Thursday 14th August – Sunday 31st August 2025
V1 – 29th April 2025
Upon arrival in London, a private transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel where you will have time to unwind after your journey. England’s vibrant capital offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and world-famous landmarks—an essential stop on any visit. This evening, delve into the city’s celebrated culinary scene, where an array of globally inspired restaurants and refined British classics await. As night falls, the soft glow of London’s skyline sets a memorable scene before the adventure to come.
Overnight: London | Virgin Shoreditch
Room Type: 1 x Grand Chamber King double occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber King single occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber 2 x Queen
Meals Included: None
This morning you will enjoy a 4 hour classic sightseeing tour of London in an iconic black taxi. See the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and more as you whizz through the streets with your local driver who will guide you through the sights and regale you with stories about this exciting city.
Your taxi driver will collect you from your hotel and drop you back there after the tour.
Overnight: London | Virgin Shoreditch
Room Type: 1 x Grand Chamber King double occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber King single occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber 2 x Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through one of London’s iconic parks, like Hyde Park or St. James’s Park, where you can visit historic monuments and take some time to relax. For a livelier experience, explore the vibrant shopping scene on Oxford Street or in the charming Covent Garden. Whether seeking tranquillity in green spaces or immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic atmosphere, London provides countless ways to make the day unforgettable.
Overnight: London | Virgin Shoreditch
Room Type: 1 x Grand Chamber King double occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber King single occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber 2 x Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will take you to London Euston station where you will travel 1st class to Manchester Piccadilly.
Upon arrival a private transfer will then whisk you to your centrally located hotel, the stunning Kimpton Clocktower where you can relax before venturing out to explore this diverse city.
Overnight: Manchester | Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Room Type: 1 x King Premium double occupancy - 1 x King Premium single occupancy - 1 x Double Premium as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your private food guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a journey through Manchester’s historical, cultural and culinary history. Enjoy local flavours and fascinating tales of the city as you visit some hidden gems and and sample the best food and drink that Manchester has to offer. After the tour your guide will see you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Manchester | Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Room Type: 1 x King Premium double occupancy - 1 x King Premium single occupancy - 1 x Double Premium as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Manchester offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern energy. Perhaps you’ll start with a stroll through the Northern Quarter, known for its street art, independent shops, and cozy cafés. Visit the iconic Manchester Cathedral or the Science and Industry Museum for a dose of local heritage. Grab lunch at a trendy spot in Spinningfields, then explore the John Rylands Library’s stunning architecture. Whatever you decide to do today you will create lasting memories which will last a lifetime.
Overnight: Manchester | Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Room Type: 1 x King Premium double occupancy - 1 x King Premium single occupancy - 1 x Double Premium as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your guide for the next couple of days will meet you at your hotel and take you through the Southern Lake district to your stunning hotel, the Gilpin.
En-route you will stop at the beautiful Williamson Park in Lancaster where you will catch your first glimpse of the Lake District from the iconic Ashton Memorial, completed in 1909, a gift to the people of Lancaster from industrialist James Williamson in memory of his late Wife.
Next, marvel at the views from the headland at Heysham Village as you look across the Bay to the Lake District hills. Heysham is the site of a ruined Viking chapel along with six rock-cut graves dating from the 10th century.
Continuing on you will visit the pretty village of Cartmel, a mecca for foodies with two Michelin starred restaurants and the home of the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding which is still sold at the local Village Shop. Cartmel Priory dates back to the 12th Century and is certainly worth a look, while a short walk away you’ll find the popular Cartmel Racecourse.
Your guide will then take you to your hotel where you can relax ahead of a full day touring the Lake District.
Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse
Room Type: Master Room King double occupancy - Master Room King single occupancy - Master Room as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to take you on a full day tour of the Lake District.
Starting at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest and most atmospheric stone circles in the UK, you will be able to get up close to this Neolithic monument as you wonder about its original purpose.
You will then visit the market town of Keswick, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains in the Lake District. Stroll through the town and down to Derwentwater Lake. From here you can either make your way to Friar’s Crag, which offers a stunning viewpoint of the Lake or, if you are feeling more energetic you could climb the short but steep “Surprise View” .
Before leaving Keswick, why not sample the unofficial national dish of fish and chips?
Make a few more scenic stops as you head back to Windermere for a private 90 minute yacht tour of the Lake with your own host and skipper before your guide sees you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse
Room Type: Master Room King double occupancy - Master Room King single occupancy - Master Room as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will collect you from your hotel this morning and take you to Oxenholme Railway Station where you will travel 1st class to Edinburgh Waverley. On arrival in the unique capital you will be met by a private driver who will take you to your city centre hotel. The rest of the day is free, so you can head out to start exploring or relax at the hotel. The choice is yours.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Chamber as TWIN x 1, Chamber King Patio/Terrace x 2 (One for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. From the castle ramparts, tales of the One O’Clock Gun and the city’s past come to life. The tour concludes at the castle, leaving time to explore its halls and exhibitions at your leisure.
You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Chamber as TWIN x 1, Chamber King Patio/Terrace x 2 (One for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe take a stroll through the charming Dean Village area, venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Chamber as TWIN x 1, Chamber King Patio/Terrace x 2 (One for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north to explore the Kingdom of Fife. Discover beautiful coastal views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh from the charming and picturesque fishing villages. These harbour houses are now popular with artists and writers but the sea still has a heavy influence on everyday life for most people in the local communities.
We recommend trying the award-winning local ‘fish & chips’ before you head to St Andrews. This characterful university town is full of history and stories. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here but St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and you will find references to ‘the great game’ around every corner. If you have time you may also want to stop into the unique building of the V&A Dundee to take a journey through Scottish design history. Your guide will then take you onwards to your welcoming and unique hotel.
Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Lochside Lodge as TWIN x 1, Lochside Lodge King x 2 (One for Solo Occ) (NOTE - these rooms are NOT in the original castle)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today your guide will take you to visit Blair Castle, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Explore its rich history, which has seen both turbulent and peaceful times, with the castle expanding and adapting over 750 years. The family’s story unfolds in 30 rooms, set against a backdrop of fine 18th-century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture. Outside, the 18th-century gardens offer a nine-acre walled garden, a wooded grove, a gothic folly, a kirk ruin, and an extensive deer park.
Then immerse yourselves in the traditional flavours of Scotland with a tour and tasting of the local classic whisky distillery. Toast your adventures with the gaelic phrase ‘Slainte Mhath!’. Your guide will then take you back to your hotel so that you can relax and make the most of the facilities.
Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Lochside Lodge as TWIN x 1, Lochside Lodge King x 2 (One for Solo Occ) (NOTE - these rooms are NOT in the original castle)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, you head out on a private 4×4 safari with a kilted guide. An special opportunity to get off the beaten path – enjoy exploring private estate tracks that are typically only used by traditional gillies. Rumble over remote, rugged terrain and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles.
On the way back to your hotel stop off for a delectable chocolate tasting of the local award-winning treats. The rest of the day is flexible. You could choose to head out for a hike in this beautiful landscape with your guide, or relax at the hotel.
Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Lochside Lodge as TWIN x 1, Lochside Lodge King x 2 (One for Solo Occ) (NOTE - these rooms are NOT in the original castle)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today your guide takes you to Glasgow, stopping to explore along the way. Visit the splendours of this elegant palace that was once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue onwards.
This afternoon take to the waters of the beautiful Loch Katrine by boat and admire the scenery as you glide along to the other end of the loch aboard a 125 year old steamship. This is a unique way to appreciate the tranquil surroundings before you head to your luxurious city centre hotel in Glasgow. Once you are settled your guide will depart, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your explorations at your own pace.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: 2 Twin' x 1, '1 King Premium' x 2 (One for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, make your way to the National Piping Centre. Here a private tour of the Museum of Piping will bring the music and history of the Highland Bagpipe to life. Discover the museum’s fascinating exhibits and learn about the evolution of this iconic Scottish instrument. Watch an expert demonstration, then, if you wish, try your hand at playing the bagpipes for an authentic hands-on experience.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore at leisure. Maybe spend a relaxed few hours exploring the magnificent halls and collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, visit the Modern Art Gallery or find a local pub with live music sessions. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be inspired.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: 2 Twin' x 1, '1 King Premium' x 2 (One for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning a private transfer will take you to the Train Station to catch your direct train to London. Settle back in your First Class Seats and enjoy the scenery flying by. On arrival in London a private transfer will take you to your city centre hotel.
Overnight: London | Virgin Shoreditch
Room Type: 1 x Grand Chamber King double occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber King single occupancy - 1 x Grand Chamber 2 x Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the 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
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 5 clients rooming as per the itinerary, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation Contribution This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations in which we operate. If you would like to opt out, just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch |
London |
EC2A 3PT |
UK
Phone: 02039884455
Web: virginhotels.com/london-shoreditch
Oxford Street |
Manchester |
M60 7HA |
England
Phone: +44 (0) 161 288 1111
Web: kimptonclocktowerhotel.com
Crook Road |
Windermere |
The Lake District |
LA23 3NE |
England
Phone: +44 (0)1539 488 818
Web: thegilpin.co.uk
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street |
Edinburgh |
Midlothian |
EH1 2EX |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 526 4810
Web: virginhotels.com/edinburgh
Foss Road |
Pitlochry |
Perthshire |
PH16 5ND |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1796 470140
Web: fonabcastlehotel.com
11 Blythswood Square |
Glasgow |
G2 4AD |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 248 8888
Web: kimptonblythswoodsquare.com
Thursday 14th August – Sunday 31st August 2025