The Montgomery's explore the UK - Final Information

Day 1 - Saturday 26^th April - Welcome to London

On arrival into London you will be met planeside by the VIP team and whisked seamlessly through the formalities and out to your waiting car.  Your private driver will take you to your city centre hotel and the rest of the day is free to rest, relax and perhaps take advantage of the spa facilities after your long journey.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Sunday 27^th April - Neighbourhoods and Botanical Garden

Enjoy a relaxed morning today just enjoying your opulent surroundings and taking advantage of the wonderful facilities at the hotel.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at lunchtime and you’ll set off to explore some of the colourful neighbourhoods of London that all have their own stories to tell.  From the trendy spots of Soho to the iconic Notting Hill you will discover some of the hidden gems as your guide leads you through these buzzing districts.  You’ll end the day at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew where you can spend time exploring the incredible flora and fauna that this place is known for.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 28^th April - Highlights of London

You’ll be met this morning by your private city guide and you’ll climb aboard a classic mini cooper for a whirlwind tour of the Highlights of London.   From the impressive facade of Buckingham Palace to the lesser known gems of the city, let your local guide tell you stories of this buzzing metropolis as you squeeze through narrow alleyways and round busy streets.

This afternoon, you will head to the Victoria and Albert Museum where you will spend the afternoon exploring the unmissable exhibitions and extraordinary collections.  From photographs to sculptures and from artworks to fashion pieces there will be so much to see that you will be sorry for the end of the day to come.

However, this evening you will enjoy a cruise along the Thames as you indulge in a 4 course menu freshly prepared on board.  Relax as the resident band play softly in the background and watch the sights and sounds of London pass by your window as you sip on your favourite wine before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday 29^th April - Hidden Gems of London

You will meet an expert city guide this morning for a day of exploring the capital city.  Your first stop is the iconic Tower of London, where you can take your time wandering around the place that various members of the Royal Family called home in days gone by as they waited to learn their fate for treason!  The highlight of this visit will be the crown jewels so immerse yourselves in the atmosphere as the diamonds twinkle in the soft lighting and you witness over 400 years of royal history within this chamber.

Your last stop today will be the iconic Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum where you can see your favourite stars from stage and screen like never before.  Walk along the Fashion Runway, take a stroll through Culture Capital or head into Outer Space with Star Wars as you immerse yourselves in this wonder of art.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 30^th April - Henry Moore Studio and Gardens

Head out of London today to spend the day exploring the artworks of Henry Moore.  From the Tapestries in the Aisled Barn to the Moore’s family home delve into the life of one of Britain’s most loved artists.  Wander through the sculpture gardens exploring some of his masterpieces as well as taking a tour of his former home.

Your driver will take you back to London whenever you are ready, taking with you memories of a wonderful day.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 1^st May - The sights and sounds around the Thames

For your final day in London you will head to the River Thames and jump onto a face paced RIB – maybe pretending you are James Bond being chased by villans!  See all of the sights that border the river from the MI6 building and the imposing dome of St Paul’s Cathedral right down to the Thames Barrier.  Learn more about some of the iconic sites before an incredible high speed journey to the barriers and back.

Safely back on dry land, you will spend the rest of the day perhaps doing some souvenir shopping or some final sightseeing before ending your day in the sky as you board the London Eye to see the iconic skyline from a different perspective as you guide points out the famous sites.  A fantastic way to end your time in London.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 2^nd May - Transfer to the Cotswolds

It is time to leave the bright lights of the city today and head to the green fields and rolling hills of the Cotswolds.  Your first stop will be Oxford where you will meet a local city guide and enjoy a tour of this stunning city with its academic links and gothic architecture.  Venture off the beaten track as well as seeing the famous sites hearing stories of the city from your expert guide.

Later on, you’ll head to a local village to indulge in a spot of duck herding with a local farmer!  Watch the dogs navigate the ducks through an obstacle course in this hands on experience before continuing on to your country house hotel for the evening.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Loft Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 3^rd May - Hiking in the Cotswolds

After a few days in the city it is time to lace up your hiking boots this morning and head out into the countryside to stretch your legs.  There are so many options to choose from today and your guide will discuss all of the options with you this morning before you set off.

One option is that you hike up Broadway Tower, that offers far stretching views across 5 counties before heading onto to the unconventional home of Charles Wade – the architect who was famous for building a model Cornish fishing village that attracted visits from Queen Mary and Virgina Woolf!  Spend some time exploring this home before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Loft Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 4^th May - The Villages of the Cotswolds

Spend the day exploring the chocolate box villages that make this part of England so special.   From the villages with well kept village greens to the ones with streams running through the middle. there are plenty of places to visit and little shops to stop off at to buy some souveniers.  Your guide will discuss all the options with you for the day so you can make the most of your day exploring the area – there may even be a chance to stop off for a delectable afternoon tea with homemade scones – the epitome of an English Spring afternoon.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Loft Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Monday 5^th May - Hiking the Malvern Hills

Just north of the Cotswolds are the famous Malvern Hills where the local springs used to provide water for the late Queen Elizabeth II.  The ridge line spans 13km from end to end and you can choose which part you wish to hike but whatever you decide, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Wales.  There are so many paths to choose from along with quaint country pubs to stop for refreshments on this lovely day out in the countryside.

You’ll continue on your journey north to Hampton Manor, sumptuous manor house that sits on 45 acre,  ready for your land Rover experience tomorrow.  Your guide will say goodbye to you and leave you to enjoy your last day in England before your journey north.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

A note from the hotel:

On the first afternoon and evening of your stay, there is an exclusive use event taking the full use of the main manor building. As you are staying in a walled garden suite, your check in will be unaffected as you can head directly to Grace & Savour to check-in from 15:00. The bar in Grace & Savour will be available to you that evening and the remainder of your stay is entirely unaffected

Overnight: Hampton-In-Adren | Hampton Manor
Room Type: Walled Garden Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Tuesday 6^th May - Range Rover Experience

You will be taken to the Range Rover factory in Solihull where you will take a tour of the factory and see how this classic of British engineering is made.

Once the tour is over,  you will take you back to the hotel where you can relax for the afternoon ready for your flight over the border tomorrow.

This is all self arranged by the clients

Overnight: Hampton-In-Adren | Hampton Manor
Room Type: Walled Garden Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Wednesday 7^th May - To Scotland

A private transfer will arrive and take you to Birmingham airport this morning in time for your flight to Edinburgh where you will meet up with the VIP team for a smooth check in experience.  On arrival here in Edinburgh, you will be met by your driver guide for the next part of your trip and you’ll head to north through the ever changing countryside towards the largest National Park in the UK.

On your way to your boutique accommodation, you will stop at a beautiful village where you will enjoy a delicious lunch of Scottish fayre before taking heading next door to the world renowned chocolate shop for a private tour with the Master Chocolatier.  The perfect way to end your lunch.

Continuing north, you can stop off at the “Harrods” of Scotland – House of Bruar – before finally arriving at your farmhouse accommodation deep in the heart of Glenfeshie forest.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 - Thursday 8^th May - Hiking in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park is home to 5 out of the 6 highest peaks in the UK as well as a plethora of wonderful hiking routes to suit everyone.  Your guide will discuss the options with you today but perhaps you may like to take a gentle hike through the towering Scot’s pines to a green lochan where, legend has it. the fairies come down to wash their clothes at night when no one is watching!

Another option could be to hike on of the many hills in this part of the park that offer breathtaking views of the whole valley stretching as far as the eye can see.  The choice is yours and your guide will make sure you make the most out of your day here.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14 - Friday 9^th May - Highland Life and Local Wildlife

After a strenuous day yesterday today can be more of a relaxed pace.  First you will head north to visit the emotive landscape where the history of Scotland changed in less than an hour.  Standing on the windswept moorland, imagine what it was like for Bonny Prince Charlie’s men on that fateful morning in 1746 when the Jacobite uprising came to an end at Culloden.  Your expert guide will weave the history of this place around the legends that are woven into the very fabric of life, a really unique experience of Scottish history.

Later on, you can take a hike along the river or through the local woodland before arriving back at your hotel for a wee rest before an evening of excitement.  Head out after dinner for your very own private wildlife experience at a local hide – watching the animals of the night come to feed and play while you sit in the shadows watching their every move.  Perhaps a pine martin and a wild cat will cross paths, or a badger will scrabble in the undergrowth to find food for his family.  Whatever you witness, it will be a truly unique and memorable experience.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15 - Saturday 10^th May - Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness & Transfer to Skye

You can have a later start today after your late evening and when you are ready you will head off to the next part of your adventure.

Today you will visit the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Perched on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle offers a glimpse into a bygone era of conflict, clans and legends. As you explore the ramparts and peer through the weathered windows, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Loch Ness, its serene waters shrouded in legendary tales. 

Continue your journey through stunning Scottish scenery to the fabled Isle of Skye.  You have the option to stop for a short hike along the way allowing to stretch your legs and properly get into the Scottish landscape, you guide will suggest appropriate routes depending on the weather and how you feel.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Sunday 11^th May - Exploring Skye & Foraging

This morning you are free to explore this incredible island with your guide.  You can choose to discover the quaint local village of Portree with its lovely harbour and it’s many art and coffee shops, or perhaps head to the historic Dunvegan Castle, learning its legends and history, and wander around its beautiful surrounding gardens.  It is the only castle to have been occupied by the same family, the Macleod clan for 800 years.

This afternoon enjoy a unique experience, foraging for local wild edibles with an expert forager.  You will be amazed by the delicious foods that can be found on the local shores.  Hear stories about his life as a ghillie and how people used to live off the land until very recently, and the trend for foraging that has now been reborn.  A fantastic afternoon meeting a true unique character.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 17 - Monday 12^th May - Discovering Skye

Today you have a full day of hiking with your expert guide in this incredible landscape. You will be spoilt for choice with the dramatic landscape on offer, with many fantastic hikes through stark and unusual rock formations and landscapes, including the awe-inspiring Old Man Of Storr and the Quiraing. The rugged coastline of this island means that you can enjoy incredible sweeping views of islands and mountains in almost every direction.

This evening you could take a walk around the pretty harbour with it’s colourful harbour and dine at one of the many delicious eateries here.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 - Tuesday 13^th May - Explore Glencoe

It is time to leave the fabled isle today and head back to the main land to the dramatic valley of Glen Coe, where the mountains soar into the skies like jagged daggers reaching ever onwards.  You’ll leave Skye by the ferry and journey towards the mountains along one of the most picturesque roads in the whole of the county.   You may even catch a glimpse of the famous ‘Harry Potter’ steam train thundering across the viaduct as it charges towards the coast.

Your accommodation this evening used to be the home of Lord Strathcona and has been tastefully turned into hotel with individual suites where you can dine together and reminisce on your wonderful adventure so far.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 19 - Wednesday 14^th May - Hiking in Glencoe

The dark and dramatic mountains and glens that surround your hotel provide incredible hiking as well as a tragic history. Your guide will discuss the options with you today. You may decide to summit the iconic Pap of Glencoe or you might want to head to the Lost Valley where the MacDonald clan used to hide their rustled cattle. As you hike you’ll discover this beloved glen’s bloody and tragic past.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 20 - Thursday 15^th May - Hiking in the Nevis Range

For your final day in the Highlands, you will meet a local ranger who works in the Nevis Range caring for the natural and cultural heritage of the area.  Find out more about the work they do as you enjoy a guided hike through the landscape, seeing how the community is working together to promote thoughtful access and appreciation of the local area.

After an immersive morning, the rest of the day can be spent pottering around the shops in Fort William or just relaxing back at your hotel looking back over your wonderful time in the Highlands of Scotland.  Your guide will also be on hand should you wish to head out for one last local walk before dinner.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 21 - Friday 16^th May - To Gleneagles

It is time to leave the Highlands of Scotland and head to the rolling hills of Perthshire for a few days of rest and recuperation.  Sit back and relax as you drive along some of the most scenic routes in the country and may look familiar from the silver screen.

Before arriving at Gleneagles you will enjoy one last visit to the oldest lending library in the UK.  Meet the keeper of the books and flick through the pages of some of their rarest books including first editions dating back to the 16th century!  Spend as long or as little time as you like here before continuing onto your country retreat for the next 3 nights.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Braid House Estate Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 22 - Saturday 17^th May - Onsite activities at Gleneagles

Set out on a 4×4 adventure this morning as you head into the countryside with an expert instructor to learn how to tackle some fun trails in a trusty Land Rover.  Splash through deep ditches, traverse narrow ridges and charge up muddy hills as you bump and sway along the off road tracks.

After a thoroughly enjoyable morning, the rest of the day can be spent at leisure enjoying the spa facilities or another one of the many on site activities that the Glorious Playground has to offer.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Braid House Estate Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 23 - Sunday 18^th May - Exploring Perthshire

This morning you will visit the town of Perth and enjoy a private tour of Scone Palace and its Gardens.  Famed for being the Crowning place of the Kings and Queens of Scotland, follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s ancient founding fathers as your expert guides leads you through the hallways and decorative rooms with a sense of history at every turn.

After enjoying lunch in a local cafe, you will head out into the hills this afternoon for one last hike to find some more of the local wildlife.  Perhaps this time you may see a mountain hare running across your path, or perhaps the rare capercaillie rustling in the undergrowth.  Your guide will make sure this final trip is a good one, and may even bring a wee dram so you can sit under the vast sky with just the sounds of the countryside for company, and toast your UK adventure.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time for today before he drops you off on Friday

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Braid House Estate Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 24 - Monday 19^th May - Transfer to Edinburgh

It is time to leave the luxury of the Glorious Playground and head to your final destination on your epic UK adventure.  On the way south, you can stop off at Stirling to visit one of the most famous castles in the country, and where many Kings and Queen’s of Scotland have entertained over the years.  You may even wish to visit Bannockburn while you are there, the site of Robert the Bruce’s most famous victory over the English Army.

You’ll arrive into the capital city in the late afternoon and the evening is yours to head out into the city to dine on some of the tasty treats that this vibrant city has to offer.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 25 - Tuesday 20^th May - Exploring 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace with your main guide, perhaps soak up views of the city from Arthur’s Seat, one of the most famous local walks or instead pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

In the late afternoon you’ll enjoy a cookery class where you will make your own unique meal under the watchful eye of your own private chef and then dine together, raising a glass to your UK adventure – the perfect end to your trip.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 26 - Wednesday 21^st May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to connect with the VIP team who will guide you safely through the formalities before you board your plane. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast