Compare Voyages to Antiquity: Iceland and the Islands of the North by Road Scholar vs Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 20 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 6,895 | $ 4,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 345 | $ 430 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included |
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8 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners |
| Description | Discover castles, cathedrals and ancient settlements on a voyage to Scotland and the Faroe Islands, and circumnavigate Iceland to learn Viking history in the “Land of Fire and Ice.” |
Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom. |
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive London, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
London D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and get your room assignment. The Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. We will meet in the hotel lobby. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. All meals aboard ship are included, as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks; non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and select wines included with dinner. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room, we will enjoy a welcome dinner buffet with coffee, tea, water, and wine included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
London, England
London B,L Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: We will board a motorcoach and depart the hotel for a panoramic overview of London's monuments and most famous sights with a local expert.
Lunch: Enjoy an authentic London pub lunch. Pubs — public houses — are an institution hearkening back to the Roman era. Our menu today is traditional fish and chips and dessert. Water, tea or coffee is also included.
Afternoon: Following lunch, we will transfer by coach to discover the Museum of London with our local expert. We will trace the history of London and its people from prehistoric to modern times. We will learn about the capital's turbulent past, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. In the Galleries of Modern London, we will walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in the recreated pleasure gardens, and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Your Group Leader can provide suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
4
Tower of London, embark the Aegean Odyssey
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: After check-out, transfer via private coach to the Tower of London. On this field trip with your local expert, absorb over 1000 years of history and learn about Great Britain's dramatic and fascinating past. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, the symbol of the monarchy's power and status.
Lunch: The ship offers a welcome lunch buffet following embarkation.
Afternoon: Transfer to the port in Tilbury to embark the Aegean Odyssey. After getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. We will gather late afternoon in the Observation Lounge for our Road Scholar orientation to the ship. Along with everyone on board, we will participate in the ship’s mandatory safety drill when announced.
Dinner: Aboard ship, Road Scholars are invited to dine together on the first night. Thereafter, you may choose either the Marco Polo Restaurant that serves a variety of á là carte items or the Terrace Café with its buffet. The ship’s chefs use fresh local ingredients to create menus inspired by regional cuisine.
Evening: At leisure. Most evenings aboard ship are free to enjoy as you like whether it’s attending a shipboard guest lecture or listening to live music in the Charleston Lounge.
Day
5
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship, breakfast will be buffet-style and served in the Terrace Café.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Shetland Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
6
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Shetland Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
7
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and discover Lerwick on foot with a local expert. We will begin from the Victoria Pier in the heart of Old Town and visit the Old Tollbooth followed by the famous Lodberries which were used in the 18th century to load and unload goods from boats. Next, we will continue along the Hillhead to see the town's narrow lanes, followed by a visit to the Shetland Museum to discover the island's heritage with our local expert.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Heimaey, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards Iceland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Disembark the ship and discover Heimay on foot with our local expert. Our first stop is Skansinn, the site of an old fort built by orders of the Danish king in the 17th century. Next, we will visit a traditional wooden stave church donated by Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland. Finally, we will begin our exploration on foot across the lava fields of Eldfell (Fire Mountain) formed in 1973 by a volcanic eruption. Late afternoon we will return to the ship on foot.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
10
Reykjavik, Iceland; Golden Circle
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile, some uneven terrain and uphill segments.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach for a full day discover of Iceland's Golden Circle with a local expert. We will stop at Thingvellir National Park, the only place in the world where any part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, separating the Eurasian and North American plates, is above sea-level. Next, we will continue our journey to the Gullfoss Waterfall, the most famous of Iceland's many waterfalls.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue our exploration of the Golden Circle with a visit to Geysir geothermal area, from where the word “geyser” originates. Strokkur is an explosive geyser that erupts every few minutes and is another one of Iceland’s world famous landmarks. We will return to Reykavik via motorcoach to visit the Perlan which has a viewing deck with panoramic views of the city.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
11
Isafjordur, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer by motorcoach to discover the isolated Westfjords. Our first stop is Bolungarvík and Ósvör Fisherman’s Hut, a museum housing traditional turf-and-stone shacks, where we will learn the history of the area from a local expert. After, we will transfer by coach to he church of Hólskirkja or “the church on the hill”, built in 1908. Next, we will coach to the town of Ísafjörður, the largest settlement in the Westfjords and one of the main cultural and trading centres in Iceland, for a discovery on foot with our local expert. Lastly, we will visit the local Maritime Museum including some traditional Icelandic refreshments.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved. Ship departs late afternoon.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
12
Akureyri, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to begin our discovery of the Jewels of the North with a local expert. Our first stop is the Goðafoss Waterfall or “Waterfall of the Gods”. Next we will visit Lake Mývatn which is home to thousands of birds. Our journey continues to explore the mud-pots and fumaroles of Námaskarð, a geothermal field full of sulphur deposits and boiling springs.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, we will transfer to the lava landscape of Dimmuborgir, a place where the strange formations of volcanic rock have provided inspiration for many Icelandic folktales. Next, we will visit the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, formed by explosions of gas during the cooling of boiling lava over the wetlands near the lake. These craters are a popular site for birdwatchers and are protected as a natural conservation area. Late afternoon transfer to Akureyri to rejoin the ship.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
13
Husavik, Iceland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a smaller boat. Walking up to 1/2 mile.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer by coach to the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn about the history, biology, and habitat of whales with a local guide. Húsavík is globally recognized as one of the best locations in the world to watch whales. After the museum, we will transfer by coach to join our whale-spotting crew on the waters of Skjálfandi Bay. Like all wild-nature experiences, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved. Ship departs early evening.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
14
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards the Faroe Islands, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
15
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and explore Torshavn on foot with a local guide. Torshavn is one of the smallest and most pleasant capital cities in the world. After visiting the scenic overlook, we will continue to the open-air museum "Hoyviksgardur" which includes a traditional farmhouse and buildings, before taking a walk through the colourful warehouses, 18th century cathedral and iconic turf-roofed homes of the old town, Tinganes.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Scotland, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
16
Kirkwall, Scotland / Skara Brae
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain and cobblestones.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: This morning, we will disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to explore the ancient treasures of Kirkwall with a local expert. First, we will transfer to the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle of stones dating back 5,000 years. After, we will continue on to Skara Brae, an ancient village which was occupied from 3190 BC to 2500 BC. Discover the dwellings that were revealed beneath sand dunes 150 years ago.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. As we head towards Edinburgh, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
17
Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach and transfer to Edinburgh. On foot, we will explore Scotland’s Royal Mile with a local expert.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship’s shore excursion desk will tell you what is available and the cost involved.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
18
At sea
Aegean Odyssey - At Sea B,L,D Aegean Odyssey
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: At sea. As we head towards London, see and do what interests you most aboard ship. You might like to take a seat in the observation lounge with fellow Road Scholars, find something to read in the library, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: At sea. The ship will present a guest lecturer.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation.
Day
19
Disembarkation, London, Westminster Abbey
London B,D Millennium Gloucester Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Disembark and transfer via private coach to London for a field trip to Westminster Abbey with a local expert. The Abbey is a living pageant of British history; learn about kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains. The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Your Group Leader can provide suggestions
Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel for check-in followed by free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
20
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight B
Activity note: See your program’s travel details regarding transfers
Breakfast: In hotel dining room depending on departure times. This concludes our program.
Morning: Transfer to London airports for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.
Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry
Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands
Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)
Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 - Edinburgh
This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.
This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)
Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales
This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle
Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)
Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England
This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 9 - London
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Depart London
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)
