Begin your trip exploring the iconic city of London. Start your day by taking a stroll around the impressive Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. Spend the afternoon visiting some of the most famous museums in the world including the British Museum and the National Gallery. End the day with a show at the historic West End theatre district.
Explore the Georgian city of Bath, famous for its hot springs and Roman Baths. Take a guided tour of the Roman Baths before taking a Bath boat trip along River Avon to see the city's historic landmarks. Don't forget to visit the Jane Austen Center to learn about the city's most famous writer.
Travel to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Take a walking tour of the city to visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, wander the famous Royal Mile and explore the Old Town. Spend the second day appreciating the incredible Scottish art at the Scottish National Gallery and catching a performance at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Head west to Glasgow and explore Scotland's largest city. Visit the beautiful Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Spend the second day on a whiskey tour to experience one of Scotland's most famous exports, and taking in the beautiful sights at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Travel to Manchester and enjoy a day of shopping at the vibrant Northern Quarter before visiting the iconic Manchester Cathedral. The second day can be spent visiting some of the city's many museums such as the Science and Industry Museum, or catching a game at the historic Old Trafford Stadium.
Visit the beautiful and historic city of York, filled with stunning architecture like the York Minster and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll around the famous Shambles and grab lunch in one of the many quaint cafes.
Head to the city of Liverpool and explore the music and culture that inspired the Beatles. Visit iconic landmarks like The Cavern Club and the Liverpool Cathedral. Take a ferry along the Mersey River and admire the beautiful skyline. Spend the second day at the Tate Liverpool and exploring the waterfront Albert Dock.
Return to London for your last two days in England, and end your trip by revisiting some of your favorite places or indulging in any last-minute sightseeing. Spend your final day shopping for souvenirs and gifts, or taking in one last show in the West End.
Throughout this itinerary, the most efficient mode of transportation is by train. The train system in England and Scotland is efficient and easy to navigate, with direct connections between major cities. You can purchase tickets in advance to secure your seat and potentially get discounts.
Getting around the cities can be done by foot or public transport. Both London and Edinburgh have an extensive tube and bus network, while Glasgow, Manchester, York, and Liverpool offer public transport systems that are easy to use.
The estimated travel costs for this itinerary are roughly £200 per person if purchasing advance train tickets and using public transport.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the scenic Lake District, or visiting the historic city of Durham. If you have less time, consider skipping Manchester or Liverpool, as they are less central and take more time to get to.
There are several airports in England and Scotland that serve international flights. The main airports include London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester International (MAN), and Edinburgh International (EDI). London Heathrow is the largest airport in the UK, located roughly 14 miles from London city centre while Edinburgh International is located just 8 miles west of Edinburgh.