Northern England and Scottish Cities

Prices From: $1074
Days: 8 days

Spend 8 days exploring northern England and Southern Scotland by rail. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Scottish Borders and make stops in the vibrant and historic cities of York, Chester, Stirling, Glasgow and the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

Itinerary

The Tour

Day 1 Chester and Liverpool

Land in Manchester airport and take the airport rail link to Picadilly Station where you can join the mainline to Chester. Spend the day exploring the glorious Roman walls, timber facaded, mock Tudor buildings, grand cathedral and excavated Roman Amphitheatre not to mention quaint boutiques and excellent shopping. A short train ride north is the European Capital of Culture of 2008. Liverpool, inspiration for many of the Beatles hit songs, has a wealth of sites including the Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, the Beatles Story Exhibition as well as 2 cathedrals, the stylish Albert Docks, and the Tate Modern Art Gallery.

Overnight Chester or Liverpool.

Day 2 The Lake District

Travel north today to explore the English Lake District. Arrive in Windermere and check-in to your hotel before exploring the Lakes by local bus. Pass sweeping dales, deep valleys and the tranquil lakes making stops in traditional Cumbrian towns such as Ambleside and Grasmere home to quaint markets, bustling shops and traditional inns. Take long walks, perhaps a boat trip on the lakes and visit attractions at Dove Cottage , Hill Top or Royal Mount to discover why this region inspired artists, poets and authors alike including Turner, Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Day 3 Vibrant Glasgow

On a rail ride that takes you through the scenic Scottish borderlands arrive in Glasgow. In stark contrast to the tranquil Lakes, Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a lively metropolis with a distinct and unique character. Visit the twelfth century Glasgoe Cathedral , the Victorian and Georgian grandeur of George Square, wander along Sauchiehall Street, enjoy the impressive exhibits of the Kelvingrove museum, stroll the banks of the river Clyde to the modern Science Centre and finally relax in the slick bars and eateries of the Merchant City area.

Overnight Glasgow.

Day 4 Stirling and Stirling Castle

A short rail ride from Glasgow and you reach Stirling and home of the sites of some of Braveheart's Battles. Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town up to the stunning Stirling Castle once home to Mary Queen of Scots. A short bus or taxi ride takes you to the national Wallace Monument and where you can climb to the top of the tower perched on a rocky precipice to give you unrivaled views over Stirling, the distant castle and the magical valleys and landscapes of Stirlingshire.

Overnight Stirling.

Day 5 Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

A short train ride and you'll find yourself in Edinburgh. Amble the cobbled streets of the medieval old town and the Townhouses of the Georgian New Town. Enjoy shopping on the world-famous Princes Street and Head up the royal mile to Edinburgh Castle overlooking the bustling city. Visit the "Spirit of the Tattoo" and "Water of Life - Whiskey Experience" exhibitions before climbing to Arthur's seat for unrivaled city views and don't miss out on a visit to the grand Holyrood House and modern Scottish Parliament buildings.

Overnight Edinburgh

Day 6 Historic Durham and York

Pass through the beautiful borderlands once more in to England and the historic university city of Durham where you can stop to view the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Durham Cathedral. Continue south through the Yorkshire Dales to York, once capital of the Roman Empire. Explore the medieval grandeur that still exists today and walk the city walls, watch towers and gates which are still intact around large parts of the city. Make a visit to the National Railway Museum to discover the history of the railways in Britain, see real steam engines from throughout the ages and visit the exhibition of the "Flying Scotsman".

Overnight York

Day 7 York Minster and Manchester

Continue to explore York discover the Viking influence at the Jorvik Centre and wandering the famous Shambles, Britain's oldest shopping street where timber fronted shops tilt and lean over the narrow cobbled lane. York is dominated however by the "must-see" York Minster the stunning Cathedral that can be seen all around and boasts some of the most intricate gothic architecture in the UK. From York return to Manchester and spend the afternoon exploring this bustling city, its world-class shopping and arts museum and finally make a visit to Old Trafford to see the home of one of the world's leading soccer clubs in Manchester United.

Overnight Manchester.