A 25th Wedding Anniversary Adventure

Day 1 - Thursday 12^th June - Welcome to London

On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of 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. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: London
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 13^th June - Exploring the Capital

After breakfast, head out to explore the city. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a hop on hop off bus tour. Wind your way through the heart of the city, learning about its turbulent history that stretches back over 2000 years and get off at the stops that interest you like Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and St Paul’s Cathedral. An entertaining, informative and relaxed way to discover London’s showstoppers – enjoy exploring at your own pace. After dinner this evening head to the London Eye for uninterrupted views of the city.

Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 14^th June - Exploring the Capital

Discover the culinary wonders of Borough Market and the charming streets of Notting Hill today with your convenient hop-on-hop-off bus pass. Begin by exploring the diverse stalls of Borough Market, where you can indulge in a variety of international flavours, from artisanal cheeses to tantalising street food. Afterwards, hop on a bus to the colourful streets of Notting Hill to meander through the eclectic neighbourhood and visit Portobello Road Market – one of the most famous street markets in the world. As an optional extra, you may wish to include a theatre performance this evening, enjoying a night out in the famous West End.

Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 15^th June - Welcome to Edinburgh

This morning, leave behind the bustling capital of London, and journey north by train to Edinburgh, the historic and atmospheric capital of Scotland. Arriving in the mid afternoon, you’ll quickly discover that Edinburgh is a wonderfully walkable city, with many of its highlights easily explored on foot. Begin your discovery with a stroll along the Royal Mile, the city’s most iconic street, stretching between two of Scotland’s most important landmarks—Edinburgh Castle perched on its volcanic rock at one end and the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The cobbled street is lined with centuries-old buildings, quaint closes (alleyways), and a host of independent shops, cafés and street performers, offering a vibrant introduction to the city. Later, take a short walk up Calton Hill, a peaceful spot that offers panoramic views across the city skyline. From here, you can take in sights such as Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcano that watches over the city, the elegant Scott Monument, and the distant shimmer of the Firth of Forth. This evening, relax with dinner at your hotel before settling in for a well-earned early night.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Monday 16^th June - Travel to the Highlands

This morning, catch the early train north to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the landscape transforms from rolling Lowland hills to the wild beauty of the Highlands. On arrival in Inverness, you’ll be met by your guide, Emy, who will accompany you for the next stage of your journey. Your first stop is the poignant and atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. The award-winning visitor centre provides a powerful and immersive insight into one of the most significant and tragic battles in Scottish history. As you walk the windswept moorland, you’ll stand on the very ground where the Jacobite forces met their fate in 1746, bringing the Jacobite Rising to a dramatic and bloody end. After lunch, continue to nearby Clava Cairns, a beautifully preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex. With its ring cairns, standing stones, and passage graves, this evocative site offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric past—and might even feel familiar to fans of Outlander, as it’s thought to have inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun. From here, begin the scenic drive west toward the Isle of Skye, passing through dramatic Highland landscapes. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive on Scotland’s most iconic island and settle into your hotel in the colourful harbour town of Portree—your base for the next couple of nights.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 17^th June - Dunvegan Castle & Talisker Distillery

This morning, an early start brings the reward of visiting the Fairy Pools before the crowds arrive. Tucked beneath the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains, these crystal-clear pools and tumbling waterfalls are as magical as their name suggests. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, it’s easy to see why legend tells of these waters being a portal to the fairy realm—whether you dip a toe in or simply soak in the views, it’s a truly special experience. Next, head to Talisker Distillery, nestled on the shores of Loch Harport. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of this bold, peated single malt, one that perfectly reflects the island’s rugged character. For lunch, enjoy a relaxed and delicious meal at the seasonal pop-up of the renowned Three Chimneys Restaurant, known for its celebration of Skye’s fresh, local produce. This afternoon, wind your way through Skye’s ever-changing landscapes to visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. This Hebridean stronghold offers a fascinating glimpse into island history and heritage. Explore the richly decorated rooms and take time to wander through the peaceful formal gardens. Perhaps enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of home baking in the tearoom, all while admiring sweeping views across the loch, out to the Outer Hebrides and the mountains beyond.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 18^th June - Glenfinnan Viaduct & Arrive in Glencoe

Leave the shores of Skye behind this morning as you journey back to the mainland, bound for the wild beauty of Glencoe. The drive itself is part of the adventure, unfolding through a landscape of lochs, forests, and mountains that grow ever more dramatic as the miles pass. En route, stop at the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which stretches gracefully across the northern edge of Loch Shiel. Built in the 1890s by the pioneering engineer ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine, the viaduct was a marvel of its time, its 21 arches forming a sweeping curve against the mountainous backdrop. Today, it’s known around the world thanks to its starring role in the Harry Potter films, and it’s easy to see why this spot continues to capture the imagination. Take time to stretch your legs and enjoy the sweeping views—perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Jacobite steam train making its way across the viaduct. Then, continue the journey with your guide, heading south and inland to the hauntingly beautiful valley of Glencoe. With its towering peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and deep glens, it’s a place that stirs the soul. This evening, settle into your cosy hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of one of Scotland’s most storied landscapes.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 19^th June - Hiking in Glencoe

Enjoy breakfast this morning while taking in views of the rugged, untamed beauty that surrounds your hotel. Glencoe’s towering peaks and steep-sided valleys offer a truly iconic Highland backdrop—one that’s both dramatic and deeply atmospheric. After breakfast, join your guide for a rewarding short hike into the heart of this legendary glen. There are many excellent walking routes nearby, ranging from gentle rambles to more challenging trails, so take a moment to chat with your guide and decide on the perfect option for the day based on how you’re feeling. One especially memorable choice is the hike into the Lost Valley—also known as Coire Gabhail. Reached by a path that winds through a narrow gorge hung with rowan trees, this hidden meadow is steeped in local legend. It’s said to have once been used by the MacDonalds of Glencoe to hide their cattle—some of which may not have been entirely legally acquired! The trail offers a wonderful blend of scenery, history, and quiet seclusion. After your walk, pay a visit to the Glencoe Visitor Centre. Thoughtfully curated, the centre offers insight into both the area’s striking natural features and its deeply moving human history—most notably the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. It’s a poignant and informative stop that adds depth to your time in this extraordinary place.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 20^th June - Doune Castle & Return to Edinburgh

This morning, bid farewell to the Highlands as you set off on the scenic drive south to Edinburgh. Sit back and relax as your route takes you through some of Scotland’s picturesque landscapes, passing lochs, woodlands, and rolling hills. Travel through the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a region often described as the gateway to the Highlands. Here, take a pause to visit the peaceful Balquhidder Parish Church, nestled in a quiet glen. This is the final resting place of the legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, whose grave lies beneath a simple stone bearing the words “MacGregor Despite Them.” It’s a serene and evocative spot, with sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Continue your journey with a stop at Doune Castle, one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval strongholds. Built in the late 14th century, its imposing gatehouse and impressive great hall give a powerful sense of the lives once lived within its walls. Fans of film and TV may also recognise it from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, or Game of Thrones—but even without the screen connections, it’s a fascinating place to explore. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Edinburgh. Your guide will leave you here, and you can settle into your hotel for the final evening of your journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner and perhaps raise a glass to a wonderful adventure through Scotland’s landscapes, legends, and living history.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Saturday 21^st June - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning, immerse yourselves in the rich history and character of Edinburgh’s Old Town. With hop-on hop-off bus tickets in hand, enjoy the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace while taking in informative commentary and sweeping views from the top deck. It’s a great way to get your bearings and see many of the city’s highlights with ease. Hop off near the top of the Royal Mile and make your way to the crown jewel of the city—Edinburgh Castle. Perched high on Castle Rock, this ancient fortress has watched over the city for centuries. Inside, explore its many layers of history, from the tiny but beautiful St Margaret’s Chapel—Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building—to the grim dungeons and military barracks that tell stories of conflict and resilience. Don’t miss the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, symbols of Scottish royalty and identity. Be sure to time your visit to catch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun from the battlements that echoes across the city. In the afternoon, use your bus pass to explore a little further afield—perhaps down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse or up to the elegant streets of the Georgian New Town. Round off your final evening with a memorable dinner at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Enjoy a delicious meal paired with expertly selected drams, and perhaps raise a toast to an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 - Sunday 22^nd June - Depart Edinburgh

Spend your final morning in Edinburgh making the most of your hop-on hop-off bus tickets to explore any corners of the city you may have missed. Whether revisiting a favourite spot, admiring the Georgian elegance of the New Town, or enjoying a final stroll through Princes Street Gardens, this is a lovely opportunity to soak up the city’s charm one last time. When ready, make your way to the station for the train south to Oxford. Sit back and relax as the scenic journey unfolds, taking you through the changing landscapes of the Lowlands and into the heart of England, arriving in the historic university city this evening.

Train and Oxford accommodation booked by Michelle.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Monday 23^rd June - Exploring Oxford

Spend the day exploring Oxford. Oxford Walking Tours are worth checking out.

Hotel and any activities booked by Michelle.

Day 13 - Tuesday 24^th June - Depart for home

Take the Airline Bus to the airport in time to check in for your flight home.