England & Scotland for Foodies: London to the Highlands via Gourmet Tours & Whisky Tastings - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in London (England), Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, Rooftop Cinema

Welcome to England! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your central hotel in the capital, London. A dynamic city filled with history and culture, England's capital has developed a worldwide reputation for its diverse, multicultural dining scene. Settle into your hotel and start your vacation with the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea: a custom that began in the 1800s when Queen Victoria's confidante, the Duchess of Bedford, asked for something to satiate her afternoon hunger pangs.

What was once a "light bite" has transformed over the centuries into a beloved ritual, and you'll experience it today in the elegant setting of The Savoy Hotel's Thames Foyer. Sit beneath a luminous glass dome to the classical strains of the in-house pianist while you partake in an array of sweet and savory delicacies. Choose from over 30 loose-leaf teas accompanied by delicate finger sandwiches, delightful cakes, savories, and, of course, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.

In the evening, you'll combine views of the world-famous London skyline with an open-air rooftop cinema experience. Sit back and relax in your comfy deck chair (blankets are provided if the weather's nippy) while you watch an iconic movie with state-of-the-art wireless headphones. Your backdrop is the iconic city skyline with views over landmarks such as Big Ben, The London Eye, The Shard, and St. Paul's Cathedral. 

Day 2: London Hidden Gems Food Tour, Villains of London Scooter Tour

You might want to keep it light at breakfast this morning as you'll begin today with a three-hour food tour across London's foodie hotspots. Starting at the Tower of London, you'll wind your way through the back streets and alleyways while your guide shares tales of London's history as you go. You'll feast on morsels from street-food vendors and well-known cafés, culminating with a tour of Borough Market. Beneath the restored Victorian railway arches, you'll find over 100 artisan stalls from all over the globe, with many catering to the capital's best restaurants. 

London has a fascinating history dating back almost 2,000 years, and this evening, you'll discover its darker side on a tour that reveals the stories of the East End gangsters, grave robbers, Nazi spies, and treacherous dukes who've called the city home. What's more, you'll be traveling by e-scooter as you start at the Tower of London, where you'll learn about the disappearing princes, executed queens, and wily prisoners who desperately attempted to escape the block.

Accompanied by your guide, continue weaving through the city, stopping at churches, alleyways, and pubs to uncover the secrets of London's underbelly. Then, stop at The Old Bailey (the site of the former Newgate Prison) to hear about the scoundrels once imprisoned there. Your tour finishes in Holborn, one of the city's most historic areas. You'll find plenty of excellent restaurants, wine bars, and pubs here to cap off a glorious day exploring the capital.

Day 3: Drive to Oxford, Chauffeured Punting Trip & Picnic

Today, you'll pick up your rental car and leave the city behind for a two-hour drive west to Oxford. Dubbed the "City of Dreaming Spires," the town is home to one of England's oldest and most prestigious universities (the other being Cambridge.) Once you've checked in to your hotel, you'll head down to the riverbank for a relaxing tour of the city along the River Cherwell. You'll travel on a chauffeured punt (flat-bottomed riverboat), gliding gently along the water and passing the city's iconic sights as you enjoy a light lunch from a picnic hamper.

See the Botanic Gardens, the playing fields of Magdalen College School, and Christ Church College (where Lewis Carroll taught in the mid-19th century and wrote "Alice in Wonderland"). Your chauffeur has in-depth knowledge of Oxford's history, so you'll hear the inside track of the city's colleges and famous university students. After passing the fertile gardens of St Hilda's College, you'll return to dry land, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. 

Day 4: Tour Blenheim Palace, Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Orangery

No trip to Oxford is complete without a visit to Blenheim Palace, and this morning, you'll set off on a short 25-minute drive north of the city to Woodstock, a picturesque village home to the 18th-century UNESCO-listed estate. The seat of the Duke of Marlborough and one-time birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim, was built as a gift to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, after his victory in the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. 

Start with a tour of the gilded State Rooms and see the priceless collection of artwork, tapestries, and furniture. Then, continue to the upstairs bedrooms, which have hosted guests as diverse as Bill Clinton and Charlie Chaplin. You'll experience your own slice of life at the palace when you sit down for afternoon tea, complemented with a glass of Champagne, in the high-ceilinged, airy surroundings of the Orangery. Finish with a stroll of the manicured gardens and wander through the Marlborough Hedge Maze before driving back to Oxford to spend your final night in the city. 

Day 5: Explore the Cotswolds, Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon

The famous Cotswolds is a rural area in southern England that encompasses six counties and enjoys Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) conservation status. The region lies just over an hour's drive west of Oxford, and the day is yours to hop in the car and explore the rolling green hills, medieval villages, thatched-roof cottages, and ancient church towers that make up the area.

Start with a 1.5-hour drive west to Painswick, a typical Cotswold village best known for its gorgeous Rococo garden and historic churches. Stop for a bite at one of the welcoming tea rooms and continue east for an hour's scenic drive through the quintessential English countryside until you reach the village of Lower Slaughter. On the banks of the River Eye, you'll find plenty of centuries-old historic buildings and the Old Mill Museum, which traces the area's history back to the Norman conquest. Five minutes drive away is the equally picturesque Upper Slaughter, a gorgeous spot to stop for lunch. 

Complete your tour of the Cotswolds with a half-hour drive north to Chipping Campden, a delightful village known for its 17th-century market and beautifully preserved limestone buildings. You'll find plenty of places here to pause for afternoon tea before continuing another 30 minutes north to Stratford-upon-Avon, a bustling town on the banks of the River Avon and famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening with dinner and drinks at The Coach House, a historic, award-winning pub with an almost 500-year-old heritage.

Day 6: Free Morning in Stratford, Drive to Chester, Craft Beer Tasting 

Spend a relaxed morning in Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring the historic town or seeing the many Shakespearean sights such as the Royal Shakespeare Theater or Shakespeare's Birthplace. Don't miss a chance to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, a charming 15th-century thatched cottage and childhood home of Shakespeare's wife. If the weather's fine, it's a great place to wander through acres of cottage gardens and fruit orchards, with a sculpture trail inspired by the playwright's many works.

You won't want to linger too long, though, as you've around three hours driving today on a scenic cross-country route northwest to Chester. If you're keen to explore more en route, Shropshire is a great stop around the halfway point. The town's Tudor center is lined with half-timbered houses, and you'll find plenty of pubs serving lunch with beer gardens overlooking the River Severn. Hop back in the car, and it's just over an hour's drive to Chester, a bustling city in England's northwest. Founded in the first century CE as a Roman fortress, it has the best-preserved Roman walls in the country.

After checking in at your hotel, you'll discover one of the town's other highlights—its burgeoning craft beer scene. Meet your guide and a small group of fellow beer enthusiasts at a local brewery, where you'll begin with an introduction to the eight ales you'll be tasting. Learn how to tell the difference between hops and malt and discern the subtle flavor differences that make each beer unique. Throughout the masterclass, you'll be treated to delicious nibbles and one of the Brewhouse and Kitchen's famous gourmet burgers. 

Day 7: Drive to Manchester, Gourmet City Food Tour

Wave goodbye to Chester this morning and drive just over an hour northeast to Manchester. Probably best known for its two world-class soccer teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, the town is also famous for its heritage as the world's first industrialized city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Manchester became the UK's leading producer of cotton and textiles, then, after World War II, fell into rapid decline. The city's fortunes changed after the devastating IRA bombing in 1996, which led to an extensive period of investment and regeneration.

Since the early 21st century, the city's fortunes have continued to rise, and these days, it's a boom town of historic architecture, international concert venues, and one of the UK's best food and drink scenes. Settle into your hotel after the drive, and once you're refreshed and ready to go, you'll meet your guide for a four-hour foodie tour. You'll sample eight delicious tastings across the city as you explore Manchester's history through the lens of its food: from the ice cream vendors of Ancoats' "Little Italy" to the diet of the Victorian mill worker and the birth of vegetarianism.

At the end of the tour, you'll part ways with your guide, and the rest of the evening is yours to relax at a local bar or explore the city's legendary nightlife. 

Day 8: Fly to Edinburgh (Scotland), Old Town Food Tour

It's time to wave goodbye to northern England as you drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch a short flight to Edinburgh. This captivating Scottish capital is known for its festivals, thriving art scene, and hospitality—the Dunediners are a friendly bunch! Pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. Once you're all settled, head out on a combined culinary and walking tour of the city.

You'll start in Edinburgh's Old Town, where you'll wind across the old cobbled streets, wynds, and courts, sampling artisanal produce from local sellers and hearing tales of local battles, uprisings, warlocks, and witches as you munch. No Scottish food tour would be complete without trying the famous haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes), and you'll wash down this historic national dish with an excellent lowland single malt. After a little more walking and storytelling, hopefully, you'll be able to squeeze in one last treat: a traditional afternoon tea with locally made Scottish cakes. 

Day 9: Drive to Stirling, Deanston Distillery Tour

Whisky lovers are in for a treat today with a premium tasting experience at the Deanston Distillery. First, though, you'll check out of your Edinburgh hotel and drive northwest along the Firth of Forth to Stirling. It's just over an hour's drive, and you'll pass by several 17th-century stately homes, such as Hopetoun House and Linlithgow Palace, the medieval birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Arrive in Stirling, and once you've settled into your accommodation, either drive the short 15-minute journey to the distillery or grab a taxi. And don't worry if you're the one behind the wheel; you can ask for "driver drams" to enjoy back at the hotel later.

You'll begin your tour with an introductory tasting of whiskies from Deanston and its sister distilleries, Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Sample 12 and 18-year-old vintages and a Virgin Oak before moving on to the distillery's more complex offerings. Highlights here include rare and hard-to-find whiskies from the Deanston range, where you'll taste some of the distillery's lost gems and learn about their history. 

Day 10: Drive to Pitlochry via Scone Palace, Highland Chocolate Tasting 

Your road trip continues today with an hour's drive northeast to Scone Palace, one of Scotland's most important stately homes. With a history that dates back to the site of the country's first parliament in 906, the palace has served as the capital of the Pictish kingdom, the crowning place of Robert the Bruce, and more recently, as the ancestral home to the Earls of Mansfield for the last 400 years. Spend time exploring the State Rooms and priceless artwork before a stroll in the vast gardens.

Back on the road, you'll continue your journey north to Pitlochry. It's a beautifully scenic route with plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. Highlights include the Hermitage at Dunkeld, a mystical tract of Perthshire forest and an 18th-century park designed for the Dukes of Atholl, and Queen's View, a famous vantage point just outside Pitlochry. It's said the location, which overlooks Loch Tummel and toward the mountains surrounding Glen Coe, is named after Queen Isabella, the 14th-century wife of Robert the Bruce, who used the spot as a resting place on her travels.

Check into your hotel, and when you're ready, stroll over to the Highland Chocolatier, a chocolate kitchen and shop that's the brainchild of Iain Burnett, one of the world's foremost chocolatiers who provides gourmet chocolate treats to the UK's Michelin-starred chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Albert Roux. Here, you'll settle in for a remarkable guided-tasting flight of Burnett's award-winning chocolates and sample flavor combinations such as white raspberry and honey, rose velvet truffle, and award winners like the pure caramelized ganache velvet truffle. 

Day 11: Blair Athol Whisky Distillery & Blair Castle, Drive to Inverness

Spend the morning at leisure in Pitlochry. The Highland town is a dream to walk around, and you'll have plenty of time exploring the many boutique and independent shops. At lunchtime, you'll be spoiled for choice with dining options ranging from cafés and tea shops for a light bite to refined gastropub fare showcasing Scotland's excellent local produce.

Before you set off for your next destination, you'll squeeze in another whisky tour at the Blair Athol Whisky Distillery, a few minutes drive from Pitlochry. Dating back to 1798, the distillery draws pure mountain water from the ancient Alt Dour that flows from the heights of Ben Vrackie and contributes to its whisky's mellow quality and smooth finish. After a behind-the-scenes exploration of the distillery, you'll get to sample (or receive a take-home pack) several golden drams, including a whisky drawn straight from the cask.

After your distillery tour, don't miss a visit to nearby Blair Castle, which has been home to the Atholl family for seven centuries and is surrounded by acres of gardens, orchards, and sculptures. The last destination on your road trip is Inverness, a city on the banks of the River Ness known as the Highlands' capital. It's around a 1.5-hour drive north of the castle, and you'll pass through some of Scotland's most scenic countryside in Cairngorms National Park. You're in no rush this afternoon, so feel free to explore the park at your leisure. Upon arrival in Inverness, the evening is yours to spend as you like.

Day 12: Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour

It's the last full day of your trip, and what better way to spend it than a full-day tour dedicated to the secrets of single malts? You'll ditch the car today and join a small group on a guided tour across the best distilleries of the Speyside area. Begin with a tasting at the historic Tomatin Distillery, established in 1897, and savor the soft, mellow notes of this beautiful Speyside single malt. Afterward, visit Cardhu Distillery, established by former whisky smugglers in 1824.

For lunch, you'll stop off at the Mash Tun in Aberlour to enjoy a bite to eat and perhaps a dram for the road. This whisky bar is the perfect place to refuel before heading to the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery for another tasting. Glenfiddich is one of the few distilleries that remain family-owned, producing a distinctive single malt developed by generations. Conclude your tour with a traditional experience at Glen Moray Distillery, sampling their "Elgin Heritage" range of 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts. You'll be dropped back at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 13: Drive to Edinburgh, Depart

Your gourmet tour of England and Scotland has come to an end. After one last hearty Scottish breakfast, hop in the car for the three-hour drive to Edinburgh Airport, where you'll drop off your rental car in time to make your flight. Safe travels!

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