Day 6)
 After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a tour of the magnificent York Minster. History abounds in this glorious cathedral, among the very finest in all of Europe. We’ll enjoy lunch together in a very special little place in the heart of the old town. After lunch everyone will have free time to explore, shop, or just relax at the hotel. Enjoy a wide range of attractions available – from walking atop the medieval city wall to visiting the Jorvic Museum of Viking culture. Check out The National Railway Museum, or just stroll along the atmospheric streets of this most captivating city. Keep an eye out to spot the perfect restaurant to enjoy a leisurely dinner on your own.
September 25 – Saturday (Day 7)
After an early breakfast we head for the train station for our next rail adventure: our journey to the famed Scottish Highlands, and the picturesque village of Fort William. Once in the Highlands the train ride is regarded as one of the finest rail journeys in the world! We’ll enjoy a fun “train picnic” as we roll along.
Within easy view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, we disembark for our stay in Braveheart Country. Our Highland home will be an absolutely enchanting B&B overlooking the breathtaking Loch Linnhe.
Shortly after check-in we’re off to nearby Glencoe. This place is beyond picturesque! And its history is the stuff of legends. We’ll finish the day there where everyone can order dinner on your own at a cozy hidden away inn for our first night in the Highlands.
September 26 – Sunday (Day 8)
 We’ll get an early start today as we set out to the world-famous Loch Ness! We'll be doing some "monster hunting", and we'll visit The Loch Ness Discovery Centre, with its fascinating multi-media presentation on the mysteries of the world's most famous lake. And, as they say on TV, "That's not all!" From the Discovery Centre we’ll embark on a private Loch Ness expedition by boat in search of "Nessie”, the Loch Ness Monster (the original “monster in the lake”). Our expedition will take us through the Great Glen on a boat fitted with the most sophisticated “monster hunting” devices, including “deepscan” sonar and underwater webcams. During our voyage our boat Captain, a real Loch Ness researcher, will tell us all about the most recent sightings of the famous creature – and, who knows? Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of Nessie ourselves! Our boat trip on the loch takes us to the world-famous Urquhart Castle for some great photo angles from the water-side. Enjoy lunch on your own at the centre's handy restaurant or at a charming pub nearby.
On returning to Fort William in the afternoon we'll continue our exploration of the Highlands of Scotland. We'll visit Loch Shiel and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in its breathtaking setting alongside the stunningly beautiful loch. We'll have a very special Eagle- Watch Cruise on the loch. Afterward we’ll enjoy a real Scottish Highlands dinner together at one of the most atmospheric inns imaginable before returning to Fort William
September 27 – Monday (Day 9)
 After breakfast, we begin another amazing adventure. Today we'll ride The Jacobite, a world-famous steam train like no other you’ve ever seen. Steaming along through the rugged mountains, we'll ride over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and on to the rugged seacoast village of Mallaig. This breathtaking route is rated as another of the greatest rail journeys in the world!
In Mallaig there will be a break in the trip to explore this quaint fishing village and enjoy lunch on your own – maybe some fresh Fish ‘n Chips within view of the Isle of Skye.
After returning to Fort William we’ll have some time to visit the village center and have our Farewell to the Highlands dinner together at a charming loch-side restaurant before returning to our comfy B&B.
September 28 – Tuesday (Day 10)
After an early breakfast we’ll have a last bit of free time in Fort William before boarding our train to Edinburgh, Scotland! In Edinburgh our wonderful hotel is perfectly located right in the center of the old city – the best of all possible locations!
Once everyone in checked in at the hotel we’ll take off on a walking tour to orient everyone to what is truly one of the world’s most remarkable cities.
After seeing some sights and hearing some tales its on to our welcome dinner in a real Scottish restaurant. Then After dinner, for those who are strong of heart, we’ll have an optional ghost walk into one of the scariest places in the world: deep in the underground Vaults of Edinburgh. If we emerge safely, we’ll scurry back to our comfy hotel, and hide under the covers.
For those who would prefer some Scottish folk or popular music there are plenty of venues in easy reach of our wonderful hotel. Kick back in a Scottish pub with a pint, and just soak in the atmosphere.
September 29 - Wednesday (Day 11)
 What a day this will be! After our first hearty Scottish breakfast we’re off to tour the splendid Edinburgh Castle. This iconic castle is said to have inspired authors, poets, and artists. Among other fabled literary sites it was the basis for Minas Tirith in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Dracula’s Castle, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This will be an experience you will never forget!
After a luncheon together at a remarkable restaurant near the castle we’re off for another activity you won’t believe: an up-close and personal encounter with owls! You will get to visit another historic castle, and handle and learn about flying different kinds of owls. Everyone will have the opportunity to fly several owls.
In the evening we’ll return to Edinburgh for a later dinner on our own at one of the many restaurants along the Royal Mile within easy walking distance of our hotel. This will be a great opportunity to take in the spirit of “Olde Edinburra”.
September 30 – Thursday (Day 12)
After breakfast we’re off on yet another great rail journey – this time to one of the favorite places on the whole tour: Alnwick Castle in Alnwick, England. The absolutely breathtaking Alnwick Castle and village alone are worth a trip to the British Isles! We’ll have a fun town tour and a double-decker bus ride. Lunch will be on your own at either the castle’s excellent snack bar or restaurant.
The castle is also the location of one of Britain’s most spectacular gardens. Experience walking through a truly unforgettable English garden – more of an extravaganza, really!
After our return to Edinburgh by train there will be a bit more free time to explore and maybe catch up on shopping on The Royal Mile. There are awesome gifts there for everyone back home. The only question is "how can I carry it all back?" Fortunately most of the shops can arrange shipping for you!
Later we’ll meet to have our Farewell to Scotland dinner in a delightful restaurant near our hotel before turning in for the night.
October 1 – Friday (Day 13)
After one last Scottish breakfast, we board our train back to Jolly Olde London. Lunch will be a leisurely onboard treat and we take in the scenery from our train windows.
In the early afternoon we arrive in the city to check into our wonderfully located hotel in a quiet area of this most cosmopolitan city. There will be plenty of time to rest and freshen up before going out to dinner together in a truly unique restaurant.
October 2 – Saturday (Day 14)
After a full English breakfast we’re off to enjoy the delights of London. We’ll have a whirlwind day seeing the “not to be missed sights”, including Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster, and the Tower of London. For lunch on your own we’ll make our way to a historic London pub where everyone can order from the menu.
 In the evening we’ll have our farewell dinner: a pre-theatre dinner, followed by a fantastic London play in the West end. After all that, we’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep!
October 3 – Sunday (Day 15)
After breakfast private transportation will be provided to get to Heathrow Airport for departures to the USA. Guests are encouraged to book flights departing London Heathrow in the late morning or early afternoon if possible. Guests may also opt for extending their London visit before returning home.
This limited private tour will fill quickly. Don’t miss out!
- Reservations and deposits for all tours must be received by August 10, 2010
- Prices for the Enchanted Lands – England & Scotland, September 19 – October 3, 2010:
Cost: $3595.00
NOTE: The MAXIMUM for this small group tour is 16 persons, and the MINIMUM is 8 All prices are based on double occupancy.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The additional cost for single occupancy accommodations will be $495. We are pleased to work with guests to avoid this charge through the “roommate plan”. As guests sign up for tours we will keep single travelers advised on possible room sharing options. Single guests will have the opportunity to contact each other in advance to see if they would be comfortable sharing twin or triple accommodations during the tour. The extra charge is payable if such arrangements do not work out, or if the guest prefers private rooms.
TOUR INCLUDES: All twelve (12) breakfasts throughout, nine (9) lunches and Eight (8) dinners; all ground transportation including airport transfers and First Class rail travel (where available), thirteen (13) nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected hotels & B&Bs, admissions to all attractions described as included in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Magical Tours/Your Man in Europe.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to, and returning from Great Britain, optional travel insurance, extra beverages (meals will include 1 beverage and will be budgeted accordingly); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities. Room upgrades, where available, are also not included. NOTE: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad, coach, and mini-bus travel will be NON-SMOKING.
ITINERARY CHANGES: Guests are advised that the tour itineraries are subject to minor revisions both prior to and during the tours. Normally such changes involve slight alterations in the order of activities, rather than significant changes such as canceling a planned tour item. From time to time additional events are added to the schedule; but if circumstances require leaving out a planned activity guests will be advised as early as possible, and a different event of equal or superior value would be introduced as a substitute. Our tour parties are small enough to make possible quick shifts in the plans to adjust for unanticipated conditions, such as bad weather or transportation interruptions beyond our control.
THE DIFFERENCE: Magical Tours does not operate “Big Bus Tours”. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses, or marathon cross-country slogs with a busload of exhausted people. For all long-distance travel we use the comfortable and efficient British Rail system; and for short distance local touring we use private mini-buses or vans. Our guests will travel at a relaxed pace, and have friendly, extremely knowledgeable guides for the entire tour – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guides. We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. These are also not just film-location “drop-by” trips. Each of the places visited will come to life through carefully planned presentations. Hotels, bed & breakfast inns, as well as most restaurants on the entire journeys have been selected for their highly prized locations or high levels of “atmosphere”, or both! The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way big groups simply cannot do.
For those who haven’t experienced British rail travel there is simply no contest between long stuffy confining bus journeys and the openness, freedom and comfort of First Class train travel. Our travel adventures are not just more mass tours organized by a big commercial tour company. We want guests to be a real part of it all – not just tourists passing through. We don’t supplement the price during the trips through endless additional charges for “extra” tours and arrangements you must handle on your own.
If you want a complete, personalized, worry-free escorted tour of the best of England and Scotland – a magical journey – you’ve found the source!
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