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England, Scotland & Wales
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person May – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. Explore the very best of the British Isles on this Scotland, Wales and England travel experience. Discover Scotland’s vibrant culture, rich history and outstanding scenic beauty; visit Blair Castle, Loch Lomond and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Travel the Yellow Roads through England’s lovely Lake District, the serene countryside of the Cotswolds, and to the hallowed halls of Oxford. Delve into the literary heritage of Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the mysteries of Stonehenge, the ancient city of Bath and the glittering sophistication of London. In Wales, discover a unique destination with its own complicated language and fierce sense of independence. Enjoy private Tauck cruises on Loch Lomand and Lake Windermere; a locally hosted lunch in a private Lake District home; and a performance of Wicked in London's West End! From great castles and cathedrals to charming cottages and peaceful pastoral scenes, this England travel experience will enchant you at every turn.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Edinburgh
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland. Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland’s jewel of a capital city. A transfer from Edinburgh Airport to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is included. You’ll meet your fellow travelers who will share your Scotland and England travel adventures at a welcome reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 2 – Edinburgh's castles and palaces
A sightseeing tour of historic Edinburgh with a local guide is the perfect place to begin any Scotland and England travel. Begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official home in the city (subject to closure when Her Majesty is in residence). Then explore 12th-century Edinburgh Castle, on the opposite end of the city's famous Royal Mile, on a guided tour. There is much more of Edinburgh to explore on your own this afternoon. Journeys departing August 6 through August 27 will attend an outdoor evening performance of the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 3 – Of dukedoms and distilleries
An excursion from Edinburgh brings you on a visit to impressive Blair Castle, the historic former home of the Duke of Atholl. Then it's off to the town of Pitlochry – an area which Queen Victoria herself once acclaimed as among Europe's finest resorts – for a bit of time on your own. Later, a private tour and tasting at a local distillery known for producing fine Scotch whisky precedes your return to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 4 – From royal yachts to legendary lochs
Start the day with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, for a peek at what life was like aboard the Royal Family's private cruise vessel. Continue on to celebrated Loch Lomond for a cruise along its fabled waters – and an overnight on its bonnie banks in luxurious accommodations at the baronial Cameron House.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Day 5 – On to the English Lake District
Your Scotland and England travel experience takes you through Glasgow, home to some delightful Victorian architecture, en route to the English Lake District and some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. As you visit Dove Cottage, where early-19th-century poet William Wordsworth penned many a worthy word, you'll see for yourself why so many authors and poets have been inspired by this romantic region. Spend the next two nights in the heart of one of England's largest national parks.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Spa, Langdale, England
Day 6 – The beauty of the Lake District, by land and by water
In what is considered one of the loveliest parts of England travel to Levens Hall & Gardens, an Elizabethan estate dating back to the 14th century, featuring a celebrated topiary garden begun in the 1690s. View breathtaking lakeside vistas during a private cruise on Lake Windermere in Cumbria, then enjoy some leisure time in Bowness-on-Windermere, dating back to the days of Queen Victoria, before returning to your hotel in Langdale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Spa, Langdale, England
Day 7 – Chester / Portmeirion / Wales
Explore the medieval town of Chester, and enjoy a walk through its ancient city centre, still surrounded by Roman defensive walls, en route to a two-night stay in picturesque Portmeirion. This idyllic Welsh coastal village entices with an enchanting mix of landscape designs and architecture; your Victorian hotel overlooks Cardigan Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales
Day 8 – Welsh castles and pageantry
The day begins with a visit to the historic town of Caernarfon and the castle where the investiture of the Prince of Wales takes place. Have lunch in lovely Betws-y-Coed, among old bridges, stone houses, antique churches and wooded paths. Return to Portmeirion for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales
Day 9 – Wonders of Wedgwood and the Bard's backyard
Your England travel adventures continue today with a drive from rural Welsh landscapes to Stoke-on-Trent, where you'll watch skilled craftsmen create world-famous Wedgwood pottery on a factory tour. After a classic English lunch, arrive in atmospheric Stratford-upon-Avon, city of William Shakespeare, for a two-night stay. Explore the Bard's idyllic riverfront hometown, site of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and many historic Elizabethan and Jacobean buildings, as you please during an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Day 10 – The Cotswolds, Churchill's birthplace and esteemed Oxford
In England travel through the hills and plateaus of the countryside, where quaint villages dot the peaceful Cotswolds – from the Old English for "God's high open land." This memorable day includes a visit to Blenheim Palace, the Baroque estate where statesman Winston Churchill was born, and a guided tour of the hallowed halls of Oxford University, now just a few decades short of its 1,000th anniversary.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Day 11 – Roman, Georgian & Victorian treasures in Bath
Known as one of the architecturally finest and most fascinating cities in all of Britain, the historic spa town of Bath invites exploration. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this compact city, including the Roman Baths, the Circus and the impressive Royal Crescent, among other sites that reflect its rich Roman, Georgian and Victorian history. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, England
Day 12 – Ancient mysteries and the best of London
Depart Bath and head toward London, passing through rolling countryside where grazing sheep appear to be everywhere. Let your imagination take you back in time 4,000 years or more as you view Stonehenge, the mysterious circle of stones and monoliths erected by ancient peoples near the Salisbury Plains. Upon arrival in the British capital of London, a sightseeing tour includes famous sights such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and #10 Downing Street, as well as a guided visit to majestic Westminster Abbey, dating back nearly a thousand years.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Langham, London, England
Day 13 – Merrie olde London and and evening of West End theatre
All of London is yours to explore at your leisure today. Your landmark Victorian hotel, Europe's original "grand hotel," is ideally located close to many of the city's major sites and within walking distance of some of the world's most famous shops. Join us at a farewell dinner this evening, and then attend a performance of one of the West End theatre district's hottest musical hits, Wicked. Note: Tours beginning on Tuesdays will follow an alternative schedule in London.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Langham, London, England
Day 14 – Journey Home
Tour ends: London, England. Fly home anytime. A transfer from The Langham, London to London’s Heathrow Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in Scotland, Wales and England travel with Tauck in 2009!
Prices
14 Days from $5,440 plus airfare
| 2009 Price per Person | Double | Single | Triple |
| May – August 4 & September – October | $5440 | $6467 | $5160 |
| August 6– 27 (Edinburgh Military Tattoo) |
$5540 | $6567 | $5260 |
14 Days from $6,190 plus airfare - Small Group Departures
Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests are available on June 4, August 13 and September 10; they are specially priced from $6190 per person double. Specific dates apply – see below or inquire at time of booking for additional dates and information.
| 2009 Price per Person | Double | Single | Triple |
| June 4, September 10 |
$6190 |
$7217 |
$5910 |
| August 13 (Edinburgh Military Tattoo) |
$6290 | $7317 | $6010 |
29 meals included.
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person May – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, a performance of Wicked in London’s West End, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Edinburgh Airport and provide transportation to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Tauck will also provide you with transportation from the Langham Hotel, London to Heathrow Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure. If you depart from London Gatwick Airport, Tauck will provide you with transportation for an additional fee of $25.00 USD.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – England, Scotland & Wales is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocket knife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Tours beginning on Tuesdays will have an alternative London Schedule.
Please refer to the Itinerary for this tour which contains more information regarding specific seasonal changes in the schedule of places visited.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. The tour ends at check-out time at the Langham Hotel, London on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Please refer to the Itinerary for this tour which contains more information regarding specific seasonal changes in the schedule of places visited.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. The tour ends at check-out time at the Langham Hotel, London on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning – The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, DeVere Cameron House, Shakespeare Hotel, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Langham Hotel and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home. Both the Langdale Hotel and the Hotel Portmeirion do not have air conditioning.
ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in Great Britain is moderate but unpredictable. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll.
In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket and tie for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Great Britain:
- Sports jacket and tie for men
- Casually-elegant outfits for women
- Short and long sleeve shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Light sweater
- Light-weight jacket
- Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Collapsible umbrella
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
- Wash cloth – not all European hotels provide washcloths, so you may want to bring one along if you prefer them; a package of reusable cloth wipes is an excellent alternative
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation – The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 1,500 ft (457 m).
Health – England, Scotland & Wales involves a considerable amount of walking. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The castle visits at Warwick, Edinburgh, and Caernarfon, and the visit to Bodnant Gardens are challenging for those with difficulty walking as they have steep steps, cobblestone walkways and hillside gardens. Some walks can be extensive on flat terrain in places such as Stratford-upon-Avon. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
There is a smoking ban in public places throughout Scotland. The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and DeVere Cameron House are both non-smoking properties, with no ‘smoking’ rooms available.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Great Britain. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of the U.K. to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions -
Checked Luggage – General
Health – England, Scotland & Wales involves a considerable amount of walking. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The castle visits at Warwick, Edinburgh, and Caernarfon, and the visit to Bodnant Gardens are challenging for those with difficulty walking as they have steep steps, cobblestone walkways and hillside gardens. Some walks can be extensive on flat terrain in places such as Stratford-upon-Avon. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
There is a smoking ban in public places throughout Scotland. The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and DeVere Cameron House are both non-smoking properties, with no ‘smoking’ rooms available.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Great Britain. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of the U.K. to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions -
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, during group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone will operate in the United Kingdom.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in England, Scotland and Wales is the British Pound (GBP) which is divided into 100 pence; however, Scotland’s three largest national clearing banks, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank, still print paper Scottish Pound Sterling notes for domestic circulation within the United Kingdom, although in practice they are little seen outside Scotland and are, in fact, equivalent to the British Pound. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus and all the hotels used on this tour. ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards and travelers’ checks are also widely accepted.
To obtain up-to-date currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country's specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Scotland – HM Revenue & Customs
England and Wales – HM Revenue and Customs
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, the United Kingdom levies a 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the United Kingdom is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. The plug type is “G” and uses three rectangular blades. If your electrical devices do not conform to this standard, you may wish to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa - Wireless internet access in rooms for a fee
DeVere Cameron House - Complimentary dial-up access
Langdale Hotel - Complimentary WiFi internet access in rooms
Hotel Portmeirion - Complimentary wireless access in rooms
Shakespeare Hotel - Wireless access in rooms and public areas for a fee
Bath Spa Hotel - Wireless access in rooms and public areas for a fee
Langham Hotel - Broadband access in rooms for a fee
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, the United Kingdom levies a 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the United Kingdom is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. The plug type is “G” and uses three rectangular blades. If your electrical devices do not conform to this standard, you may wish to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa - Wireless internet access in rooms for a fee
DeVere Cameron House - Complimentary dial-up access
Langdale Hotel - Complimentary WiFi internet access in rooms
Hotel Portmeirion - Complimentary wireless access in rooms
Shakespeare Hotel - Wireless access in rooms and public areas for a fee
Bath Spa Hotel - Wireless access in rooms and public areas for a fee
Langham Hotel - Broadband access in rooms for a fee
Time Zones – Great Britain is located in the same time zone as Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, Great Britain switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 1 hour ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – The climate of Great Britain is notoriously variable and changeable from day to day. Weather is generally cool to mild with frequent cloud cover and rain, but occasional settled spells of weather occur in all seasons. As a general rule, the western side of Great Britain is cloudier, wetter, and milder in winter, with cooler summers than the eastern side. The eastern side of Great Britain is drier the year round, with a tendency for summer rain to be heavier than that of winter. You will rarely experience severe or unpleasant weather for long; however, you should be prepared for rapid changes of weather in all seasons. There is good reason for weather being a major talking point in Great Britain!
Weather – The climate of Great Britain is notoriously variable and changeable from day to day. Weather is generally cool to mild with frequent cloud cover and rain, but occasional settled spells of weather occur in all seasons. As a general rule, the western side of Great Britain is cloudier, wetter, and milder in winter, with cooler summers than the eastern side. The eastern side of Great Britain is drier the year round, with a tendency for summer rain to be heavier than that of winter. You will rarely experience severe or unpleasant weather for long; however, you should be prepared for rapid changes of weather in all seasons. There is good reason for weather being a major talking point in Great Britain!
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Average Temperature
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|
Edinburgh, Scotland
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Glasgow, Scotland
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Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
46 / 37
|
8 / 3
|
46 / 37
|
8 / 3
|
|
February
|
46 / 37
|
8 / 3
|
46 / 37
|
8 / 3
|
|
March
|
49 / 38
|
9 / 3
|
49 / 38
|
9 / 3
|
|
April
|
53 / 40
|
12 / 4
|
53 / 40
|
12 / 4
|
|
May
|
58 / 44
|
14 / 7
|
57 / 44
|
14 / 7
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|
June
|
63 / 49
|
17 / 9
|
62 / 49
|
17 / 9
|
|
July
|
66 / 53
|
19 / 12
|
65 / 52
|
18 / 11
|
|
August
|
66 / 52
|
19 / 11
|
65 / 52
|
18 / 11
|
|
September
|
62 / 49
|
17 / 9
|
61 / 49
|
16 / 9
|
|
October
|
57 / 46
|
14 / 8
|
56 / 46
|
13 / 8
|
|
November
|
50 / 40
|
10 / 4
|
50 / 40
|
10 / 4
|
|
December
|
47 / 38
|
8 / 3
|
47 / 38
|
8 / 3
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Cardiff, Wales
|
London, England
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
45 / 36
|
7 / 2
|
45 / 36
|
7 / 2
|
|
February
|
45 / 36
|
7 / 2
|
46 / 36
|
8 / 2
|
|
March
|
50 / 37
|
10 / 3
|
50 / 39
|
10 / 4
|
|
April
|
55 / 41
|
13 / 5
|
55 / 42
|
13 / 6
|
|
May
|
61 / 46
|
16 / 8
|
63 / 48
|
17 / 9
|
|
June
|
66 / 52
|
19 / 11
|
68 / 53
|
20 / 12
|
|
July
|
68 / 54
|
20 / 12
|
72 / 57
|
22 / 14
|
|
August
|
70 / 55
|
21 / 13
|
71 / 56
|
22 / 13
|
|
September
|
64 / 52
|
18 / 11
|
66 / 52
|
19 / 11
|
|
October
|
57 / 46
|
14 / 8
|
59 / 48
|
15 / 9
|
|
November
|
50 / 41
|
10 / 5
|
51 / 41
|
11 / 5
|
|
December
|
46 / 37
|
8 / 3
|
47 / 38
|
8 / 3
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|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Edinburgh, Scotland
|
Glasgow, Scotland
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
2.2
|
56
|
4.4
|
112
|
|
February
|
1.6
|
41
|
3.1
|
79
|
|
March
|
1.9
|
48
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
April
|
1.5
|
38
|
2.4
|
61
|
|
May
|
2.0
|
51
|
2.6
|
66
|
|
June
|
2.0
|
51
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
July
|
2.5
|
64
|
4.1
|
104
|
|
August
|
2.7
|
69
|
4.3
|
109
|
|
September
|
2.5
|
64
|
4.1
|
104
|
|
October
|
2.4
|
61
|
4.6
|
117
|
|
November
|
2.5
|
64
|
4.2
|
107
|
|
December
|
2.4
|
61
|
4.6
|
117
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Cardiff, Wales
|
London, England
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
4.3
|
108
|
2.4
|
61
|
|
February
|
2.8
|
72
|
1.4
|
36
|
|
March
|
2.5
|
63
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
April
|
2.6
|
65
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
May
|
3.0
|
76
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
June
|
2.5
|
63
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
July
|
3.5
|
89
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
August
|
3.8
|
97
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
September
|
3.9
|
99
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
October
|
4.3
|
109
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
November
|
4.5
|
115
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
December
|
4.3
|
108
|
2.3
|
58
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person