Singles Travel - Travel agent portal for Jewish singles travel with Boca JCC to tour United Kingdom on England and Scotland Jewish Singles group vacation for singles and solo travelers in their 30s 40s 50s and active 60s

England Scotland Singles Tour
With A Jewish Twist
Join the Boca Raton J.C.C - For 30s - 40s -50s & Active 60 Year Olds
May 17 -May 27, 2012
$2970*

Explore Great Britain on this Jewish Singles Tour of England and Scotland. Not only will you discover castles, cathedrals, synagogues and amazing historical sites you will hear about the Jewish Heritage of these two wonderul countries. So join the Boca Raton JCC and Jewish singles from all over the USA and Canada as we visit the United Kingdom together.

England and Scotland Singles Tour with a Jewish Twist Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Your Hometown

Your vacation begins when get onboard your overnight flight to London. Plan your flight to arrive the following morning.

Day 2 - Edinburgh, Scotland

On arrival at the Edinburgh airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. To give everyone a chance to arrive, no activities are planned today. We will meet for an optional dinner at 7:00pm.

Day 3 - Edinburgh, Scotland

This morning we meet our local guide and explore Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, using the Hop-on Hop-off bus. Edinburgh, a historic, cosmopolitan and cultured city is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. The bus tour highlights include the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, the historic Royal Mile and Our Dynamic Earth.

We will visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city-centre skyline and from its ramparts you can look down on medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces that hold over a thousand years of history, mystery and tradition. Visit the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI, admire Mons Meg-a giant 15th century siege gun and learn about the famous One O’Clock Gun. The most important exhibits in the Castle are the Honours of Scotland – the magnificent Crowned Sceptre and the Sword of State, the oldest Crown jewels in the British Isles and the Stone of Destiny, the enigmatic symbol of nationhood used to inaugurate monarchs of Scotland, England and the United Kingdom for more than 1000 years.

In the afternoon enjoy time at leisure - continue to use your Hop-on Hop-bus pass or shop along Princess Street or stroll along the Royal Mile.

Tonight enjoy our Welcome at a local Scottish pub.

Day 4 - Edinburgh - Glasgow, Scotland

Garnethill Synagogue

Today we drive to Glasgow where we meet our local guide for a city tour. Our tour will take us from George Square in the city centre past the impressive Glasgow Cathedral – the only mainland Scottish Cathedral to have survived the Reformation intact - to the West End to admire Glasgow’s historic university buildings, River Clyde, City Chambers, Glasgow Green and People’s Palace.

After time for lunch we visit Garnethill Synagogue the oldest Synagogue in Scotland. It was opened in 1879 by the Glasgow Hebrew Congregation and was the first purpose-built synagogue in Scotland in the 19th century. In 1998 the Synagogue was completely refurbished. It celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2004 and today, it is still one of the finest 19th century synagogues in Europe.

Before we drive back to Edinburgh we will stop at Necropolis Burial Ground where the first interment was that of the Jewish jeweller Joseph Levi, who died of dysentery in September 1832. The Jewish Enclosure was built in 1936.

Day 5 - Edinburgh - Stirling, Scotland

Wallace Monument

Visit one of the most famous castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle, built on a rocky outcrop and commanding a view for many miles around. It was built as an almost impregnable fortification, and visitors can explore many aspects of its long military history, particularly during the Wars of Independence in the 1300s. But it was also an important and luxurious royal palace. Visitors today can gain an insight into the life of Scotland’s royal court, especially that of James V.

After time for lunch we continue north of Stirling to the Wallace Monument. It was built for Sir William Wallace who was hung, drawn and quartered by the English in 1305. There is a breathtaking view from the 220 feet high Victorian monument.

Day 6 - Edinburgh, Scotland - York, England

Time to leave Scotland behind as we board our morning train to York, England. Upon arrival in this medieval walled city enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Exploring York is like taking a trip back in time, the city's rich cultural heritage dates back to Roman times, but the flavour of Viking Jorvik is still alive.

Visit Cliffords Tower York, the last remaining part of the Castle and used by the Romans as a cemetery. In 1190 half of the city's Jewish population took protection within the tower and an attempt by royal authorities to regain access deteriorated into a mob assault. Rather than fall into the hands of the mob, many Jews York

committed suicide and set the keep afire. The survivors emerged the following day, only to be massacred by the besiegers.

After the tour free time to explore York and its cathedrals, museums and Viking center. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and window shop or take a walk on the city walls that were first erected by the Roman legions. Along the walls you can visit the medieval gateways to the city.

Day 7 - York - London, England

After a leisurely morning in York. Checkout of our hotel and transfer to the York train station and board our train to London.

We arrive at the London train station where we are met by our local guide. Tour London's most important sights on a city tour before we head to our hotel. London’s landmarks are timeless, view the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Hyde Park and St. James’s Palace

Day 8 - London, England

Wear you walking shoes, today the group will explore London.

Our tour will include London's Jewish history as well as the city's famous landmarks. A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today the administrative headquarters. The Changing of the Guard is a magnificent ceremony. The men you see in front of the Palace are not just ceremonial guards but also serving Soldiers.

Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, the Tower of London has protected, housed, imprisoned and been for many the last sight they saw on Earth. It now houses the famous Crown Jewels.

Buckingham Palace

The area known as the East End was home to more than 150 synagogues before World War II, today there are only four remaining. Visit Jewry Street in London's financial centre where Jews settled both before their expulsion in 1290 and after the resettlement, 350 years later. At Rectory Square see a Victorian apartment building once the East London Synagogue, and still contains Moorish tile interiors, stained glass and commemorative plaques.

Visit Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue, founded in 1899, a tiny building dwarfed by the giant East London Mosque now beside it. Nearby is Rowton House, where Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky lived while in exile. Much grander is Bevis Marks, constructed for the Sephardic Jewish community in 1658. The synagogue is the UK's oldest and built inside a courtyard, hidden from view at a time when synagogues were not permitted on public streets.

Later, soar 450 feet above the River Thames on an optional evening ride on the London Eye to view the bright lights of London. The excursion also includes dinner after the ride.

Day 9 - London, England

Today is a free day so you can continue to explore London on your own, shop Harrods, see a show or take one of the optional tours.

Day 10 - London -Stonehenge - Salisbury - Bath, England

In the morning we depart for our full day excursion to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath. We first travel to Stonehenge. Visit this prehistoric site where mystery surrounds this 5,000 year old monument and decide for yourself whether Stonehenge was a place of sun worship, a healing sanctuary, a sacred burial site, or something different altogether!

Next is a photo stop at the 13th century Gothic Salisbury Cathedral with Britain's tallest spire. Bath

the world's best preserved original Magna Carta and Europe's oldest working clock.

We continue to the city of Bath, developed around its hot spring waters discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Roman Baths is below the modern street level and has four main features, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bath house and finds from Roman Bath. Today a thriving and vibrant city, Bath combines its fascinating history with a diversity of museums, galleries, gardens and tourist attractions.

Tonight enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a local London Pub.

Day 11 - Depart England

Sad to say but our Scotland and England Jewish singles tour has come to an end. After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to all your new singles travel friends as we make our way to the airport and our flights home.

London Optional Tours

Madame Tussauds and Thames River Sightseeing Cruise - 9:30am, 1 Day Pass - $70

At Madame Tussauds interactive wax exhibit, you can experience what it is like to be famous and join a host of the world's hottest celebrities at the A-list party. Pucker up and plant a kiss on Robbie Williams' cheek, then join Beyonce, Angelina and Brad at the most glamorous A-list celebrity party in town.

The best way to see the sights and splendor of this great city is from the deck of a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. The boats have open upper decks for great sightseeing and comfortable lower saloons. Relax and enjoy the views, onboard commentary as London's famous sights glide by.

Cruises depart every 40 minutes from Westminster Pier, Waterloo Pier (near the London Eye), Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier (near the Cutty Sark). You can hop on or off at any of the piers as often as you like throughout the day. The shortest trip between piers lasts approximately 20-30 minutes, while the full round trip takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Windsor Castle and Runnymede Half-Day Trip - 1:00pm, 5 hours - $85

This delightful afternoon tour begins at Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. The castle was built 900 years ago, and continues to dominate the delightful town that has grown up around it. Get a real sense of British history at Windsor Castle, founded by William the Conqueror just a day's march from London. You'll see the lavishly decorated State Apartments, containing priceless furniture in glorious colors, and St. George's Chapel, home to the 14th-century Order of the Royal Garter, Britain's senior chivalric order.

Departing Windsor, the tour continues to magnificent Runnymede, where King John met his barons in 1215 and agreed to seal the Magna Carta. This action was to have a profound influence on rights and freedoms, not only in England but across the Western world.

London Rock Legends Small Group Tour by Minivan - 2:00pm, 3 1/2hours - $53

All aboard the magic bus to see where rock legends have played and died in London, the greatest rock 'n' roll city in the world! Visit London's famous clubs, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios.

See the house where Jimi Hendrix lived and died, Freddie Mercury and Queen hung out, and Led Zeppelin's London HQ plus many more. You will also see sites connected with the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Cream, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, the Clash, Coldplay, Oasis, Mama Cass, Georgie Fame, Elton John, Jimmy Page and the Yardbirds, Cliff Richards, the Sex Pistols, Bowie, the Faces, Bee Gees, the Who and many, many more! Plus, there's a visit to Sticky Fingers restaurant, owned by Bill Wyman, former Stones bass player.

The rock legends tour also focuses on the most important Beatles sites, including homes belonging to Paul and Ringo, Apple HQ, EMI Studios and Abbey Road, have your photograph taken on the famed zebra crossing.

Old City Walking Tour - 3:00pm, 2/12 hours - $25

Travel through time to the original London, a mere square mile nestled beside the River Thames. The old town (or the City to the locals) has seen some of the most important events in British history, and is home to some of London’s oldest buildings and most majestic views. Join us as we explore the maze of small streets, church courtyards and river walkways that make up the old town, and breathe life into history that stretches back almost two thousand years.

Starting at Covent Garden, outside the Starbucks cafe at Russell Street. Exit Covent Garden station and turn right down James Street then around the left side of the market to Russell Street.

Grim Reaper Tour - 6:00pm, 2 1/2 hours - $25

Our tour begins in the 1400’s – a time long before an official police force patrolled the shadowed alleys in the city’s infamous “East End”. London was a city where the tyrants ruled and the weak were swallowed by Death’s gaping maw. This walk through the city’s gloom takes us through the site of gruesome executions, poverty, overcrowding, disease and criminality.

As we retrace the trail of the notorious Jack the Ripper murders, get a taste for a new breed of soul harvester born of the Victorian age, the world’s first psychiatric hospital, plague pits, the Bloody Tower and Traitor’s Gate and several notoriously haunted areas of the East End. Discover how traitors and criminals were punished, why the Ripper was never caught and what life was really like for people living in the East End. In a city so full of light and beauty, this walk will show us the darkness waiting behind every corner.

Starts by the sundial directly opposite the exit of Tower Hill Underground Station.

Book Your Optional London Tours Here