Tour Partner Group is delighted to announce the launch of Northern Notes, a new 10-day cultural journey connecting Liverpool and Glasgow, two cities shaped by migration, maritime trade and Victorian ambition.
Designed as a comfortable, star-shaped itinerary with minimal hotel changes, the programme invites travellers to follow in the footsteps of past generations while immersing themselves in the music, landscapes and cultural identity of England’s northwest and Scotland’s largest city.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Tour Partner Group, a leading DMC for North Europe, has worked with Visit Liverpool and Visit Glasgow to create an itinerary centred on two compelling destinations, each surrounded by landscapes and attractions with broad appeal. This unique collaboration is expected to attract strong interest across the travel trade, offering a journey designed to resonate with a wide range of travellers.
The experience begins in Liverpool, where guests meet their local guide and explore the city’s maritime legacy. From the vibrant waterfront and Royal Albert Dock to The Old Dock Tour, the world’s first commercial wet dock, the opening day sets a strong storytelling tone. Visitors can then discover Liverpool’s musical heritage at The Beatles Story or the British Music Experience, before a welcome dinner at The Cavern Restaurant, a venue synonymous with the city’s global influence.
In the days that follow, travellers venture beyond the city to the Roman city of Chester, exploring its cathedral, ancient walls and historic port, followed by a cruise along the River Dee. The journey continues into North Wales and Snowdonia National Park, where dramatic mountain scenery and a heritage railway journey on the Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railway bring the region’s industrial past to life. Visits to Gwrych Castle or Caernarfon Castle offer insight into Welsh history and legend, before returning to Liverpool for a dedicated Music Icons Tour and visits to The Beatles’ childhood homes. A traditional afternoon tea at Strawberry Field provides a reflective highlight.
The Lake District introduces another layer of natural beauty, with a cruise on Lake Windermere and a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, before the journey continues north to Scotland. Arrival in Glasgow is seamless, with scenic countryside unfolding en route, followed by a panoramic city tour. Guests are introduced to Glasgow’s architectural contrasts, cultural energy and musical legacy, before experiencing Scottish tradition with an interactive bagpipe session at The National Piping Centre.
Glasgow’s Cathedral Quarter sets the scene for the next day, with visits to Provand’s Lordship, St Mungo Museum, Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. A guided tour and tasting at the Clydeside Distillery highlights the city’s whisky heritage, while optional visits to the Riverside Museum or Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum offer additional depth. Dinner at Sloans, one of Glasgow’s oldest restaurants, rounds off the day.
A full-day excursion to the Isle of Arran follows, often described as “Scotland in miniature” for its mix of mountains, coastline, standing stones and castle gardens. Guests explore Machrie Moor’s stone circles, Brodick Castle Country Park, and enjoy lunch at either Lochranza or Lagg Distillery, combining local flavours with sweeping island views.
The penultimate day features Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, a sequence spanning medieval history, national identity and modern engineering. The journey concludes with a traditional Scottish dinner at Mharsanta, celebrating local cuisine before a final night in Glasgow.
Reflecting on the launch, Emmanuelle Spriet, spokesperson for Tour Partner Group, said:
“Our audience across the USA, Canada and Australia, will be excited to see what Northern Notes represents. It’s a journey that brings together the spirit of two remarkable cities. Liverpool and Glasgow share deep roots in migration, maritime trade and creativity, and this itinerary allows colleagues in the travel trade the opportunity to promote a vacation where visitors experience those connections in a meaningful and comfortable way.”
From Liverpool, James Wood of Visit Liverpool shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Liverpool’s heritage is woven through every street, from our docks to our music. Welcoming visitors through an itinerary that celebrates both our history and our global cultural impact is incredibly exciting. Northern Notes gives visitors the chance to experience the city the way we love it, full of character, rhythm and warmth.”
Representing Glasgow, Alex Harvie, Head of City Marketing, Destination Glasgow, added:
“Glasgow has always been a city of energy, creativity and resilience. This itinerary captures that spirit beautifully, from our Cathedral Quarter to our music venues, museums and distilleries. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors who want to explore the depth and diversity of Glasgow’s culture as part of this new cross city journey.”
The launch of Northern Notes will be supported by a dedicated Expedia consumer marketing campaign, bringing the itinerary to life through digital storytelling, social media, video content and targeted outreach. By highlighting the shared heritage of Liverpool and Glasgow, the campaign aims to inspire travellers seeking meaningful cultural experiences grounded in comfort and authenticity.
With five nights in Liverpool and four in Glasgow, the itinerary offers a relaxed pace supported by an expert guide, modern coach travel, a scenic rail journey with Avanti West Coast, and carefully selected meals, including a traditional afternoon tea. Experiences range from castles and cathedrals to distilleries, heritage railways, national parks and world-famous music sites.
Northern Notes is available for groups of 15–45 travellers, with pricing starting from £1,640 per person.
For more information, visit www.tourpartnergroup.com or contact info@tourpartnergroup.com