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Home , Bandstand, Guard Mounting, Holyrood Abbey, Palace of Whitehall

PROPOSAL: DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Route Map:

Map Key:

A. B. C.

Tentative Flight Schedule: Our proposal is based on the flights listed below. We are currently holding space with the airline. Group airfare is based on a minimum of 18 people traveling on the same flights. Please be advised that any changes to the below flight schedule might result in an increase to the airfare.

May 15 / London Heathrow BA 196 Depart: 8:25 PM (May 16) Arrive: 11:45 AM May 16 London Heathrow / Edinburgh BA 1446 Depart: 1:15 PM Arrive: 2:40 PM May 28 London Heathrow / Houston BA 195 Depart: 9:55 AM Arrive: 2:20 PM

BA = British Airways

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Tentative Itinerary:

Depart Houston This afternoon depart Houston for Edinburgh via London on Monday, May 15 Day 1 British Airways. Sit back and enjoy dinner and onboard. Bon Voyage! Arrive Edinburgh Tuesday, May 16 Day 2 Arrive Edinburgh International airport at 2:40 PM English-speaking assistant to meet/greet group at airport and transfer by private motor coach to hotel. Group check-in at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (3- Edinburgh star) or similar – Hotel Website Remainder of the day free for independent activities. Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course meal). Overnight at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge or similar Full-Day Cultural Visits Wednesday, May 17 Day 3 Full Scottish breakfast in hotel Morning walk to the (entrance included)

Dominating the Edinburgh skyline from its perch on Castle Rock, the Edinburgh Castle is one of the most important strongholds in Scotland and has been involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Recent research has identified 26 sieges over the course of the castle’s 1,100-year history, giving it a claim to being the most besieged castle in Great Britain and one of the most attacked castles in the entire world.

Time to explore Edinburgh Castle on your own Edinburgh Time for lunch on own Walk to the National Museum of Scotland (free entry)

Embark on a journey of discovery that will take you through the history of Scotland and the world, including the wonders of nature, the beauty of art, design, and fashion, and the advancements of science and technology.

Time to explore the National Museum of Scotland on your own

Reminder of evening free Overnight at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge or similar Full-Day Cultural Excursion Thursday, May 18 Day 4 Full Scottish breakfast in hotel Edinburgh Full-day private motor coach to remain with the group

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Edinburgh Morning drive from Edinburgh to Roslin ~ 8 ~ 0.50 hrs Visit to Rosslyn Chapel (entrance included)

Built in 1446 as a place of worship, Rosslyn Chapel continues to hold services on a weekly basis. The beauty of this intricately carved chapel has been drawing visitors for generations and was Roslin featured in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film.

Time to explore Rosslyn Chapel on own Time for lunch on own Afternoon drive from Roslin to Melrose ~ 35 miles ~ 1.25 hrs Visit to Melrose Abbey (entrance included)

A magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry, Melrose Abbey might be the most famous ruin in Scotland. Founded in 1136 by David I for the Cistercian Order, it was mostly destroyed by Richard II’s English army in 1385. The exterior of the abbey is decorated with unusual sculptures Melrose including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles, and a bagpipe playing pig. In addition, the abbey is thought to be the burial place of ’s heart, which is marked with a commemorative plaque within the grounds.

Time to explore Melrose Abbey on own

Drive from Melrose to Edinburgh ~ 40 miles ~ 1.25 hrs Remainder of evening free Edinburgh Overnight at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge or similar Free Day (Class A), Cultural Visits (Class B & C) Friday, May 19 Day 5 Full Scottish breakfast in hotel Edinburgh Classes Split for Separate Activities Edinburgh Class A Free day to explore this beautiful city on your own Morning walk to (entrance included)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty the Queen’s in Scotland, stands at the end of the historic Royal . Visitors can explore 14 historic and State apartments, the ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey, and the royal gardens. Although the palace is best known as the home of Mary, Queen Edinburgh Class B of Scots, and provided the setting for many dramatic events during her short rein, today, the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining.

Time for lunch on own

Remainder of afternoon and evening free Millennium Tours 10 | P a g e

Morning walk to Holyrood Palace (entrance included)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, stands at the end of the historic . Visitors can explore 14 historic and State apartments, the ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey, and the royal gardens. Although the palace is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and provided the setting for many dramatic events during her short rein, today, the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining. Edinburgh Class C Time for lunch on own

Afternoon private Edinburgh Scottish Enlightenment Tour with English-speaking guide

On this tour you will have the chance to explore both Edinburgh’s Old and New Town’s, while discovering the enlightenment and how a few men transformed philosophy, history, science, and literature, laid the foundation for modern economics, and inspired great leaps for modern medicine.

Remainder of evening free Edinburgh Overnight at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge or similar Free Day (Class A & B), Full-Day Excursions to (Class C) Saturday, May 20 Day 6 Full Scottish breakfast in hotel Edinburgh Classes Split for Separate Activities Edinburgh Class A Free day to explore this beautiful city on your own Edinburgh Class B Free to explore this beautiful city on your own Full-day excursions to Glasgow

Full-day private motor coach to remain with the group

Morning drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow ~ 46 miles ~ 1.25 hrs

Glasgow Private walking tour of Glasgow with Dr. Stephen Mullen, PhD

During this tour, you will learn the history of Glasgow, while

discovering the city’s connection to slavery in the West Indies, the 18th century tobacco trade, and visiting places where Frederick Class C Douglass spoke.

Time for lunch on own

Drive from Glasgow to Clarkston ~ 11 miles ~ .50 hrs

Visit to Greenbank Garden (entrance included)

Clarkson Greenbank Garden in an 18th century house and garden owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Built in the 1760s by Robert

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Allason, the garden provides a relaxing landscape of soaring beeches, chattering waters, and beautiful sculptures.

Time to explore Greenbank Garden on your own

Edinburgh Class C Drive from Clarkson to Edinburgh ~ 60 miles ~ 1.50 hrs

Remainder of evening free Edinburgh Overnight at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge or similar Depart Edinburgh, Arrive Liverpool Sunday, May 21 Day 7 Full Scottish breakfast in hotel Transfer by private motor coach from hotel to Edinburgh Waverly station Edinburgh Board train from Edinburgh Waverly to Liverpool Lime Street station (one-way, 2nd class train tickets included) Arrive Liverpool Lime Street Station English-speaking assistant to meet/greet group at train station

and transfer by private motor coach to hotel Group check-in at the Ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street

(3-star) or similar – Hotel Website Time for lunch on own Commence private Liverpool Slavery History Trail tour with English-speaking guide

During this tour you will be taken on a 300-year journey through Liverpool the controversial past of Liverpool. From the sleepy fishing village of the 17th century, to the coasts of Africa, to the islands of the Caribbean, to South America, and the U.S. You will experience history through the eyes of the oppressed as you gain insight into how the wealth of Liverpool was accrued and the great empires were made. Remainder of evening free Overnight at the Ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street or similar Half-Day Cultural Visit Monday, May 22 Day 8 Full English breakfast in hotel Walk to the Museum of Liverpool (free entry)

As the world’s first national museum to be devoted to the history of a regional city, the Museum of Liverpool showcases popular culture, while tackling social, historical, and contemporary issues Liverpool in an accessible and engaging manner. Exhibits include Ben Johnson’s Liverpool Cityscape, a life-size Liverbird, the first Ford Anglia, and Chris Boardman’s famous Lotus sport bike.

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Time for lunch on own Liverpool Remainder of afternoon and evening free Overnight at the Ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street or similar Full-Day Cultural Visits Tuesday, May 23 Day 9 Full English breakfast in hotel Morning half-day Beatles Walk tour with English-speaking guide

On this 90-minute tour you will walk in the footsteps of the Beatles as you wander the streets of Liverpool. Visit the Cavern Club located at 10 Mathew Street, where the Beatles got their start, enjoy photo opportunities at the Eleanor Rigby and John Liverpool Lennon Statues, see the Liverpool Town Hall, stop in at the NEMS (North End Musical Store) and Rushworth’s, all while learning about the famous band. Time for lunch on own Classes Split for Separate Activities Afternoon walk to Liverpool Cathedral (entrance included)

Located on St. James’s Mount in Liverpool, the Liverpool Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool Class A Liverpool) is the longest cathedral in the world, boasting an external length of 207 yards, including the Lady Chapel.

Time to explore Liverpool Cathedral on own

Remainder of evening free Liverpool Class B Afternoon free to explore this beautiful city on your own Afternoon walk to the International Slavery Museum (entrance included)

The International Slavery Museum opened in August 2007 and in less than three years welcomed its one-millionth visitor. This museum explores the aspects of historical and contemporary slavery and has become an international hub for resources on human rights issues.

Time to explore the International Slavery Museum on your own Liverpool Class C Walk to the Merseyside Maritime Museum (entrance included)

Located in the Albert Dock (and in the same building as the International Slavery Museum), the Merseyside Maritime Museum contains a variety of objects associated with the social and commercial history of the port of Liverpool. Highlights include ship models, maritime paintings, colorful posters from the golden age of liners, and some few sized vessels.

Time to explore the Merseyside Maritime Museum on own

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Liverpool Class C Remainder of evening free Overnight at the Ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street or Liverpool similar Depart Liverpool, Arrive London Wednesday, May 24 Day 10 Full English breakfast in hotel Transfer by private motor coach to Liverpool Lime Street station Liverpool Board train from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston station (one-way, 2nd class train tickets included) Arrive London Euston station English-speaking guide to meet/greet group at train station and transfer by private motor coach to hotel London Group check-in at the St. Giles Hotel or similar (3-star) - Hotel Website Issue of London Oyster Card – preloaded with GBP 40 Time for lunch on own Afternoon take public transport to the (entrance included)

Private tour of the Tower of London with English-speaking guide

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the in central London and has a long, dark history of mediaeval torture, grim executions, and infamous royal London Class A prisoners. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal menagerie, Her Majesty's Prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a royal mint and a military storehouse over the course of its long history. Today, the tower mainly serves as a tourist attraction but still famously houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by members of the Royal Bodyguards known as the Beefeaters. London Class B Remainder of the day free Afternoon take public transport to the to commence the Quakers in the Tour with English- speaking guide

Wander through the streets of London as you learn about the history of Quakers in London and the impact they have had on the London Class C city. You will walk along Lombard Street, Gracechurch Street, Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, and Moor Gate. You will pass through the Bunhill Fields Burial Ground on your way to the Bunhill Quaker Meeting House.

Remainder of evening free London Overnight at the St. Giles Hotel or similar Full-Day Cultural Visits Millennium Tours 14 | P a g e

Thursday, May 25 Day 11 Full English breakfast in hotel Use of London Oyster Card – preloaded with GBP 40 London Classes Split for Separate Activities Morning take public transport to London St. Pancras Station

Board train to St. Albans (round-trip, 2nd class train ticket London included)

Just 30 minutes northwest of London, St. Alban’s is a unique English Cathedral City. The colorful history can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture. The town boasts lush green , a buzzing metropolis, ancient history, and a fabulous shopping district.

Time to explore St. Albans on your own St. Albans Time for lunch on own

After lunch return to London St. Pancras Station

Take public transport to the Museum of London (free entry)

Located on the London Wall, the London Museum documents the Class A history of the capital city from prehistoric to modern times. The museum is comprised of a series of chronological galleries which contain artefacts, models, pictures, and diagrams. The museum places a strong emphasis on archaeological discoveries, urban development, and London’s social and cultural life.

Time to explore Museum of London on own London Walk to Guildhall (free entry)

Home of the City of London Corporation, Guildhall Great Hall has been the center of the city government since the 12th century. This Grade 1 listed landmark, and the City’s only surviving secular medieval building, acts as a grand setting for spectacular banquets in honor of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, royal occasions, and receptions for major historical anniversaries.

Time to explore Guildhall and Guildhall Yard on own Reminder of evening free English-speaking, local guide to remain with the group for the day

Morning take public transport to the Tower of London (entrance London Class B included)

Private tour of the Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London and has a long, dark history of mediaeval torture, grim executions, and infamous royal

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prisoners. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal menagerie, Her Majesty's Prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a royal mint and a military storehouse over the course of its long history. Today, the tower mainly serves as a tourist attraction but still famously houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by members of the Royal London Class B Bodyguards known as the Beefeaters.

Time for lunch on own

Afternoon take public transport to St. Paul’s Cathedral (entrance included)

Private tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's, with its world-famous dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and you can enjoy the Cathedral's awe-inspiring interior, and uncover fascinating stories about its history. Your admission and tour includes access to all of the cathedral floor, crypt, and the three dome galleries.

Reminder of evening free Morning take public transport to the British Museum (free entry)

Dedicated to human history, art, and culture, the British Museum’s permanent collection, boasting some 8 million works, is the largest and most comprehensive in existence. Some of the treasures housed inside the British Museum include the Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs, the Mummy of Katebet, and the King of Ife.

Time to explore the British Museum on own

Afternoon take public transport to the Museum of London (free London Class C entry)

Located on the London Wall, the London Museum documents the history of the capital city from prehistoric to modern times. The museum is comprised of a series of chronological galleries which contain artefacts, models, pictures, and diagrams. The museum places a strong emphasis on archaeological discoveries, urban development, and London’s social and cultural life.

Time to explore the Museum of London on own

Reminder of evening free

London Overnight at the St. Giles Hotel or similar Full-Day Cultural Visits Friday, May 26 Day 12 Full English breakfast in hotel London Use of London Oyster Card – preloaded with GBP 40 Millennium Tours 16 | P a g e

Morning take public transport to the British Library (entrance included)

Private tour of the British Library with English-speaking guide

The national library of the and the largest library in the world (based on number of catalogued items), the British Library collection includes well over 150 million items in most known languages. Some of the treasures that are housed in

the library are the Magna Carts, Lindisfarne Gospels, Leonardo London da Vinci’s Notebook, the Beatles manuscripts, and the recording of Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia trial speech. On your tour you will discover more about the history, collection, and architectures while visiting the public areas of the Library. The tour will also include a stop in the Viewing Gallery where you can see some of the Reading Rooms and learn about how books are stored, accessed, and delivered. Time for lunch on own Classes Split for Separate Activities Afternoon take public transport to the British Museum (free entry)

Dedicated to human history, art, and culture, the British Museum’s permanent collection, boasting some 8 million works, London Class A is the largest and most comprehensive in existence. Some of the treasures housed inside the British Museum include the Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs, the Mummy of Katebet, and the King of Ife.

Time to explore the British Museum on own

Remainder of evening free Afternoon take public transport to the Rose Theatre

Private tour of the Rose Theatre with English-speaking guide.

An Elizabethan theatre built in 1587, The Rose was the first purpose-built playhouse to stage a production of any of Shakespeare’s plays and the first to be built on Bankside. The Rose’s success encouraged other theatres to be built in the area, mainly the Swan in 1595 and the Globe in 1599. Sadly, the London Class B emergence of these rivals overtook the Rose, which appears to have fallen out of use around 1603 and completely abandoned by 1606. The well-preserved remains of the theatre were discovered in 1989 during a routine exploratory excavation held in the interval between site clearance and redevelopment of an office block. The discovery became a major international news story and a campaign to “Save the Rose” and protect it from redevelopment was launched.

Remainder of evening free

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Afternoon take public transport to St. Michael’s Church to meet Dr. Matthew Green for the 17th and 18th Century Coffeehouse Tour.

During this one hour and 45-minute walking tour of central London, you will learn about London’s first coffeehouse proprietor, Pasqua Rosée. Your will wander past the sites of Europe’s oldest coffeehouses, and immerse yourself in the strange happenings that occurred in some of the most infamous coffeehouses in the city.

Take public transport to Holy Trinity Church in Clapham Common

Visit Holy Trinity Church (free entry)

London Class C Opened for worship in 1776, the Holy Trinity Church is most commonly associated with William Wilberforce and his group of friends that became known as the “The Clapham Sect.” Not only did they worship at this church, but they actively campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade and the spiritual and moral reformation of the nation. Clapham Common is a large triangular urban that covers over 200 acres in south London. Originally intended as common land for the parishes of Battersea and Clapham, the area was converted to park land in 1878 and boasts three ponds and a Victorian bandstand.

Time to explore Holy Trinity Church and enjoy Clapham Common on your own

Remainder of evening free Edinburgh Overnight at the St. Giles Hotel or similar Free Day Saturday, May 27 Day 13 Full English breakfast in hotel London Classes Split for Separate Activities Half-day excursion to Stonehenge (entrance included) on private motor coach (shared with Class C)

Morning drive from London to Stonehenge ~ 90 miles ~ 2.00 hrs

Stonehenge is perhaps the world’s most famous prehistoric Wiltshire Class A monument. It was built in several stages: the first monument was an early henge monument, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 BC. In the early Bronze Age many burial mounds were built nearby. Today, along with Avebury, it forms the heart of a World Heritage Site, with a unique concentration of prehistoric monuments.

Time to explore Stonehenge on your own

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Afternoon drive from Stonehenge to London ~ 90 miles ~ 2.00 hrs

Take public transport to the Museum Crypt of All Hallows

(entrance included)

Private tour of the Museum Crypt of the All Hallows

All Hallows by the Tower is the oldest church in the City of London Class A London and was founded by the Abbey of Barking in 675AD, 300 years before the Tower of London. An arch from the Saxon church can still be seen today. In the crypt beneath is a second century Roman pavement, discovered in 1926, evidence of city life on this site for nearly two thousand years. Morning take public transport to the Houses of Parliament (entrance not included)

The houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of , is the seat of the two parliamentary houses of the United Kingdom, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Time to view Houses of Parliament from the outside

Walk or take public transport to (entrance not included)

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.

Watch the Changing of the Guard from the outside

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace encompasses colorful London Class B spectacle and British pageantry. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and usually takes place daily at 11:30 from April until the end of July. During the Changing the Guard ceremony, also known as ‘’, one regiment takes over from another. The Queen’s Guard consists of the St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace detachments. The New Guard, who during the course of the ceremony become The Queen’s Guard, march to Buckingham Palace from Wellington Barracks.

Walk or take public transport to the Banqueting House (entrance included)

The only remaining component of the in London, the Whitehall Banqueting House is an important part of the history of English architecture as the first structure to the completed in the neo-classical style, which transformed architecture in England.

Time to explore Whitehall Banqueting House on own

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Time for lunch on own

Afternoon Take public transport to London St. Pancras Station

Board train to (round-trip, 2nd-class train tickets Leicester Class B included)

Time to visit the University of Leicester on own

Later afternoon, return to London Half-day excursion to Stonehenge (entrance included) on private motor coach (shared with Class A)

Morning drive from London to Stonehenge ~ 90 miles ~ 2.00 hrs

Wiltshire Stonehenge is perhaps the world’s most famous prehistoric monument. It was built in several stages: the first monument was an early henge monument, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period about Class C 2500 BC. In the early Bronze Age many burial mounds were built nearby. Today, along with Avebury, it forms the heart of a World Heritage Site, with a unique concentration of prehistoric monuments.

Time to explore Stonehenge on your own

London Afternoon drive from Stonehenge to London ~ 90 miles ~ 2.00 hrs

Remainder of afternoon free Farewell dinner at local restaurant (3-course meal) London Overnight at the St. Giles Hotel or similar Depart London, Arrive Houston Sunday, May 28 Day 14 Full English breakfast in the hotel Transfer by private motor coach from hotel to London Heathrow London airport 9:55 AM Depart London to Houston Houston 2:20 PM Arrive Houston International Airport. Welcome home!

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