V2- Thompson Family Explorations
Sunday 30th June – Friday 12th July 2024
Sunday 30th June – Friday 12th July 2024
Arriving at your London airport, the bustling energy of the city greets you with open arms. After a seamless transfer, you find yourselves at the doorstep of your centrally located haven, The Marylebone Hotel. With its welcoming ambience and impeccable service, you quickly settle in and unwind before venturing out for a leisurely afternoon. Meandering through the charming streets, you discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. With anticipation for the days to come, retire to your accommodations, ready to embrace your first night in the enchanting city of London.
Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: None
As the morning sun bathes London in its golden glow, meet your guide for an immersive journey through history. Beginning with a captivating tour of the Tower of London. Marvel at the ancient architecture and legendary tales as you explore the fortress’s secrets, unlocking centuries of intrigue. Next, cross the iconic London Bridge, soaking in breathtaking views of the majestic Thames River. As the day progresses, venture back into central London, where the grandeur of Westminster Abbey awaits. Guided by your expert, delve into the abbey’s rich heritage, from coronations to royal weddings, each corner steeped in significance. As twilight descends, make your way to the theatre for a captivating performance of Mamma Mia! The evening unfolds with laughter, music, and mesmerising storytelling, leaving you enchanted and eager for more adventures in this vibrant metropolis.
Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After a delicious breakfast, begin your independent exploration in London. Armed with a map and a spirit of adventure, traverse the bustling streets, each corner revealing a new facet of the city’s charm. From quaint cafes to vibrant markets, you can sample local delights and immerse yourself in the eclectic culture. Strolling through Hyde Park, find solace amidst the lush greenery, while the vibrant energy of Covent Garden captivates your senses. As the day unfolds, stumble upon hidden gems and iconic landmarks, each offering its own story to tell. With no set itinerary, embrace the spontaneity, allowing the rhythm of the city to guide your footsteps. As evening falls, you find yourselves swept away by the enthralling performance of Les Misérables, a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul. With hearts full of wonder and excitement, you return to the comfort of The Marylebone Hotel, for a restful night’s sleep before your flight to Scotland in the morning.
Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your private driver in the morning for a seamless transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to London to catch your morning flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh to meet your private driver to transfer you to your luxurious city centre hotel. Have time to relax and settle in before joining a tour that will take you on a trip back in time. Wander the streets of Edinburgh to visit the dark eerie dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close. Experience a tour and learn how the locals used to live and work in these underground alleyways, before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Family Junior Suite, interconnecting with x1 Executive Room (Twin and Rollaway)
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 time as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Family Junior Suite, interconnecting with x1 Executive Room (Twin and Rollaway)
Meet your main driver guide at your hotel this morning and set off for the west coast. Travel to experience the adrenaline rush of magnificent creatures flying overhead and swooping low to land like a feather on your outstretched arm, a truly unique experience. After you have been mesmerised by the grace and poise of the birds of prey it is time to continue on to the nearby city of Stirling. Here, discover the history and significance this location has played in Scotland’s past. Wander inside the impressive Stirling Castle, perched high on the cliff side, dominating the landscape. Later, continue through the beautiful scenery to the valley of Glencoe and on to your Castle accommodation in the highland town of Fort William.
Overnight: Glencoe | Inverlochy
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite with rollaway & x1 Suite
Today, take to the waters by canoe to explore your wonderful surroundings. Your expert guide will teach you the basics for a fun and enchanting loch journey. Paddle the shoreline and stop off to enjoy a picnic lunch at the waters edge. Returning to dry land your guide will be awaiting your arrival. Have the choice of a afternoon hike or perhaps you would like to simply have a cosy cafe stop before returning to your castle retreat.
Overnight: Glencoe | Inverlochy
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite with rollaway & x1 Suite
After a leisurely breakfast, head west to the Isle of Skye. A short drive west along the beautiful “Road To The Isles” takes us past the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, all the way to Arisaig Bay near Mallaig. Rain or shine this coastline provides something special, from the glistening waters reflecting the rays of the sun, to the atmospheric crash of the waves on the rugged rock formations. From Mallaig, board the ferry over the sea to Skye and transfer with your guide to your hotel for the next few nights.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Sligachan
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms
Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Sligachan
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms
Your guide will discuss options for today with you and you will meet up with them this morning to explore another beautiful corner of this ‘misty isle’ on foot. Today is flexible depending on your preferences, soak in the beautiful views and fresh air before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Sligachan
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms
Leave Skye today by crossing the iconic bridge, stopping at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle that occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Continue on to the dark waters of the infamous to Loch Ness, looking out for the monster that lurks beneath as you travel the lochside road. It is then time to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, once the stronghold of local Clans, this large castle has a rich and bloody past that dates back centuries. Afterwards, perhaps stop for lunch in the village of Drumnadrochit before continuing on to the Highland capital of Inverness.
Overnight: Invernessshire | Boath House
Room Type: x1 Grand Twin (with rollaway) & x1 Grand King
After breakfast, visit the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. With your guide discover what it was really like for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men on that fateful April morning in 1745, when a Battle that changed Scotland’s history took place. See the gravestones erected to the clans that lost their lives for their cause. After an emotive morning head south for a lovely hill walk to meet the Cairngorm Reindeer. See this impressive mammal in their natural environment and take part in a hand feeding session while hearing about how they are cared for and why they thrive in the sub arctic environment of this particular mountain range. Depending on energy levels have the option to discover the trails of the local Caledonian pine forests before returning to your hotel for your final evening in Scotland.
Overnight: Invernessshire | Boath House
Room Type: x1 Grand Twin (with rollaway) & x1 Grand King
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation today 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.
Please see our booking terms here.