Livinia Nixon takes in medieval fortresses and royal palaces during Scenic land journey
Livinia Nixon’s Britain and Ireland Scenic land journey captured the vibrant heritage, timeless charm, and captivating legends of Great Britain. This week the tour continued through Scotland and down to London, taking in medieval fortresses, royal palaces, Roman ruins and Shakespearean haunts.
Location:
Scotland and England
Cost:
Experience the culture, history and traditions of Britain and Ireland in luxury with Scenic. Luxury hotel stays, exclusive Scenic Enrich events, Scenic Freechoice activities and many meals are included.
Why not extend your experience by combining your land journey with a Scenic all-inclusive ultra-luxury European river cruise.
Getaway viewers can save $600 per couple ($300 per person) with an exclusive voucher. Visit scenic.cruises/getaway, call 138 128, or speak to your travel advisor.
Information correct at 10.10.26 ^Travel dates and conditions apply.
Highlights:
Seamlessly connecting Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, Scenic’s luxurious land journey offered an unforgettable tapestry of history, culture and scenery. After travelling through Ireland and Northern Ireland last week, Livinia crossed the Irish Sea to Scotland.
In Edinburgh, Livinia explored the city on a guided tour. Starting at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop the dark basalt rock of an extinct volcano, before she ventured down into the historic Old Town, through the bustling 17th century square Grassmarket. For the ultimate Scottish experience she sampled traditional haggis at the 130-year-old Guilford Arms pub.
With small groups, comfortable transport and expert guides, Scenic takes care of every detail, so guests can sit back and enjoy the journey. At Scone Palace, the crowning site of 42 Scottish monarchs, Scenic guests enjoyed a private morning tea of freshly baked scones in the palace grounds. The highlight of the visit was an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience falconry display. Livinia got up close with magnificent birds of prey, and watched a demonstration of ancient hunting tradition.
Crossing over into England they arrived at Alnwick Castle is the second-largest inhabited medieval castle in the country, second only to Windsor Castle. Home to the Percy family for over 720 years, not only was it a formidable fortress and home, it has also been the set of films and television, including standing in for Hogwarts in two Harry Potter movies. Scenic often build spare time into their excursions which Livinia used to put her wizarding skills to the test during a fun broomstick training session on the castle lawn.
Scenic’s Majestic Britain and Ireland escorted land journey is designed to give guests the time to take in every destination, with plenty of local knowledge from guides to enhance the experience. Compact enough to explore on foot, the city of York packs in two thousand years of history. Livinia walked along the remarkably preserved medieval town walls and admired York Minster, a towering Gothic cathedral that took nearly 250 years to construct.
Scenic includes the best hotels, so the thrills don’t end when the sightseeing does. The Grand Hotel in York is a former railway headquarters that has been elegantly transformed into a luxury hotel. Keeping much of the building’s original character, the elegant interiors, oak-pannelled suites and majestic ballroom make quite the statement.
Winding south through classic English countryside, they reached Stratford-upon-Avon, nestled along the peaceful banks of the River Avon. The historic market town was the birthplace of William Shakespeare and his 16th-century timber framed home has been carefully preserved to provide a vivid glimpse into life during his time.
The next stop was Bath, one of the highlights for Scenic guests with great architecture, vibrant shopping and a walkable city centre. A short stroll from the Avon River, past the stores on the Pulteney Bridge, Livinia arrived at the landmark Roman Baths. Constructed around 60AD as a social and bathing sanctuary, they are fed by Britain’s only natural hot springs. Right behind the baths sits the magnificent gothic Bath Abbey, where the first King of England, Edgar, was crowned in 973AD. Moving through history to the Georgian era, Livinia was wowed by the golden-hued sweeping terraces of the nearby Royal Crescent, which have featured in many period dramas.
After visiting Bath, Livinia’s Scenic Britain and Ireland travels ended in London. Centuries of history sit side by side with dynamic modern architecture, a fitting finale to a fantastic journey..
Joining a land journey through Britain and Ireland with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours offers an ultra-luxury, fully escorted way to experience the region's rich history, iconic landscapes, and royal heritage. With all of the logistics taken care of, and expert tour directors, it makes for an unforgettable trip, and is also a seamless extension to a Scenic European river cruise.
