Tuesday 10th December – Sunday 22nd December 2024
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 | Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Room Type: 1x King Bed Deluxe
Meals Included: None
After a morning of leisure, the afternoon brings you to the vibrant Borough Market, where your private foodie guide awaits, ready to unveil London’s culinary treasures. Together, you wander through bustling stalls filled with rich aromas, sampling cuisine such as artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and perfectly crafted pastries, each bite telling a story of local craft. Your guide introduces you to friendly vendors, who eagerly share the passion behind their products, be it the origins of their cured meats or the best ways to savour seasonal fruits. From tasting decadent chocolates to savoury street food, each stop is an experience in itself, making the market feel both a feast and a warm community gathering.
Please note: Tastings on the foodie tour will serve as a lunch portion
Overnight: London | Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Room Type: 1x King Bed Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
As the day unfolds, perhaps take the opportunity to indulge Indulge in a festive-themed afternoon tea, where the table is adorned with delicately crafted treats inspired by the holiday season. Savour scones, cranberry-infused sandwiches, and an array of decadent desserts. As you sip a warm pot of English tea, the atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, from the twinkling fairy lights to the gentle hum of carols playing in the background.
After, perhaps take a peaceful stroll through nearby Hyde Park. The crisp winter air and serene landscapes offer a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation, making for a gentle, refreshing end to the day.
Overnight: London | Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Room Type: 1x King Bed Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a magical Christmas Day in London.
Overnight: London | Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Room Type: 1x King Bed Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spending Boxing Day in London is a lively experience, with the city buzzing with excitement as shoppers flock to the famous sales along Oxford Street and Regent Street. Festive decorations still adorn the streets, and the atmosphere is filled with the remnants of Christmas cheer.
You might choose to take a brisk walk through one of London’s green parks or visit a museum. As evening falls, a quieter side of the city emerges, perfect for enjoying a post-holiday meal at one of London’s many cosy restaurants or historic pubs.
Overnight: London | Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Room Type: 1x King Bed Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving behind the vibrant hustle of London, your private transfer whisks you smoothly away from the city’s dazzling lights and into the picturesque tranquility of the English countryside. As the landscape transforms, rolling hills and charming stone cottages come into view, and soon, you find yourself arriving in the idyllic village of Broadway, often called the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds.’ Your historic hotel, nestled in the heart of this enchanting village, welcomes you with a warm, timeless embrace, offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through Broadway’s honey-colored streets, lined with boutique shops, cozy tea rooms, and centuries-old buildings, soaking in the peaceful beauty of this iconic Cotswolds gem.
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely day in the Cotswolds presents a variety of enchanting options to make the most of the region’s rich heritage and scenic splendour.
Perhaps explore locally and begin with a visit to Broadway Tower, a striking folly that rewards you with panoramic views stretching across the Cotswold hills, or wander through the storied grounds of Sudeley Castle, steeped in centuries of history and romance.
Alternatively, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, where the legacy of Shakespeare comes to life; explore the charming half-timbered houses where the Bard was born and raised, and delve into the stories behind his timeless works. Whichever adventure you choose, the day will be filled with a delightful blend of history, beauty, and the classic charm of the English countryside.
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
A leisurely day in the Cotswolds offers the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the timeless charm of England’s most picturesque countryside. Set out to explore nearby quintessential villages like Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water, where cobbled streets, stone cottages, and friendly locals invite you to linger and take in the serene beauty. Wrap up warmly and enjoy a crisp New Year’s stroll along meandering country lanes or through the surrounding woodlands, breathing in the fresh, invigorating air and pausing to admire frost-kissed landscapes. Reward yourself with a steaming cup of tea or a hearty pub lunch by a crackling fire, savoring the relaxed pace of this enchanting corner of the world.
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 1x Main House Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, board a train from the Cotswolds and settle in for a journey that sweeps you from the rolling, pastoral landscapes of southern England to the rugged, dramatic scenery of Scotland. The route takes you through quaint villages, bustling cities, and scenic countryside, with views that evolve from lush meadows to the striking, heather-covered hills of the north.
As you approach Edinburgh, the historic skyline unfolds, crowned by the majestic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, signalling your arrival in one of the UK’s most captivating cities.
This evening take part in a magical torchlit procession through the streets. The festive atmosphere of this event is a wonderful way to soak in the special feeling of the start of Scotland’s special Hogmanay celebrations.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is free for you to follow your curiosity and explore at your own pace. Late this afternoon take a walk on the spooky side as you step under the streets of Edinburgh into the chilly vaults with your local guide and hear the dark tales associated with these hidden spaces.
Then maybe time for a quick refreshment before you enter the soaring arches of St Giles Cathedral for an atmospheric and moving candlelit concert. A wonderful way to bid farewell to the old year.
This concert finishes around 7:30 pm, so you will have plenty of time for dinner before choosing where you want to ‘bring in the bells’. The midnight firework display is always spectacular, so choosing a vantage point with a good view of the castle is always a winning plan.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
Meals Included: Breakfast
After the late night before, enjoy a relaxing and easy morning. Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning take a stroll down the Royal Mile to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The official residence of the King in Edinburgh is an opulent treasure trove of history and stories to explore and discover.
The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Perhaps a literary themed tour or exploration of the locations which have inspired authors throughout the years. The choice is yours!
Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
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
For England:
For Scotland:
General:
Please see our booking terms here.
Tuesday 10th December – Sunday 22nd December 2024