UK Connection

Day One: Arrive in London

On arrival at your London Airport, you will be met by your UK Connection Representative and transferred to your overnight accommodation. Depending upon arrival times there may be time for a self-guided, walking orientation tour of the area around your accommodation followed by dinner.

Day Two: London to Warwick via Stratford

Leaving London after breakfast we head west to the birthplace of England's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon.

On this afternoon to Warwick Castle, so much more than simply a castle. Amongst the imposing towers and ramparts, experience preparations for battle, feel the weight of a sword, witness a magnificent exhibition of wild hawks, see lavishly decorated State Rooms and at certain times of the year, a medieval jousting competition.

Overnight in the Warwick region.

Day Three: Warwick to Liverpool

Leaving after breakfast, our journey this morning takes us north to the city of Liverpool, home of The Beatles. Start your visit in Matthew Street and visit the Beatles Shop and Matthew Street Gallery. The Beatles Story Exhibition at Albert Dock shows the lives and times of John, Paul, George and Ringo, from the band´s early days right through to their solo careers.

Dinner and overnight in the Liverpool area.

Day Four: Liverpool to Edinburgh

Leaving after breakfast we drive north through the beautiful Scottish Borders and lowlands to Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. Your city tour will take you to all the main sights including the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.

Dinner and overnight in the Edinburgh area.

Day Five: Edinburgh to York

A long drive south now to the beautiful former Roman settlement of Eboracum in York.

Marvel at the colossal 13th Century York Minster, home to half of all the medieval stained glass window in Europe. Wander the narrow, atmospheric, medieval streets and see their hi-tech recreation at the wonderful Yorvik Centre. A final visit the evocative Castle Museum for a glimpse of Yorkshire life long past.

Overnight in the York area.

Day Six: York to London

Morning drive south down the M1 to London.

This afternoon, take a close look at the hub of British politics. Starting in Trafalgar Square, stroll down the magnificent Mall to Buckingham Palace. From the Palace, stroll through St James Park with its wildfowl, many of them gifts to the monarch, and into Horseguards Parade, site of the annual Trooping of the Colour. Walk down Whitehall to Downing Street, and on to the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, venue for Coronations and royal weddings and funerals.

Dinner and overnight in London.

Day Seven: London

A half day Guided Sightseeing Tour by Coach. Your tour will take you past many of London's most famous monuments. This afternoon, walk around bustling Covent Garden the former fruit market now a piazza lined with shops, street entertainers.

Tonight you have seats for a top West End play such as The Lion King, Oliver, or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat.

Day Eight: London and home

Last minute shopping and a final "Flight" (ride) on the London Eye. Return coach transfer to your London Airport for your return flight home

Highlights:

• Liverpool City Tour and the Beatles Exhibition
• Edinburgh City Tour
• Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
• York Minster
• Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guards
• St James Park and Whitehall
• Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament
• St Paul's Cathedral
• The London Eye
• A West End Show
• London Shopping

Your Programme Includes:

• 8 days Travel by Executive Coach.
• 7 nights Full Board accommodation in Hostels or Hotels (see Accommodation Choices) with continental breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal.
• Students in multi-bedded rooms. Adults in twins.
• Excursions and entrances as set out in the Itinerary.

And what is extra?

• Single rooms. Prices vary with accommodation and will be quoted on request.
• Drinks with meals other than breakfast. NB a drink is provided in packed lunches and tap water will be provided with evening meals.
• Any excursions or entrances not included in the itinerary.
• Tips to Drivers and Guide/Couriers.
• Personal spending money.

Accommodation choices

HOSTELS AND STUDENT RESIDENCES
The cheapest option, our hostels are chosen for their safety and cleanliness and to offer simple, no-frills accommodation. They vary in design and style but basically offer multi-bedded, single gender dormitories for students almost invariably in bunk beds for between 4 and 12 students. Adults are usually accommodated in separate twins and triple rooms. Single rooms are limited and strictly subject to availability. Some hostels offer rooms with en-suite WC's and/or showers but not all. In others there are always sufficient shared single-gender communal facilities. Meals are served, usually self-service or buffet style in their own dining rooms. Packed lunches are provided every day. Most hostels have space in the evening suitable for study purposes.

HOTELS
We work with a range of Tourist Class 2 and 3 Star standard hotels in many parts of the UK. They invariably offer simple, clean rooms for 2-4 students, all rooms with private bathrooms and TV. Adults are accommodated in Twin Rooms with limited singles available at a supplement. All Hotels provide a continental breakfast but many do not provide evening meals, which are therefore booked in private restaurants. Packed lunches, provided by the hotel or a professional service, are collected from the hotel every morning. Study space is often limited and may only be available at a charge, quoted on request.

LONDON LOCATIONS
All Hostels and Hotels offered in London are located within walking distance of a London underground station. Central accommodations in both categories book extremely early, especially in High Season. If you would like to secure centrally located accommodation, you must book with deposits as early as possible, ideally at least 6 months in advance.