Chelsea & Dan
Day 1 (London):
For your added comfort, we will have a Meet & Greet assistant for you upon your arrival. A representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall after you pass through customs to assist. If a private airport transfer has been arranged, this representative will help to co-ordinate meeting up with your private chauffeur at the airport. You will then be escorted to the vehicle and onto the hotel to assist with check in.
Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel.
A welcome package with a city map, train tickets, and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
There are some great restaurants in the West End of London.Here are a few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Mildred’s, London’s best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best French food you’ll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu. Or try the amazingly stylish Corrigan’s Mayfair.
Accommodation: The Caesar (3.5*)
Day 2 (London):
Depart for your Magic of London tour, where aboard a coach, you’ll drive past some of London’s most famous landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, arrive at the Tower of London where you will be met on the middle drawbridge by a Yeoman Warder. You will be led into this world heritage site before it opens to the public and taken on a guided tour explaining the history behind this fortress of imprisonment. You will be the first group to see the Crown Jewels before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. Why not visit Traitors Gate, the armouries or the Bloody Tower and keep an eye out for the famous Ravens. Departing from the Tower, head to The Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony as one of the Queen’s Household Regiments march from St. James Palace to Buckingham Palace, dressed in their world famous tunics and busbies. (Please note, the Changing of the Guard does not occur every day – enjoy a photo stop at Buckingham Palace when not running). Next, take a short ferry ride on the River Thames, enjoying excellent views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe. You’ll then have free time for independent lunch. Also, there is an opportunity for a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. The afternoon part of the tour begins with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Explore the masterpiece designed by Wren in 1673 with a professional guide, taking time to listen to the 1695 organ that Mendelssohn once played and visit the tombs of Nelson and Wellington. There will also be a chance to test the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery (not normally visited by other tour groups). On Sundays when there is restricted viewing at the Cathedral, there will be an opportunity to enter and enjoy one of the services. Then end the day with a drive across the river to the South Bank. Enjoy magnificent views of Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament while enjoying Champagne Afternoon Tea in the luxurious surroundings of The Executive Lounge at The Park Plaza Westminster Pier.
Accommodation: The Caesar (3.5*)
Day 3 (London):
Enjoy a full day discovering the treasures of Kent – Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Greenwich and the White Cliffs of Dover. Admission to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are included in the tour price. Lunch is not included.
Accommodation: The Caesar (3.5*)
Day 4 (London):
Spend the day outside of London on a shared guided tour taking in the magnificent Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. You will visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George’s Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years, the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
You will also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times, a great temple was built next to the sacred spring; the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.
Accommodation: The Caesar (3.5*)
Day 5 (London):
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Day 6 (London):
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Day 7 (Edinburgh):
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer in London.
Enjoy the train ride from London to Edinburgh. Your direct train ride is approximately 4.5 hours.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Accommodation: Apex Waterloo Place (4*)
Day 8 (Edinburgh):
You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland’s capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there’s always something going on in the festival city, and that’s just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling – whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella!
Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. The Castle’s rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. Learn more of the history and stories about this ancient place at your leisure.
Accommodation: Apex Waterloo Place (4*)
Day 9 (Edinburgh):
Board your waiting motor coach and get ready for a day of adventure. As you head towards the Highlands you’ll see the amazing Forth Railway Bridge. Then try some delicious home baking in the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park. Loch Ness is justly famous all over the world for its beauty and mystery. We stop here for lunch and you’ll have ample time for some delicious food and a thrilling ‘monster spotting’ trip out on the waters of the loch (not included). Glen Coe is broodingly beautiful and steeped in history. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you’ll feel the past come to life as our guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. The route home takes you past the beautiful city of Stirling and you’ll be able to see its stunning castle and learn more about the exploits of William Wallace that were dramatised in the film Braveheart.
Accommodation: Apex Waterloo Place (4*)
Day 10 (Edinburgh):
Enjoy a full day small group shared tour (9hrs) as you explore the Borderlands of Scotland and England. Begin the day by following the ancient Roman Dere Street that connected Scottish Caledonia with Roman Britannia through the Scottish Borders. Stop at Melrose, home to the remains of the Cistercian Abbey and the burial place of the heart of Scottish King Robert the Bruce who lived and fought in the area that we are travelling through today.
Continuing South, youll cross the border and travel onto imposing Alnwick Castle, one of the great castles of Northumberland that has stood for nearly a millenium. Originally built to protect the north of England from Scottish border reivers and invaders, more recently Alnwick Castle and its perfectly manicured gardens have found fame as one of the settings for the fictional Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter movie series. After almost 3 hours to explore Alnwick Castle, head towards the ancient gateway town of Berwick Upon Tweed, a strategic walled town at the estuary of the River Tweed, that has swung between Scottish and English control over many centuries. There is time to explore the city walls or visit the Georgian army barracks before returning to Edinburgh along the rugged coast of Berwickshire and East Lothian.
Accommodation: Apex Waterloo Place (4*)
Day 11 (Edinburgh – Glasgow):
Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.
Take the train to Glasgow. The journey will take just over an hour.
Accommodation: Carlton George (4*)
Day 12 (Glasgow):
Experience today on this full day shared tour the Highlands natural forests, lochs and mountains in Loch Lomond National Park and feel Scotland’s past in the heartland of its great heroes – Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace – with visits to the medieval stronghold of Stilring Castle and sample single malt whisky at the Glengoyne Distillery.
Accommodation: Carlton George (4*)
Day 13 (Glasgow):
Explore Glasgow, one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations. With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this truly is the best way to see the sights of Glasgow. The city boasts excellent museums, art galleries and beautiful parklands and buildings.
Accommodation: Carlton George (4*)
Day 14 (Glasgow):
Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
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