Highlights of the UK

Day 1 - Saturday 22^nd June - Welcome to The UK!

On arrival in London Heathrow, you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your central hotel to drop your bags. Take some time for breakfast & a hot beverage before you meet your expert local city guide and head out to get to know the local area. Spend some time exploring on foot to get your bearings and hear about some of the local’s favourites as you admire Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament. See it all from a different perspective this afternoon as you take a ride on the London Eye, whirling high to take in the sweeping skyline.

Your guide will then depart leaving you to enjoy the ride and then your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 23^rd June - Iconic London

Today you head out with an expert local guide to spend your day discovering the iconic sites of the City of London. Head to Buckingham Palace, the home of Her Majesty The Queen, and if the times align then you can watch the impressive Changing Of The Guard ceremony before heading into Westminster Abbey. This Royal Church is a World Heritage Site and has witnessed many historic events over its thousand years of history. Soak in the unique atmosphere and stories as you explore with your guide.

Finish your time with your guide today by visiting the Tower of London and getting that perfect shot of Tower Bridge (you can also explore the bridge itself, complete with Glass Floor and Victorian Engine Rooms).

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 24^th June - London't Quirky Street Art & Free Afternoon

This morning enjoy a completely different and creative take on the streets of London as you set out to explore the (legal) murals that embellish so many buildings in this vibrant area of the city. Hear the tales of their creation from local experts or maybe even the artists themselves, and then enjoy some hands-on experience making your own works of street art. Your workshop leader will share some tips and tricks on how to turn your morning inspiration into fabulous fun art to be admired.

This is another great part of the city to pick up any last minute gifts, full of unique boutiques and vintage finds as well as some fabulous options for lunch. Your guide will leave you to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. We would highly recommend a delectable afternoon tea (formal, themed or super-relaxed to suit your preference, there are so many fabulous options and we can help you pick the perfect one for you) for that quintessential English experience.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Tuesday 25^th June - Morning Foodie Highlights With Local Expert & Adrenaline Thames Ride

Enjoy a tour of some of London’s best and hidden foodie spots with a local expert this morning.  Delight in cuisine from local producers and sample products from around the world, hearing the stories along the way.  This afternoon get your adrenaline fix as you step aboard the ‘rocket’ of the Thames, see the sites along the river from a different perspective as you zip along this iconic river.  This evening, maybe slow the pace and relax at your hotel or wander the streets close by, soaking up the atmosphere in this unique city.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Wednesday 26^th June - Fly to Inverness, Meet Your Scotland Guide & Explore Loch Ness

This morning a private transfer will take you to Heathrow to catch your flight north to Scotland. On arrival in Inverness Airport you will be met by your private guide (who will also act as your driver while you are together) for the next few days as you explore the Highlands. Start your adventures with the iconic Loch Ness, home to the fabled Monster.  Board a boat to explore this beautiful spot, hear the legends of Nessie and visit the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle. This was once one of Scotland’s largest castles and due to its strategic position, it played a key role during the Wars of Independence. Then head to your historic hotel which once hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie as his battle headquarters.

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Suite as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 27^th June - E-Biking in the Cairngorms

Head to the Cairngorms National Park today to explore on 2 wheels, and your guide will discuss the best options with you to suit your preferences. Maybe set out on one of the local’s favourite loops which undulates just enough to keep things interesting as you pass wooded hillsides and sparkling lochs to reach the village of Kincraig. Heading back to Aviemore you complete the loop along a road that weaves past lochs and great mountain views before a final wee climb back into town. Of course we know a couple of great cafes along the way which you may wish to pause at!

Note: You could also choose to e-bike gentle forest trails if you prefer not to be road-cycling

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Suite as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 28^th June - Transfer to Edinburgh & Step Back in Time

Step back in time as you travel South to Edinburgh with your guide today. Relive history in fascinating recreated buildings at the open air site of the Highland Folk Museum. This 80 acre site has over 30 dwellings “frozen in time” from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s so that you can experience the details of Highland life as it was back then. Don’t miss the old fashioned sweetie shop, it’s our favourite!

Further down the road discover the hallways and gardens of a castle that has been inhabited by the Dukes of Atholl for 700 years. Blair Castle is also the home of the only remaining private army in Europe. And say goodbye to the Highlands with a charming walk to a unique folly overlooking the crashing Black Linn Falls. Your guide will drop you at your luxurious accommodation in Edinburgh and depart, leaving you to relax or explore the local culinary options.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 29^th June - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Maybe also discover the charming locations which inspired all kinds of writers through the years, from JK Rowling to Arthur Conan Doyle. Your guide will personalise your day to your interests.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Sunday 30^th June - Foodie Delights of Cosmopolitan Leith & The Royal Yacht Britannia

This morning delight in local and international cuisine as you enjoy a private foodie tour, exploring some of the best spots and hidden gems in the cosmopolitan melting pot which is the area of Leith. Early afternoon your guide will leave you at the Royal Yacht Britannia, the late Queen’s former floating palace.  This yacht has served many purposes, including being a hospital ship in times of War and you can see the history in the opulent interior.  The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King (Twinned)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Monday 1^st July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast