Crowning Glory

We begin our “Sailani’s – Crowning Glory Tour” in the capital of the Scotland, Edinburgh, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. With the backdrop of rocky hills on one side and the vast sea on the other and a skyline boasting of a beautiful blend of historical monuments and modern buildings, it isn’t hard to guess why this Scottish capital is decreed the prettiest town in England.

A warm welcome by a Sailani’s representative who meets us at the airport’s exit and ensures that we are comfortably transferred to our hotel. (Check-In after 1600 Hours). Overnight at Edinburgh or similar

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Today we (D)visit the Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery and experience a real taste of Scotland. You will be led through the distillery production area, learning how we make our ‘water of life’. To finish your tour, you are welcomed into our bar for a complimentary tasting of Glenkinchie Single Malt Whisky.

Next, our guided city tour of Edinburgh takes us past several landmark attractions of the city including the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence), the Holyrood Abbey, the Royal Mile (the street that connect the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse), St. Giles Cathedral, the Clanton Hill (topped with the National Monument), The Hub (a Gothic structure that now hosts the Edinburgh International Festival) and several others.

We then visit the Edinburgh Castle, one of the most visited sights of Edinburgh and for valid reasons too. Firstly, positioned high up on the Castle Rock, the Edinburgh Castle is as mighty a structure as it is magnificent. Secondly, there’s a lot to see once inside the Castle from the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland to the Stone of Destiny to the 15th-century gun Mons Meg to the One O’ Clock Gun and even the National War Museum of Scotland. Thirdly, it’s not just about the beauty of the Castle (which, by the way, can be appreciated from various points in the town below), it’s also about the splendid views of the town the Castle offers.

Next, we visit the liveliest street, the Princes Street. With shops harbouring the North border of the street and a long stretch of the Princes Street Gardens running along its Southern border, the street offers beautiful views of the Old Town and also a splendid view of the Edinburgh Castle overlooking the street. We spend some free time self-exploring this street before heading to a restaurant for dinner. Overnight at Edinburgh or similar.

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After the historical journey into the past, we move on to Glasgow, which literally means ‘lovely green place’. And the name seems befitting given that the city houses 70 parks and open spaces. We begin our orientation tour here driving past all the worth-seeing monuments of the city like the Glasgow Cathedral, the George Square, the Riverside Museum and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum among others.

Next, we spend some free time at Buchanan Street, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard lined with architectural gems and some of the city’s finest shopping.

Later we drive back to Edinburgh. Overnight at Edinburgh or similar.

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On our itinerary today is taking a virtual journey to the past with a single ride… a train ride on the heritage Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

While the old station building alone is enough to evoke nostalgia, the steam train that’s going to take us from Haverthwaite to Lakeside will truly transport us to the olden days. While on board, we can join the crew in the front compartment to learn about the inner working of the steam engine or simply sit back and enjoy the marvellous scenic views of the Lake District the ride offers.

Once at Lakeside, we board a cruise to sail on the gigantic Lake Windermere and get to Ambleside. Marked by some of the most exquisite stretches of mountainous raises, secluded bays and forested islands, the cruising on Windermere in the Lake District is a major tourist attraction.

We then continue our journey to the medieval town of York, a beautiful town boasting of an unparalleled essence of medieval ages interspersed with a truly modern vibe. Once here, we waste no time and begin our orientation tour that takes us past exemplary tributes to Gothic art such as the York Minster (the gloriously Gothic Cathedral), the Clifford’s Tower (the only standing remain of the York Castle), the Fountains Abbey (the most well-preserved remains of the Cistercian monasteries) and the City Wall (the longest medieval wall in England) among others. Overnight at York.

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Today, we drive to Manchester. On our schedule is exploring this relatively small yet wonderful town some more with the Guided city tour wandering past monumental structures such as the Manchester Museum, John Rylands Library, the Old Trafford stadium and many others.

Next, we visit the Old Trafford Stadium. Sit in your favourite player’s seat in the dressing room, walk through the players’ tunnel towards the pitch and sit in the manager’s seat in the dugout. You’ll see the press room where the manager makes his statement after each home game and the VIP room that has hosted so many big names over the years.

Spend some free time at Manchester City Centre. Overnight at Manchester.

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Today, we proceed to Cardiff, Wales’ Capital city, offers a startling range of unique attractions. Rich in ancient history, sporting excitement, romantic ambience, eclectic culture and ‘out of this world’ activities, Cardiff is the perfect holiday destination for families, couple and groups. The capital’s prosperous past and present. On our guided city tour, we passed landmarks like Millennium Stadium; see the impressive fortification of Cardiff Castle; admire the city’s impressive Civic Buildings, and gaze at the modern new Bay area.

Next, visit the Cardiff Castle. Of all the castles in the UK, Cardiff Castle is one of the most amazing and richly complex sites, with a story that spans over 2,000 years.

The Castle you see today, in the heart of the capital city, is at once a Roman fort, an impressive Norman castle and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace, created for one of the world’s richest men. Overnight at Cardiff.

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Today, we drive towards Bath. Bath is a fine Roman and Georgian city full of beautiful buildings. The guided city tour takes you to the Roman Baths, the Pump Room, the Abbey where England’s first King was crowned and the Assembly Rooms.

Admire beautiful views of the River Avon & famous Great Pulteney Bridge. Enjoy amazing views of the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s best-known landmarks and the magnificent Abbey Cemetery, dedicated to St Peter & St Paul.

Next, visit the Stonehenge. It ranks among the world’s most iconic archaeological sites and one of its greatest enigmas. The megalithic circle on Salisbury Plain inspires awe and fascination. Overnight at London.

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Today, we begin our London exploring expedition with a guided city tour which takes us past all monumental structures of the town including the Hyde Park, the Piccadilly Circus, the Trafalgar Square, the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Abbey, the Buckingham Palace (also witness the Change of Guard ceremony at the palace depending on operational technicalities), the London Bridge and many others.

We proceed to a popular London attraction, the Tower of London. Beefeaters, ravens, crown jewels and horror tales- this UNESCO World Heritage Site has something to keep everyone entertained. Don’t miss the famous and one of the largest cut diamonds in the world Koh-i- Noor.Next, we head to the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. With 14 interactive zones and over 300 life-like wax figures, you are sure to find yourself entrapped in the world of stardom.

Next on our list is another popular London attraction, The London Eye. While the guided tour offers close-up views of the architectural monuments, the giant wheel that is the London Eye, offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the town and it’s monumental structures like the Houses of

Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Shard, etc. and the adjoining River Thames. The 30-minute ride ensures that you get your feel of London’s cityscape while the climate-controlled capsules warrant a comfortable ride. Overnight at London.

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Today, we proceed towards Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture.

Next, drive to Stratford Upon Avon, steeped in the history and legacy of Shakespeare and at the centre of it all is Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and explore the house where he was born and grew up.

Later, drive to Birmingham. Overnight at Birmingham.

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And just like that, it’s time to bring this ‘ Sailani’s – Crowning Glory Tour’ to a close. With a mind full of great memories and a bag full of souvenirs, we proceed to the Birmingham airport to board our flight back home.

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Note : Please note that this tour may run with an altered flow due to operational constraints.