Independent Rail Tour of Britain: England & Scotland
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 – Depart London to Liverpool
After activating your rail pass, begin your journey from London Euston station to Liverpool Lime Street. Check-in to your 4 star city centre hotel, then begin to explore this exciting and vibrant city. Take a stroll to the historic Royal Albert Dock to enjoy views of the iconic Mersey River and The Wirral. A must see is the Maritime Museum with it’s Titanic Exhibition or visit Tate Liverpool Art Gallery & Museum both located in the World Heritage waterfront dock. Your accommodation for the next three nights is at the Beatles inspired city centre hotel.
Overnight: Liverpool city centre hotel
Inclusions: Rail pass
Rail travel: 4 hrs
Liverpool
DAY 2 – Liverpool
Spend the morning visiting The Beatles Story, an immersive journey on how four lads from Liverpool became The Fab Four. Be sure to stop by the Beatles-themed cafe at the end of the exhibition. Spend the afternoon exploring more of this mighty city on a Mersey River Explorer cruise.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: The Beatles Story, Mersey River Ferry
Overnight: Liverpool
DAY 3 – Day tour from Liverpool
Today provides the opportunity to explore more of the beauty which Britain has to offer. Depending on the departure day, take a full day escorted tour to North Wales with visits to Llandudno, Conwy, Snowdonia along with many more stunning sights which are sure to impress. On alternate days, tours run to the Lakes District with breathtaking scenery, history and famous characters.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Fully escorted day tour
Overnight: Liverpool
Snowdonia, Wales
DAY 4 – Liverpool to York
Your journey today takes you to the ancient city of York with it’s imposing Roman Walls, majestic Cathedral and centuries of history. Stroll the famous Shambles and Snickleways to see some of the best-preserved medieval shopping alleys in the world. Quaint tea rooms, antique dealers, confectioners and gift shops are all found within Old Town. Why not take a sunset cruise along the River Ouse for a relaxing way to enjoy the sites and learn how the river helped develop the city. Spend three nights in a 4 star city centre hotel.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail Pass
Overnight: York
Rail travel: 2 hrs, 15 mins
York
DAY 5 – York
Take a guided walking tour of York Old Town to see all the key sights, including the Minster, Shambles and the idyllic Museum Gardens. Be transported deep into the medieval maze of alleys to reveal some hidden secrets few visitors get to see. The afternoon is yours to enjoy this small, yet mighty city.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: York Walking Tour
Overnight: York
Shambles, York
DAY 6 – York & surrounds
Today is yours to discover more of beautiful Yorkshire. Optional tours include a full day guided trip to the Yorkshire Dales with stunning rolling hills, spectacular valleys and quaint market towns. Alternatively, tour the Yorkshire Moors with its dramatic landscapes and historic sites. Visit Goathland made famous in the TV series Heartbeat and the traditional seaside town of Whitby which is well known for fish and chips, and Whitby Abbey. If you prefer to go at your own pace, take a train from York to the pretty Victorian spa-town of Harrogate. Enjoy high-tea at the famous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms and the iconic 19th century Pump Room museum. Finish the day with a stop at Knaresborough to see the impressive Victorian viaduct running over the River Nidd. Why not enjoy an ice-cream as you stroll the pretty side streets and interesting architecture of the lovely town.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Overnight: York
Knaresborough
DAY 7 – York to Edinburgh
This morning, take the train north to Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland. Enjoy the spectacular scenery out to the North Sea as the train journeys along the east coast. After checking into your 4 star city centre hotel, take a short walk to the famous Royal Mile for a great selection of pubs, bars and restaurants. You will pass the 12th century St Giles’ Cathedral as you make your way to the mighty fortress of Edinburgh Castle. Take in the spectacular views down to Princes Street and out to Leith. Be sure to try some haggis, neeps and tatties, washed down with a wee dram! Spend the next three nights in Edinburgh.
Meals: Full English Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail pass
Overnight: Edinburgh
Rail travel: 2 hrs, 30 mins
St Giles’ Cathedral
DAY 8 – Edinburgh
After breakfast, validate your sightseeing pass and spend the day discovering the best of Edinburgh. Three city tours are included with your pass which provides 24 hours of unlimited travel. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile, the Georgian New Town, Grassmarket, and the harbour districts of Newhaven and Leith. The evening is yours to find a characterful pub or why not take a ghost tour of the medieval Old Town.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Overnight: Edinburgh
Edinburgh
DAY 9 – Day tour from Edinburgh
Embark on a full day escorted tour to Scotland’s home of golf, St Andrews. Explore the cobbled streets and medieval buildings in the ancient town. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Aberdeenshire’s fishing villages and learn about the bridges across the Firth of Forth. A local guide will ensure you come away knowing the history of this beautiful corner of Scotland. Alternative tours can be offered including a Whisky Tour, Outlander Experience or visits to Scottish Borders and Northumberland.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Fully escorted day tour
Overnight: Edinburgh
St Andrews Golf Course
DAY 10 – Edinburgh to Glasgow
Today, take a short train journey to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Sitting on the banks of the River Clyde, marvel at the striking architecture, numerous museums and galleries plus an array of independent shops. The afternoon is yours to relax. Find a bench in the grand George Square to admire the magnificent City Chambers or stop by the Victorian glasshouse at the Botanical Gardens where afternoon tea can follow at the Tearoom. Settle into your 4 star city centre hotel for a three night stay.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail pass
Overnight: Glasgow
Rail travel: 1 hr
George Square
DAY 11 – Glasgow sightseeing
Glasgow is yours to explore with your 1-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. The double decker, open top bus with full audio guide is a perfect way to discover the city. With 21 stops throughout Glasgow including Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Cathedral & the shopping district. The evening is yours to try one out the many bars and restaurants in the city centre.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Sightseeing bus tour
Overnight: Glasgow
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
DAY 12 – Day tour from Glasgow
After breakfast, join a small group tour taking you on an epic journey to Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and Stirling, and introduces you to the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy. Enjoy an optional cruise across Loch Lomond and end the day with a memorable visit to Stirling, which is home to one of Scotland’s most historically important castles. Alternative day tours available.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Full Day Tour
Overnight: Glasgow
Loch Lomond
DAY 13 – Your tour ends today
After breakfast, your rail pass provides another full day of travel which can take you back to London or an alternative city. Our agency can assist with post-tour accommodation and onward travel bookings.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail pass
Proposed accommodation in 4 star hotels located less than 10 minutes walk from arrival/departure railway station.