England remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for international travel. The country may no longer be the world's foremost imperial power, but it continues to capture the imagination of millions. The British royal family is revered world-wide, the top football teams have more fans in other continents than they do at home and the capital city London remains one of the leading international centres of commerce and culture.
Scotland conjures up a wealth of powerful images - shimmering lochs and mountains shrouded in mist, vast purple swathes of heather, weather-beaten cliffs and broad, sandy coves. The landscape is dotted with dramatic fairy-tale castles, ruined abbeys, fascinating historic cities and picturesque villages.
Great Britain's currency is the Pound Sterling. Great Britain is four and half hours behind India in summer and five and half hours behind in winter. Needless to say, English is spoken everywhere and in a rich array of dialects and accents, including London's very unique Cockney.
London
Without a doubt one of the world's great cities, London manages to shine even in the greyest weather and its diversity defies definition. London is the capital of Great Britain and the largest city in Europe. London's landscape is steeped in British history and tradition. No other city offers such a panorama of accessible history and dynamic modernity. The result is a metropolis that is endlessly fascinating, able to excite even the most jaded traveller and generate memories of a lifetime. One visit and you will agree, London possesses an almost mythical allure.
Glasgow
Glasgow has witnessed a remarkable renaissance in the past ten years. It has transformed itself from an industrial city in decline to a European city of culture and one of Scotland's prime tourist destinations. No self-respecting artist or group will omit this city from its itinerary. The Kings Theatre, Royal Concert Hall and a host of modern music venues are continually filled with world-class acts. Glasgow also abounds with natural attractions - the Scotland of heather moors and stern lakes is only a few miles outside the city. The Pentlands rise to the East, while Loch Lomond to the North is one of the country's more beautiful and accessible bodies of water.
