Highlights of London to Edinburgh Tour

Explore some of the best sites Britain has to offer, as your journey from London to Edinburgh. Discover everything from Neolithic mysticism to London's World Heritage sites, with closed-door access to attractions, including the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster. Marvel at the medieval grandeur of ancient England, personified by Blenheim Palace and the spa city of Bath. Finish in Edinburgh and walk the Royal Mile in amazement as you approach Edinburgh Castle. From start to finish this tour offers non-stop picture-perfect destinations.

ITINERARY

(Day 1): London – Landing in the Capital
(Day 2): London – Tower of London and Buckingham Palace
(Day 3): London – Mysterious Stonehenge and Ancient Spa City of Bath
(Day 4): London – Windsor Castle
(Day 5): Oxford – Blenheim Palace – Oxford University
(Day 6): Oxford – The Cotswolds to Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon
(Day 7): Oxford – WW2 History in Bletchley Park and RAF Duxford
(Day 8): York – The Shambles and York Minster
(Day 9): Edinburgh – Royal Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle
(Day 10): Edinburgh – Royal Yacht Britannia
(Day 11): Edinburgh Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: London – Landing in the Capital

Upon your arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport by your guide and transferred to a five-star hotel in Central London. Throughout the tour, all transfers are by private chauffeur with your accredited driver guide, with most of the day's timing decided by you. Take time to freshen up and eat lunch before the afternoon tour of sights such as Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Piccadilly Circus, shopping at Saville Row, or the world’s most famous department store, Harrods in Knightsbridge. The evening can be spent at one of London’s best restaurants before grabbing a nightcap at the famous bar in The Savoy Hotel.

Day 2: London – Tower of London and Buckingham Palace

You’ll have a full day to explore London with your own private walking guide tailoring the day to meet your interests. Your guide will regale history and stories of this world famous, important city. You can discover over 1000 years of history at the Tower of London, enjoy a spectacular display of the Crown Jewels, discover the legend behind the tower crows and take a picture of the Yeoman Warders standing guard.

In the afternoon, visit Buckingham Palace, built in 1702 and is the home of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the Queen of England. The Royal standard can be seen when the Queen is in residence and it is possible to visit certain areas of the Palace. Continue the afternoon wandering along the Thames riverside, starting with the magnificence of Westminster Abbey, coronation site of British monarchs since 1066. The Palace of Westminster is equally majestic.

Day 3: London – Mysterious Stonehenge and Ancient Spa City of Bath

You’ll leave London today and head to mystical Stonehenge, where you can walk in the footsteps of Neolithic ancestors. Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Visit the world-class exhibition centre with 250 ancient objects and come face to face with a 5,500-year-old man.

In the afternoon, continue to the Roman City of Bath – one of Britain's most picturesque and enjoyable cities containing some of the finest architectural sights in Europe. Bath owes its importance to its hot springs, which are unique in Britain. The Romans built a great bathing complex here, and the site includes the most impressive Roman remains in Britain and one of the best-preserved Roman spas in the world. Later, see The Royal Crescent, perhaps Bath’s most well-known landmark – a majestic curved terrace of 30 Georgian style houses built in 1767. In the heart of the city centre you will find Bath Abbey, founded in 1499, it stands on the site of an earlier Norman Cathedral and the original Abbey Church built in the 8th century.

Day 4: London – Windsor Castle

Today you will visit Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and home of the Royal family for 900 years. Your tours of the castle provides a unique insight into the history of Britain as well as the private lives of our Royal family. The town itself has many interesting old buildings dating back to the 17th Century, particularly in the cobbled streets of the Guildhall Island. South of the town centre is Windsor Great Park which incorporates woodland, monuments, lakes and its own estate village. You’ll take a horse drawn carriage through the park before visiting the small town of Eton. Eton is home to its famous historic College which the Royal princes traditionally attend before heading on to university.

Day 5: Oxford – Blenheim Palace – Oxford University

Today you will be collected at your hotel in London and travel to Blenheim Palace, home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A true masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace delivers an awe-inspiring experience. Discover the beauty of this World Heritage Site amongst over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and Formal Gardens.

In the afternoon, you will continue to Oxford to your luxury hotel and a private walking tour.

Oxford is famous for having the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching occurring as long ago as the 11th century. Oxford University has 38 colleges; many of which boast stunning ancient architecture and can be visited. The most famous and largest of these is Christ Church College which has also recently gained fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

Day 6: Oxford – The Cotswolds to Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon

After a delicious British Breakfast, your private driver will escort you this morning to the Cotswolds, famed throughout the world as being quintessentially English and contains many pretty villages, rolling green hills, manor houses, charming churches, dry-stone walls and country pubs in abundance.

You will continue on to charming Stratford upon Avon, famous throughout the world as the birthplace and home to William Shakespeare.

You can visit the five houses linked to the great wordsmith and his family, each offering a unique experience of the Stratford world in which he was born, worked and buried. The Shakespeare properties include his birthplace at Henley Street, where he also grew up, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage where he courted his wife, his mother Mary Arden’s Farm, Hall’s Croft – where his daughter lived; and New Place – where Shakespeare ended his days.

Day 7: Oxford – WW2 History in Bletchley Park and RAF Duxford

Today you will be collected at your hotel and travel to Bletchley Park, home of the WW2 Codebreakers, which was once Britain's best kept secret and is now a vibrant heritage attraction open daily to visitors to learn how the Codebreakers' breath-taking achievements helped shorten WW2 by up to two years.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Duxford where you will spend time at the War Museum. Walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford. See aircraft take to the skies from the airfield that Spitfires first flew. And get up close to over a century of aviation with hundreds of aircraft and objects on display. In the evening, enjoy your last night at leisure in the host city of the country’s most famous university.

Day 8: York – The Shambles and York Minster

The center of York is enclosed by the City walls of which more miles of wall lay in tact than any other city walls in England. The Shambles is York’s oldest street. The narrow medieval cobbled street is lined with 15th century Tudor buildings which lean into the street so that their roofs almost touch. The street has many charming shops, boutiques and tearooms.

York Minster is the largest medieval cathedral in Europe. The present Minster was built between the 1220s and 1470s and has all the different stages of Gothic architecture. Climbing the 275 steps to the top of the central tower is an exhilarating experience. You will pass medieval pinnacles and gargoyles and at the top you’ll have the best view of the ancient city.

Day 9: Edinburgh – Royal Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle

Today you will transfer to Edinburgh, the world-famous capital of Scotland where you will stay two nights. The city combines everything you would want in a historic city from its famous Edinburgh Castle, Royal Palace of Holyrood House, its narrow medieval streets and Georgian squares to a dynamic modern dimension that includes international festivals, cutting edge arts, trendy bars and enticing restaurants. The friendly city is a truly cosmopolitan environment but with a noticeably Scottish flavour.

In the afternoon you will have a walking tour of the city, learning about the history of the city. Your tour will culminate with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, which sits majestically upon a volcanic rock at the top of the famous Royal Mile.

Day 10: Edinburgh – Royal Yacht Britannia

You’ll visit the Royal Yacht Britannia this morning which sits docked in the port. On board the yacht you will visit the elegant staterooms and the absorbing engine room which are just some of the highlights.

In the afternoon stroll the length of the Royal Mile with its numerous tourist attractions including the beautiful, hidden Dunbar’s Close Garden, and a Camera Obscura with five floors of holograms and optical illusions. Then head over to Calton Hill to admire the incredible view of Edinburgh's remarkable skyline with its spires, towers, domes, and steeples as far as the eye can see. Add to this a slew of fascinating museums, excellent pubs and restaurants (the most per head of population in the UK) and you have one of the world’s most captivating cities. Later in the day consider dinner in Stockbridge which is a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood filled with eclectic shops and restaurants.

Day 11: Edinburgh Departure

It's a short transfer to Edinburgh Airport, where you say farewell to your guide and depart mighty Britain. You'll feel the influence of the sites you've visited for years to come.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

London
5-Star Deluxe - The Langham London

When the Prince of Wales opened the Langham on Regent Street in 1865, it was London’s first grand hotel. Through its doors passed such literary greats as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. The hotel has preserved its distinguished reputation, aided by a renovation in 2010 that included the addition of the new Regent Suite with expansive views of Regent’s Park, and a luxury health and wellness center, the Chuan Spa. The traditional meal served in the Palm Court, on the ground floor, consists of delicate finger sandwiches, miniature pastries and thirty blends of tea. The glamorous cocktail bar, Artesian offers martinis made by a mixologist.

 

4-Star Luxury – Baileys Hotel in Kensington

The attractive red brick Bailey’s Hotel is well located on Gloucester Road, in the heart of Kensington. Despite its historic nature, the hotel is beautifully decorated in a contemporary style that remains in keeping with the local area and the building’s character.

The light and elegant restaurant and bar on the ground floor have tall windows, high ceilings and wooden floors, while the grand spiral staircase leading upstairs has its original stained glass windows.

Each floor of guest rooms has its own unique British theme of decor, ranging from Kew Gardens to vintage city gent. Rooms reflect this theme in their furnishings, artwork and palette, and each is spacious and delightfully characterful.

 

Oxford
5-Star DeluxeMacdonald Randolph Hotel

Situated in the heart of Oxford, and just a short walk from the Oxford Sation, the Macdonald Randolph Hotel provides guests with the perfect space from which to explore the attractions, shops, and entertainment in the area. The hotel offers plush rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The on-site restaurant features traditional meals, while the dining room serves afternoon tea. The hotel also has a spa with a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. Attractions in the area include the Ashmolean Museum and the New Theatre.

 

4-Star Luxury The Old Bank Hotel

Centrally located on Oxford’s famous High Street, The Old Bank, is a breathtaking statement in design. The 5-star hotel has 43 luxury bedrooms, many with unrivalled views of the city’s most famous landmarks.

The Old Bank is surrounded by the colleges of Merton, All Souls, Christ Church and University and sits proudly opposite the iconic Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian library.

 

York
5-Star - The Grand Hotel & Spa York

Set in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company in York, The Grand Hotel & Spa York is an excellent accommodation option for the leisure or business traveler. All guest rooms are equipped with workspaces, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities and TVs, while suites feature separate living areas and Nespresso machines. The hotel features two restaurants, The Rise Restaurant, Terrace and Bar, and Hudsons by Craig Atchinson, as well as a Whiskey Bar. Guests to The Grand Hotel & Spa can make use of the amenities such as the fitness center, swimming pool, or the spa offering an array of beauty treatments. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities to suit all visitors’ interests such as visiting the National Railway Museum, exploring Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, or taking a Yorkboat tour along the River Ouse.

 

York
5-Star Deluxe - The Grand Hotel & Spa York

Set in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company in York, The Grand Hotel & Spa York is an excellent accommodation option for the leisure or business traveller. All guest rooms are equipped with workspaces, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities and TVs, while suites feature separate living areas and Nespresso machines. The hotel features two restaurants, The Rise Restaurant, Terrace and Bar, and Hudsons by Craig Atchinson, as well as a Whiskey Bar. Guests to The Grand Hotel & Spa can make use of the amenities such as the fitness centre, swimming pool, or the spa offering an array of beauty treatments. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities to suit all visitors’ interests such as visiting the National Railway Museum, exploring Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, or taking a Yorkboat tour along the River Ouse.

 

4-Star Deluxe – Principal York

Principal York is the perfect base from which to discover the historic city of York. Blending the grandeur of late-Victorian architecture with the comforts of modern travel, Principal York offers its guests the warmest welcome this side of the Pennines.

Award-winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair have refurbished and restored the hotel’s rooms and public spaces to create 155 elegant, comfortable bedrooms and suites in balanced, neutral tones that offers much more than just a place to sleep.

 

Edinburgh
5-Star Deluxe - The Balmoral A Rocco Forte Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is a part of Rocco Forte Hotels and is ideally situated in the center of Edinburgh, close to the main shopping and commercial districts as well as within seven miles of Edinburgh Airport. The Balmoral Hotel’s majestic clock tower has been an Edinburgh landmark for over 100 years. In refurbishing the hotel, the historic nature of the building was respected, while a blend of colors from the Scottish countryside gave the hotel a more contemporary feel. The hotel’s stylish rooms and opulent suites feature magnificent views of the city or the hotel’s internal courtyard.

 

4-Star Luxury – The Scotsman

Named for the ground-breaking national newspaper who took up residence in its beautiful Baroque buildings, The Scotsman of today is a luxury hotel which retains many original features, including luxurious floor to ceiling wood paneled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained glass windows.

Set across several floors, many of their character bedrooms offer truly unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle, The Mound, Carlton Hill and The Princes Street Gardens.

The hotel is steeped in history and known for its classically luxe feel so you can expect an extensive list of offbeat signature amenities, such as a wee nip of Whisky on arrival to perk you up, specially selected Arran Arromatics toiletries, personally chosen reading recommendations, a lazy breakfast in bed and a whole lot more.