..

We visit Edinburgh Castle, the medieval fortress which dominates the city’s skyline. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's world heritage site. We stay in Edinburgh for three nights.

It was the 26th Earl of Crawford's generous gift to the nation of his internationally outstanding collection of astronomical books and instruments. The collection provided the impetus for the construction of the Royal Observatory building, two miles south of the centre of Edinburgh. The observatory developed a reputation as a world leader in astronomy, steadily building an archive of its work. These include the records relating to the greatest Astronomers Royal for Scotland, Thomas Henderson and Charles Piazzi-Smyth.

For something a little different after lunch we make a visit to the Edinburgh Camera Obscura. This world of illusions gives an amazing live moving panorama of the city of Edinburgh. Spy on passers-by in the street below or discover a new you in the morphing machine! (B)

We stay in London for three nights giving you plenty of time to take in this exciting city. Ride on the London Eye, take in a show in London’s famous West End or enjoy a quiet ale in one of the hundreds of historic pubs that dot the city. (B)

This afternoon, we continue our journey and stop to marvel at the great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge - one of the wonders of the ancient world. What visitors see today are the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000bc and 1600bc. Each monument was a circular structure, aligned with the rising of the sun at the mid-summer solstice. (B)

Tradition and culture meet in this relaxed and tranquil city. Home to the Dutch Royal Family and seat of government, famous for its International Peace Palace, the city of The Hague is far from sleepy. Its green stately boulevards, priceless art collections, abundance of shops and wide variety of restaurants give the city a very refined feel.

The Hague is significant as it is the home to the earliest record of the telescope: spectacle maker Hans Lipperhey presented his ‘device’ to the Stadholder at Binnenhoff, in late September 1608. This gives us reason to celebrate the 400th birthday of the telescope with a special dinner. (B,D)

On arrival at Copenhagen, we transfer via the stunning 8km long Oresund Bridge to Landskrona in the rural south of neighbouring Sweden. Up until the mid sixteenth century, Sweden’s southern Skåne region was a part of Denmark, including the small islands situated between the two modern day Scandinavian neighbours. It’s a breathtaking region, typified by rolling farmlands, and classic Swedish style farm houses.
Despite being part of Sweden for over 300 years, many of the locals have a close connection to the Danes, with their local dialect being more reminiscent of Danish language. The historic town of Landskrona with it’s castles and cathedrals is strategically situated by the shores of the Oresund (the stretch of water between Sweden and Denmark). Landskrona is also our base for exploring the island of Hven, home of the former astronomer, Tycho Brahe. (B,D)

The museum describes Tycho Brahe’s life and place in scientific history through replica instruments, audiovisual and multimedia presentations, and archaeological finds.

Afterwards we visit the famous Helsingør castle setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Located on a strategically important site commanding the Sound, the Royal Castle of Kronberg at Helsingør is of immense symbolic value to the Danish people and played a key role in the history of northern Europe in the 16th-18th centuries.

Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern city whose fascinating past coexists with the very latest trends in architecture, design and fashion. This is after all, one of the world's great design capitals, a status that is reflected in its dynamic new buildings and stunning shops. The Danes are justifiably proud of many things – their beer, their ice cream, their pastry and cheese and we recommend you try them all - but not at once!

Rome - the eternal city and home to the once vast Roman Empire, never disappoints visitors. On arrival in Rome we meet our local guide and enjoy a visit to the Our orientation tour today shows us the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to name a few famous sites. The rest of the day is as you chose to spend it. It’s a great opportunity to buy those last minute souvenirs or enjoy just one more piece of ‘real’ pizza!

Tonight we enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner in a breathtaking garden setting in suburban Rome to celebrate the conclusion of our remarkable trip then transferred to our hotel for our final nights stay. (B)

• Accommodation for 18-nights on a twin-share basis in First Class hotels. (A single room can be requested at an additional fee of $1479).
• All breakfasts and other meals as per itinerary, including special farewell dinner in Rome at Villa D’Este.
• Comprehensive touring program including sightseeing to all listed attractions by deluxe motor coach.
• Services of tour escort Professor Fred Watson providing informative lectures throughout, assisted by a
• Professional Tour Director and local guides.
• First Class train travel from Edinburgh to London; First Class Eurostar train from London to Brussels
• Economy class air travel from Amsterdam to Copenhagen and from Copenhagen to Venice
• Baggage porterage at all hotels.
• Entrance fees to museums, palaces and attractions included and mentioned in the itinerary. Additional visits and visit to other attractions are at the traveller’s expense.
• Comprehensive information kit and detailed touring notes specially prepared by Professor Fred Watson.
• Items not included are: Airline, airport and government taxes, visa fees; travel insurance; health costs; personal expenditure, shopping and tipping.