Compare Highlights of England by Great Value Vacations vs Classic Walks of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 2,239 | $ 1,740 |
| Price Per Day | $ 249 | $ 290 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
Daily Breakfast |
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| Description |
Explore through the gems of the English countryside while you tour it in a rental car. See university towns, cities tied to ancient civilizations, and London, the capital. Enjoy making this trip your own as you use tour passes at your discretion. Touring through England at your own pace, you get to spend your vacation your way, and you can even see those in-between destinations you've been dreaming of! |
Sample some of Scotland’s most iconic walks like the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way and conquer Ben Nevis - the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom – with two expert guides by your side. Fort William, a charming town located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is famous for being the gateway to Ben Nevis and will be your home away from home on this trip which takes you through an ever changing landscape that is famous for its Scottish culture, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking natural scenery. Add a charming Scottish town and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this walking trip has it all. |
Day 1 Welcome to Manchester!
Arrive in Manchester Airport and pick up your rental car. Make your way to your first accommodation in York, a city whose history goes back to the time of the Romans and Vikings! Once settled, head over to Clifford's Tower and hike the short path; you'll be treated to panoramic views of the old Viking City below!
Day 2 York
Enjoy a full day in York on your own. One of the finest walled cities in Europe, York bursts with history and culture at every corner. Head this morning to York Minster, a huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral with stained glass windows and two working bell towers. Get a history lesson at the Yorkshire Museum, the York Castle Museum or National Railway Museum. Leave time to stroll The Shambles, a cobbled medieval street lined with timber-framed houses dating back to the late 14th and 15th centuries!
Day 3 York - Oxford
After breakfast, it's time to depart York. You might want to stop in Stratford and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace; then it's on to the iconic city of Oxford! Once you settle in, head into town for a leisurely dinner.
Day 4 Oxford
Spend the day discovering the secrets of Oxford today! In the evening, head to the famous Cowley Road and experience the vibrant nightlife of this university town.
Day 5 Oxford - Bath
Make your way to Bath today; on the way you might like to stop in the picturesque Cotswolds region with its quaint villages and charming thatched-roofed cottages. The rest of your day is to enjoy at leisure; you may want to make your way to Alexandra Park for sweeping views of the city which is especially beautiful as the sunset dominates the sky.
Day 6 Bath
Today embark on a sightseeing adventure with help from the hop-on/hop-off bus!
Day 7 Bath - London
Today you can depart Bath and visit iconic Stonehenge, steeped in mystery. Then its on to London to drop off your car rental and make your way to your hotel. Celebrate your first night in England's capital city by indulging in a plate of fish & chips!
Day 8 London
Being your sightseeing adventure in London by heading to Buckingham Palace in time for the Changing of the Guard! Then, continue using the benefits of your London Pass; enjoy a ride on the hop-on/hop-off bus and hop off at the Tower of London, where you can enjoy a guided tour with the Beefeaters. In the evening, consider treating yourself to a ride on the London Eye, which offers sweeping views of the city below.
Day 9 Depart England
To day you will be transferred to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in accordance with your departure flight.
Day 1 Fort William
Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.
Day 2 Devil's Staircase
This morning, you’ll catch the local bus to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.
Day 3 West Highland Way
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a public bus to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.
Day 4 Great Glen Way
Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.
Day 5 Ben Nevis
Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.
Day 6 Cow Hill
After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.
