Majestic British Isles Adventure

Welcome to London. We arrange your transfer to the hotel – then the rest of the day is yours to relax or take a short stroll nearby. This afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour, including timings and meeting points.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

This morning we explore London on a panoramic city tour, taking in Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, the City and views of the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can spend the time as you wish or join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor, dominated by its castle. In the evening we meet in Piccadilly for a relaxed walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, an area known for its lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment, before returning to the hotel by bus. Note: depending on arrival times, this evening programme may take place on the previous day.

Enjoy a full free day in London. There are no scheduled activities today, so you can explore at your own pace – wander different neighbourhoods, visit museums and galleries, browse the shops or unwind in one of the city’s parks. If you’d prefer a quieter day, simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Please check the information boards at hotel reception for any updates and details for tomorrow’s departure.

We leave London and head north, stopping first in Cambridge to see its historic university colleges. After lunch, we continue to York to visit its cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets. You will have free time here to explore at your own pace. Later, we continue north to Durham – a medieval city with a magnificent cathedral in front of the castle.

We travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle – a filming location for the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is one of Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities, and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle overlooking steep streets and green parks. We round off the day with a panoramic tour accompanied by a local guide.

Edinburgh – a full free day with no scheduled activities. You can continue exploring at your own pace, revisit places from yesterday’s panoramic tour, wander historic lanes and courtyards, browse local shops, or simply relax in a cafe and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Leaving Edinburgh this morning, we pause to photograph The Kelpies – striking horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology. We then continue to Stirling for an included visit to its commanding castle, which dominates the historic centre and has witnessed major events, including royal coronations. Heading north, we stop in Pitlochry – a picturesque Highland town known for whisky – where you have time for lunch and a short stroll. We then visit Culloden, site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history with lasting consequences for the country. We reach Inverness in the evening – the capital of the Highlands – where its castle stands above the River Ness and you can enjoy a walk along the riverside and across the suspension bridge. Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop at Culloden may take place on Monday.

A full day of Highland scenery awaits. We travel through northern Scotland’s forests, lochs and wide open landscapes, beginning at Eilean Donan Castle – entry included – a spectacular stronghold set on the water. We then continue to Fort Augustus to see the lock gates, with time for lunch and a stroll.In the afternoon, we head to Loch Ness for an included boat trip, followed by a visit to medieval Urquhart Castle – entry included. We finish the day back in Inverness, the Highland capital at the mouth of Loch Ness, where we visit a traditional whisky distillery to learn about the craft and enjoy a tasting – admission included. Overnight in Inverness. Note: Distillery timings may vary depending on availability and may take place late on Sunday or on Monday.

We continue south through Highland scenery, stopping at Spean Bridge to visit a Second World War memorial. In Fort William – a popular town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom – we make a further stop. We then pass Kilchurn Castle, its striking ruins set beside a dark loch, before reaching Inveraray on Loch Fyne for a lunch stop. Later, we follow the shores of Loch Lomond and arrive in Glasgow in the evening – you’ll have time to explore the city centre.

We’ll depart early from Glasgow, travelling south through Scotland and into England, enjoying green countryside and small villages along the way. In Lichfield, we’ll stop so you can take a walk around the historic centre – known for its cathedral with three spires – and you’ll have time for lunch. We’ll then continue to London, arriving in the late afternoon. Please note: if the group is small on this stage, we may travel by train or plane and the stop in Lichfield will be omitted.

After breakfast, we conclude our journey in London – you’re free to make your own onward arrangements. We hope you leave with lasting memories.