LEISURELY UNITED KINGDOM

Upon your arrival in London, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to receive you and transfer you comfortably and quickly to the hotel.

The rest of the day will be free to relax and begin to enjoy this city at your own pace.

The City of London is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. It has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Roman era. It has witnessed significant historical events and is home to a wealth of landmarks and iconic places such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey.

From the neo-gothic grandeur of the UK Parliament to the sleek lines of the skyscraper, The Shard, and the vast green spaces like Hyde Park, London offers a diverse cultural, artistic, and culinary scene catering to all tastes

Greca Tip: Remember to visit one of their wonderful pubs before the bell rings, signaling the end of alcohol consumption hours.

After a tasty breakfast, you will have a locally guided tour featuring style, cul­ture, and history. You will see the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, the Tower of Lon­don, and Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the famous “Changing of the Guard” (depending on the season).

The afternoon will be free to enjoy at your leisure.

London is a captivating and diverse city, steeped in history, culture, and an incredible blend of tradition and modernity, you can take a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, with a lively atmosphere, theatres, and entertainment.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to go to Picadilly Circus at night to enjoy one of the most popular London destinations.

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast, after which you will have the entire day free to enjoy London at your own pace.

This is an excellent opportunity to visit some of the city’s iconic museums, such as the British Museum, with its impressive collection of antiquities; the Natural History Museum, famous for its towering dinosaur skeleton; or the National Gallery, where you can admire works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt.

If you prefer the outdoors, you may stroll through Kensington Gardens, home to Kensington Palace, the former residence of Princess Diana, or wander through Hyde Park, one of the city’s great green lungs. You can also explore Camden Town Market, a vibrant and alternative spot filled with vintage shops, international cuisine, and live music.

For shopping enthusiasts, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden offer everything from exclusive brand stores to boutiques with unique products.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the city’s history, you can visit the impressive Tower of London, where the legendary Crown Jewels are kept, or cross the famous Tower Bridge for a spectacular view of the River Thames.

In the evening, you may enjoy a show in the West End, London’s equivalent of Broadway, featuring renowned productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, or The Lion King.

Greca Tip: If you wish to admire London from above, a great option is to ride the London Eye, the world’s most famous Ferris wheel, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the city.

You will start the day with an entire breakfast before leaving London towards northern England.

The first stop is Cambridge to admire its beautiful residential colleges. The city is most famous as the home of the University of Cambridge, which was founded in 1209 and consistently ranks among the best universities in the world.

Cambridge was not always a university city, it became an important trading center during the Roman and Viking ages, and there is archaeological evidence of settlement in the area as early as the Bronze Age. The first town charters were granted in the 12th century, although modern city.

After lunch, you will continue to York where its cathedral, Roman walls, and lively shopping streets will create a charming memory. Here you will have some free time to stroll around.

Afterward, you will continue north to Durham where you can explore this charming medieval town full of life. It has a wonderful cathedral right in front of the castle.

Greca Tip: In York, you can visit Clifford’s Tower, a magnificent large stone tower overlooking the spectacular city of York. Once part of York Castle, this one-thousand-year-old four-lobed monument was used to house a gaol, a mint, law courts, and a site of royal power.

Today after breakfast you will travel to Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, a picturesque town with lovely gardens and a large medieval castle, used in the Harry Potter films.

You will continue to Edinburgh, arriving at midday. This is Scotland’s capital city and one of the most active cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks.

Once there, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Edinburgh is a city rich in history and culture, blending a fascinating tapestry of ancient traditions with modern influences

Greca Tip: J. K. Rowling wrote some fragments of Harry Potter in an Edinburgh café (The Elephant) and took inspiration from the landscape for her characters and locations.

After a delightful breakfast, you will have the day off to continue exploring this magnificent city.

Edinburgh is brimming with history, and you will be able to observe it in every corner.

The earliest known settlements in the area of Edinburgh date back to Roman times. Metal objects and ceramics from the late 1st century have been found.

In the Middle Ages, Edinburgh started as a small fort that the English captured in the 7th century, giving it the name Eiden's Burgh (burgh meaning fort). It wasn't until the 10th century that the Scots reclaimed this area of Scotland.

By the late 12th century, Malcolm III had built the castle on Castle Rock, and a small village began to flourish around it.

Today, Edinburgh is the second-most visited city in the United Kingdom after London, and that is due to the charm of its streets and buildings, many of them in medieval style, which give the city a special magic.

Greca Tip: Strolling along the Royal Mile, you will come across dozens of narrow alleyways known as "closes." These are narrow lanes filled with stories that often lead to a courtyard known as a "court."

After breakfast, you will depart from Edinburgh, making your first stop to photograph The Kelpies, enormous sculptures of horses' heads from Scottish mythology. These figures symbolize the strength and beauty of horses, as well as their connection to water and land. You will have a brief moment to admire and photograph them.

Next, you will head to Stirling, famous for its impressive historic center dominated by Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scotland. This castle has witnessed numerous historical events, including legendary battles and the coronation of several kings. Admission to the castle is included.

You will continue your journey north, stopping in Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of the Scottish region known for whisky production. You will have free time to enjoy lunch and stroll through its charming streets.

Afterward, you will visit Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history against British forces, which ended in a decisive English victory. The battle had profound consequences for Scotland, leading to laws and policies aimed at suppressing its culture and traditions.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Inverness, known as the "Capital of the Highlands," where its castle stands out. We suggest taking a stroll along the banks of the River Ness and crossing the iconic suspension bridge.

Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight hours, the stop at Culloden may take place on Monday.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, as Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable.

After a tasty breakfast, you will have a day full of excitement as you travel along the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs, and plains of northern Scotland.

You will visit the fascinating Eilean Donan Castle probably the most photographed fortress in the entire country (entrance included).

Next, you will travel to Fort Augustus where you will visit the sluice gate system. There will be time to have lunch and a stroll.

In the afternoon, you will then travel to Loch Ness and go on a boat tour of the lake’s dark and mysterious waters.

Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands known for the mythical creature supposedly residing in its depths, famously called the Loch Ness Monster or "Nessie." The loch itself is striking, surrounded by scenic landscapes and historic sites. It's one of Scotland's most famous attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who hope to catch a glimpse of the legendary creature.

Beyond the legend, Loch Ness offers more than just the search for Nessie. Its serene beauty, with misty hills and forests around its shores, makes it a popular spot for various outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and wildlife watching. Nearby, you'll find the ruins of Urquhart Castle, providing a glimpse into Scotland's history and offering stunning views of the loch.

After that, you will visit the medieval castle of Urquhart (entrance included). The castle's ruins stand as a powerful symbol of Scotland's medieval history and have witnessed centuries of conflicts and power struggles.

In the afternoon we will be back in Inverness, and we will visit a traditional whiskey distillery to learn about te process behind Scotland's national drink (admission and tasting included)

Greca Tip: You will find out why Inverness is officially Scoltand's Happiest City and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster if you're lucky!

After breakfast, you’ll head towards Glasgow. You’ll make a brief stop at Spean Bridge to visit a monument commemorating the Second World War. Later, you’ll stop in Fort William, a tourist center at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Passing by Kilchurn Castle, you’ll admire its beautiful ruins by a dark lake. Continuing, you’ll reach Inveraray, a picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne, with its large castle and quiet streets. There will be free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel along the shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow in the evening, where you’ll have time to explore the center of this lively city.

Greca Tip: Did you know the raincoat was invented in Scotland by Charles Macintosh, born in Glasgow?

After breakfast, you will leave Glasgow heading towards southern Scotland. You will board a ferry in Cairnryan.

The journey will take you towards Northern Ireland, arriving in Belfast, the capital city. This monumental city is overcoming its religious conflicts.

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, with a history deeply rooted in industry, culture, and turbulent political events. Your last stop will be Dublin, arriving at the end of the day. 

Dublin is the capital and the largest city of Ireland. It is located on the eastern coast. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. The city offers a mix of historic landmarks, lively pubs, and beautiful parks.

Greca Tip: The RMS Titanic, one of the most famous ships in history, was built in Belfast's Harland and Wolff shipyard. The tragic ocean liner, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, was constructed in Belfast between 1909 and 1911.

You will start the day with a great breakfast and continue with a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the peaceful capital city of Ireland.

You will enjoy a stroll on the banks of River Liffey, visiting its parks, old university, and its lively downtown streets, and will admire the exterior of Trinity College. Depending on the duration of sunlight, this visit may take place the afternoon before, upon arrival in Dublin. 

After the panoramic tour, the afternoon will be yours to explore at your leisure.

Dublin is a literary city, home to famous writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. The city houses the National Library and the Dublin Writer's Museum

Greca Tip: Dublin has one of the oldest continuously operating train stations in the world. The Pearse Street train station (previously known as Westland Row Station) has been in operation since 1834.

After breakfast, you will head to Dublin's port and board the ferry to cross the Irish Sea to Wales.

Once in Wales, you will make your way to the coastal town of Caernarfon, where Caernarfon Castle is located, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of King Edward I's impressive fortresses, and the most famous castle in Wales.

Since 1283, it played a significant role in the definitive chapter of the conquest of Wales and was built not only as a military stronghold but also as the seat of government and a royal palace.

In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales. You will have free time for lunch and to explore the town before continuing the journey to reach Liverpool, a port city from which millions of immigrants set off for the New World and the birthplace of the famous rock group, "The Beatles."

You will take a short bus ride through the city and you will have the chance to visit The Beatles Story Exhibition (not included).

Greca Tip: After dinner at the hotel, you can visit the legendary Cavern Club, where The Beatles played nearly 300 concerts.

After breakfast, you will head to Stratford-Upon-Avon, a charming town on the banks of the River Avon and the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. You will take a brief panoramic tour and have free time for lunch.

You will continue through the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds county until you reach the university city of Oxford, where you will embark on a short walking tour to admire its magnificent college campuses.

Oxford is a city in the central southern region of England, centered around its prestigious university, established in the 12th century. The architecture of its 38 college campuses in the city's medieval center led poet Matthew Arnold to dub it the "city of dreaming spires."

Furthermore, University College and Magdalen College are located on High Street, which stretches from Carfax Tower (with city views) to the Botanic Garden on the Cherwell River.

From Oxford, you will head towards London where you will be staying.

Greca Tip: Among the most renowned students of the University of Oxford, we can find Bill Gates, economist Adam Smith, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and actor Hugh Grant, among others.

After breakfast and at the agreed time, a transfer will pick you up to drive you to Heathrow Airport to board your departure flight.

Without a doubt, and after spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you soon to forge new and emotional moments that will always remain in your memory.

Greca Tip: If you want to keep on enjoying London you can add more nights in Step 1 from your reservation.