TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

England, Scotland & Wales 2020

Grand Circle Travel ® Worldwide Discovery at an Extraordinary Value 1 Dear Traveler,

Timeless cultures ... unforgettable landscapes ... legendary landmarks. We invite you to discover centuries-old traditions and cosmopolitan gems with Grand Circle Travel on one of our enriching vacations around the globe.

No matter what your dream destination, Grand Circle offers an unrivaled combination of value and experience—all in the company of like-minded fellow American travelers and a local Program Director. Assigned to no more than 42 travelers, these experts are ready and eager to share their homeland and insights as only a local can. Whether it's recommending their favorite restaurant, connecting travelers with people and culture, or providing the best regional maps to enhance your leisure time, our Program Directors are here to take care of all the details and ensure that you have a fun and carefree travel experience.

You'll also enjoy the best value in the travel industry. Each of our trips includes all accommodations, most meals, exclusive Discovery Series events, guided tours, and most gratuities, all at a value that no other company can match. Plus, solo travelers can enjoy FREE Single Supplements on all Grand Circle Tours and extensions for even more value. In addition to our wealth of included features, each itinerary is balanced with ample free time to ensure you're able to make your vacation truly your own.

Plus, with Grand Circle, you have the freedom to personalize your trip. For example, you can customize your air experience, and start your trip early or stay longer with our optional pre- and post-trip extensions. You can even choose to "break away" on your own to arrive early and refreshed before your trip begins, or explore independently.

We hope you enjoy the information inside. Our Travel Counselors are available at 1-800-221-2610 to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Warm regards,

Alan E. Lewis Harriet R. Lewis Chairman Vice Chairman Grand Circle Travel

P.S. Visit us online to find our ever-growing collection of videos and films about our vacations—from independent films featuring the destinations you'll visit to itinerary highlights, interviews with our Program Directors, trip extensions, and more. Go to www.gct.com and find your travel inspiration.

1073 POD PMA-LET.indd 1 2 5/31/12 4:11 PM WHAT’S INSIDE

TRIP SUMMARY

It’s Included
...... 4

Departure Dates and Prices ...... 5

Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6

DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY ...... 7

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP...... 27

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements ...... 29

Health ...... 31

Money Matters ...... 34

Preparing for Your Trip ...... 37 Packing ...... 40 Climate ...... 46

About Your Destinations ...... 49

Demographics & History ...... 55

Resources ...... 60

MAP ...... 67

3 FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE England, Scotland & Wales ENGLAND: LONDON, BATH, YORK, LAKE DISTRICT • WALES: SNOWDONIA • SCOTLAND: EDINBURGH

Cotswolds, England

IT’S INCLUDED 16 days from $ 2895 Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers, Including international airfare • government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make from New York your own air arrangements Travel from only $181 per day • Accommodations for 14 nights in comfortable rooms with private baths • 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners (including 1 Home- 15 days from $1995 Hosted Dinner) Tour only • 1 0 included features: 7 guided tours and 3 exclusive Discovery Series Travel from only $133 per day events: Apley Farm experience • Home-Hosted Dinner • Beatrix Potter experience MAXIMIZE YOUR • Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to DISCOVERIES & VALUE no more than 42 travelers) • G ratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS • P ersonal headset for all included and optional tours on your main trip London, England • Private motorcoach land travel 3 nights pre-trip from $695 • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips Scottish Highlands • 5 % Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip—an average of $264 4 nights post-trip from $1095

To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip, watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/bsc2020

England, Scotland & Wales 4 England, Scotland & Wales FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE 2020 Dates & Prices Create your unique travel experience with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, a custom air itinerary, seat upgrades on your flights, and more. See details at www.gct.com/personalize-bsc2020

MAY 21; JUN 4, 7, 21; JUL 2, 9, 23; DEPART FROM: APR 2, 23 MAY 7, 10 SEP 6, 13, 20, 24 AUG 13AUG 27OCT 8 New York $ 2895 $3695 $ 4095 $4495 $ 4595 $4295 $ 3795

Boston, Chicago, Newark, Orlando $2995 $3795 $ 4195 $ 4595 $4695 $4395 $ 3895 At l a n t a , B a l t i m o r e , L o s A n geles, $ 3095 $ 3895 $4295 $4695 $ 4795 $4495 $ 3995 Washington, DC D e n v e r , Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, $3195 $ 3995 $4395 $ 4795 $ 4895 $ 4595 $ 4095 Portland, San Francisco, Seattle D a llas, Houston, Tampa $3295 $4095 $4495 $ 4895 $4995 $ 4695 $4195

P h o e n i x $3395 $ 4195 $ 4595 $4995 $ 5095 $ 4795 $4295

San Diego $3495 $4295 $4695 $ 5095 $ 5195 $ 4895 $4395

MAY 21; JUN 4, 7, 21; JUL 2, 9, 23; M A R CHAPR 2, 23 MAY 7, 10 AUG 27A UG 13 SEP 6, 13, 20, 24 OC T 8

T o u r o n l y $1995 $2695 $ 3095 $3295 $3395 $3495 $ 2795

Find departure dates, up-to-the-minute availability, and detailed pricing online at BSC2020 www.gct.com/bsc2020 pricing

Airfare prices shown include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Prices are per person for 16 days with airfare (15 days tour only) , based on surcharges totaling $550 per person, all subject to change up until receipt double occupancy, and include meals and sightseeing as specified in the of final payment. It’s Included section. Our tour only vacation package begins at the first hotel listed on our itinerary All prices are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to and ends at the last hotel; includes all internal flights and transfers; and does change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit not include airport transfers at the beginning and end of the main trip, or on our website: www.gct.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this the pre- and post-trip extensions. Dates shown above are departure dates information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. from the U.S. (rather than start dates of the tour).

Find up-to-the-minute availability, additional departure dates, detailed pricing, and more online at www. gct.com/bsc2020pri cing

SHARE YOUR LOVE BEST PRICE GUARANTEE FREE SINGLE OF TRAVEL SUPPLEMENTS We promise you won’t find a on your main trip and extensions. New travelers you refer will lower price on a comparable instantly save $100, and you’ll vacation—if you do, we’ll match it. We don't charge you more for earn increasing rewards! your own room. See details at www.gct.com/bpg See details at www.gct.com/va

Publication Date 6/18/19 1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/bsc2020 5 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience Your Choice, Your Trip, Your Way

Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening cultural interactions. Your local Program Director will serve as your trip experience leader—helping to ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. In fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 90 countries.

Call us at 1-800-221-2610 to discuss personalizing your vacation today or visit us online at www.gct.com/personalize-bsc2020.

Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of our travelers Back-to-Back Trips: 90% of our travelers who choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension combined two vacations rated it excellent See more of the world and maximize your value by One of the most common vacations travelers combine taking advantage of your already-included airfare. with this one is Ireland in Depth. If you’re already On this vacation, you can choose between London, overseas, why not see more of the region and avoid England and the Scottish Highlands. another international flight? Plus, you'll save $250 per person when you reserve two trips right after one another. “Break Away” Options: 30% of our travelers choose to arrive early or stay late in their destination Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers Before or after your main tour or trip extension, “break customize their flights away” anywhere you'd like to go to do more exploring We make every effort to provide you with non-stop entirely on your own. flights and acceptable connection times to and from your destination. You also have several other ways you can Please note: Our Travel Counselors can help you plan your personalize your air itinerary, including choosing your airfare if you'd like to “break away,” however since this option departurecityandairlineupgradingyourseatandmore

Towe r Bridge, London, England

England, Scotland & Wales

6

England, Scotland & Wales 2020 16-Day Grand Circle Tour

EXTEND YOUR TRIP PRE-TRIP London, England POST-TRIP Scottish Highlands

Your Day-to-Day Itinerary

7 GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL

Grand Circle Travel, founded in 1958 to serve the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), is the leader in international travel and discovery for Americans over age 50. Grand Circle vacations have been recommended by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, and others. But our most impressive reviews come from our travelers. More than two million people have traveled with us, and the overwhelming majority say they’d gladly do so again.

YOUR GRAND CIRCLE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

During your Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site ORFDO*UDQG&LUFOH7UDYHO3URJUDP'LUHFWRUWKURXJKRXW\RXUWULS+HRUVKHLVͬXHQWLQ(QJOLVKDQGFDQ give you an inside perspective on your destinations. You will also be supported along the way by local tour guides, who lead you expertly through particular sites and cities.

Many Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, based on what we’ve learned from past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.

He or she will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDORFDOGrand and your airport transfers, government Circle Program Director (assigned to no taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges more than 42 travelers) are included. Or, make your own air » Gratuities on your main trip for local guides arrangements and motorcoach drivers » Accommodations for 14 nights in » Personal headset for all included and comfortable rooms with private baths optional tours on your main trip » 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 » Private motorcoach land travel dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) » Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per » 10 included features: 7 guided tours person, including tips and 3 exclusive Discovery Series events: » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward Apley Farm experience • Home-Hosted your next trip Dinner • Beatrix Potter experience

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

8 WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE

GROUP SIZE »A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local Grand Circle Program Director

PACING »6 locations in 15 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS » Walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate in 1-2 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs »T wo days of this trip may require 3 miles of walking and 3.5 hours of optional physical activity »N ot accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters »T ravelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them » We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION »U neven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones »T ravel by 45-seat motorcoach

CLIMATE » Daytime temperatures range from 46-73°F during touring season »J une-August are the warmest months »M arch weather can be unpredictable and change quickly

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

9 England, Scotland & Wales 2020

When you visit England, Scotland, and Wales on this tour of the United Kingdom, you’ll walk in the footsteps of centurions and soldiers, kings and queens, writers and poets—in a land permeated with legend and romance. Experience the diversity of Great Britain as you travel from city to country and back again. You’ll discover London in England, tour Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and traverse the gentle hills of the English countryside. You’ll also spend two nights in Bath, to see for yourself how the elegant city got its name. Plus enjoy in-depth discoveries of England’s Lake District, a region of soul-stirring natural beauty. Britain is a place one should visit and savor in depth and detail, and you’ll be able to do just that on this discovery-rich vacation.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

London, England 3 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP Begin your discoveries in the capital—and bustling, historic heart—of England. An included two-day London Transport Pass will give you easy access to the city’s “Tube” (subway) and buses, bringing you to all corners of the city, including iconic sites like the Royal Albert Hall and the British Museum.

Scottish Highlands 4 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Discover the stunning landscapes and undiminishable spirit of Scotland with a four-night tour of the highlands region. You’ll delve into the secrets of Loch Ness; discover Inverness, the thoroughly modern city with strong ancient roots; and behold a land teeming with history and pride.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

10 DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart U.S. Before dinner, gather with your Program Director and travel companions for a Welcome 'HSDUWIURPWKH86WRGD\RQ\RXUͬLJKWWR %ULHͫQJ London. Please refer to your individual air itinerary for exact departure and arrival times. Dinner:(QMR\DQLQFOXGHG:HOFRPH'LQQHUDW your hotel tonight.

Day 2 London, England Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Destination: London rest of your evening as you wish—ask your • Included Meals: Dinner Program Director for recommendations. • Accommodations: Tower Hotel or similar Day 3 London Morning/Afternoon: A Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport and • Destination: London help you transfer to your hotel, where you’ll • Included Meals: Breakfast meet your Program Director and your fellow • Accommodations: Tower Hotel or similar travelers, including those who took our London, Breakfast: At the hotel. England pre-trip extension. After checking in, you’ll set out for a brief vicinity walk to Morning:%HJLQ\RXU(QJODQGWRXUZLWKDQ acquaint yourself with the area surrounding introduction to London’s major landmarks, your hotel. including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, on a panoramic drive this morning. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax DIWHU\RXURYHUVHDVͬLJKWRUGRVRPHH[SORULQJ After your tour, you’ll return to your on your own. You might consider a visit to the hotel—you’ll have the option of returning by British Museum, which houses antiquities way of the Tube, London’s robust network of tracing the history of human culture. Its subway trains. Your Program Director will be by treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the your side to help you navigate the system like largest collection of Mesopotamian antiquities a local. Alternatively, your motorcoach will be LQ(XURSHDQGPRUHWKDQPLOOLRQRWKHU waiting to return you to the hotel. historical objects. Lunch/Afternoon: Yours to do as you please. Or perhaps you’ll wander around Covent Your Program Director will be happy to Garden, an outdoor marketplace since the recommend a spot for lunch and free time 17th century, when it was a center for traders activities. Perhaps you’ll visit one of London’s and merchants, and today home to some of many museums, including the Victoria and London’s most talented street performers. In Albert Museum or Tate, a family of four fact, Covent Garden is the only part of London galleries. where street entertainment is licensed, and performers must audition and sign up for Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent VSHFLͫFWLPHVORWVLQRUGHUWRSHUIRUPWKHUH discoveries this evening, with dinner on your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant recommendations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

11 Day 4 London • Oxford • Bath Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Destination: Bath rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Apex City of Bath Hotel or similar Day 5 Bath • Stonehenge

Breakfast: At the hotel. • Destination: Bath • Included Meals: Breakfast Morning: Depart for Oxford, whose university • Accommodations: Apex City of Bath Hotel has educated some of the world’s most or similar prominent scholars and statesmen. Breakfast: At the hotel. Oxford University was established in the eleventh century, but there is evidence of Morning: Today’s discoveries begin with an structured teaching dating back as far as AD included tour of the Roman baths. Bath is 872. Rather than orienting around a central named for the springs that well up in this city, campus, the University is a collection of producing about 500,000 gallons of water each more than 38 colleges and buildings spread day at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The lead-lined throughout the city. Oxford is also one of the bath, steps, column bases, and edging stones all settings for the Harry Potter movies and the date from Roman times. Inspector Morse television series. After your tour, you’ll have the rest of the Set off a walking tour through the city center, morning free to explore Bath independently. passing some of the legendary colleges that Lunch: On your own in Bath—ask your Program have been seats of learning for many prime Director for local restaurant recommendations. ministers, great writers, and various scholars, including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and John Afternoon: Continue on to Stonehenge, the Wesley. The University colleges dominate the starkly dramatic stone monument that has center of Oxford, as you can see by the spires engaged the world’s imagination for centuries. and the numerous stone walls bordering college As one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. images of a prehistoric culture, Stonehenge creates a powerful impression. In addition Lunch: On your own in Oxford—ask your to appreciating the unique design and Program Director for local restaurant construction, many visitors experience a feeling recommendations. of uncommon mystery.

Afternoon: Travel to Bath, which developed You’ll return to Bath later today, where the rest into a prosperous, high-society destination of the day is yours to spend as you please. in the 18th century under King George III, and retains its elegant air today. The city’s striking Dinner/Evening:(QMR\LQGHSHQGHQW architecture and Georgian terraces inspired the discoveries this evening, with dinner on your setting for Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion. own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant recommendations. (QMR\IUHHWLPHWRUHOD[RUH[SORUHWKHFLW\DIWHU checking in to your hotel.

Dinner: Included at your hotel this evening.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

12 Day 6 Bath • Apley Farm experience • You are staying in Caernarfon, a small historic Snowdonia, Wales • Home-Hosted Dinner town right on the coast looking across to the Island of Anglesey. Near your hotel is the • Destination: Snowdonia PHGLHYDOFDVWOHDQGZDOOVEXLOWE\WKH(QJOLVK • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner after their conquest of Wales. It was here that • Accommodations: Celtic Royal Hotel Prince Charles was formally inaugurated as or similar Prince of Wales in 1969. Breakfast: At the hotel early this morning. Dinner: This evening, you’ll be welcomed in Morning: Begin your transfer toward the by a local family for Home-Hosted Dinner and Snowdonia region of Wales. Along the way, some of the legendary Welsh hospitality during you’ll stop for an exclusive Discovery Series an exclusive Discovery Series event. visit to Apley Farm Shop, a picturesque village Evening: You have the freedom to spend the LQWKH(QJOLVKFRXQWU\VLGHQHDU6KURSVKLUH rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Here, you’ll get a glimpse into the artistic side Program Director for recommendations. RIUXUDO(QJODQGDVWKHIDUPVKRSIHDWXUHV a number of small pottery and craft studios, Day 7 Snowdonia • Optional Welsh where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a Experience tour hands-on demonstration. • Destination: Snowdonia Lunch: Savor an included lunch at the estate, • Included Meals: Breakfast prepared from locally-sourced, farm-fresh • Accommodations: Celtic Royal Hotel ingredients. or similar

Afternoon: Continue on your way into the Breakfast: At the hotel. ruggedly beautiful Welsh countryside. The principality of Wales, together with Scotland Morning: Spend the day exploring Snowdonia DQG(QJODQGPDNHVXS%ULWDLQ8QWLOWKHWLPH on your own. RI(QJOLVK.LQJ(GZDUG,LQWKHWKFHQWXU\ Or, join an optional tour that includes a steam this was an independent nation whose Celtic train ride on the Ffestiniog Railway from the SHRSOHͫHUFHO\GHIHQGHGWKHLUVRYHUHLJQW\ coast of Porthmadog into the mountains at Welsh identity remains distinct today, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Ffestiniog Railway is H[HPSOLͫHGLQWKHODQJXDJHZKLFKLVDFWXDOO\ the oldest independent narrow-gauge railway much easier to pronounce than it looks once in the world. It was built in 1832 to carry slate you learn the sounds associated with the letters. but has been carrying passengers since 1864. Our destination is the strikingly scenic This route will take you through some of and mountainous section of Wales called Snowdonia’s spectacular scenery. Snowdonia, which surrounds the region’s Your optional tour continues with a visit to highest peak, Mount Snowdon. Snowdonia is the National Slate Museum, where you’ll learn part of the impressive Cambrian Mountains, more about this historic Welsh industry. In which are steep-sided and rugged, presenting addition to educational exhibits, you’ll have the some of the most spectacular natural beauty in opportunity to hear from a slate worker about the British Isles. the mining trade.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

13 Lunch: On your own—ask your Program KROGVDVLJQLͫFDQWSODFHLQ(QJOLVKFXOWXUDO Director for local restaurant recommendations. history as the town where, beginning in the Or, if you have chosen to join our optional 14th century, mystery plays (public theater tour, you’ll savor an included lunch at the depicting biblical events) were presented. National Slate Museum, in a replica of a Lunch: On your own in Chester—ask your worker’s cabin, prepared with ingredients that Program Director for local restaurant a miner of the time might have enjoyed on their recommendations. afternoon break. Afternoon: Continue on to York after lunch, Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask DUULYLQJE\ODWHDIWHUQRRQ(QMR\WLPHWRUHOD[ your Program Director for recommendations. or explore on your own before dinner. Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent Dinner: Included at your hotel tonight. discoveries this evening, with dinner on your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant Evening: You have the freedom to spend the recommendations. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Day 8 Snowdonia • Chester, England • York Day 9 York & York Minster • Destination: York • Destination: York • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Park Inn York Hotel • Accommodations: Park Inn York Hotel or similar or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel. Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart Wales for York via Chester. Morning: Walk through the medieval city to Upon your arrival in Chester, enjoy a short York Minster for an included tour with a local ZDONLQJWRXURIWKLVDQFLHQW(QJOLVKWRZQ guide, who will highlight the history of the with Roman roots and a well-preserved cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral north of medieval center. WKH$OSV7KHVWDLQHGJODVVKHUHLVPDJQLͫFHQW 7KHFDWKHGUDO̞V*UHDW(DVW:LQGRZ̜FUHDWHG Around AD 60, the Romans expanded their by John Thornton of Coventry and completed empire in Britain to the banks of the Dee River, in 1408—is the largest expanse of medieval where Chester is located. The city today still stained glass in the world. It is 76 feet tall and displays the Roman layout, extending from the comprises 1,680 square feet of glass. Cross, where a Roman fortress once stood, to four city gates. In the Middle Ages, commerce After your visit, you’ll set off for a walking on the Dee River, particularly with Ireland, tour of the city with your Program Director, enriched the town in the twelfth and 13th where centuries-old city walls enclose the centuries. best-preserved medieval town center in (QJODQG

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

14 northern Britannia. Traces of Roman garrisons you’ll arrive in Whitby, a key setting for Bram EXLOWEHIRUHWKHͫIWKFHQWXU\DUHVSULQNOHG Stoker’s Dracula. You’ll visit Whitby Abbey, throughout the city. where, on a clear day, you will have spectacular views over the city itself and the North Sea. By the ninth century, Vikings—from what is now Denmark—had succeeded the It was from this town that the explorer James Romans, calling the town Jorvik and leaving &RRNͫUVWVHWRXWWRVHDDQGGXULQJWKHWK RQHOHJDF\\RX̞OOVWLOOVHHWRGD\WKHVXIͫ[ century, Whitby was renowned for creating jet “-gate”—meaning “street” in the old Viking jewelry that was a favorite of Queen Victoria’s language—in many street names. after the death of Prince Albert.

Lunch/Afternoon: Yours to do as you Lunch: On your own—ask your Program please. Your Program Director will be happy Director for local restaurant recommendations. to recommend a spot for lunch and free Or, if you’ve chosen our optional tour, you’ll time activities. Maybe you’ll take in the take time in Whitby to savor an included Shambles—originally the meat-butchering

Morning: Today is yours to explore at your • Destination: Lake District own pace. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Macdonald Swan Hotel Or, join us for a full-day optional tour to or similar Whitby and Castle Howard. After crossing the heather-clad North York Moors National Park, Breakfast: At the hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

15 Morning: Depart for the scenic Lake District, Although Potter is most famous for her literary (QJODQG̞VODUJHVWQDWLRQDOSDUNDQGKRPHWR contributions, she also adored country life; one major lakes. Set amidst the most mountainous of her most notable agricultural achievements UHJLRQRI(QJODQGLWKDVEHHQWKHLQVSLUDWLRQ is introducing the Herdwick sheep to the for countless writers, from Wordsworth and region—now a commonplace sight in the Lake Keats to Beatrix Potter. District.

Lunch: On your own in the Lake District—ask You’ll learn more about this robust breed your Program Director for local restaurant during a visit with a local sheep farmer who recommendations. earns her livelihood from this sheep’s wool, and enjoy the unique opportunity to visit the private Afternoon: Arrive at your hotel late this home where Potter once lived. afternoon, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You’ll then have some time to wander the village and admire its picturesque setting Dinner: Included at the hotel with your fellow independently before dinner. travelers. Dinner: Savor an included dinner at a Evening: You have the freedom to spend the local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a meal rest of your evening as you wish—ask your accompanied by a wonderful lakeside view. Program Director for recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Day 12 Lake District • Beatrix Potter rest of your evening as you wish—ask your experience Program Director for recommendations. • Destination: Lake District Day 13 Lake District • • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Edinburgh, Scotland • Accommodations: Macdonald Swan Hotel or similar • 'HVWLQDWLRQ(GLQEXUJK • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Breakfast: At the hotel. • Accommodations: Apex Waterloo Place Morning: The morning is yours at leisure to or similar explore the picturesque town of Grasmere. Breakfast: At the hotel. Lunch: On your own in Grasmere—ask Morning:6HWRIIDORQJWKHURDGWR(GLQEXUJK your Program Director for local restaurant During your drive, you’ll pass through Gretna recommendations. Green, Scotland’s southernmost town that was Afternoon: Head out to the village of Near once popular with couples desiring to elope Sawrey, which Beatrix Potter once called home. and marry. Here, during an exclusive Discovery Series Lunch: You’ll stop for an included lunch during event, you’ll enjoy a look into the legacy of this your transfer to Scotland. IDPRXV(QJOLVKDXWKRUDQGWKHODQGVFDSHV that inspired her works, including The Tale of Afternoon:$UULYHLQ(GLQEXUJKDQGFKHFNLQWR Peter Rabbit. your hotel, then join your Program Director for a discovery walk to acquaint yourself with the area around your lodgings.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

16 Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent of singers. There will also be a demonstration of discoveries this evening, with dinner on your Scottish dancing, the Addressing of the Haggis own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant (during which a Robert Burns poem is recited), recommendations. and a performance on the Scottish bagpipes.

Day 14 Edinburgh • Optional Day 15 Edinburgh • Optional Royal Scottish Evening Scotland tour • 'HVWLQDWLRQ(GLQEXUJK • 'HVWLQDWLRQ(GLQEXUJK • Included Meals: Breakfast • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Apex Waterloo Place • Accommodations: Apex Waterloo Place or similar or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel. Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning:(QMR\DSDQRUDPLFWRXURI6FRWODQG̞V Morning:(QMR\DIXOOGD\WRPDNH\RXU FDSLWDO(GLQEXUJKWKHKLVWRULFFHQWHURI own discoveries. If you’re traveling in Scottish culture, commerce, and education. August, you may be interested in attending You’ll see the unique atmosphere and WKH5R\DO(GLQEXUJK0LOLWDU\7DWWRRWKH DUFKLWHFWXUHRI(GLQEXUJK̞V2OGDQG1HZWRZQV world-renowned exhibition of British, as you pass along the Royal Mile. Commonwealth, and international military bands held in the Scottish capital each year.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

17 Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations.

Day 16 Edinburgh • Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your return home today, or continue your guided tour of Scotland with our optional Scottish Highlands extension.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

18 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Program Director. He or she ZLOODVN\RXWRFRQͫUPWKHSD\PHQWIRUWKHVHWRXUVE\ͫOOLQJRXWDSD\PHQWIRUP2SWLRQDOWRXUVFDQ only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices include gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers, are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication, and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

Welsh Experience North York Moors National Park, you’ll arrive (Day 7 $90 per person) in Whitby, a key setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Bisit Whitby Abbey, where on a clear Join an optional tour that includes a steam train day you will have spectacular views over the ride on the Ffestiniog Railway from the coast city itself and the North Sea. You’ll take time in of Porthmadog into the mountains at Blaenau this original whaling port to savor an included Ffestiniog. The oldest independent railway

Whitby & Castle Howard Your Scottish evening includes a selection (Day 10 $105 per person) of typical historic Scottish tunes and PHORGLHVSOD\HGRQWKHDFFRUGLRQDQGͫGGOH Discover two Yorkshire gems—the town of accompanied by a variety of singers. There Whitby and imposing Castle Howard—on this will also be a demonstration of Scottish full-day tour. After crossing the heather-clad dancing, the Addressing of the Haggis (during

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

19 which a Robert Burns poem is recited), and a performance on the Scottish bagpipes. The JUDQGͫQDOHLQFOXGHVWKHDXGLHQFHSDUWLFLSDWLQJ in saying good night by singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Your evening includes dinner and a drink.

This tour is available on April-September departures and is subject to availability.

Royal Scotland (Day 15 $90 per person)

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, which ZDVODXQFKHGE\+HU0DMHVW\4XHHQ(OL]DEHWK II in 1953, and has since transported the royal family and various dignitaries on nearly 1,000 trips through the world’s oceans. You’ll tour the ship, learn about its notable voyages, and cap off your visit with an onboard snack of tea and handmade scones.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

20 PRE-TRIP London, England

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDGrand Circle » 3 meals: 3 breakfasts Program Director » 1 included tour: Kensington Palace » Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your extension and all » 2-day London Transport Pass optional tours »A ll transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Begin your discoveries in the capital—and bustling, historic heart—of England. An included two-day London Transport Pass will give you easy access to the city’s “Tube” (subway) and buses, bringing you to all corners of the city, including iconic sites like the Royal Albert Hall and the British Museum.

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 3 London

'HSDUWWKH86WRGD\RQ\RXUͬLJKWWR/RQGRQ • Destination: London Please refer to your individual air itinerary for • Included Meals: Breakfast exact departure and arrival times. • Accommodations: Tower Hotel or similar Breakfast: At the hotel. Day 2 London, England Morning: The day is yours to explore London • Destination: London using your included London Transport Pass. • Accommodations: Tower Hotel or similar Your Program Director will accompany you on Breakfast: At the hotel. a tour of the city’s sights, or, you might choose to set off on your own. Perhaps you’ll journey Morning/Afternoon: Arrive throughout the day WR%XFNLQJKDP3DODFHWRYLHZWKHRIͫFLDO LQ/RQGRQ(QJODQGWilliam Shakespeare. The Tate Britain own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant RIIHUVDQH[WUDRUGLQDU\UDQJHRIͫYHFHQWXULHV recommendations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

21 of British art. The Tate Modern features You’ll disembark at Westminster and continue contemporary art, with changing installations by land to Kensington Palace, where you’ll that make headlines around the world. explore the grounds on an included tour. The palace has been the residence of young royals Lunch/Afternoon: Yours to do as you please. for 300 years—famously, Queen Victoria Your Program Director will be happy to was born and spent her childhood here. recommend a spot for lunch and free time Currently, Kensington Palace is the home of activities. 3ULQFH:LOOLDP(QJODQG̞VKHLUDSSDUHQWDQG You might visit the Royal Albert Hall, which Catherine Middleton, the Duke and Duchess was inspired by the early works of the Romans. Cambridge. Sections of the palace are open This large amphitheater is home to some of to the public, where you can tour the state WKHZRUOG̞VͫQHVWFRQFHUWVDQGPXVLFDOHYHQWV apartments of the king and queen, pay tribute DQGLVDWUXH(QJOLVKPRQXPHQW4XHHQ9LFWRULD to the late Princess Diana at the stunning laid the foundation stone for the Royal Albert memorial gardens, and more. Hall in 1867 in memory of her late husband, After your tour, you’ll have the choice to Prince Albert. transfer back to your hotel, or stay behind in Or, perhaps you’ll visit the Victoria and Albert this discovery-rich neighborhood of London to Museum, a spacious building full of art galleries make your own discoveries with the aid of your and artistic displays. Some of the country’s included London Transport Pass. JUHDWDUWLVWLFWUHDVXUHVDUHKHUH(QWU\WRWKH Lunch/Afternoon: Yours to do as you please. museum is free, as is entry to the adjacent Your Program Director will be happy to National History Museum and Science Museum, recommend a spot for lunch and free time both of which are well worth a visit. activities. Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent discoveries this evening, with dinner on your discoveries this evening, with dinner on your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant recommendations. recommendations.

Day 4 London • Kensington Palace Day 5 London • Destination: London • Destination: London • Included Meals: Breakfast • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Tower Hotel or similar Breakfast: At the hotel. Breakfast: At the hotel. Morning: Join fellow travelers arriving for your Morning:(QMR\DKDOIGD\WRXURI.HQVLQJWRQ England, Scotland & Wales vacation and begin 3DODFH7KHͫUVWOHJRI\RXUMRXUQH\LVVXUHWREH your journey. a memorable one, as you make your way along the river aboard a Thames Clipper, enjoying scenic views, enlightening expert commentary, and a chance to chat with the locals sharing your ride.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

22 POST-TRIP Scottish Highlands

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 4 nights » Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach » 5 meals: 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner drivers on your extension and all optional tours » 1 included tour: Isle of Skye »A ll transfers » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDGrand Circle Program Director

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Discover the stunning landscapes and undiminishable spirit of Scotland with a four-night tour of the highlands region. You’ll delve into the secrets of Loch Ness; discover Inverness, the thoroughly modern city with strong ancient roots; and behold a land teeming with history and pride.

Day 1 Edinburgh • Inverness Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent discoveries this evening, with dinner on your • Destination: Inverness own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant • Accommodations: Kingsmills Hotel recommendations. or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel, included as part of your Day 2 Inverness • Isle of Skye main trip. • Destination: Inverness Morning: Conclude your England, Scotland & • Included Meals: Breakfast Wales itinerary this morning as you depart • Accommodations: Kingsmills Hotel (GLQEXUJKDQGKHDGIRU,QYHUQHVVVWRSSLQJ or similar along the way at The Kelpies, a pair of nearly 100-foot high horse head statues honoring the Breakfast: At the hotel. equestrian heritage of Scotland. Morning: Depart for the Isle of Skye. Drive Lunch: On your own—ask your Program along the famed Loch Ness, a fabled lake of Director for local restaurant recommendations. many moods—from the sultry to the serene. Beneath its placid surface, the occasional Afternoon: Arrive in Inverness late this sturgeon has been spotted. And who hasn’t afternoon, and enjoy the rest of the day to heard the tale of the Loch Ness monster, often spend as you choose. spoken of but seldom seen? The legend of “Nessie,” though never proved to be real, has DORQJKLVWRU\,WVͫUVWUHSRUWHG̡VLJKWLQJ̢ZDV in AD 565.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

23 Not all the wonders of Loch Ness are beneath its Day 3 Inverness surface, however. The area also hosts a vibrant • Destination: Inverness ELUGSRSXODWLRQDFWLQJDVDͬLJKWSDWKIRUVHD • Included Meals: Breakfast birds migrating between the Atlantic Ocean and • Accommodations: Kingsmills Hotel the North Sea. It is common to see buzzards or similar circling above the banks of the loch, and eagles, though more rare, do make an occasional Breakfast: At the hotel. appearance. Also seen from time to time are the Morning: Today is yours to enjoy at your LQFUHDVLQJO\UDUHRVSUH\VRXWͫVKLQJIRUDTXLFN own pace. bite or two. Or, join us on an optional Historical Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Highlands tour to grasp a sense of the past that Director for local restaurant recommendations. is so inseparable from this region’s identity. Afternoon: Continue exploring this beautiful We visit Culloden Moor, scene of the last major UHJLRQRI6FRWODQG

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

24 Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries. Morning: Travel to Glasgow through the scenic Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a landscapes of Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and thoroughly modern town with ancient roots Trossachs. You’ll also pass through the town and will no doubt entice you with its array of RI)RUW:LOOLDPZKLFKLVPDJQLͫFHQWO\VHW offerings. against the shores of Loch Linnhe and rolling mountain scenery. A visit to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers up a vibrant presentation of the heritage Lunch: Stop for an independent lunch during of the area, from its archaeology to its natural your transfer to Glasgow. history. Clan Donald is said to have burned Afternoon: Arrive in Glasgow in the late the town at least seven times, while Bonnie afternoon, where your Program Director will Prince Charlie’s forces destroyed the fort here lead you on a short walk through the city. in 1745. Peace prevails today in the city’s most welcoming environment. Dinner: Included at your hotel tonight.

Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent Evening: You have the freedom to spend the discoveries this evening, with dinner on your rest of your evening as you wish—ask your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant Program Director for recommendations. recommendations. Day 5 Glasgow • Return to U.S. Day 4 Inverness • Glasgow • Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: Glasgow Breakfast: At the hotel. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel Morning: This morning, your Grand Circle Glasgow or similar Program Director will see you off from the hotel for your transfer to the airport for your Breakfast: At the hotel. ͬLJKWKRPH

OPTIONAL TOUR

Historical Highlands WKHEDWWOHͫHOGZRXOGKDYHORRNHGFHQWXULHVDJR (Day 3 $95 per person) and the award-winning visitor center gives Join us for an optional Historical Highlands insights into the climactic battle. excursion to grasp a sense of the history that Next, visit Brodie Castle, once the home of is so inseparable from this region’s identity. one of Scotland’s ancient clans. Originally First, travel to Culloden Moor, scene of the built in the 12th century, the castle suffered a last major battle fought on mainland Britain, PDMRUͫUHLQDQGZDVZDVODWHUUHEXLOW ZKHUH3ULQFH&KDUOHV(GZDUG6WXDUW̞VDUP\ZDV but some elements of the original construction quelled by the Duke of Cumberland, ending the still remain, including the lime-harled tower -DFRELWHXSULVLQJLQ7RGD\IRUWLͫFDWLRQV house. The castle halls also house a collection that played a pivotal role in the battle have been reconstructed to give visitors a sense of how

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

25 of furniture, porcelain, and paintings from a bygone era, giving a look into noble Scottish life as it once was.

Conclude your optional tour with a light lunch in the castle’s tea room, prepared with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

26

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP:

With the planning of any vacation comes the need to research and L^V
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With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await.

27 CONTENTS

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...... 29

HEALTH ......
31

MONEY MATTERS ...... 34

Top Tips

Local Currency

Tipping Guidelines

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
...... 37

PACKING ...... 40

CLIMATE...... 46

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION ......
49

Culture & Points to Know

Shopping

DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
...... 55

RESOURCES ......
60

28 PASSPORT, VISAS & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.

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• Main trip only: 2 blank “Visa” pages.

• Pre- and/or a post-trip extension: No additional pages needed.

No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this vacation, including the optional trip extensions.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www. pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Traveling with a minor may require certain documentation for border crossings. For further detail on the required documentation, please contact the local embassy or state government.

29 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

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Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

30 HEALTH

Keep Your Abilities In Mind Please review the information below prior to departing on this trip. We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience.

GROUP SIZE • A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local Grand Circle Program Director

PACING • 6 locations in 15 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate in 1-2 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs

• Two days of this trip may require 3 miles of walking and 3.5 hours of optional physical activity

• Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters

• Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them

• We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones

• Travel by 45-seat motorcoach

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 46-73°F during touring season

• June-August are the warmest months

• March weather can be unpredictable and change quickly

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have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date.

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be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.)

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• If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition.

No Vaccines Required At the time of writing there were no required vaccines for this trip. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine vaccinations and on basic travel vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but these are suggestions only. However, this could change in future so we encourage you to check with the CDC yourself before meeting with your doctor.

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws 
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Staying Healthy on Your Trip

Jet Lag Tips • Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

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32 • After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

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• Bottled water is widely available for sale.

33 MONEY MATTERS

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

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• You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need pounds instead.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter
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divided into 100 pence (100p). This legal tender is used throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds

• Coins: 1 and 2 pence (copper); 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence (silver); 1 and 2 pounds (silver/gold)

You may want to avoid 50 pound notes as these are not always accepted at smaller restaurants, cafes or shops.

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On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

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34 ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use an out-of-network ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

United Kingdom: ATMs are common throughout the United Kingdom so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

United Kingdom: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted (American Express is not commonly honored), but you should always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Chip Cards Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip. These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the purchase using a PIN instead of signing.

This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language, just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that has a PIN.

Notify Card Providers Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank

35 you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

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• GCT Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your GCT Program Director at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $6-$8 per traveler for each day their Program Director is with them. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

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• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

36 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air 4Q
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Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835.

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connecting city (not as part of a Stopover package), you are responsible for arranging a hotel for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount under “My Reservations.”

Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have a Grand Circle =P[]P^PY_L_TaP
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• Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. A Grand Circle Representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are 9:?
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• Flight Delays:
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your new arrival time. In these cases you will need to arrange your transfer by taxi to your hotel.

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• Flying with a Travel Companion:
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Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Program Director can be paid for using credit/ debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Program Director will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount).

38 Communications

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).

One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

United Kingdom: +44

39 PACKING

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person.

Weight restrictions The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags. Please keep in mind that even if your airline allows more weight than this, the real limiting factor is your motorcoach in the U.K.

Size Restrictions Your suitcase can be up to 62 linear inches (length+width+depth), which is the same as a normal U.S.-size suitcase. But your carry-on for the bus will need to be smaller than usual; it cannot exceed 22in x 14in x 9in. (Because the overhead compartments are smaller than on a plane.) Fortunately, you can also bring one personal item onto the bus, such as an umbrella or purse.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person for flights to Europe and other international flights.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

40 Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

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week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

Your Luggage

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Clothing Suggestions

Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that NLY
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41 • Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy.

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• Bring rain gear: Regardless of your month of travel, rainfall is certainly a possibility. We suggest you bring a folding umbrella and waterproof shell. Water-resistant walking shoes are advantageous in case heavy downpours pass through.

• Good walking shoes are critical. This program features many included tours that follow steep, unpaved or cobbled routes; and even an average day of light sightseeing or shopping can put great demands on your feet. If you prefer more ankle support, take light hiking boots. In case you get caught in the rain, we suggest you bring an extra pair of walking shoes, and rain boots or galoshes. Aboard ship, you’ll want non-slip shoes with rubber soles.

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but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Leave behind any credit cards that are not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose.

Your accommodations will supply soap, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner. If you prefer a certain brand you may want to bring your own, but otherwise you can rely on what they provide.

Recommended Clothing T Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer T Trousers, jeans, or skirts T Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes T Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood T Sleepwear T Socks and undergarments T A jacket or sweater, depending on the time of year

42 Essential Items T /LTWd
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T Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription T Sunglasses with a neck strap T Wide-brim sun hat or visor T Compact umbrella T Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards T Travel money bag or money belt T Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards

Medicines T Your own prescription medicines T Vitamins T Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan T Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin T Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax T Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta T Anti-diarrheal: Imodium T Band-Aids, Moleskin foot pads T Antibiotics: Neosporin/Bacitracin

Optional Gear T Travel alarm T Compact binoculars T Hanging toiletry bag with pockets

43 T Washcloth T Travel-size tissues T Basic sewing kit T Hand-wash laundry soap (Woolite), clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper T Electrical transformer and plug adapter T Reading materials T Travel journal/note pad T Swimsuit, if your ship/hotel has a pool or whirlpool T Addresses for postcards T Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit T Phrase book T Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates T Travel hair dryer: Many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version.

Home-Hosted Visits It is customary, though not necessary, to return your hosts’ generosity with a small gift. If you do bring a gift, we recommend that you bring something the whole family can enjoy, or something that represents your region, state, or hometown. Get creative and keep it small—peach jelly from Georgia, maple sugar candy from New England, orange blossom soap from California; something that can be used or used up is best. When choosing a gift, be certain to consider the local culture as well. For example, we do not recommend alcohol in Muslim countries because it is forbidden in Islam, and your hosts may be religious. Not all 2]LYO
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44 Voltage Electricity at hotels in Great Britain is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers— NLY
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45 CLIMATE

England: The weather across England can be unreliable and unpredictable, with lovely sun- drenched mornings regularly turning into damp, overcast afternoons—and vice versa. Still, legends about incessant rain in England are exaggerated. London, in fact, has less rainfall accumulation than Rome, which is known as a sunny city. It’s just that in London, the rain is spread over more days. The British capital is very much a city of the temperate zone. With occasional exceptions, London’s summers tend to be moderately warm, with few days having temperatures above 75° F; winters as well tend to be moderately cold, with few days dropping below 30° F. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable, with little more than a sweater or light overcoat required. The weather in York and Bath is similar.

Wales: Wales typically has a more temperate climate than Scotland and England. Here, spring and fall temperatures average in the upper 50s, summers in the high 60s. As a general rule, Wales is cloudier, wetter, and milder than the eastern side of Great Britain.

Scotland: The variable climate of Scotland is infamous for its consistent ability to change from day to day. Cool, mild weather, accompanied by frequent cloud cover and rain, is the norm. But on occasion, and at any time of year, a stint of foul weather can settle in. In Scotland’s lowlands (the Edinburgh region), temperatures average in the low 50s during spring and fall, and in the low 60s during summer. At any time, temperatures could drop and the weather become chilly.

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46 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH LONDON, ENGLAND BATH, ENGLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (avg) with Rainfall JAN 45 to 3490 to 80 23 45 to 37 88 19 FEB 46 to 3490 to 741946 to 37 8617 MAR 52 to 37 91 to 6821 50 to 4082 18 APR 57 to 3990 to 602054 to 41 7917 MAY 63 to 44 90 to 5918 61 to 46 77 15 JUN 69 to 49 90 to 61 18 64 to 52 77 15 JUL 73 to 53 91 to 5917 68 to 55 78 16 AUG 73 to 53 94 to 64 18 68 to 55 7915 SEP 59 to 44 93 to 72 21 63 to 52 8115 OCT 59 to 44 93 to 72 21 55 to 46 86 20 NOV 51 to 3992 to 78 22 50 to 41 89 20 DEC 46 to 35 90 to 82 22 45 to 37 90 19

MONTH CAERNARFON, WALES YORK, ENGLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (avg) with Rainfall Humidity (avg) with Rainfall JAN 47 to 41 - 18 45 to 34 84 7.3 FEB 47 to 40- 15 46 to 34 81 5.9 MAR 49 to 41 - 14 50 to 37 78 4.9 APR 52 to 44 - 15 55 to 39 74 5.6 MAY 57 to 48- 13 61 to 44 716 JUN 61 to 52 - 12 66 to 49 73 5.5 JUL 64 to 55 - 13 70 to 53 73 7.1 AUG 65 to 56 - 13 69 to 53 746.9 SEP 62 to 54 - 15 64 to 49 76 5.9 OCT 57 to 50 - 18 57 to 44 78 6.4 NOV 52 to 46 -2050 to 38 82 6.6 DEC 48 to 41 - 17 45 to 34 846.9

47 MONTH EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 44 to 34 86 to 80 14 FEB 45 to 34 86 to 75 10 MAR 48 to 37 86 to 68 12 APR 53 to 39 87 to 65 10 MAY 58 to 44 87 to 65 11 JUN 63 to 4886 to 64 10 JUL 67 to 52 88 to 66 10 AUG 66 to 5190 to 66 11 SEP 62 to 49 89 to 69 10 OCT 55 to 43 88 to 7413 NOV 49 to 39 87 to 7913 DEC 44 to 34 87 to 82 13

48 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS

Your Program Director During your exclusive Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all _TXP^
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in English and can give you an inside perspective on your destinations. He or she is supported along the way by local tour guides, who guide you expertly through particular sites and cities.

Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to XLVP
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region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.

Your Program Director will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need. You will be in the company of a Program Director throughout your vacation.

During Your Trip

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traditional British style and the more modern. What results is that each new location brings a new experience, and while the older hotels tend to have more individual character, they may not be as up-to-date in terms of facilities. Also, as is common with hotels in the United Kingdom, none of our hotels feature air conditioning, though all feature heating. In general dZ`ɪWW
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in the U.S.

Regardless of what type of hotel you are staying in, we assure you you’ll be met with a warm British welcome.

Laundry Service Most of your hotels provide laundry services, though this service is expensive. Your Program Director or concierge can assist you with making arrangements if you need clothes laundered.

Cuisine in Great Britain The area is traditionally known for ‘meat, potatoes and two veg’, meals but these days people in the UK are just as likely to eat Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, or junk food (including hamburgers and döner kebabs). Vegetarian is normally available. Fish and chips is another well-known meal and is usually bought from special shops (chippies) where the cooked food is

49 wrapped and sprinkled with salt and vinegar. There are lots of traditional regional specialties, TYNW`OTYR
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oatmeal and spices. Haggis is eaten with ‘neeps and tatties’ (turnips and mashed potatoes).

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London in Brief

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lanes and a historic atmosphere. The 32 boroughs of Greater London, which surround The City, comprise over 600 square miles, though thankfully for visitors, the major tourist attractions are relatively close together in the center.

The West End: Stretching from west of the City to Hyde Park is the lively West End, which includes the nation’s thickest grouping of boutiques, stores, restaurants, and theaters. Oxford Street, which runs the length of the West End, vies with nearby Covent Garden and Soho as the most popular site for sightseers and shoppers.

South Kensington and Chelsea: Just beyond the West End, south of Hyde Park, are the stylish residential districts of South Kensington and Chelsea. These areas contain many impressive estates and important city buildings.

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the River Thames move from west to east. In the plague-ridden days before sewers, life on the “wrong” side of the City was truly perilous for one’s health. Today the East End is still home to indigent immigrants and the capital’s famous Cockneys.

Southwark: The borough of Southwark lies across the river from the City, on the south bank of the Thames. Southwark became notorious as London’s entertainment quarter during Elizabethan times, when theaters and brothels were banned within the City.

Local Transportation Bus and Underground (“tube”): Bus stations and tube stops abound in London, making it relatively easy to get across this vast city. The tube generally runs every few minutes from about 5:30 am to midnight (7:30 am to 11 pm on Sunday). In addition, some lines have an overnight service called “Night Tube” on Fridays and Saturdays. You can pick up a handy tube map, distributed free at all station ticket windows. While London’s comprehensive tube

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feel very familiar after just a few rides. However, be aware that certain stations involve going up and down lengthy stairways; others provide escalators. Hold on to your subway ticket throughout the ride; you must insert it in a turnstile to exit the subway.

Taxicabs: You may opt to take a cab once or twice. Metered cabs may be hailed on the street (when “for hire” sign is lit) or ordered by phone. A 10% to 15% tip is usual for a cab ride. Expect an additional charge for travel after 8 pm, and on weekends.

On Foot: London can be a somewhat confusing city to negotiate. It seems as though no two streets run parallel, and even locals regularly consult maps. But in the winding streets of The City and in the tourist area of the West End, there’s no better way to go. Don’t forget that cars O]TaP
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Edinburgh in Brief

City Layout and Details Edinburgh consists of a New Town, dating from the 18th century, and an Old Town dating back to the city’s origin in medieval times. The spine of the Old Town is the famous Royal Mile, comprised of the four linked streets of Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket, and Castlehill. Holyrood Palace sits at the end of Canongate, next to a hilly park of the same name, while Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline from the Castlehill end of the Royal Mile.

Below and to the north of the Old Town lies the New Town, built in the Georgian era between 1766 and 1840. This area is laid out in a neat grid, with George Street running through the middle between the charming parks of Charlotte Square and St. Andrew Square. Paralleling 2PZ]RP
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George Streets, Rose Street boasts a dense concentration of shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Festivals The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Commonly referred to as “The Tattoo,” Edinburgh plays host to hundreds of musicians, pipers and drummers, singers and dancers at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival, including the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands. The festival _LVP^
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entertainment and performers each year. From traditional Scottish costumes and bagpipes _Z
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sensation.

51 Because this festival attracts international attention with over 200,000 visitors, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance if you are interested in experiencing this unique performance at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. To purchase tickets, please visit www. edintattoo.co.uk/tickets
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and time, as there are many performances over the course of the three week festival.

More information about The Tattoo is available at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

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Inverness in Brief

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curiously square-topped look to its spires, as funds ran out before they could be completed.

Shopping There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your vacation. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Grand Circle is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly. If the shop is outside the country, you should expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from the standards you are used to, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

52 Crafts & Souvenirs

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Popular items include Liberty silks, Crunchie candy bars, hats and fascinators, Wedgwood china, orange marmalade, Woods of Windsor soaps and lotions, soccer team shirts, Wellington boots, Burberry trench coats, books by British authors, Earl Grey tea…the list is endless.

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forth—embellished with British icons or famous slogans. Look for anything with the royal QLXTWd
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example, “Keep Calm and Carry On”, or “Loose Lips Sink Battleships”).

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symbols (the game as invented in Scotland) and Nessie, the Lock Ness monster. And of course, there’s whisky (without an “e”), which is so synonymous with Scotland that many Americans call it “scotch”.

Many of the best souvenirs are wearable, which makes sense as Scotland is known for its fabrics—stout tweeds, quality woolens, and colorful tartans. Although most people think of _SP
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scarves, are a nice alternative.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when _SP
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shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to- door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges

53 would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

54 DEMOGRAPHICS & BACKGROUND

United Kingdom

Facts & Figures • Area: 94,525 square miles

• Capital: London, with a separate parliament in Edinburgh for Scotland, a National ,^^PXMWd
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• Government: Constitutional monarchy

• Languages: English, Welsh, Gaelic

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England, in the southern part of Britain, is separated from Scotland on the north by the granite Cheviot Hills. To the west along the border of Wales—a land of steep hills and valleys—are the Cambrian Mountains. To the south of England is the English Channel and to the east is the North Sea, which also washes the eastern coast of Scotland. To the west of England is the Irish Sea, mixed to the north with the Atlantic Ocean.

• Population: Entire UK 65,105,246 (estimate): England - 55,268,100, Scotland - 5,404,700, Wales - 3,113,200, Northern Ireland - 1,862,100

• Religions: Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) 59.5%, 8`^WTX
 
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National Holidays: United Kingdom

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Historical Overview of the United Kingdom ?SP
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boundaries of Britain.

55 England was home to Celtic peoples in prehistoric times, then was ruled by the Roman Empire from about A.D. 43 to A.D. 410. After the fall of Rome, Jutes, Angles, and Saxons established ^XLWW
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English King Edward I conquered Wales in 1283 and sought to rule Scotland as well. The relationship between England and Scotland took many twists and turns over the centuries, with Scottish King James VI becoming King James I of England in 1603 (succeeding Queen Elizabeth I). The United Kingdom came into being with the 1707 Act of Union between the parliaments of England and Scotland.

In the meantime, England under Edward III had fought the Hundred Years’ War with France between 1337 and 1453, with England ultimately losing its possessions on the French side of the Channel. Then, between 1455 and 1485, York and Lancaster battled on English soil in the Wars of the Roses. Henry VIII ruled in the 1530s, and his daughter Elizabeth later became _SP
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beginning the Georgian Era during which England laid the groundwork for Empire. In the 19th century, the Victorian Era brought the globe-girdling ascendancy of the industrialized British Empire under the long reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901.

During the 19th century, the entire island of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, having been incorporated into the UK in 1801. The Irish however, sought independence, and in 1921, all but the six northern counties of Ulster became the Republic of Ireland—leaving the UK in its present form. In recent years, the desires of the Scots and Welsh for greater autonomy within the UK have led to the process called “devolution.” In 1999, Scotland regained its own [L]WTLXPY_
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The United Kingdom General Election held on May 6, 2010 resulted in a hung parliament after the Conservative Party failed to win the 326 seats required for an overall majority, despite having won the largest number of seats. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed the ʭ]^_
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2010-2016.

56 In 2007, the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) gained traction in the Scottish Parliament elections and formed a minority government with plans to further their goal towards Scottish independence. With continued momentum, the SNP was greatly successful in 2011 election and formed the majority government in the Scottish Parliament. On September 18, 2014, a referendum was held in Scotland to vote on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom but was defeated with 55% of the vote to remain in the United Kingdom.

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referendum passed with 51.9% of the vote in favor of leaving the European Union. In response, David Cameron resigned and was succeeded by Theresa May, a member of the Conservative Party and second female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher, who continues to serve as Prime Minister today. Brexit negotiations are ongoing as the UK Parliament works to pass a withdrawal agreement.

England

Facts & Figures • Area: 50,346 square miles

• Capital: London

• Location: Consists of 48 counties, occupying the southern part of Great Britain

• Languages: English

• Population: 55,268,100

• Religions: Christianity 59.4%, Non-religious 24.7%, Unknown 7.2%, Muslim 5.0%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 0.8%, Jewish 0.5%, Buddhist 0.5%

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57 Scotland

Facts & Figures • Area: 30,918 square miles

• Capital: Edinburgh (regional); Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

• Location: Consists of 32 council areas, occupying the northern part of Great Britain and islands

• Languages: English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic

• Population: 5,404,700

• Religions: None 49.4%, Church of Scotland 24.1%, Roman Catholic 14.5%, other Christian 7.8%, Other 2.3%, Muslim 1.6%, Unknown 0.3%

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Wales

Facts & Figures • Area: 8,006 square miles

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• Location: Consists of 8 counties, occupying the southwestern part of Great Britain

• Languages: English, Welsh

• Population: 3,113,200

• Religions: Christian 57.6%, None 32.1%, Unknown 7.6%, Muslim 1.5%, Other 1.2%

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National Holidays: Wales

Wales typically celebrates the same holidays will be traveling during these holidays, as England, in addition to a number of please visit www.timeanddate. national holidays that follow a lunar com/holidays. NLWPYOL]
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59 RESOURCES

Suggested Readings

England All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot (Memoir) A heart-warming book, in which a veterinarian in Yorkshire shares amusing anecdotes about his dealings with animals and their owners.

The Citadel by A. J. Cronin (Fiction) An absorbing novel about a young doctor’s career, from poverty in Wales to success in London. Basis for the 1938 movie and PBS TV series.

Literary London edited and published by Spellmont Ltd (Travel Writing) A collection of descriptions of London locales written by Conan Doyle, Chaucer, T.S. Eliot, Keats, Shaw, Dickens, and a host of other English literary lions.

London by Edward Rutherfurd (Fiction) A very ambitious historical novel of London’s past, which sweeps from Roman times through the medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian, and Edwardian eras on up to the present.

A Traveller’s History of England by Christopher Daniell (History)An entertaining refresher course in English history, from hunter-gatherers to Margaret Thatcher’s resignation. Written by a noted British historian and archaeologist.

Scotland The Scottish World: History and Culture of Scotland by Harold Orel, et al (Culture) Ten essays seek _Z
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Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns (Poetry) A collection by the famous Scottish poet who is known for writing in the Scots language, including the famous Auld Lang Syne.

44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith (Fiction) Alexander McCall Smith, also known for the bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, depicts the lives of colorful residents in an Edinburgh apartment building.

Wales The Ladies of Llangollen by Doris Grumbach (Fiction) The true story of the “Ladies of Llangollen” of the 18th century, who spurned convention and eloped from Ireland to live together in a Welsh village.

The Matter of Wales: Epic Views of a Small Country by Jan Morris (Travel Writing) This noted travel writer celebrates her native country: Wales.

60 Suggested Movies

England Mrs. Brown (1997, Drama) After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria plunged herself into an intense grief that only lightened with the help and support of one of her favorite servants, the highlander John Brown. But a friendship between queen and servant is simply “not done”, and the scandal threatens the Queen’s popularity and position. Consider watching this along with Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend (2009, color), for a Victoria double feature.

Gosford Park (2001, Drama) “Upstairs, Downstairs” meets Agatha Christie in this whodunit set in an English country estate in 1932. A powerhouse ensemble cast that includes British stars such as Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Fry, Kelly Macdonald, and Clive Owens.

Bend it Like Beckham (2002, Comedy) Showcasing the “new Britain” (a term used to describe modern Britain’s increasing diversity), this light comedy follows Jess, a second-generation -]T_
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84 Charring Cross Road (1984, Drama) When a New York book lover stumbles across an ad for a London bookshop that does mail-order, she begins an unlikely transatlantic friendship with the bookseller, located at 84, Charring Cross Road. Set during the late 1940s through the 1960s, the movie shows the changes in both London and New York over the years.

Shakespeare in Love (1998, Romance) A whimsical “could-have-been” take on how a romance might have inspired Shakespeare to write one of his most famous plays. Although not a true P[T^ZOP
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literary works, many of which are produced by the BBC. Classic novels by Dickens (Little Dorrit, Bleak House), the Brontes (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Height), and P.G. Wodehouse (Jeeves and Wooster) are well-represented. They also showcase original shows set in bygone eras, like the Edwardian drama Upstairs, Downstairs and the recent hit Downton Abbey, which takes the concept into the countryside and the post-Edwardian era.

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Jane Austen Adaptations Although Austen only completed six novels, her work seems to support an entire sub-genre of British movies. Here are some of the standouts:

• Pride & Prejudice
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Scotland Chariots of Fire
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Braveheart (1995, Drama/Action) A historical drama starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior, as he leads the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against England.

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Mary Queen of Scots (2018, Historical Drama) When Mary Stuart returns to Scotland in the early 1560s following the death of her husband, her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, is threatened by her possible claim to the throne.

Brave (2012, Animated) A family-friendly mother/daughter tale about a princess in the Scottish Highlands as she struggles to conform to age-old customs, causing a rift between her and her mother.

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63 Useful Websites

Grand Circle Forum (tips from previous World Weather travelers) www.intellicast.com www.gct.com/forum www.weather.com www.wunderground.com Grand Circle Shop www.grandcircleshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) www.travlang.com/languages Grand Circle Frequently Asked Questions www.gct.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

64 Notes

65 Notes

66

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67 Visit www.gct.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-221-2610

0 Traveler 10/2019 68