About your itinerary
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Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Welcome to the United Kingdom.
I am delighted to present you both with your stunning itinerary to three of the United Kingdom's most historical cities. You'll have the opportunity to explore the bustling capital of London, the vibrant walled city of York, and the most iconic Scottish city, Edinburgh.
Included in your itinerary are an array of incredible tours and activities, including an amazing tour of London in a Mini Cooper, you said you were music fans so I have included the Beatles edition of this tour for you to enjoy. It really is a must for all music fans! Because you already have seen Les Misérables, I wanted to pop something in the itinerary from me so instead you'll enjoy a Friday Night on the West End seeing Phantom of the Opera. I didn't want to pop too may tours in the itinerary as I know it's quite nice to have some free time too so I have instead popped my top recommendations in there for you to enjoy at your leisure.
As promised I have kept the hotels the same as in the sample itinerary I sent though to you, it makes sense as they are beautiful properties that are perfectly located to get around each city. With your trains and transfers included to and from the airport, you really won't have to worry about a thing!
I have included your flights from San Antonio with short layovers. There were direct flights from Austin but as you can appreciate these were considerably more expensive. You'll be flying into London and departing from Edinburgh so you won't have to worry about going back on yourself.
I hope you love this itinerary as much as I have loved putting it together for you! I look forward to catching up and hearing your thoughts. If you love what you're seeing do let me know and I can pop the hotels on hold for us to avoid us missing out.
Enjoy and speak soon!
Best wishes,
Samantha McCormack 
Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Thursday 1st August 2024
Welcome to Edinburgh
Welcome to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city that begs to be discovered, filled with quirky, come-hither nooks that tempt you to explore just that little bit further.
Cityscape
Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. It’s a town intimately entwined with its landscape, with buildings and monuments perched atop crags and overshadowed by cliffs. From the Old Town’s picturesque jumble of medieval tenements piled high along the Royal Mile, its turreted skyline strung between the black, bull-nosed Castle Rock and the russet palisade of Salisbury Crags, to the New Town’s neat grid of neoclassical respectability, the city offers a constantly changing perspective.
Athens of the North
The Athens of the North, an 18th-century Edinburgh nickname dreamed up by the great thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment, is a city of high culture and lofty ideals, of art and literature, philosophy and science. It is here that each summer the world's biggest arts festival rises, phoenix-like, from the ashes of last year's rave reviews and broken box-office records to produce yet another string of superlatives. And it is here, beneath the Greek temples of Calton Hill – Edinburgh's acropolis – that the Scottish parliament sits again after a 300-year absence.
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh is also known as Auld Reekie, a down-to-earth place that flicks an impudent finger at the pretensions of the literati. Auld Reekie is a city of loud, crowded pubs and decadent restaurants, late-night drinking and all-night parties, beer-fuelled poets and foul-mouthed comedians. It’s the city that tempted Robert Louis Stevenson from his law lectures to explore the drinking dens and lurid street life of the 19th-century Old Town. And it’s the city of Beltane, the resurrected pagan May Day festival, where half-naked revellers dance in the flickering firelight of bonfires beneath the stony indifference of Calton Hill's pillared monuments.
Variety
Like a favourite book, Edinburgh is a city you’ll want to dip into again and again, savouring each time a different experience – the castle silhouetted against a blue spring sky with a yellow haze of daffodils misting the slopes below the esplanade; stumbling out of a late-night club into a summer dawn, with only the yawp of seagulls to break the unexpected silence; heading for a cafe on a chill December morning with the fog snagging the spires of the Old Town; and festival fireworks crackling in the night sky as you stand, transfixed, amid the crowds in Princes Street Gardens.
Kimpton Charlotte Square for 3 nights
Kimpton Charlotte Square for 3 nights
Perched on the edge of a picturesque private garden in the New Town, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel blends traditional glamour with the Scotland of today.
Outside, a classical Georgian exterior stands as an ode to the past while inside, past the lobby, a glass-topped central courtyard is abuzz with activity as travellers unwind over gin & tonics, local professionals do business, and friends toast special occasions. The energy is so fresh and effervescent that you’ll want to bottle it and bring it home—but then again, it feels too distinctly Edinburgh to make sense anywhere else.
Your room: Essential Room
Sumptuous but not stuffy, refined but not overtly regal, your Essential Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has a slightly different design sensibility.
You will notice the hand-picked art and decor, luxurious furniture and fabrics, and marble baths. Toiletries made from high-end ingredients and rainfall showers round out the creature comforts. It’s the ultimate place to recharge and rest up before meeting friends for cocktails down in the garden.
Things to do | Edinburgh
Things to do | Edinburgh
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Edinburgh. With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there's nowhere else quite like it.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, this should be a must-see on your list of places to visit in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland, which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK, and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy. Explore the vast castle grounds, take a guided tour with a castle steward, or listen to the audio guide, which is available in eight languages.
Top tip: Listen out for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun from the castle grounds, which can be heard daily (except on Sundays). Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks according to the sound of the shot.
Discover the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland
Scotland is sometimes known for having slightly unpredictable weather, so if you happen to get caught in the rain you might be wondering what to do. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh – and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, there's something for everyone. Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology.
Top tip: If the sun makes an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh.
Brave the Edinburgh Dungeon
Looking for things to do in Edinburgh that are a little unusual? For a thrilling alternative adventure, visit The Edinburgh Dungeons, where you'll learn about the city's gruesome history. Walk the plague-ridden streets of 1645, evade the murderous duo Burke and Hare, and even face trial – good luck! With live actors, underground rides and special effects, you're guaranteed a 'spooktacular' time.
Top tip: The Edinburgh Dungeon often holds Dungeon Late events for adults, so if you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh at night, this could be it.
Climb Arthur's Seat and stroll through Holyrood Park
Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, located within Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano sits 251m above sea level and offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can see the medieval remains of St Anthony's Chapel or feed the ducks and swans on Duddingston Loch. There's an array of paths and trails to follow, suitable for all, including the trail to St Margaret's Loch.
Top tip: Climbing up to the top of this dormant volcano is hungry work! Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it from the best 'seat' in Edinburgh?
Friday 2nd August 2024
Small Group Tour | Walking Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Small Group Tour | Walking Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Explore famous landmarks and hidden secrets in Edinburgh on this small group walking tour. Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a guide, and gain insight into famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland. Capture Edinburgh through the eye of your camera as you go, and find out what makes this ancient city tick.
Saturday 3rd August 2024
Introduction to Whiskey | Old Town Edinburgh
Introduction to Whiskey | Old Town Edinburgh
Learn about the long and important history of Scotland’s national drink on this 90-minute whisky tasting in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Tour a newly uncovered underground space in the heart of the historic capital, and taste four drams of whisky from different distilleries all from different whisky-making regions. Hear about the drink’s proud place in national heritage, and how whisky is made as you explore the venue, deep under Edinburgh’s streets. Four drams of whisky are included in the tasting Explore an unseen part of Edinburgh Smaller tour size Experienced and knowledgeable tour guide
Sunday 4th August 2024
Private Transfer | Kimpton Charlotte Square to Edinburgh Airport
Private Transfer | Kimpton Charlotte Square to Edinburgh Airport
On your final morning in the United Kingdom, you'll say farewell to this wonderful country and be met by your driver in your hotel lobby. Your driver will privately transfer you to Edinburgh's International Airport in time for your flight home.
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- International flights with United
- Baggage included
- 3 nights at 5* Kimpton Fitzroy
- Essential Room, with breakfast
- Classic mini cooper tour | Rock’n’roll Beatles
- Complimentary | A Night in the West End | Phantom of the Opera
- 2 nights at 4* Principal York
- Classic Room, with breakfast
- 3 nights at 4* Kimpton Charlotte Square
- Essential Room, with breakfast
- Small Group Tour | Walking Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
- Introduction to whiskey experience
- First Class Trains throughout (London > York, York > Edinburgh)
- Private transfers on arrival and departure
- Restaurant recommendations in London
- Royal highlights recommendations in London
- Things to do recommendations in York and Edinburgh
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- Restaurant expenses
- Entry tickets/costs to any attractions/sights in recommendation sections
- Travel insurance
- Resort Fees / City Taxes
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.