Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s elegant capital, home of the Stone of Destiny. Gather with your traveling companions for an evening of good cheer and fine dining. In the morning, you’ll head south to England’s Northumberland, the locale for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey film shoots, and the market town of Alnwick. Discover Alnwick Castle where you can fly a broomstick! Next, Guisborough, influenced by the Vikings, is on the edge of the moors—visit the UNESCO site of Durham Cathedral.
Tour atmospheric York and cruise the River Ouse, bordering the city. The West Midlands, particularly the Peak District, is a haven of moors, dales, rivers, springs, and inspiring beauty—it was Britain’s first national park. Explore Chatsworth House, the grand manor and gardens that influenced Jane Austen’s settings. Going farther south, your nights are charmed by a stay in the Cathedral City of Lincoln. The Cathedral is the finest medieval architecture in England, housing one of the few copies of the 1215 Magna Carta. Lincoln is rich in heritage, great art, culture, shopping, and exceptional cuisine. Enjoy!
Your last two nights are spent in idyllic Cambridge. At the heart of town, Cambridge University is split into 31 stunning colleges. Kings College has a distinctive gothic chapel and an illustrious list of graduates. Wander through the market square, then take a lazy sail down the River Cam. The town’s tea rooms are grand, and Fitzbillies is a special favorite. Finally, we have a date with royalty at Sandringham, the private residence of Queen Elizabeth II—the gardens are sublime. A farewell dinner is the perfect finale to a journey through the royal heart of Scotland and England.
Included Unique Activities
- Visit Sandringham Estate, private retreat of Her Majesty The Queen
- Tradititional Punting Experience at Cambridge University
- Tour Behind-the-Scenes at Newmarket National Stud
Accommodations

1 Night
Vibrant City Center Hotel2 Nights
Yorkshire Country Retreat
2 Nights
Crescent Spa Hotel
2 Nights
Cathedral Quarter Hotel
2 Nights
Stylish City Break HotelTransportation and Guides
- Premium Mini-Coach Transportation with Professional Driver/Guide
Meals Included
- Delectable Full Breakfast Each Morning
- 5 Dinners Included
UNESCO World Heritage sites

Durham Cathedral
Available Dates
21 - 30 September 2025
From $4,540 per person
Single Supplement $1,141
05 - 14 October 2025
Sold Out!
03 - 12 May 2026
From $4,752 per person
Single Supplement $1,177
17 - 26 May 2026
From $4,999 per person
Single Supplement $1,247
07 - 16 June 2026
From $4,999 per person
Single Supplement $1,247
26 July - 04 August 2026
From $4,811 per person
Single Supplement $1,200
23 August - 01 September 2026
From $4,811 per person
Single Supplement $1,200
20 - 29 September 2026
From $4,999 per person
Single Supplement $1,247
Prices are per person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room. For solo travelers, a Single Supplement will be added to the price per person.
"Wonderful 30th Anniversary Trip"
Sep 1, 2025Lititz, PA, USA
We had the trip of a lifetime to Ireland (the Enchanted Ireland trip). It was an incredible small-group tour, and Joan our guide is knowledgeable, fun, and kept us on a good schedule without being rigid. As a native of Killarney, Joan shared stories, sang us songs, and truly provided a customized experience that we could not have gotten with a large group tour in a coach.
So thankful that we made this investment and trusted our trip to Authentic Vacations!
"Amazing Small Guided Vacation in Ireland"
Aug 26, 2025Michigan
We were going to go with a big tour but we were told about Authentic Vacations and boy are we glad we changed our minds!
This wonderful trip went beyond our expectations. Joan made us feel so welcomed and we not only saw so many incredible places, she made sure we were informed as well. We are looking forward to going back to Ireland and hopefully Joan is our guide.
"Wonderful time in Ireland"
Aug 25, 2025Michigan
Wonderful time in Ireland, with Joan as our guide it was such a great time. She is such a wonderful person, her great stories and knowledge of everything was incredible.
"This trip exceeded every expectation"
Aug 20, 2025Virginia
My daughter and I went on the Grand and Gallant 10-day tour to Scotland through Jennifer, and we cannot say enough about the trip from start to finish. From the moment we booked until we landed back home, everything was smooth, seamless, and exactly as expected.
Our tour guide, Cal, was an absolute pleasure. His passion for Scotland’s history and heritage was infectious, and he kept our group of 15 engaged and entertained every step of the way. I still find myself missing his uplifting energy and positivity in the mornings—he truly made the experience unforgettable.
Our bus driver, Paul, was equally amazing. Not only did he keep us safe and on schedule, but he also shared his warmth and kindness throughout the journey. Getting to know him and hearing about his life in Scotland was a highlight in itself.
And Scotland—what a breathtaking country. Authentic Vacations put together the perfect itinerary, balancing iconic sights with authentic local experiences. The pace was lively, which made the 10 days fly by, but we loved every minute. There were moments when the beauty around us felt almost otherworldly—as if each day was a day in heaven. The accommodations were comfortable, and while the unusually warm weather made us wish for air conditioning, bringing along a small travel fan solved the problem nicely.
Overall, this trip exceeded every expectation. From the outstanding team of Jennifer, Cal, and Paul to the beauty of Scotland itself, it was a journey we will treasure forever. I cannot recommend Authentic Vacations and this tour highly enough.
"Wonderful Vacation Plan"
Aug 20, 2025St. Louis
Authentic Vacations curated a wonderful vacation plan. We wanted to SEE Scotland and we were not disappointed. In addition to all that Edinburgh had to offer + the Military Tattoo we travelled the country roads experiencing the highlands while riding through the glacial valleys. We visited both National Parks, iconic Lochs, battlegrounds and castles. All the hotels were wonderful. Our guide, Cal, gets 10-star reviews for guiding us through Scottish history and culture. When we travel again we will seek him out as a guide.
"Incredible Honeymoon in Scotland"
Aug 18, 2025Scotland
We can't say enough great things about our partnership with Amber! She planned the most incredible honeymoon for our clients in Scotland and truly made it the trip of a lifetime.
"Every detail - from the hotels to the fun tours and unique experiences - was perfectly curated. We felt so taken care of leading up to and during the trip! The accommodations were cozy and romantic, the local experiences were unforgettable, and everything ran so smoothly. We didn't have to stress about a single thing. They're professional, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We're already dreaming about our next adventure with them!"
Amber is the most amazing agent to work with! She pays great attention to detail and always provides the best experience for our clients. I wish all of our suppliers had quality employees like her!
"My clients absolutely loved everything about their trip"
Jul 21, 2025Florida
Jennifer helped my clients with a bucket list trip to Jackson Hole, Wy. She made everything on their list happen and they had an amazing time. They loved the Four Seasons Resort she booked, and every tour was on point. They loved each tour, and the tour guides were so knowledgeable. Authentic Vacations does a great job contracting with the best of the best.
Jennifer did the best job communicating with me from start to finish on every detail. I will definitely be using her and Authentic Vacations for future trips for my clients.
"A Dreamy Anniversary Vacation in Ireland"
Jul 18, 2025Scottsdale
My clients had their original trip canceled with another company and we found this with just Ireland and they LOVED IT! They even got sick and still loved it! Authentic Vacations is one of my favorites and we have used them for years for a reason! Thank you Jennifer and team!
1. Click on the Green “Get Started” Button to the Right
Submit your travel dates, number of people and type of transportation. We can adjust the length of our vacation packages to suit your needs.2. Online Account & Quote Created
Our experts will create a custom quote & itinerary based on your requirements, and all details are posted to your Authentic Ireland online account (login info will be emailed to you!).3. Make Changes / Ask Questions
Your quote will have been created by your own personal Expert, who will be available to you at any stage of planning your vacation & even while you are in Ireland or Scotland. Call or email your dedicated Expert to discuss options, make changes or ask questions.4. Reserve & Pay Online
Reserve your vacation package securely via your online account. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.
5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!
Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to go!
Questions?
With offices in both Ireland & the U.S., we can offer you unrivaled support while you are in Ireland or Scotland. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary experience!