United Kingdom
RIGOUR AND TRADITION, BEAUTY AND MODERNITY
The United Kingdom is a northern European country waiting to be discovered. It includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these regions is the cradle of unique traditions and cultures, each with its own undeniable charm and historical importance.
This is the land of Shakespeare and the Beatles, of the cosmopolitan and modern city of London—but there’s much more. Here you'll also find the historic and prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as natural landscapes of rare beauty. Don't miss the Neolithic site of Stonehenge, the Roman baths in Bath, and the lush Scottish Highlands, where you can wander among castles and ancient estates.
Discovering the United Kingdom definitely includes spending a few days in London, soaking in the atmosphere of the reigning monarchy, innovation, and the quintessential English lifestyle. The city is an extraordinary blend of influences, traditions, and diverse cultures. With its squares, museums, gardens, and bridges over the Thames, there’s truly so much to see and do!
Getting around is easy with the Underground, whose extensive network reaches nearly every corner of the city! Trendy spots, pubs, events, fashionable shops, and street food make London a place where people—both young and old—from all over the world love to live and study.
But the United Kingdom is also much more. Traveling by train or car allows you to explore the countryside, connecting with the land and nature, and discovering the details of smaller cities and charming villages full of fascinating stories—like Canterbury in the east, a medieval treasure trove filled with majestic castles and ornate cathedrals.
Among the most notable cities is Oxford, home to England's oldest university, located in Oxfordshire. It welcomes students from around the world and breathes culture from every street corner.
Oxford is also a highly sought-after destination for Harry Potter fans. You can join exciting guided tours to discover some of the film’s shooting locations and visit buildings that showcase classic Anglo-Saxon architecture.
LANGUAGE: The spoken language is English, though there are significant Italian, Chinese, and Arab communities.
RELIGION: Almost half the population identifies as Christian, primarily Anglican and Catholic. There is also a significant presence of atheists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews.
TIME ZONE: Located on the Greenwich Meridian, the UK is one hour behind Italy.
DOCUMENTS: As of October 1, 2021, a valid passport is required to enter the United Kingdom.
CURRENCY: The British currency is the Pound Sterling.
Curiosity
We often think of the British as extremely serious, disciplined, and habitual people. While many things have changed in recent decades, some traditions are still going strong!
One such tradition is the famous Five O’Clock Tea. The British are the world’s biggest tea consumers, far outpacing the French and Americans. Afternoon tea was introduced by British nobility in the 19th century. While loose leaf tea was originally the norm, nowadays most Brits prefer the convenience of tea bags.
The world-famous Ritz Hotel in London hosts a tea room that must be booked (two months in advance!) by celebrities and the wealthy, who go there to enjoy a traditional English tea experience, just like in the old days.
Our advices
TO READ: English literature is among the most prolific in the world. This nation gave birth to timeless literary giants such as Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Joseph Conrad, Charles Dickens, James Joyce, and Rudyard Kipling—and the list goes on. A couple of classic books to read? The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde or To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.
TO LISTEN TO: British music is just as influential as its literature. Think of the legendary Pink Floyd—visionary rock artists and pioneers of innovative sounds. To immerse yourself in the “British” atmosphere, try Money or the entire The Dark Side of the Moon album. Don’t forget God Save the Queen by the Sex Pistols or the timeless Beatles.
WHAT TO SEE: The heart of British attractions is undoubtedly London—Europe’s most diverse and cosmopolitan city, and one of the world’s most modern and innovative capitals. From the City to Trafalgar Square, from Speakers' Corner to Buckingham Palace, from Westminster to Tower Bridge, London is so vast and packed with attractions that even a month wouldn't be enough to see it all. But let’s not forget other UK cities rich in history and charm, such as Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and the magnificent Aberdeen.
TO EAT: The famous English breakfast is widely appreciated: you can enjoy eggs, porridge, and bacon at many venues throughout the country. For lunch, people often opt for a single dish—typically meat-based, such as liver or curry stew. Over the decades, British cuisine has become increasingly multicultural, and Indian or Thai food is common in many cities.
