Sober Curious: England and Scotland

England

Wanna see the very best of England and Scotland? But don’t really fancy stepping into a pub? Then this sober curious trip is the one for you. From charming castles in Windsor to historic streets in Oxford, York and Bath - you’ll be living out your period drama dreams with this one. Plus, you’ll sample Haggis, enjoy a farm-to-fork dinner and even see a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! And of course, a tour of England and Scotland is incomplete without witnessing Scotland’s eternal natural beauty (that’ll leave you completely captivated).
Sober Curious: England and Scotland

Accommodation

DAY 1: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Dinner
DAY 10: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast

Experiences

Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.

Birmingham: Chef hats on! Get ready to rustle up the yummiest baked goodies at this Great British Baking Class. The head chef will show us how to whip up a storm, all inspired by the popular show. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Bristol: Think magic shows are only for kids? This show will change your opinion. Nothing will prepare you for the mind-bending tricks you'll witness by this pro magician.

Edinburgh: Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle. They’re all here to fill up your memory and Insta feed.

Edinburgh: Wanna know what the buzz around Edinburgh Fringe Festival is all about? Here's your chance! We got you tickets to a comedy show at the festival. Get ready to witness this explosion of fun and creativity IRL.

Edinburgh: You can't miss out on a hike to Arthur's Seat when you're in Edinburgh - it's practically a ritual!

Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.

Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.

Manchester: Time for a wholesome 5-course dinner at Groobarbs Field Kitchen! Every ingredient in your food is locally sourced (and seasonal too!) - straight from the farm to your table. After dinner, you'll be able to explore the farm where your food just came from. It doesn't get any fresher than this!

Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!

Scottish Highlands: Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.

St. Andrews: If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.

Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.

York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.

DAY 1: London to Bristol via Windsor and Bath

Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new sober curious crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves.  Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination. Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.) Welcome to the wonderful city of Bristol. Colourful buildings, charming streets, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…dinner’s on us today! So, drop your bags off at our hotel and join us. What next? We’ve got one last trick up our sleeve. It’s time for a magic show!

DAY 2: Bristol to Birmingham via Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon

Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford! You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt.  There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham. Hungry? We’ll grab a quick bite in town. Then, it’s time to make our very own treat at a great British baking class! (You know, the iconic white tent and all.)

DAY 3: Birmingham to Manchester via Liverpool

Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more. Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour of the cities best hotspots. Tonight’s dinner is a 5-course local farm-to-fork meal, followed by a stroll around the farm to see where the food you just ate was grown. Hope you brought a big appetite!

DAY 4: Manchester to York

You’ve got the morning to spend exploring the red-bricked streets of this city. Need a caffeine boost? The local coffee shops here have just what you need.  2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.

DAY 5: York to Carlisle via Lake District

Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise & shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. (Sorry).  Obstacles aren’t really our thing. But when they’re all natural? Like rocky chutes, clear pools of water and even the occasional mini waterfall - all in the oh-so-stunning Lake District? Who can say no? And today, you have the option to explore it all.  We’ll end the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town (right on the border of England & Scotland)! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities.

DAY 6: Carlisle to Edinburgh via Hadrian's Wall

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century, we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh - all alive and buzzing during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We'll stroll around the cobblestoned streets and then catch a comedy show to see what the world renowned festival is all about.

DAY 7: Edinburgh

Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!). Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street. Up for a mini adventure? Then join us this afternoon for a hike to Arthur’s Seat - one of the city’s most famous spots.

DAY 8: Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands

It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales and a chance to compete in some optional traditional Highland games.

DAY 9: Scottish Highlands to Glasgow via Loch Ness and Dundreggan

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, the mood will only be rising.  We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness and hop on board for a cruise of the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced in the wild. We'll arrive into Glasgow, drop our bags and dive straight into all that makes this city glow.  Think live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & a chance to savour a home-cooked meal too.

DAY 10: Glasgow

Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early today, and this city's all yours to explore. Plus, you've got the option to check out the nearby Stirling castle (and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeedom!"). And even learn & eat all about Scotland's national Dish - Haggis.

DAY 11: End Glasgow/Train to London

The trip sadly comes to an end after breakfast in Glasgow. It’s time to say bye to your new travel squad and plan the next journey. Or if you've chosen to end in London, catch the train back to London, where the trip ends upon arrival.

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Translating ‘Itinerary Jargon’ on a Coach Tour!

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