Ancient Sites and Sacred Landscapes Borders 7-Day Tour
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Ancient Sites and Sacred Landscapes Borders 7-Day Tour
This Special Edition Tour includes Southern Scotland and Northern England’s Borders: Castles, Forts, Cathedrals, and Stone Circles
A 7-Day Special Edition Tour Itinerary
7 Days starting from $4,999
High-season (June – August) starting from $5,999
Price reflects full booking with 4 persons on the tour / per person based on double occupancy / not including airfare
To ensure maximum flexibility in your daily tour schedule, costs for entrances to attractions, meals, ferries, and tips are not included. Please note that prices are subject to change and availability until the tour deposit is finalized.
Tour Dates:
October 3 – 9, 2024
Tour Booking Deadline:
Booking and deposit are required 90 days prior to travel: July 3, 2024
Tour Activity Level:
This is an active tour, meaning daily moderate walking and hiking
Special Edition Tour Extras:
We are excited to offer these additional benefits to enhance your Special Edition Tour travel experience.
- A book list curated by our PhD specialist, featuring historical fiction and nonfiction books, is provided to enhance your learning about the region and the places the tour will visit.
- We invite guests to participate in our pre-trip and post-trip virtual meet-ups, hosted by our PhD specialist and Highland guide.
- During the tour we offer exclusive Evening Gatherings With Our Guides, informative and sociable sessions led by our Highland guide and PhD specialist, providing a sneak peek into the next day’s activities and historical insights.
Ancient Sites and Sacred Landscapes Borders 7-Day Tour Itinerary At-A-Glance
Day 1
Arrival in Edinburgh
Day 2
Edinburgh City
Day 3
Glasgow to Keswick
Day 4
The Lake District
Day 5
The Lake District to Hexham
Day 6
Hexham to Berwick-upon-Tweed
Day 7
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh
Itinerary Highlights & Map
- Edinburgh arrival, The Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral
- Arthur’s Seat hike, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens
- The Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, Glasgow town tour, coastal drive, Firth of Clyde
- The Lake District: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lake District National Park
- Carlisle Castle, Hadrians Wall, Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum
- Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle and Priory
- Melrose Abbey, Roslyn Chapel, Roslin Glen hike
Day-By-Day Itinerary
This Special Edition Tour includes Southern Scotland and Northern England’s Borders: Castles, Forts, Cathedrals, and Stone Circles
Day 1
Arrive in Edinburgh
Upon our arrival in Edinburgh, we’ll get comfortably settled into our accommodations, marking the start of our Scottish adventure with a delightful group lunch along the vibrant Royal Mile. The late afternoon is reserved for exploring the majestic St. Giles Cathedral, a cornerstone of Scottish history and a marvel of architectural beauty. In the evening you’re free to explore Edinburgh at your leisure.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 2
Edinburgh City
Today’s journey begins with an invigorating hike to Arthur’s Seat, a 2.5-mile ascent to an extinct volcano that offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh from its peak. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in history with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a fortress brimming with centuries of legends and storied past. We’ll also enjoy a tranquil walk in the verdant Princes Street Gardens, a perfect spot for Old Town views and relaxation. As evening arrives, you have the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s lively streets, indulge in local cuisine, or simply unwind at your own pace.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 3
Glasgow to Keswick
Today, we set our sights westward, journeying to Glasgow. Here, we’ll delve into the rich history of Glasgow Cathedral and stroll through the intriguing Necropolis. A guided driving tour will reveal the city’s famous murals, a testament to Glasgow’s cultural flair. In the afternoon, we’ll take a stunning coastal drive, enjoying the splendid views of the Firth of Clyde, as we make our way to our next stop – the enchanting Lake District, a region famed for its breathtaking natural beauty.
Overnight in Keswick
Day 4
The Lake District
Our day is dedicated to the enchanting Lake District, beginning with a visit to the iconic Castlerigg Stone Circle, perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically situated of all British stone circles. Following this brush with ancient history, we’ll embark on a refreshing hike through the Lake District National Park, immersing ourselves in its stunning vistas and serene landscapes. Today’s journey is dotted with delightful hidden gems and unexpected surprises along our route.
Overnight in Keswick
Day 5
The Lake District to Hexham
Setting off eastward today, our first stop is the imposing Carlisle Castle, a key medieval stronghold throughout border history. Weather permitting, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a portion of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall, a remarkable vestige of ancient fortification. Later, we’ll delve into the fascinating Roman heritage at Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum, uncovering archaic artifacts and learning about life in Roman Britain.
Overnight in Hexham
Day 6
Hexham to Berwick-upon-Tweed
This morning, our tour takes us to the impressive Norman stronghold of Bamburgh Castle, perched on top of a high basalt crag with commanding views over the wild North Sea. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Holy Island, with visits to the enchanting Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient Lindisfarne Priory. We’ll also wander through the quaint village on the island, absorbing its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque scenery.
Overnight in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Day 7
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh
On our return north toward Edinburgh, we visit the medieval ruins of Melrose Abbey, a Cistercian monastery and burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the remarkable Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its mysterious symbolism and ornate stonework, an outstanding example of 15th-century gothic architecture. The day concludes as we venture into the ancient woodlands of Roslin Glen. Here, amidst historic landmarks and yew trees that have stood for over 400 years, we’ll immerse ourselves in tranquil beauty, offering an ideal hiking experience.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Accommodations
Lodgings are dependent on your travel dates and hotel availability. Your stays will be comparable to the lodgings shown below.
Lodging for
Days 1 & 2
The Haymarket Hotel
Edinburgh
Welcome to The Haymarket Hotel in Edinburgh city centre where you’ll find us down a cobbled street in the historic Haymarket area. Steeped in culture and heritage, our hotel is the perfect place to enjoy your city escape in the capital. Our hotel is made up of six beautiful Victorian townhouses, each one lovingly converted to highlight the gorgeous original architecture, while providing all the modern facilities you need to make your stay comfortable. Enjoy our Scottish hospitality, from the comfort of our Victorian townhouses.
Lodging for
Days 3 & 4
The Royal Oak
Keswick
The Royal Oak, nestled in the Lake District National Park and just 2 miles from the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle, offers a warm and inviting stay. This 18th-century pub-turned-hotel, known for hosting literary figures like Sir Walter Scott and Lord Tennyson, combines historic charm with modern comforts. Located in the heart of Keswick, it overlooks the lively Saturday market and the historic Moot Hall. Our guest rooms are beautiful, spacious and welcoming – a refreshing alternative to the standard chain hotel experience. Guests enjoy comfortable beds, contemporary amenities, and our renowned hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience in the picturesque setting of the Lake District.
Lodging for
Day 5
The County Hotel
Hexham
Nestled in the heart of Britain’s favorite market town, The County Hotel in Hexham offers a warm, inviting retreat. This boutique hotel, a true Hexham gem, boasts seven beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, each a harmonious blend of comfort and modern amenities. Spacious and elegantly decorated, they provide a serene haven just minutes away from the historic center of Hexham.
Indulge in exceptional cuisine at our pub, where the atmosphere buzzes with the friendly chatter of locals and guests alike. Our welcoming staff is dedicated to making every visit memorable. Savor meals served throughout the day, accompanied by fresh barista coffee.
Whether you’re exploring Hexham’s charming streets or seeking a cozy corner to relax, our hotel is the perfect place to unwind and be pampered by our amiable local team. At The County Hotel Hexham, every stay is more than just a stay—it’s an experience steeped in comfort and local hospitality.
Lodging for
Days 6
The Walls Bed and Breakfast
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The Walls Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the tranquil heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s historic old town, is a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse. Overlooking the Tweed Estuary and set against the backdrop of the Elizabethan Walls, it offers a blend of luxurious comfort and modern amenities.
Our rooms, elegantly refurbished, promise a spacious and welcoming stay, underlined by our commitment to excellent service, as recognized by our Five Star Gold Award. Enjoy a delightful home-cooked breakfast, made with the finest local ingredients, all proundly produced in Northumberland. The Walls is not just an accommodation but a gateway to experience the stunning views and serene charm of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Lodging for
Days 7
The Dakota Hotel
Edinburgh
Experience refined elegance at Dakota Hotel Edinburgh, a beacon of urban chic and impeccable service, situated near the charming village of South Queensferry, conveniently located 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.
Our rooms are a testament to attention to detail, featuring bold styling, subdued tones, crisp high-thread cotton linens, and stunning bathrooms equipped with invigorating monsoon showers.
At our award-winning restaurant, The Grill, you’ll indulge in a menu that fuses Dakota classics with light, relaxed options, all complemented by an extensive selection of cocktails and wines. Our passionate chefs craft dishes inspired by the seasons, using only the freshest ingredients, celebrating simplicity with brilliance.
Embrace sophistication in every aspect at Dakota Edinburgh – the epitome of luxury boutique hotel living.
Ready to go?
Additional costs will include airfare, meals, additional attractions, tips for tour guides/hospitality staff, shopping, and any other additional expenses incurred by the client. Insurance is encouraged and will be available through a third party company. Cancelation fees will apply and will be determined at time of cancelation and insurance coverage.
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What to expect on your Special Edition Tour
Journey with a PhD Specialist and Expert Local Guide on an Adventure of Discovery
PhD Specialist
We are excited to offer the insights of Dr. Amanda Todd on Special Edition Tours. She has been teaching Anthropology and Geography at Coastal Carolina University since 2018. Her courses focus on human-environment interactions, natural environments, cultures, and belief systems. She specializes in Spiritual Landscapes and Sacred Spaces.
Expert Local Guide
Our local guides are your ultimate insiders! As with all of our tours, each day you’ll be joined by an expert guide brimming with local knowledge and hidden gems to share with you. Your seasoned guide will reveal the intriguing stories and fascinating histories of each location you visit, allowing you to experience a place like a local.
Hands-on Adventure
Let your experiences match the epic vistas you’ll be immersed in! Our Special Edition Tours embrace adventure with hiking, mingling with locals and unique hands-on experiences tailored to your specific tour. These journeys are “active” meaning you can expect an easy hike of 3 miles daily to sacred or ancient places in the landscape.
