V4 - Ciao Bambino -Pickel Rosen Family UK Adventure

Day 1 - Friday 26^th July - Welcome to London

On arrival into Heathrow you will be met by the VIP team and seamlessly whisked through security and immigration to your waiting cars to transfer you into the heart of the city and your 5* hotel opposite Hyde Park.

Later on you will head out to enjoy a pub lunch and a Beatles tour (both self arranged) before heading back to your hotel for the night to relax for the evening.

Overnight: London | Self Arranged
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 27^th July - Highlights of London

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and you’ll head out to explore some of the iconic London highlights.  First stop will be the Tower of London, where you can meet the famous ‘Beefeaters” and see the Crown Jewels while hearing stories about the place that imprisoned Royalty many years ago.  Next stop is a cruise along the Thames where your guide will point out places of interest from a different view point.   Back on dry land you will spend the afternoon exploring some more of London,  The first stop will be the cool, calm and impressive Westminster Abbey. Sitting in the Nave, with the light shimmering through the stained glass windows, take a beat to just be in the moment where Royalty were married and buried and British history is etched into the towering stone pillars and smooth flagstone floors.  Your final stop today will be the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben where you can admire the architecture and hear the iconic bell resonate along the river as it marks the time with each stroke.

Overnight: London | Self arranged
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 28^th July - Buckingham Palace and Shakespeares Globe

Spend a second day with your local city guide today, seeing more of this incredible city.  Start the day with a visit to one of the most iconic buildings in London – Buckingham Palace.  Take a tour of the state rooms, which are only open to the public for a couple of months each year, with your guide and learn more about the home of the Royal Family.  Later on, you will visit replica of the Globe theatre that was built by Shakespeare and his fellow players in 1599 on the banks of the Thames.   Your guide will tailor the day to your interests to make sure you have the most wonderful time in the capital city.

Overnight: London | Self arranged
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 29^th July - The Magical World of Harry Potter & Stonehenge

Leaving the hustle and bustle of London behind, you embark on a magical journey to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios, situated just outside the city. As you enter the enchanting world of wizardry, iconic sets, costumes, and props from the beloved film series greet you. Walking through the Great Hall and exploring the intricacies of Diagon Alley, it feels like stepping into the pages of J.K. Rowling’s imagination. The behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the films adds a layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. After a day filled with wizardry wonders, you transition to the serene countryside, heading towards your stunning hotel .  On the way you will enjoy an unforgettable experience at the famous Stonehenge.  Follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric people who lived in the area some 4,000 years ago.  Later you arrive in Lucknam Park, an elegant estate, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes.  The luxurious surroundings, impeccable service, and fine dining at Lucknam Park cap off your day with a touch of sophistication, creating lasting memories of a day filled with  magic, history and tranquility.

Overnight: Cotswolds | Lucknam Park
Room Type: Grand Master Suite connecting to a Classic Twin Room
Meals Included: None

Day 5 - Tuesday 30^th July - Activities at Lucknam Park

Spend the day enjoying the activities on the estate of your hotel, from equine adventures to rejuvenating spa experiences.  There may also be an opportunity to experience some sheep dog herding and learn the tricks of this ancient trade.  Your guide will be on hand today should you wish to venture out for some walks in the local area but after a busy few days today is all about reconnecting as a family and relaxing before the next part of your adventure.

Overnight: Cotswolds | Lucknam Park
Room Type: Grand Master Suite connecting to a Classic Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 31^st July - Exploring the Cotswolds

A wonderful day of explorations awaits today as you celebrate Stephanie’s birthday.  There are plenty of options for you to explore the Cotswolds and immerse yourselves in the history and culture of one of the prettiest parts of England.  Perhaps set out to explore the charming villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds, where quintessential English beauty unfolds at every turn.  Of course, no trip to the Cotswolds is complete without a delicious lunch in a country pub where you can raise a glass of traditional English ale to the birthday girl (or some champagne of course!)

Overnight: Cotswolds | Lucknam Park
Room Type: Grand Master Suite connecting to a Classic Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 1^st August - Transfer to Scotland

It is time to head north for the last part of your UK adventure.  Your guide will drop you off at Bristol airport this morning in time for you to board your flight north of the border.  Arriving into Glasgow the VIP team will meet you and you’ll be escorted to meet your Scottish guide who will be with you for the next few days.  Heading out of the city you will transfer to your castle hotel in the shadow of the UK’s tallest mountain.  On the way, there will be the option to stop off for a leg stretch at the scenic Loch Lomond or perhaps in the dramatic Glen Coe that holds the mysteries of days gone past in the very heart of the jagged peaks.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: 2 x Suites interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Friday 2^nd August - Exploring Loch Ness

Loch Ness – a deep, dark and mysterious loch where myths and legends of monsters from the deep are sown into the very fabric of the earth here.  Spend the day exploring this fascinating place – starting with a private boat trip to see if you can see the elusive creature.  Keep your eyes peeled for the tell tail sign of air bubbles on the water or the sound of the swish of a tail as she dives down into the depths below.  Back on dry land, you can either explore the ruins of Urquhart castle which is the most besieged castle in Scotland, or enjoy a wander along the Caledonian Canal which is part of the famous Great Glen Way.  Your guide will make sure you get away from the crowds and off the beaten path to make the most out of your day.

Before returning to your hotel you will end the day at a local walkers tavern, where you can sit back with a wee dram and let the myths and legends of the area wash over you as a local storyteller weaves their magic about days gone by and the fascinating history of this incredible place.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: 2 x Suites interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 3^rd August - Golf, Steam Trains & Whisky tasting

Matt will breathe in the crisp Highland air this morning as he swings his clubs at the local golf course which is nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis.  Meanwhile the girls will board the Hogwarts Express!  As you take to the rails to be transported from the mountains to the sea, sit back in your first class carriage as the train thunders along through some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland.  Your guide will meet you at the station and after lunch you’ll head back to your hotel to meet Matt for your afternoon adventures.  As you journey back your guide will explain some of the incredible history of this area.

This afternoon, reward your morning’s activity with a visit to one of Scotland’s best known distilleries where you can enjoy a wee dram of ‘Uisge Beatha’ or ‘water of life’.  This is the ancient celtic name given to the traditional fiery amber nectar that we now call Scottish whisky.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: 2 x Suites interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 4^th August - Exploring the Nevis Range

This morning head up in the gondola to the top of the Nevis Ski Range (don’t worry there won’t be snow in August!) where you can see the famous peak of The Ben as she peaks her head out of the clouds.  Laid out before you, the ever changing scenery of Scotland from the mountains to the coast and you may even catch a glimpse of a red deer stalking their way through the heather or a golden eagle circling in the sky above your head.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: 2 x Suites interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 5^th August - South to Edinburgh & The Royal Military Tattoo

Leaving the jagged peaks of the Nevis Range behind and head to the bright lights of the city this morning to enjoy your last few days in the capital of this ancient land.

You can take your time heading back to Edinburgh, with plenty of stops to break up the journey – perhaps at Blair Castle, which is home to the UKs only private army, or maybe stop in at the pretty town of Dunkeld for a delicious lunch and a walk along the river.  Once in Edinburgh, your guide will drop you off at your iconic accommodation in time for you to freshen up ready for tonight.

This evening make your way to the castle for a night to remember as you experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  Enjoy dinner in the Gatehouse of the Castle before heading to the Royal Gallery to take your seats for the spectacular of Scottish dancing and music. The evening will end with fireworks that will light up the Edinburgh sky.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Self Arranged
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Tuesday 6^th August - The Fringe Festival

The streets of Edinburgh will be buzzing with energy due to the various festivals running this month and you will pass street performers and entertainment on every corner as you explore. Follow your curiosity through the twisting cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy the vibrant ambience. Your expert Fringe guide will be on hand to take you off the beaten path to show you some of the hidden gems away from the crowds and tickets can be secured to various shows should you wish. Soak in the atmosphere as you walk along – this is truly a spectacle that you will never forget.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Self Arranged
Meals Included: None

Day 13 - Wednesday 7^th August - Depart

A private transfer will take you to the airport today where you will be met by the VIP team for a seamless transfer through the airport to your plane. As you lift off into the sky you can sit back and let the memories from your fantastic trip wash over you as you head home.

Meals Included: None