Highlights
- Immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions on a visit to Buckingham Palace
- Glide down the River Cherwell in Oxford on a classic English punt
- Sample artisan treats on a walking food tour through elegant Bath
- Seek out wild red deer and golden eagles on a wildlife safari in the Cairngorms
- Discover the wonders of the Hebridean Sea on a boat trip from the Isle of Skye
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in London (England), Buckingham Palace, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz | London |
| Day 2 | Visit London's Highlights: Westminster Abbey & The National Gallery | London |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Oxford, Chauffeured Punting & Picnic, Bodleian Library Tour | Oxford |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Chipping Campden, Hidcote Gardens, Horseback Ride | Chipping Campden |
| Day 5 | Guided Discovery Tour of the Cotswolds | Chipping Campden |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Bath, Visit the Roman Baths | Bath |
| Day 7 | Sunrise Stonehenge Experience, Bath Food Heroes Tour | Bath |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Bristol, Fly to Edinburgh (Scotland), Tour Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Pitlochry via Scone Palace, Blair Athol Whisky Distillery | Pitlochry |
| Day 10 | Cairngorms Wildlife Safari, Transfer to Inverness via Culloden | Inverness |
| Day 11 | Loch Ness Cruise, Transfer to the Isle of Skye via Eilean Donan | Isle of Skye |
| Day 12 | Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig, Skye Glass-Bottom Boat Trip | Isle of Skye |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Fort William, West Highland Museum | Fort William |
| Day 14 | Scenic Transfer to Glasgow via Loch Lomond & The Trossachs | Glasgow |
| Day 15 | Depart Glasgow |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in London (England), Buckingham Palace, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
Welcome to England! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in central London. A dynamic, multicultural city that attracts 20 million tourists each year, the country's capital is home to world-class museums, a wealth of history, and a stellar dining scene. Of course, you'll want to head out and explore, so where better to start than one of the world's most famous homes—Buckingham Palace.
At the primary residence of England's royal family since the turn of the 18th century, you'll witness the extraordinary Changing of the Guard ceremony. It's a symbolic act, occurring every other day, in which the King's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting the palace to the New Guard. Afterward, delve further into British history with a visit to the Tower of London. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, the landmark has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. Inside, it's home to many historical artifacts and, of course, the priceless Crown Jewels.
Refuel after your sightseeing with one of England's time-honored traditions: afternoon tea. This custom 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 at The Ritz. Sit in the spectacular setting of the hotel's Palm Court while you partake in an array of sweet and savory delicacies like delicate finger sandwiches, tempting cakes, and, of course, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.
Day 2: Visit London's Highlights: Westminster Abbey & The National Gallery
It would take many months to see all of London's museums, landmarks, and attractions, so spend today focusing on two of the most memorable. Since 1066, the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey have overseen more than 16 royal weddings and 40 coronations, and they serve as the final resting place for monarchs and notable Britons such as Sir Isaac Newton and Queen Elizabeth I. Spend the morning exploring the imposing Gothic church and see memorials of over 3,000 people from Geoffery Chaucer to Jane Austen.
Your next stop is the National Gallery, a 15-minute walk north of the abbey along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. Keep your eyes peeled for the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you stroll over to the gallery, whose collection includes more than 2,300 masterpieces dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Inside, you'll find works from Monet, Cezanne, and Titian, as well as Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. If hunger strikes, make your way to the gallery's elegant cocktail bar and restaurant, which showcases modern European cooking and offers a daily happy hour for Champagne and oysters.
Day 3: Transfer to Oxford, Chauffeured Punting & Picnic, Bodleian Library Tour
This morning, you'll say "cheerio" to London and meet your driver outside your hotel 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), gently gliding along the water, passing the city's iconic sights, and enjoying 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 the boathouse.
You've spent the morning exploring the College Backs, and this afternoon, you'll head inside Oxford's 11th-century university for a tour of one of the highlights, the Bodleian Library. Oxford's main research library is home to over 13 million books. You'll find some of these on a visit to the 15th-century Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor's Court, the medieval Duke Humfrey's Library, and Radcliffe Camera, which houses the science library.
Day 4: Transfer to Chipping Campden, Hidcote Gardens, Horseback Ride
England's 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. Today, you'll transfer a short way north to Chipping Campden, a delightful village known for its 17th-century market and beautifully preserved limestone buildings.
Check in at your hotel, and your first excursion is to nearby Hidcote Gardens, part of a historic manor house in the village of Hidcote Bartrim. The 10 acres (4 ha) that comprise these public gardens were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of decorative and fine arts that originated in Britain in the late 19th century. You'll enjoy a private, two-hour stroll around the gardens to admire its hedges, rare trees and shrubs, mazes of narrowed paved pathways, and secret gardens bursting with colorful blooms.
Afterward, you'll reunite with your driver for a half-hour drive to the nearby Cotswolds Riding equestrian center, located in the picturesque village of Stanton. Here you'll saddle up and set off on a relaxed countryside "hack," spending the next few hours trotting the miles of local scenic paths and bridleways, with lookout points in the hills offering fabulous views over southern England. Your pace and route will be decided by your level of experience, with everyone from beginners to well-seasoned riders catered to.
Day 5: Guided Discovery Tour of the Cotswolds
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, and when you're ready, meet your guide and driver for an in-depth tour of the southern loop portion of the Cotswolds Discovery Trail. You'll uncover plenty of fascinating Roman history and landmarks along the way, and the first is in Cirencester, home to the remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in Britain. Built in the second century CE when the town was known as the Roman city of Corinium, and second only to London in size and importance, the amphitheater is estimated to have a capacity of around 8,000 people.
Continue to Bibury, a picture-perfect village along the River Coln: home to the Arlington Row of Weaver's Cottages, the town remains one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. You'll have plenty of time to snap your own pictures and stroll the quiet lanes before hopping back in the car and following the river through a series of postcard-worthy villages along the Coln Valley. Other highlights include the lookout point of Painswick Beacon, where a short hike to the top reveals sweeping views of the area, and the village of Painswick, dubbed the "Queen of the Cotswolds."
Your last stop is the market town of Minchinhampton, perched on a hill amid fields filled with wildflowers and grazing cows; it's worth stopping to admire the views that stretch across to the neighboring country of Wales. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you back at your hotel in time for your dinner reservation.
Day 6: Transfer to Bath, Visit the Roman Baths
The town of Bath is one of the jewels of southern England. Its vast array of architectural gems and elegant Georgian architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status, while the surrounding countryside is quintessential England: rolling green hills dotted with villages, country lanes, and church spires. You'll see the scenery for yourself this morning on a two-hour private transfer to the city. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then head out for lunch. From cute riverside cafés to upscale French bistros and modern English gastropubs, you'll be spoiled for choice with dining options.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the city's ancient Roman Baths complex, which gives the town its name and is recognized as one of the world's best-preserved Roman bathhouses. The hot springs here bubble up to a toasty 115°F (46°C), and on a tour of the site, you'll walk the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. The rest of the evening is yours to relax. Choose one of the city's wine bars or microbreweries and settle in for an evening of locally sourced cured meats and cheeses with a glass or two of your favorite tipple.
Day 7: Sunrise Stonehenge Experience, Bath Food Heroes Tour
Just an hour outside Bath lies Stonehenge, one of the UK's most fascinating landmarks and a testament to human ingenuity. A prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, the stone circle is aligned toward the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice. Today, you'll wake early for an incredible early morning VIP tour of the site outside of regular visiting hours. Spend an hour walking freely among the stones, taking photos, and discovering the fascinating details of these mighty sarsens and bluestones.
Afterward, you'll transfer back to Bath, where the rest of the morning is yours to explore the city at your own pace. While the city is awash with historical sights and beautiful labyrinthine alleyways to saunter along, it also enjoys a centuries-old connection to author Jane Austen, who called the city home in the early 1800s. Walk in the footsteps of Austen with an optional 2.5-hour tour that reveals the nuances of life in Regency England as you explore the Royal Crescent, Sydney Gardens, and the Jane Austen Centre, where guides in period costume help bring the era to life.
If today's early start has awoken your appetite, fear not; you'll spend the afternoon on a half-day food tour, visiting the city's landmarks and meeting a selection of Bath's artisan food producers. From juicy red strawberries from the Cheddar Gorge to local sheep's ricotta, delicate goat's cheese, and fennel salami, you'll sample fresh produce from a selection of the city's leading independent cafés and street food sellers. In the evening (once you've recovered your appetite), put your newfound foodie knowledge to good use and spend your final night at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Day 8: Transfer to Bristol, Fly to Edinburgh (Scotland), Tour Edinburgh Castle
Today, you'll switch countries while still remaining in the United Kingdom. You're off to Scotland, and after a private transfer to Bristol Airport and a short flight, you'll arrive in Edinburgh. The captivating Scottish capital is known for its festivals, thriving art scene, and friendly locals. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. After a refresh, you'll set off to visit the city's most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle, one of Europe's oldest fortified palaces.
Stroll through the cobbled streets, wynds, and alleyways of the world-famous Royal Mile until you reach the castle, then spend a couple of hours touring the highlights. See the Great Hall of King James IV, which has borne witness to banquets and state events over the centuries. Then, learn about the castle's history through an immersive exhibition in the Argyle Tower, which details the Wars of Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Afterward, you'll sit down for an afternoon tea fit for royalty. Within the castle walls, you'll feast on three tiers of homemade cakes, dainty finger sandwiches, savory bites, and freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam.
Day 9: Transfer to Pitlochry via Scone Palace, Blair Athol Whisky Distillery
Your Scottish road trip begins today, and luckily, you have a private driver to take care of the driving, leaving you to sit back, relax, and admire the view. Your first destination is 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 stretch with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos. 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.
Arrive in Pitlochry, and after checking in at your hotel, your driver will drop you at the Blair Athol Whisky Distillery. This distillery dates back to 1798 and draws its water from the ancient Alt Dour that flows from the heights of Ben Vrackie. This local pure mountain water contributes to the whisky's mellow quality and smooth finish. After a behind-the-scenes exploration of the distillery, you'll sample several golden drams, including a whisky drawn straight from the cask.
Day 10: Cairngorms Wildlife Safari, Transfer to Inverness via Culloden
Cairngorms National Park offers some of the best wildlife diversity in the United Kingdom, and on today's full-day wildlife safari, you'll encounter its wilder side. After breakfast and checkout, meet your driver and guide, then set off on a drive through expansive heather-clad moorlands, passing towering Caledonian pine forests and pristine lochs. There'll be plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs throughout the day as your experienced guide helps you seek out the local wildlife, which should include red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys.
At the end of the safari, your driver will transfer you to Inverness, with one important stop before you reach your hotel. The Culloden Battlefield lies just outside the city, and the grassy plain marks the site of the final, bloody conflict of the Jacobean Uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. After a short stop at the exhibition, accompany your guide across the battlefield to see the Well of the Dead, the Main Cairn, and the Clan Graves, the burial sites of some 1300 clansmen who died.
Hop back in the car, and it's a 10-minute drive from Culloden to Inverness, and you'll have the evening to relax at your hotel or stroll along the banks of the River Ness ahead of your dinner reservation.
Day 11: Loch Ness Cruise, Transfer to the Isle of Skye via Eilean Donan
Today, you'll transfer west to the Isle of Skye, but first up is as fine a way to start the day as you'll find in Scotland. After breakfast and check out, meet your driver for the 20-minute drive to Dochgarroch for a relaxing cruise along Scotland's most famous loch. Step aboard your catamaran, and you'll start with a trip along the Caledonian Canal toward the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Soak up the Highland views as you pass landmarks, including the lakeside ruins of Urquhart Castle, and keep your eyes peeled in search of "Nessie."
Reunite with your driver, and around 15 minutes before you reach the Skye Bridge, you'll see Eilean Donan Castle. The most photographed fortress in Scotland, the castle has featured in the series "Highlander" and stands on an island where three great sea lochs meet. You'll spend an hour touring the famous site and learning its history, from its sixth-century origins to its 13th-century incarnation that stood guard over the lands of Kintail.
Cross the bridge, and you've officially reached the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. Known for its rugged beauty and iconic Cuillin Range, the island's coastline is scattered with towering cliffs and pastel-hued, laid-back fishing villages. Check into your hotel in Portree, the island's capital and bustling harborside town, and spend the rest of the day sightseeing before settling into one of the cozy pubs for dinner and a wee dram or two.
Day 12: Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig, Skye Glass-Bottom Boat Trip
It's your last day on Skye, and you can't leave without paying homage to the island's famous export—whisky. Meet your driver and set off for a tour of the Torabhaig Distillery, where whisky-making traditions have thrived for nearly two centuries. You'll see the painstaking process of crafting fine Scotch whisky, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging in oak casks. Of course, you'll also get to sip and taste several drams along the way and perhaps pick up a bottle as a souvenir.
There's no denying that the waters off Scotland are rather icy (even in summer), so the best way to explore above and below the waves is with a semi-submersible. Today, you'll board a glass-bottomed boat, the Seaprobe Atlantis, for a journey that explores the worlds both above and below the surface. You'll enjoy fantastic sea views of Skye and the mainland of Scotland as you sail down Lochalsh looking for seals, otters, and other wildlife. Then, go below decks to see the underwater world teeming with marine life.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Explore the historic Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and its beautiful gardens, or see the Neist Point Lighthouse, perched atop a dramatic cliff with sweeping views across the Hebridean Sea. Skye is a place for foodies, from seafood shacks to Michelin-starred country hotels. You'll want to book ahead and make sure your final night on the island is spent dining out in style.
Day 13: Transfer to Fort William, West Highland Museum
It's back to the mainland today, and after breakfast, wave goodbye to Skye and meet your driver for the 2.5-hour transfer to Fort William. Known as the "adventure capital of the UK," this loch-side town sits between crystal-clear lakes and snowcapped mountains. It's also the gateway for climbing excursions on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Settle in at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day as you wish.
The local seafood here is exceptional, and as your vacation draws to a close, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants, where locals feast on steaming bowls of freshly caught mussels. If you haven't sampled cranachan yet, now's your chance. A traditional Scottish dessert made from raspberries, lightly whipped cream, oats, and whisky, the dish was traditionally served in August, following the raspberry harvest.
In the afternoon, visit the West Highland Museum, founded in 1922 by a group of local folk who wanted to create an independent museum to tell the story and history of the West Highlands. Alongside local archaeological finds, a fascinating Jacobite exhibition delves deeper into the history surrounding the 1745 uprising and the stories behind the gravestones of the fallen at Culloden.
Day 14: Scenic Transfer to Glasgow via Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
It's your last day in Scotland, and this morning, you'll meet your driver for the three-hour drive to Glasgow. The route itself is a highlight, and you'll take your time to make the most of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, whose 63 square miles (165 sq km) of protected wooded glens and soaring peaks rise above the mirror-like Loch Lomond. Stumble across the beautiful Falls of Dochart, which run through the small town of Killin, and visit Arrochar, nestled high in the mountains. There's plenty of wildlife here, too, with opportunities to sport golden eagles, ospreys, and black grouse.
Arrive in Glasgow, and you'll find a large, modern, creative city shaped by its industrial heritage. Once you've checked in to your hotel and freshened up, head out on foot to explore. Highlights include Glasgow Cathedral, the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, and George Square, a great place to sit and people-watch, admire the ornate Victorian architecture, and see statues dedicated to Robert Burns, William Gladstone, and the only known equestrian statue of Queen Victoria.
If you're an art enthusiast, don't miss Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, whose ornate interior is a treasure trove of pieces ranging from 19th and 20th-century Scottish artists, including Charles Rennie Mackintosh, to masterpieces such as Salvador Dalí's "Christ of St John of the Cross." Later on, spend your final night feasting on modern Scottish fare at one of the city's restaurants. Glasgow's food scene has risen sharply in recent years, and you'll find a vibrant range of up-and-coming dynamic eateries that are firmly placing the city on the foodie map.
Day 15: Depart Glasgow
Your highlights tour of England and Scotland has come to an end. After one last hearty Scottish breakfast, say farewell to Glasgow and meet your driver for your transfer to the airport. Safe travels!
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