Discovering London & Edinburgh

Your 10-night adventure begins upon arrival at the airport in London where you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours. You might want to rest and take advantage of the facilities after a long flight or head out for a walk in the fresh air to help beat any jet lag. Trafalgar Square is one of the best spots in the city for people-watching with a cup of tea or coffee. The National Gallery is the square’s crowning glory, showcasing some of the world’s most famous paintings.

One of the best ways to take in London’s highlights is with an experienced cabbie who knows its ins and outs. A full day of touring a long list of sights in a black cab includes the most popular attractions and some hidden treasures. Marvel at everything from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower clock, famous for its massive bell and its accuracy, to Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard. Break for lunch, enjoyed in a 300-year-old riverside pub, followed by a walk around the Tower of London with roots dating to 1078 AD and discovery of many other landmarks. Afterward, ride the London Eye for one of the best views around. There’s no need to wait in line as you’ll have a fast-track ticket.

You’ve seen the outside of the huge Tower of London complex. Today, tour the interior of this imposing castle, a former residence of monarchs and a prison with a rather gruesome history that includes the beheading of some of Henry VIII’s wives and problematic heirs to the throne. The executioner’s block that was used can still be seen here today, although it’s the crown jewels that attract many. Worn by monarchs, the Imperial State Crown includes nearly 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and four rubies. End the day with a memorable dinner cruise along the River Thames.

We’ve included your entrance fee to Windsor Castle, one of the world’s largest and oldest. This family home has been a residence for British kings and queens for nearly a thousand years and overlooks the River Thames, set upon 13 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens that are only rivaled by the lavish interior. You’ll get to see the opulent State Apartments which include some of the finest pieces from the Royal Collection, including works by Van Dyck and Rubens. If you’re here between September and March you can wander through the Semi-State Rooms, which served as the intimate chambers of George IV.

With so much to see and do in London, we’ve included a day of leisure so that you can experience what interests you most. Many like to stroll the city center to discover the surprises that await around nearly every corner, shop, or browse luxurious Harrods (more of an attraction than a shopping venue with its elaborate Old World interiors, a magnificent Egyptian elevator, and incredible food halls). Another option is the British Museum, one of the world’s best. It would be easy to spend an entire day or more with everything from Roman Empire artifacts to its famous Egyptian collection and the Rosetta Stone.

This morning your private driver will pick you up at your London hotel for a transfer to the airport. Catch your 80-minute flight to Edinburgh and upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed to Scotland by our local driver for a private transfer to your hotel in the city, the second-most visited in the United Kingdom after London. The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish. You might want to climb to Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park which offers one of the best views over Edinburgh from atop an extinct volcano. Or visit the Royal Botanic Garden for a tranquil stroll through its enchanting beauty.

A full day of touring awaits, starting with a city tour. Our local guide will reveal many intriguing sites like Arthur’s Seat and 12th-century Duddingston Village behind it, Scotland’s oldest pub, Holyrood Park, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh’s Old and New towns, Edinburgh Castle, bucolic Dean Village and countless buildings renowned for their magnificent architecture, with full commentary included. Step inside Edinburgh Castle to marvel at Britain’s oldest crown jewels, Mos Meg (a massive medieval siege cannon), and much more. Conclude with an extensive whisky tour and tasting, with the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection a highlight as the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky.

Enjoy a day trip that brings you to medieval Fife and St. Andrews, an ancient university city and the birthplace of golf. First, marvel at the Forth Bridge which was regarded as the eighth wonder of the world when it was first built, just as remarkable as the Eiffel Tower. In Fife, travel along the coastal route, passing through charming fishing villages before stopping in the harbor village of Crail. In St. Andrews, you’ll have three hours to explore on your own. We recommend visiting the castle and the ruin of the 12th-century St. Andrews Cathedral, an eerie and symbolic reminder of the past.

The Scottish Highlands have inspired countless poets and artists with stunning beauty that includes soaring mountains, glens, lochs, castles, and whisky distilleries. A full day, covering approximately 240 miles will take you to many of the quintessential sights. An optional visit to 14th-century Doune Castle, now an “Outlander” filming site, and an optional stop for a tour and tasting at Deanston Distillery can be enjoyed too. One of the favorite areas of beauty is Glencoe with its cascading waterfalls, lochs, dramatic mountains, and abundant wildlife like red deer. You’ll even have the chance to feed a Highland cow, locally known as the “hairy coo.”

Enjoy a full day to yourself in Edinburgh based on your own interests. Whisky enthusiasts might want to join the Scotch Whisky Experience, one of the top attractions in the city, with high-tech exhibits and a barrel ride that tells the tale of Scotland’s national drink with a variety of touring options. If you want to learn more about the city, visit the National Museum of Scotland to view tens of thousands of artifacts ranging from art to dinosaurs. It’s enjoyable just to walk the Royal Mile, the cobbled stretch in the heart of Old Town that leads to Edinburgh Castle.

After 10 enchanting nights in London and Edinburgh, it’s time for your trip to end. Our driver will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer to Edinburgh International Airport to catch your flight home or head out on further travels. Should you wish to combine this itinerary with any other, or have other ideas, our travel experts will be happy to assist.