From the Scottish Highlands to the lowlands of Southern England, go on a cultural journey through Great Britain. Students are invited to live their dreams in Scotland on adventures to castles, misty mountains and Harry Potter settings. Tour the marvelous castles of Scotland, seeing the crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle and witnessing history brought to life at Stirling Castle. Explore the beautiful landscapes, from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to Seacliff Beach. Go on a Harry Potter Adventure, traveling to Alnwick Castle for Broomstick Training, finding the inspiration for the stories on a Victoria Street scavenger hunt, picking up souvenirs at Diagon House and reading the tombstones at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Depart from Scotland for an adventure through the English countryside. In York, students discover the city’s medieval history and listen to scary stories still haunting the streets. Go on a walking tour of the colleges in England’s oldest university city and see the inspiration for multiple Harry Potter film settings at Christ Church Cathedral and College. The rest of the journey is spent in London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. London is an influential city with a rich history among the many sights, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Discover the most popular landmarks in London, from high in the sky on the London Eye and walking through the streets to Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Inspire students with the legacy of William Shakespeare while visiting the Globe Theatre. End the trip with a farewell dinner, reflecting on all the magical memories and sharing favorite experiences.
Overnight flight from home to Scotland.
When the flight lands in Scotland, meet the Tour Director and start with an adventure through the Trossachs. Our stops on this sightseeing tour of Scotland’s first national park highlight the rugged mountains and the setting for Sir Walter Scott’s most popular poem, “The Lady of the Lake.” Along the way, we get to shop at a woolen mill. Arrive in Inverness in time to check in to accommodations and have dinner.
Start the day at Cawdor Castle, a family fortress that is hundreds of years old and built around a holly tree. Get to know the myth of the Loch Ness monster and other mysterious sightings at The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition. Set on the edge of Loch Ness is Urquhart Castle, a fortification blown up by the Jacobites, where there are still ruins to explore and towers to climb.
In the morning, travel to Stirling Castle, where costumed characters bring the history of the Stewart kings and queens to life. Afterwards, meet the owls at the Scottish Owl Centre and experience a flying demonstration, if there’s availability. Continue to Edinburgh in time for dinner at the hotel.
This morning, walk up the Royal Mile to explore Edinburgh Castle, housing Crown Jewels and the 15th-century cannon, Mons Meg. Journey back down on a guided tour of Edinburgh that’s Harry Potter themed. Explore the places that inspired J.K. Rowling, including Victoria Street, Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Perhaps pick up some Harry Potter memorabilia at Diagon House. Discover how Victoria Street may have inspired Diagon Alley on a scavenger hunt.
Travel to Northumberland to visit the mighty fortress of Alnwick Castle, the setting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter movies. Learn to fly and capture a photo to prove it in Broomstick Training, where Harry Potter learned. Continue onwards to York and start off at York Minster, a centerpiece of the city due to the stunning medieval architecture and history dating back to Roman times. Walk along the longest walls in England, built in medieval times, and then wander around the city streets, known as The Shambles. After dinner, take a haunting tour of York to hear the ghostly tales of the past.
Depart York after breakfast and start the journey to London. Stop in Oxford en route for a walking tour of the colleges in England’s oldest university city, which highlights the Sheldonian Theater and the Bodleian Library. Afterwards, tour Christ Church Cathedral and College, where moments in the Harry Potter films were set and the inspiration for dining halls in other academic institutions, including Harvard and Cornell. Continue to London and check in to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day walking around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, where there’s a statue of William Shakespeare.
Go on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, where royalty has been crowned since 1066, featuring the Poets’ Corner and the Tomb of St. Edward the Confessor. Walk around Westminster, viewing the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace. Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Visit the Tower of London to see the historic structures, Crown Jewels and ceremonial regalia up close. Spend time in the Covent Garden area, perhaps watching street performers at the famous Piazza and on James Street. After dinner, attend a West End show.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city in the morning from the top of the London Eye. Afterwards, visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were designed and first performed. Stand in front of Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station, where students of Hogwarts meet their train, and shop for magical treats at The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4. Explore the extensive collection of world-famous art and artifacts at the British Museum. Finish up any last minute London shopping along Carnaby and Regent Streets.
Leave London and return home with wonderful stories to share.
Note: Activities are subject to change based on availability.
During our nine days on this Scotland and England adventure, we introduce students to centuries of preserved history and the inspirations that sparked the curiosity of countless academics, writers and artists. A scavenger hunt of Victoria Street teaches students to work collaboratively and use critical thinking skills. Broomstick Training at Alnwick Castle invites students to engage their imaginations. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a West End show demonstrates theatrical arts in a whole new way. Explore hundreds of years of history in the castles, fortresses and other remarkable works of architecture. Among the many wondrous site visits, academics and artists have found inspiration. We encourage students to exercise their own creative muscles in preparation for the program, during the trip and as they reflect on their experiences.
At Experience, we make sure everything is covered – from housing to technology and beyond – to provide the best experience for our students.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy that are centrally located.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Airfare covers round-trip flights from major airports.
Two meals are provided daily, breakfast and dinner, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
International travel insurance is provided for protection in case of accidents, illness, flight interruptions or baggage loss.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
