Overseas Adventure Travel - YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
New! Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake
District, the Scottish Highlands & Orkney
Archipelago
2022
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. New! Idyllic
Great Britain: England’s Lake District, the Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago itinerary you’ve expressed
interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be
enjoying standout moments like these:
There’s nothing more idyllic than the English countryside. It’s like stepping into a panoramic postcard of
shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops, and mountainous tarns. You’ll witness this ethereal beauty when you
spend A Day in the Life of a Herdick Sheep farm in England’s Lake District. You’ll be greeted at the village
hall by James, a local spokesperson for the Herdwick farming community, and other farmers within the
community to learn about what life is like farming here in the Lake District. Then, you’ll get a hands-on
experience at the farm, as you help feed and herd the sheep, before sitting down for a farm-fresh meal with
James’ family.
The lands of the United Kingdom are full of endless beauty but are also rife with a storied history that
stretches back millenia. Though culturally unique from England in many ways, Wales has never truly
been its own separate nation. Over the centuries, the relationship between these neighboring nations has
been shaped by the political, economic, and cultural leanings of England. There has been growing support
for Welsh independence with the percentage of people who would vote for separation from the UK at an
all-time high. You’ll hear the arguments for and against this movement during a conversation with two
locals—one Welsh and one English.
The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it.
So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local
people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a
resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.
To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and
stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips.
Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.
So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your New! Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake District, the
Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this
O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call
our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free
Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at
www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.
USA Today “Best Tours”
10Best Readers’ Presented by
Choice Awards Solo Traveler
2
CONTENTS
A Letter from Harriet Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The O.A.T. Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grand Circle Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Leader in Solo Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
IDYLLIC GREAT BRITAIN: ENGLAND’S ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS:
LAKE DISTRICT, THE SCOTTISH HIGH- CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE
LANDS & ORKNEY ARCHIPELAGO Culture of the British Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Your Adventure at a Glance: Language in Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Language in Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
and What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Shopping: What to Buy, Customs,
Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary . . . . . . . . 12 Shipping & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Pre-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Post-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
Dates & Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 United Kingdom in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 80
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 80
England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 50 Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 80
50
No Visas Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . England: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . 52 Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 82
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Scotland: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Northern Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Tipping Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . . 84
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . 59 Northern Ireland: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . 85
59
Optional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 60 86
Facts, Figures & National Holidays . . . . . . . .
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 62 Ireland: A Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Suggested Packing Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Electricity Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
RESOURCES
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . 68
Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Suggested Film & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
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EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE
in the United Kingdom
This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the
culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters
with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized
small group journeys on the road less traveled.
SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
(AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should
The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows
when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are
and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using
exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation
people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a
reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab.
bonds with your travel mates. Personal service
from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS
transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character,
experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic
manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger
THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever
Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and
Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality.
so you will get a true insider’s perspective
that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES
customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world,
we are perfectly poised to leverage our local
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience
Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported
farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; by our team in London.
school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.
Stroll the cobbled streets of Stromness, Scotland Explore the grounds of Edinburgh Castle with fellow travelers
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THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY
Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation
of your Idyllic Great Britain adventure.
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT and we’ll meet a local Tangier woman to
GCF was established in 1992 to help change discuss women’s roles and the challenges they
people’s lives in the world where we live, face in contemporary Moroccan society.
work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or
A DAY IN THE LIFE
donated $200 million worldwide.
Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like
By investing in the places we explore— to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s
including local schools, cooperatives, or arts find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an
centers—we hope to give locals the skills and exclusive, immersive experience that places
confidence they need to become leaders of you in the heart of a community where you’ll
their generation and preserve their heritage meet various people where they live, work,
for many years to come. We’re proud to play and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a
a part in preserving precious locales like the hand with daily chores; and break bread with
Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living our hosts.
example of the glory days of the Hanseatic
On this adventure, we immerse ourselves in
League, and supporting villages like Harmi in
the daily activities of a Herdwick sheep farm
Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now
during A Day in the Life experience. We’ll help
a center of community life.
the farmers feed and herd the sheep, as well
CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS as sit down for a meal together.
Every culture has its joys and achievements,
HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES
and we celebrate them all. But every place
Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds
also has its challenges, and to gloss over them
engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the
would not do justice to those whose stories
things that can happen across a kitchen table,
need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who
so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local
deserves more than a sugar-coated version of
family in their home for a snack or a meal.
things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will
This is a rare opportunity to witness family
lead frank discussions on controversial issues,
life, learn local customs, and taste some
and introduce you to people whose stories will
home-cooked fare.
expand your understanding.
On this adventure, we’ll learn more about the
For example, we’ll speak to an expert in
rich culture of Wales when we share a meal
Russia about free speech and the popularity
with a local family in their home. During
of President Vladimir Putin; in Zambia, we’ll
our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to get a
have a candid conversation with a park ranger
glimpse of the family’s daily life—where they
in Kafue National Park on trophy hunting, a
live, what they cook, and how they feel about
controversial sport which generates around
their homeland.
$200 million in annual revenue across Africa;
5
You're in control with
THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Exclusively with O.A.T.
Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.
It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive
variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the
only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.
PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include
Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and
optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers.
Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually
choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader
who leads your main trip, enjoying more of
1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often
his or her insider expertise—and more time
in an even smaller group than your main
to bond with the group.
adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a
dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take
advantage of your included airfare.
Optional Extensions offered with your Northern United Kingdom adventure
Exploring the Channel Islands: Along England’s Southwest Coast:
Jersey & Guernsey Salisbury, the Jurassic Coast & Cornwall
7 nights pre-trip from $3295 7 nights pre-trip from $3095
Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey, United Kingdom Jurassic coast, Dorset, England
Scotland & the Emerald Isle: Glasgow, Classic English Landscapes:
Belfast & Dublin The Cotswolds to London
7 nights post-trip from $3395 7 nights post-trip from $3495
Glasgow, Scotland Castle Combe, Cotswolds, England
6
ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER our Regional Adventure Counselors can provide
Extending your time abroad—with us or recommendations when helping you plan
on your own—is the best way to broaden this option.
your experience. It’s also a practical way to
COMBINE ADVENTURES
maximize the value of the international airfare
You’re already overseas. Why not see more and
covered in your main itinerary.
maximize your value by avoiding the cost and
Expand Your Discoveries Before length of another international flight? Here’s
or After Your Adventure why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or
more adventures in 2019:
Arrive early in the first destination on your
pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when
later in the last city on your main adventure or you combine two adventures compared to the
post-trip extension. By coming early, you can cost of taking each trip separately.
rest after your flight and adjust—with time to
• Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit
explore. By staying later, you have extra time
you earn on your first trip to your second trip.
to relax, pack, or continue exploring.
• Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an
Perhaps you’ll choose to spend more time in extra $250-$350 per person when booking
Chester before your main trip; arrive early multiple trips in a calendar year.
in Windsor on the Channel Islands pre-trip
• Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all
extension; spend more time in Salisbury
the arrangements for a seamless experience.
before your England’s Southwest Coast pre-trip
extension; conclude your main trip with more Combine this trip with our Irish Adventure:
time in Inverness; remain in Dublin after Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties
your Scotland & the Emerald Isle post-trip adventure—for a total cost of $8790-$10,890
extension; or spend more time in London after per person—and save $800-$1300 per person
your Classic English Landscapes post-trip versus taking each trip separately.
extension. Whatever you choose, our Regional AIR PREFERENCES
Adventure Counselors are here to help you
54% of our travelers customize their air
tailor your O.A.T. airfare to personalize your
itineraries:
experience.
• Choose your departure city and airline
Stopover in any major international city
• Depart from one city and return to another
Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the
opportunity to stopover in popular cities en
• Upgrade to Premium Economy or
Business Class
route to your main adventure. Speak with one
of our Regional Adventure Counselors to learn FREEDOM OF CHOICE DURING YOUR
more about your options and to arrange your ADVENTURE
international airfare. Our itineraries provide a balance of included
You are free to choose however you’d like to activities and free time so you always have
spend this additional time exploring, including the flexibility to participate in included
the tours you take, activities you plan, and activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a
restaurants you visit. If you’d like ideas about mix of both.
how to spend this time and what to see and do,
7
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION
Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time
GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
Dear Traveler,
Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than
Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world.
Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers
than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving.
the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by
preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are
and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers
have donated more than $1 million in 2019
Of course, none of this would be possible
alone. And because we have no administrative
without your help. A portion of the
costs, 100% of donations are used to help
proceeds of every adventure is donated to
change people’s lives.
Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your
life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES—
you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD
help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll
In addition to the destinations where we travel,
meet along the way.
we strive to better the communities where
Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston
helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston,
more than 99% of our associates participate
Love and peace,
in community service each year. Worldwide,
nearly all of our offices organize annual
community service events of their own.
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help
To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-
inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive
updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news
and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
SCAN ME See how Grand Circle
Foundation is giving back
in this video
Open the camera feature on your mobile
device, and hover the lens over this code to
scan it. A pop-up notification will take you
www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.
8
THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL
in the United Kingdom—and Around the World
ON THIS ADVENTURE …
FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly
a single supplement on this adventure and travel for Americans—by
optional trip extensions—a savings of $650-
the numbers
$1295 per person compared to other travel
companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so
early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T.
travelers are women who travel solo
Travel Solo, But Never Alone: On average,
half of your group will also be traveling
independently, so it’s easier to forge special In 2022, we’re offering 30,000
bonds as you experience unforgettable singles spaces across all O.A.T.
moments together during your adventure. adventures. That’s 86% more than
Plus, your Trip Experience Leader can help offered in 2019
connect you with fellow travelers who share
your common interests.
You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your
92% of our 30,000 single spaces
have FREE Single Supplements. The
dedicated local Trip Experience Leader
remaining 8% have the lowest single
(a resident of the United Kingdom), and
supplements in the industry.
the expertise of our regional office team
in London.
Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive
up to 7 single spaces per departure. women’s departures on some of our
See available FREE single space at most popular itineraries
www.oattravel.com/nXN2022.
SCAN ME
NEW! 101+
Tips for Solo
Women Travelers
This complimentary, 96-page
booklet is a comprehensive
collection of savvy tips
specifically for seasoned women
travelers going solo. Learn about
safety for solos, packing like a pro,
the best travel apps, self-care on
the road, and more. Scan this code
to view an online copy or to request
one by mail.
9
New Adventure Savings: $500 per couple on ANY 2022 departure
New! Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake
District, the Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago
Small Group Adventure
England:!ĞāŭŶāũ̇dÖĴā'ĢŭŶũĢóŶ̳Ά̳Scotland: Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Inverness
Countries: 2 Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆5
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included
(average of 13)
FROM PER DAY DAYS • Explore in a small group of 8-16 • 33 meals—15 breakfasts, 9 lunches,
travelers (average group size of 13) and 9 dinners (including 1 Home-
$ 5695 $ 335 17 • International airfare, airport transfers, Hosted Lunch)
Including international airfare
government taxes, fees, and airline fuel • 17 small group activities
FREE Single Supplement
surcharges unless you choose to make
your own air arrangements
• Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
Experience Leader
• All land transportation
• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and
• Accommodations for 15 nights luggage porters
Maximize Your
• 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward
Discoveries & Value your next O.A.T. trip
SCAN ME
Optional extensions:
Exploring the Channel Islands: Watch our #1 most popular video
Jersey & Guernsey for this adventure
7 nights pre-trip from $3295 Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover
Travel from only $471 per night the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will
take you directly to the video.
Along England’s Southwest Coast:
Salisbury, the Jurassic Coast &
Cornwall
7 nights pre-trip from $3095
Travel from only $443 per night
Scotland & the Emerald Isle:
Glasgow, Belfast & Dublin
7 nights post-trip from $3395
Travel from only $485 per night
Classic English Landscapes: The
Cotswolds to London
7 nights post-trip from $3495
Travel from only $500 per night
Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake District, the Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago
10Orkney Islands
Skara Brae Kirkwall
Itinerary Summary
To/From U.S. POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS
Internal flight
Atlantic Inverness
Gills Bay
Land route Ocean L. Ness
Pre-trip extensions: 7 nights in
Ferry route SCOTLAND
0 Miles 60
Atlantic L. Lomond Exploring the Channel Islands: Jersey &
Ocean Glasgow
Guernsey OR 7 nights in Along England’s
N. IRELAND
Inverness
Isle of Belfast
Southwest Coast: Salisbury, the Jurassic
PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS Skye
Cairngorms N.P. IRELAND Irish Sea ENGLAND
Coast & Cornwall
To Manchester
Windsor
London
Glendalough Dublin WALES
E N G L A N D Gatwick SCOTLAND
Dunblane
From Inverness Cambridge DAYS DESTINATION
e l Stirling
E n g l i s h C h a n n Cotswolds
Oxford
Edinburgh
St. Peter Port 1 Fly to Manchester, England
Guernsey London
Jersey St. Helier FRANCE Bath
Hadrian’s Wall ENG LA ND
To
WALES
Manchester
From English Channel 2-4 Chester
London NORTHERN
Atlantic Salisbury IRELAND
Ocean ENGLAND Lake District N.P. ENGLAND
New
quay
Beer ISLE OF MAN Yorkshire Dales N.P. 5-6 Lake District
Nor th
IRELA
el Irish Sea Sea
Falmouth Chann Manchester
lish
Eng Caernarfon 7-9 Edinburgh, Scotland
ND
FRANCE
Snowdonian Mtns. W A L E S Chester
10-12 Kirkwall
What to Expect
13-16 Inverness
17 Return to U.S.
Pacing: 5 locations in 16 days
Physical requirements: Must be able to walk approximately 2-3 miles unassisted
Post-trip extensions: 7 nights in Scotland
& the Emerald Isle: Glasgow, Belfast &
each day and participate in 6-8 hours of daily physical activities
Dublin OR 7 nights in Classic English
Flight time: Travel time will be 7-16 hours and will most likely have one connection Landscapes: The Cotswolds to London
View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/nuk2022
3 Ways Travelers Are
United Kingdom: The O.A.T. Difference Personalizing This
Adventure
Unbeatable Value Travel at the lowest price and per diems in the industry. Join the more than 85% of travelers who
are choosing to personalize their adventure
People-to-People Experiences: Spend A Day in the Life of a Herdwick sheep
by arriving early, staying later, and discov-
farm in England’s Lake District and get a hands-on experience, as we help feed ering more.
and herd the sheep. We’ll also meet the industrious sheepdogs who assist the
• Add a pre- or post-trip extension to
family corralling their flock. Plus, enjoy a traditional Welsh meal with a family in maximize your discoveries and value
Caernarfon during a Home-Hosted Lunch.
• Arrive early or stay later in a favorite city
O.A.T. Exclusives: Get a fuller picture of this region by engaging in frank • Upgrade your seat and choose your
conversations with the people who live here. We’ll meet with English and preferred airline carrier
Welsh locals in Chester to talk about the divided topic of Welsh independence.
Then we’ll learn about a similar topic on the Orkney Islands when we
congregate in Kirkwall’s Town Hall to discuss the pros and cons of the Scottish
independence movement.
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/nuk2022
11Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake District,
the Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
7 nights in Exploring the Channel Islands: Jersey & Guernsey
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 6 Ferry to Guernsey Island • Explore
St. Peter’s Port
Day 2 Arrive in London, U.K. • Transfer
to Windsor Day 7 Explore Guernsey • Visit Candie
Gardens • Visit Castle Cornet
Day 3 Fly to Jersey, Channel Islands •
Explore St. Helier Day 8 Visit Rocquette cider farm • Explore
L’eree Headland
Day 4 Visit Jersey War Tunnels • Lunch
with a Nazi descendant • Explore Day 9 Fly to Manchester • Join main
German bunkers adventure in Chester
Day 5 Visit a Jersey Cow farm
OR
7 nights in Along England’s Southwest Coast:
Salisbury, the Jurassic Coast & Cornwall
Day 1 Depart U.S. for London, England Day 6 Discover Falmouth • Visit a
traditional Cornish bakery • Explore the
Day 2 Arrive in London, England •
Cornish coast
Transfer to Salisbury
Day 7 Explore Land’s End Peninsula
Day 3 Explore Salisbury
• Visit Chysauster Village • Visit St.
Day 4 Explore the Jurassic Coast • Beer Michael’s Mount
quarry visit
Day 8 Visit Bodmin Moor • Moors pony
Day 5 Visit Dartmoor National Park • farm visit • Visit Port Isaac
Transfer to Falmouth
Day 9 Fly to Manchester • Join main trip
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12Day 1 Depart U.S. for Manchester, England any changes that may need to occur). Logistics,
safety and emergency procedures, and any
Depart for your overnight flight to questions will also be discussed.
Manchester, England.
Dinner: Tonight, you’ll be given a voucher to
dine at the hotel restaurant any time you wish
Day 2 Arrive in Manchester, England •
between 7pm-9pm.
Transfer to Chester
• Destination: Chester Evening: You have the freedom to retire to your
room for the night to rest, or to experience
• Included Meals: Dinner
Chester’s nightlife. You might like to find a local
• Accommodations: Hotel in Chester or similar
pub where you can grab a pint with your fellow
Morning/Afternoon: You’ll arrive in travelers and toast to the discoveries to come.
Manchester in the morning or afternoon,
depending on your specific flight arrangements. Freedom To Explore: During your three days in
Upon arrival, expect to spend about 45 minutes Chester, you have the freedom to explore this
clearing customs and completing any health fascinating city on your own during your free
guidelines your airline requires. You will then time. Below are some recommended options for
be met by an O.A.T. representative and escorted independent explorations:
to your hotel by private motorcoach. The
• Browse the Chester Indoor Market: Located
transfer from the airport in Manchester to the
in the city’s center, the Chester Indoor
city of Chester is approximately 45 minutes,
Market is a popular meeting place for locals,
depending on traffic.
with dozens of individual shops and stalls
Upon arrival at our hotel in Chester, we’ll check offering a diverse, eclectic mix of goods all
in, receive our room assignments, and meet sold by local shopkeepers. One of our favorite
up with our Trip Experience Leader and those stalls is The Cheese Wedge, run by a friendly
travelers who took our Exploring the Channel local named Kevin whose philosophy is to
Islands: Jersey & Guernsey or our Along England’s try before you buy—which makes choosing
Southwest Coast: Salisbury, the Jurassic Coast & between his wide selection of cheeses
Cornwall pre-trip extensions. Depending on much easier.
where we stay, hotel amenities may include • Hours: 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday.
an on-site restaurant and bar, while each of • Cost: Free.
the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms typically
• Take a stroll through Edgar’s Field: A
feature coffee- and tea-making facilities, a
10-minute walk from the city center is an
safe, TV, wireless Internet access, and a private
oasis of green and calm known as Edgar’s
bathroom. You’ll have some free time to settle
Field, with views of the River Dee near the
in and unpack. Then you may wish to join our
end of the Old Dee Bridge. The park occupies
Trip Experience Leader on an orientation walk
over 2 acres of land and is home to a unique
of the surrounding area.
Roman shrine to the goddess Minerva,
Around 6pm, we’ll gather together in a private overgrown with greenery. Edgar’s Field is
room at the hotel for a 45-minute Welcome
Briefing with our Trip Experience Leader,
during which we will introduce ourselves and
review our itinerary in more detail (including
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13also the traditional home of the local fishing Chester has a significant Welsh population;
community and fishing boats can often be in fact, more Welsh people recently moved
seen bobbing in the nearby river. across the border to this city than any other
place in the UK. This makes it an ideal location
• How to get there: A 10-minute walk from
the city center. to discuss the relationship between Wales
and England.
• Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Cost: Free. Though culturally unique from England in
• Enjoy a cuppa at Chester Cathedral’s many ways, Wales was never truly its own
Refectory Café: Located in the 13th-century separate nation—apart from a short period
monk’s dining hall of Chester Cathedral, the in the 11th century. Instead, it was comprised
Refectory Café is a unique place to grab a cup of different kingdoms united by language and
of tea or coffee and a bite to eat. Gaze up at culture—but divided by rivalries and territory
the medieval vaulted ceilings, 17th-century disputes. This division made it easy for the
tapestries, and intricate stained-glass win- larger and more ambitious England to take over.
dows as you savor a freshly made sandwich, Eventually, in 1283 AD, the last independent
cake, or pastry. factions of Wales were defeated by England’s
King Edward I. Over the centuries, the
• Hours: 11am-4pm, Monday-Saturday;
12pm-4pm, Sunday. relationship between these neighboring nations
has been shaped by the political, economic, and
• Cost: A typical meal costs around $10 USD.
cultural leanings of the more populous England.
Day 3 Explore Chester • Visit Roman And while the Welsh language is still taught in
schools, only about 19% of Welsh people use it
Amphitheater • A conversation about the
regularly.
relationship between Wales and England
with Welsh and English locals Yet despite these signs of English cultural
• Destination: Chester dominance, there has been growing support
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner for Welsh independence with the percentage
of people who would vote for separation from
• Accommodations: Hotel in Chester or similar
the UK at an all-time high. Today we’ll hear
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, the arguments for and against this movement
with English and American options available. during a conversation with two locals—one
Welsh and one English. During our one-hour
Morning: Around 9am, we’ll walk around 10
chat, we’ll have plenty of time to ask any
minutes together to one of Chester’s oldest
questions we may have.
attractions—its ancient Roman Amphitheater.
Dating all the way back to the 1st century, Then around 10:30am, we’ll set off on a walking
this amphitheater is the largest discovered tour of Chester. We’ll see more evidence of
in Britain. While not as grand in scale as the its ancient past in the surrounding Roman
Colosseum in Rome, excavations have shown walls made of local red sandstone. We will also
the arena was used for various forms of similar stroll Chester’s old city and visit the Rows—a
entertainment, including gladiatorial combat. unique shopping district that features 2-story
covered arcades and Tudor-style half-timber
This morning, we will meet some of Chester’s
buildings. And we’ll witness Chester Cathedral:
modern-day residents—one English and one
Founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092, then
Welsh. Situated right on the border of Wales,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14later rebuilt in 1250 in the Gothic style, the Around 10:30am, we’ll arrive at our first stop in
cathedral today represents all the major styles North Wales—Caernarfon Castle. Rising from
of English medieval architecture, from Norman the banks of the River Seinont, Caernarfon
to Perpendicular. Our 1.5-city hour tour will Castle is one of the most famous medieval
end at a local restaurant where we will stop in fortresses in Wales and—along with King
for lunch. Edward I’s other castles in Conwy, Beaumaris,
and Harlech—is a UNESCO World Heritage
Lunch: Around 12pm, we’ll enjoy lunch in
Site. Unlike Edward’s other Welsh castles,
a local restaurant, featuring a selection of
Caernarfon Castle was created not just as an
traditional Cheshire cheeses.
imposing fortress of defense but was also a seat
Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon is of royal power and seen as a symbol of English
free for independent exploration. Perhaps you’ll dominance over Wales.
visit Chester’s famous Wishing Steps and see if
We’ll explore here until around 12pm,
anyone is putting in the considerable effort it
after which we’ll break into smaller groups
supposedly takes to have a wish granted—for
of no more than 5 and drive to our next
it is said that anyone who can run up and down
destination—lunch.
the stairs twice without drawing breath will see
their dreams come true. Lunch: Around 12pm, we’ll be welcomed into
the home of a local Welsh family living nearby
Dinner: We’ll reconvene around 6pm tonight
in Caernarfon, a traditional Welsh-speaking
for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.
town, for a Home-Hosted Lunch. The families
Evening: Free to spend as you wish—ask your we visit will be from a variety of different
Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. backgrounds—from farmers and fishermen
to teachers. During our visit, we’ll have the
opportunity to get a glimpse of the family’s
Day 4 Overland to Wales • Visit Caernarfon
daily life—where they live, what they cook,
Castle • Home-Hosted Lunch • Welsh
and how they feel about their homeland. We’ll
Slate Museum visit • Return to Chester sit down together and savor a typical Welsh
• Destination: Chester meal while making cultural connections
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch across the table. We’ll also have plenty
• Accommodations: Hotel in Chester or similar of time to ask our hosts any questions we
may have, such as what their position is on
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we will
Welsh independence—thinking back on the
experience a slice of daily life in Wales as we are
conversation we had yesterday.
welcomed into the home of a local Welsh family
for a Home-Hosted Lunch. Read more about Afternoon: We’ll bid our hosts goodbye around
this immersive activity below. 2pm and begin a scenic drive through the
Snowdonian Mountains on the way to our
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am,
next destination, the coal mining village of
with English and American options available.
Llamberis. Here, we’ll visit the local Welsh Slate
Morning: We’ll depart our hotel around 9am Museum, where we will hear about the quarry
via private motorcoach and begin the 1.5-hour (now more than 100 years old), the dangers
drive to North Wales this morning. slate miners once faced, and even learn how to
split slate during a demonstration.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15We’ll embark on our 1.5-hour drive back to Lake District is a popular vacation destination
Chester around 4pm, arriving back at our hotel and national park known for its glacial lakes,
around 5:30pm. craggy mountain fells, and sprawling green
countryside. Its wealth of natural beauty
Dinner: On your own in Chester—ask your Trip
attracted an array of poets and writers in the
Experience Leader for recommendations.
19th century—from William Wordsworth and
Evening: Free to spend in Chester Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Beatrix Potter.
however you wish. These impressive connections made the Lake
District as famous for its literary pedigree as it
is for its pastoral scenery.
Day 5 Transfer to the Lake District • Scenic
drive through Yorkshire Dales • Meet with We’ll arrive and check in to our hotel
a local dry stone waller around 4pm. Depending on where we stay,
• Destination: Lake District hotel amenities may include an on-site
restaurant and bar, while each of the hotel’s
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
air-conditioned rooms typically feature coffee-
• Accommodations: Hotel in Lake District
and tea-making facilities, a safe, TV, wireless
or similar
Internet access, and a private bathroom. We’ll
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from have about an hour to settle in and unpack.
7am-8:30am, with English and American
options available. Then around 5pm, we’ll join our Trip
Experience Leader on an orientation walk of
Morning: We depart early this the area. At the end of our walk, we’ll meet up
morning—around 8:30am—to begin our drive with a local dry stone waller named Robert.
to the Lake District. During our journey through northern England’s
countryside today, one defining feature you
Our overland journey will take us through the
may have noticed is the rugged stone walls
Yorkshire Dales, a scenic region of Northern
that curl around fields and line roadsides.
England famous for its white limestone cliffs,
Incredibly, these walls are created without the
rivers, and lush green valleys—or, “dales.” The
use of concrete—instead, craftsmen assemble
natural beauty of this upland area earned it the
these walls by expertly fitting each slab of rock
recognition of being named a national park in
and stone together. Robert will explain the
1954. We’ll have plenty of time to admire and
skill it takes to create these distinct walls and
appreciate the views during our 3.5-hour drive,
discusses how the knowledge of this age-old
with a scenic stop or two along the way.
craft may be lost, as fewer and fewer people
Lunch: We’ll arrive in a small Dales village learn this distinct technique.
around 12pm, just in time for lunch on
Dinner: After our conversation with Robert,
your own.
we’ll walk to a local lakeside pub to enjoy
Afternoon: You’ll have some free time to dinner around 6:30pm.
explore this little countryside village on your
Evening: The remainder of the evening is on
own. Then around 2pm, we’ll climb back
your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for
aboard our private motorcoach and drive the
recommendations.
rest of the way to the Lake District. Located in
the Cumbria region of northwest England, the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16Day 6 A Day in the Life of a Herdwick We’ll also get a hands-on experience at the
sheep farm farm, as we help feed and herd the sheep. We’ll
then meet the industrious sheepdogs who
• Destination: Lake District
help corral the flock—and learn how these
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch clever animals are trained during a herding
• Accommodations: Hotel in Lake District demonstration on the Lakeland fells. Next,
or similar we’ll head inside to help prepare lunch.
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we immerse
Lunch: With James and his family at their farm.
ourselves in the daily activities of a Herdwick
We’ll enjoy the traditional hearty fare farmers
sheep farm during A Day in the Life experience.
usually serve for their midday meal.
We’ll help the farmers feed and herd the sheep,
as well as sit down for a meal together. Read Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll thank James
more about this exclusive activity below. and his family for their hospitality, then drive
back to our hotel, arriving around 2:30pm. The
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am,
rest of the afternoon is free for independent
with English and American options available.
discoveries.
Morning: This morning, we’ll depart our hotel
Dinner: On your own—perhaps you’ll ask
via private motorcoach to spend A Day in the
your Trip Experience Leader to recommend a
Life of a Herdwick sheep farm. Herdwick is a
favorite local pub or restaurant.
breed of domestic sheep native to the Lake
District in northwestern England—the name Evening: The evening is free to spend as
“Herdwick” is derived from the Old Norse you wish—you may choose to settle down
herdvyck, which simply means “sheep pasture.” early in preparation for our journey to
Though low in lambing capacity and perceived Edinburgh tomorrow.
wool quality when compared to more common
commercial breeds, Herdwicks are prized for Day 7 Overland to Edinburgh, Scotland •
their robust health, their ability to live solely by
Visit Hadrian’s Wall
foraging, and their tendency to be territorial,
• Destination: Edinburgh
which means they rarely stray over the difficult
upland terrain and become lost or hurt. 99% of • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
all Herdwick sheep are commercially farmed • Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh
here in the Lake District. or similar
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from
We’ll arrive around 9:30am and be greeted at
7am-8:30am, with English and American
the village hall by James, a local spokesperson
options available.
for the Herdwick farming community, as well
as some of the other local sheep farmers. We Morning: This morning, we’ll check out of
will learn about what life is like farming here our hotel and around 8:30am we’ll begin our
in the Lake District during our chat with the drive to Edinburgh, stopping first at Hadrian’s
various families present. Afterwards, James will Wall—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—which
invite us to his farm where we will meet two is located near the border of England and
generations of his family and learn about how Scotland.
sheep farming has changed over the years.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17Around 10am, we’ll arrive at Hadrian’s Wall. features coffee- and tea-making facilities, a
Built to guard the wild northern frontier of safe, TV, wireless Internet access, and a private
the Roman Empire in AD122 and stretching bathroom. We’ll have about 1.5 hours to settle
an incredible 73 miles from the North Sea in before joining our Trip Experience Leader on
to the Irish Sea, the wall was an ambitious an orientation walk of the surrounding area.
undertaking that required vision and an
Dinner: Our walk will end around 6pm at a local
outstanding level of engineering skill from
restaurant where we’ll have dinner together.
the ancient Romans. The wall would become
more than just a barricade—it evolved into Evening: On your own—perhaps you’ll head to
a bustling, multi-cultural military zone one of Edinburgh’s traditional Scottish pubs.
comprised of forts, barracks, towers, and
even small towns. The wall impresses to this Freedom To Explore: During your three days
day, its stone might standing starkly against in Edinburgh, you have the freedom to explore
the natural beauty of the Cumbrian and this iconic Scottish city on your own during
Northumbrian landscapes—reminding visitors your free time. Below are some recommended
just how far the power of the Roman Empire options for independent explorations:
reached. We’ll begin our explorations here,
• See the inner workings of Parliament:
walking along a section of the wall, arriving at
Discover the moving parts of Scotland’s
Vindola Fort around 11:30am.
government during a visit to Parliament.
Vindolanda Fort is one of Europe’s most Scottish Parliament can be traced back to the
important ancient Roman archaeological sites. 13th century, and today you’ll learn how this
The sprawling site is comprised of nine forts body of government has changed since its
built on top of each other—soldiers from all establishment. You may even have the oppor-
over the Roman Empire, including Belgium, tunity to meet with a member of Parliament
Germany, and France were stationed here. to get an authentic glimpse of this Scottish
We’ll also have the chance to walk through authority.
Vindolanda Gardens, located just beyond the • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi
fort. We’ll have between 11:30am-1pm to ride, about $13 USD one way, or approxi-
explore independently here, including free time mate half-hour walk.
for lunch. • Hours: 10am-5pm, daily.
Lunch: On your own—Vindolanda offers
• Cost: Free.
visitors an on-site café where you can enjoy • Visit Roslyn Chapel: Built in the 15th century,
hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunches, and this historical site took around 40 years to
afternoon tea. finish. As you explore the church, notice the
impressive number of stone carvings that
Afternoon: Around 1pm we’ll re-board our depict nature and sacred symbols. The church
private motorcoach to continue our drive to is an active site of worship and is still in
Edinburgh. use today.
We’ll arrive in the city of Edinburgh around • How to get there: A 35- to 45-minute bus
4pm and check in to our hotel. Depending on ride, about $7 USD one way.
where we stay, hotel amenities may include • Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
an on-site restaurant and bar, while each of • Cost: About $9 USD.
the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms typically
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18• Get a first-hand experience of Scottish back into Edinburgh’s history as we stroll the
tradition at The Scottish Country Dance Club: winding cobbled streets and down the Royal
Whether you’re new to the dance floor or Mile, a stretch of the city that extends from
an experienced foot-tapper, this club offers Holyrood Road to Edinburgh Castle—our next
dance lessons for all levels. Learn from a local destination.
professional during an hour-long class, and
We’ll arrive at Edinburgh Castle around
gain insight on the roots of Scottish dance
11am. Perched atop Castle Rock—an extinct
and traditional music along the way.
volcano—the castle is a mighty presence in
• How to get there: An approximately 5- to the city. Once used as the royal residency for
10-minute walk from the hotel. Scottish monarchs, a fortress for armies,
• Hours: 4pm-8pm, Monday-Friday. and a prison for pirates and POWs, the castle
• Cost: Approximately $7 USD per person for now serves as one of Edinburgh’s leading
a one-hour lesson. attractions. A visit to the castle would not be
complete without discovering St. Margaret’s
Day 8 Explore Edinburgh • Visit Chapel—the oldest surviving building in the
Edinburgh Castle city, which dates back to the twelfth century.
• Destination: Edinburgh We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the castle, after
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch which your Trip Experience Leader will present
• Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh you with a voucher to use for lunch.
or similar
Lunch: Around 12pm, you may use your lunch
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, voucher to dine at your choosing of one of
with Scottish and American options available. Edinburgh Castle’s on-site restaurants.
Morning: We’ll kick off our discoveries in Afternoon: The remainder of the day is yours
Scotland’s capital around 9am when we set off for independent exploration. You can visit
on a tour of the city. Our local guide will have a Roslyn Chapel, a 15th-century church known
unique perspective on the city as they are a part for its impressive stone carvings. Or, you may
of an organization whose aim is to empower choose to visit Scottish Parliament where
homeless people, assisting in their personal you can get a glimpse into the local body of
growth and development by providing training government.
that prepares them to become full-time tour
Dinner: On your own—perhaps you’ll find a
guides. You will have a chance to ask our guide
restaurant that serves traditional dishes like
any questions you may have as we explore
haggis with neeps and tatties, or turnips and
together.
potatoes.
Throughout our walking tour, we’ll see
Evening: You are free to spend the evening as
the stark contrasts between Edinburgh’s
you wish. You may join your fellow travelers for
labyrinthine Old Town and organized New
a nightcap at the hotel bar, or you can retire to
Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
your room to get some sleep.
We’ll drive through the New Town where we’ll
notice neoclassical buildings from the 18th
and 19th centuries. Then, we’ll say goodbye to
our motor coach and begin our explorations
of the Old Town on foot. We’ll be transported
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19Day 9 Visit William Wallace We’ll wrap up our discoveries around 12:30pm
Monument • Conversation about the and head to lunch.
Dunblane massacre Lunch: Around 12:30pm in a nearby café.
• Destination: Edinburgh
Afternoon: After lunch, around 1:30pm,
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
we’ll re-board our private motorcoach for
• Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh
the 15-minute drive to Dunblane. Upon
or similar
arrival, we’ll meet with a local whose family
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from was affected by the Dunblane massacre. On
7am-8:30am, with Scottish and American March 13, 1996, Thomas Hamilton shot and
options available. killed sixteen students and one teacher, and
injured fifteen others before killing himself
Morning: Today, we’ll depart around 8:30am
at Dunblane Primary School. It remains the
and drive to Stirling to visit an iconic piece
deadliest mass shooting in British history to
of Scotland’s history—the William Wallace
this day. During our hour-long conversation,
Monument.
we’ll have time to ask any questions we may
Around the world, the name William Wallace have—such as how the community has fared in
is immediately associated with the movie the decades following this abject tragedy.
Braveheart. But to the people of Scotland, he
Then around 2:45pm, we’ll drive back to
has been a symbol of freedom for centuries.
Edinburgh, arriving at our hotel around
Born in 1270, Wallace was a Scottish knight
3:30pm. The rest of the day is free for your own
who became one of the leaders of the First War
discoveries.
of Scottish Independence. One of his greatest
victories was here in Stirling—the Battle of Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll try one of
Stirling Bridge in 1297. Eventually, Wallace Scotland’s beloved soups and stews, such as
was captured and turned over to King Edward cullen skink, a creamy smoked fish soup.
I who had him hanged, drawn, and quartered
Evening: On your own to spend as you wish.
for acts of treason. Wallace famously responded
to this charge: “I could not be a traitor to
Edward, for I was never his subject.” We’ll Day 10 Fly to the Orkney Islands •
arrive at his monument in Stirling around Overland to Kirkwall
9:30am—an impressive tower standing on a • Destination: Kirkwall
hilltop overlooking the city—and learn more • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
about his life and heroic deeds.
• Accommodations: Hotel in Kirkwall
Then, we’ll pay a visit to Stirling Castle—often or similar
compared to an ornate brooch clasping the Breakfast: Served at the hotel from
Highlands and Lowlands together. One of the 7am-7:30am, with Scottish and American
largest and most important castles in Scotland, options available.
both historically and architecturally, it sits high
on a volcanic outcrop and has been a symbol of Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel early this
Scottish independence and national pride since morning and leave for the Edinburgh airport
it was first built in the twelfth century. around 7:30am. We’ll arrive around 8am for
our 9:30am flight. We’ll touch down on the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
20Orkney Islands around 10:45am. Located off the once home to church clergy members and
northeastern coast of Scotland, Orkney is an portions of it date back to the 16th century,
archipelago made up of 70 individual islands, including the iconic arched gateway that
only 20 of which are inhabited. We’ll depart the bears the coat of arms of the first Protestant
airport around 11:30am and head to Kirkwall, minister, Gilbert Foulzie. In 1968, the muse-
the largest town of the islands. um officially opened its doors to the public
and today it provides a thorough introduction
We’ll arrive to our hotel around 12pm.
to the history of the islands. Plan to spend
Depending on where we stay, hotel amenities
about one hour here.
may include an on-site restaurant and bar,
while each of the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms • How to get there: A 10-minute walk.
typically features coffee- and tea-making • Hours: 10:30am-5pm, Monday-Saturday.
facilities, a safe, TV, wireless Internet access, • Cost: Free.
and a private bathroom. After dropping off our • Admire expertly crafted jewelry at the Sheila
luggage, we’ll join our Trip Experience Leader Fleet gallery: Native Orkney jewelry designer
for a 30-minute orientation walk. Sheila Fleet is known for finding inspiration
in the sky, sea, and lyrical landscapes of
Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience
the Orkney Islands. Her pieces feature both
Leader for recommendations.
traditional Celtic and contemporary styles
Afternoon: The rest of the afternoon is free and often incorporate the use of hand-paint-
to make your own independent discoveries ed enamel. From graceful necklaces to
in Kirkwall, Orkney’s colorful capital and an delicate bracelets and striking rings, Sheila
ancient Norse town. Fleet’s Kirkwall gallery is a must-see for
jewelry enthusiasts or those simply looking
Dinner: Around 6pm we’ll reconvene and to purchase a one-of-a-kind gift for someone
walk from our hotel to a nearby restaurant they love.
for dinner.
• How to get there: A 20-minute walk.
Evening: The rest of the evening is on your • Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday;
own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for 11am-4pm, Sunday.
recommendations. • Cost: Free.
• Take in the dramatic coastal landscapes
Freedom To Explore: During your three days
of Deerness with a walk along Mull Head:
in Kirkwall, you have the freedom to explore
Venture to the remote peninsula of Deerness,
on your own during your free time. Below are
a natural area featuring magnificent sights
a few recommended options for independent
such as Gloup, a collapsed sea cave. Here,
explorations:
you’ll catch the furthest point of the pen-
• Journey back in time at the Orkney Museum: insula, Mull Head, which is believed to be
From the Stone Age to the time of the Vikings one of the most beautiful coastal circuits of
and modern day, follow the storied history of mainland Orkney. Enjoy unobstructed views
the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated of precipitous cliffs, miles upon miles of open
off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Peruse sea, as well as the notable archaeological
ancient artifacts and other period pieces from site of the Brough of Deerness, consisting
all facets of Orkney’s prehistoric and early
medieval past. The museum building was
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
21You can also read
