About your itinerary
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Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Dear Candace & Kerry,
Welcome to the UK
It was so lovely to chat with you both on Sunday about your upcoming Anniversary travel plans to visit the UK. I wanted to send over something that reflected our conversation and ticked off as much as logistically possible within that bucket list of yours. With a focus on history, stunning scenery as well as some recommendations, I am delighted to present your full UK itinerary giving you the opportunity to explore London, York, Edinburgh and the Highlands.
After we spoke I wanted to ensure that this was a really special trip as you are celebrating not only your 8th wedding anniversary but your 50th Birthdays and an amazing 15 years together. I have included some of my all-time favourite properties with fantastic locations, all with breakfast included, and some incredible tours including that Whitechapel Jack the Ripper tour for you, Kerry. As well as your car hire for you to explore the highlands at leisure, as I mentioned, it really is the only way to get around and really explore the beauty of it up there in the North.
With your direct flights included from Boston into London and out of Edinburgh with Virgin Atlantic and Delta with your luggage included as well as those perfectly located hotels, breakfasts, train, car hire and tours included – you really won't have to worry about a thing. I will be on hand ensuring everything is seamless from start to finish for you.
I know we are coming over the amount we spoke about on our call, I did want to send over everything we went through. If you can stretch I can promise it will be 100% worth it. Saying that if you did want to bring the cost down we can work together to fine tune the details and ensure it sits at the right price for you.
I'm really excited to catch up and hear your thoughts. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out with those.
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 5th September 2024
- Friday 6th September 2024
- Saturday 7th September 2024
- Sunday 8th September 2024
- Monday 9th September 2024
- Tuesday 10th September 2024
- Wednesday 11th September 2024
- Thursday 12th September 2024
- Saturday 14th September 2024
- Sunday 15th September 2024
- Monday 16th September 2024
- Tuesday 17th September 2024
- Wednesday 18th September 2024
- Thursday 19th September 2024
Thursday 5th September 2024
Flight on DL 5938
Flight on DL 5938
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) |
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 05-Sep-2024 21:05:00 | 06-Sep-2024 08:55:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Delta | Economy |
Friday 6th September 2024
Welcome to London
Welcome to London
One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times.
Immersed in history, London's rich seams of eye-opening antiquity are everywhere. The city's buildings are striking milestones in a unique and beguiling biography, and a great many of them – the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben – are instantly recognisable landmarks. There’s more than enough innovation (the Shard, the Tate Modern extension, the Sky Garden) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out London’s seasoned, centuries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West End, ancient remains dot the City and charming pubs punctuate the historic quarters, leafy suburbs and river banks. Take your pick.
A tireless innovator of art and culture, London is a city of ideas and the imagination. Londoners have always been fiercely independent thinkers (and critics), but until not so long ago people were suspicious of anything they considered avant-garde. That’s in the past now, and the city’s creative milieu is streaked with left-field attitude, whether it's theatrical innovation, contemporary art, pioneering music, writing, poetry, architecture or design. Food is another creative arena that has become a tireless obsession in certain circles.
London is as much about wide-open vistas and leafy landscape escapes as it is high-density, sight-packed urban exploration. Central London is where the major museums, galleries and most iconic sights congregate, but visit Hampstead Heath or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to flee the crowds and frolic in wide open green expanses. You can also venture further out to Kew Gardens, Richmond or Hampton Court Palace for beautiful panoramas of riverside London followed by a pint in a quiet waterside pub.
Private Vehicle from London Heathrow Airport to The Clermont, Charing Cross
Private Vehicle from London Heathrow Airport to The Clermont, Charing Cross
Upon your arrival in London, you will be met by your driver in London Heathrow's arrivals hall, and privately transferred to your first hotel in your United Kingdom itinerary: the wonderfully British Clermont, Charing Cross.
The Clermont, Charing Cross for 3 nights
The Clermont, Charing Cross for 3 nights
There’s a renewed vigour about this familiar Charing Cross landmark, one of the 19th-century’s great station hotels. Now with a new name, more is being made of the hotel’s illustrious past but firmly within a contemporary setting. Interiors are opulent, while the rooms offer comfort and modernity.
Set right above Charing Cross station, it’s blessed with excellent train, Tube and bus links. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are just around the corner and the hotel is well positioned for the West End theatres, Covent Garden and river bus routes along the Thames. Have an ice cream in Victoria Embankment Gardens, or pop into reputedly London’s oldest wine bar, Gordon’s, which dates from 1890, on Villiers Street.
The hotel’s French Renaissance exterior (it was completed in 1865 by the same architect who designed the Royal Opera House) is slightly lost as it lies above the entrance to Charing Cross station, although the Eleanor Cross memorial lends a certain grandeur to the forecourt. Head beyond the understated entrance and lobby and you are in a world of Instagrammable delights, from the impressive original staircase to a red telephone box. Elsewhere the Clermont Restaurant and Bar on the first floor is the go-to spot; French influences are revealed via numerous fashion-oriented paintings that reflect how the hotel was popular with 19th-century continental travellers.
The ballroom – once the hotel’s coffee house and restaurant (now used for meetings or events) is worth a peek for its sculpted ceiling and stained-glass windows. The distinctive bridge above Villiers Street connects the Buckingham Wing of rooms that was added in 1888.
The high-ceilinged dining room and adjacent bar are special indeed with plush seating and paintings of 19th-century fashions and botanical images. The bar is certainly popular early evening with its view of The Strand and beyond, plus a fun range of cocktails including a Smoked Cuban Old Fashioned and the tequila-based Bombin, while the dining room has the feel of a turn-of-the-century tea salon.
Aim for the glass conservatory, which sits above the main entrance and offers great views; the central sofa seat has the best panorama. The classic British all-day menu is top-notch with dishes such as roasted sea bass fillets, steak and ale pie and chargrilled chicken. Afternoon tea is available (from £30), and breakfast is well worth making time for with a mix of self-service and à carte dishes – the Cornish crab and cured salmon omelette is a winner.
Your room: Classic Double
A cosy room for that short stay. Elegant design meets supreme comfort, with a handcrafted bed that guarantees a sound night’s sleep.
What To See | London
What To See | London
Attracting 27 million visitors every year, London is the most visited city in Europe. It’s no surprise that London is top of so many people’s travel plans: the city was founded by the Romans and has thrived over the centuries. Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet.
Split into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London – as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London – every district has its own recognizable neighborhoods. There is always something to see and do in London. With some of the world’s best art, entertainment, shopping, dining, and history, it’s impossible to be bored in London.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is possibly the most famous park in London, and it is one of the largest. The park has historical significance, having hosted a number of demonstrations and protests including protests by the Suffragettes.
The park’s famous Speaker’s Corner is still occupied by debates, protests, and performance artists every week. The park is home to several memorial features, as well as two bodies of water, the most famous being the Serpentine. Here you can go paddle-boating, see a number of swans, and take in a breath of fresh air in the center of the city. A must-visit.
Westminster
Westminster is considered the political hub of London and is home to the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben. Big Ben is the name of the bell housed within the iconic clock tower, and it still chimes every hour.
You can also find Westminster Abbey here, which is open to the public most days. Whilst visiting these landmarks, be sure to rest your feet in Parliament Square which features statues of important political individuals including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.
Camden
Camden is a well-known cultural neighborhood in north London. Known for its alternative culture, the crowds here are filled with goths, punks, rockabillies and tourists alike.
Camden Market is eclectic and diverse, featuring street food from international cuisines, and lots of stalls selling trinkets and unique artwork to take home. Rummage through vintage clothing racks, find a used book to take on your travels, or visit one of the city’s best vegan bakeries at Cookies And Scream.
After your shopping spree, stroll down to Camden Lock to relax by Regent’s Canal or walk along the water all the way to King’s Cross.
Soho
Soho is often considered the center of the city’s LGBTQ* community with plenty of gay and lesbian bars to check out after the sun goes down. In addition to bars and clubs, Soho has a number of theaters, jazz bars and restaurants to explore, making it a cultural hotspot. Its close proximity to Leicester Square means it’s also a great place to go for a few drinks after a play or stage show.
During the day, Soho loses none of its charm. Here you’ll find lots of music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries. Stop for a coffee and pastry on Old Compton Street for perfect people-watching.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is not only London’s top spot for shopping but is Europe’s busiest shopping street. It has 300 shops and receives over 500,000 visitors every day.
Shop ‘til you drop in designer stores and internationally-famous department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. Selfridges features intricate and beautiful window displays that change with the seasons. These frequently feature interactive windows and work by acclaimed artists.
Royal Highlights – Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
Home of the reigning British monarch since Queen Victoria (r. 1837–1901), this grand neo-classical palace in the City of Westminster is now the official London residence of King Charles III (r. 2022– ). A triumph of neo-classical architecture, complete with a 20th-century Portland stone façade, the central balcony of the east wing is where the Royal Family appear during special occasions, including the Trooping of the Color, an annual military display that has marked the monarch's birthday for 260 years.
Changing the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, takes place outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 10.45 am and lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11 am.
A Million Things To Do
Seeing all of what London has to offer could take a lifetime – but here are a few other hotspots to consider during your stop here: the London Eye, Shoreditch, The Thames, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Galleries, Harrods, and London's museums.
A Foodies Heaven | London
A Foodies Heaven | London
Visit all the Markets and eat all the food
Leather-lane market and Whitecross street market are food markets open Mon to Friday during lunchtime. A popular place for those working in the area to grab food.
Borough Market is a must to see and just a great place for eating all the food tasters but my favourite place is the vegan burgers.
Bricklane markets are open on Sunday, lots of vintage, arts & craft and variety of food.
Mercato is another great marketplace style of venue offering lots of food and drinks options plus they have a cinema.
Columbia Flower Market is as the name says a flower market. Open on a Sunday it has a great vibe, buskers playing on the street, food stalls and coffee places!
See one of the great views of London
What better way to enjoy London’s view than in one of these wonderful buildings capturing panoramic views of the city?
Here are some of my choices:
The Shard – I suggest going to the Oblix Bar, it’s free to go up there and a lovely place to grab a drink whilst soaking up the views.
Sky Garden – It’s free to go to the Sky Garden you just need to book in advance.
Duck and Waffle at the Heron Tower – You need to grab breakfast here, delicious food, and fantastic views!
Bussy and Franks – Slightly outside of the tourist area (still in zone 2) these two rooftop bars give amazing views of London.
My other favorites offer a unique take on dining
German Gymnasium Grand Café & Restaurant
Located in the heart of King's Cross, German Gymnasium’s beautiful Grade 2 Listed historical building is divided into three parts: Our ground floor is home to the Grand Café, serving up your favourite German and Mittel-European fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Upstairs, our Restaurant takes diners on a journey around the lesser known aspects of German cuisine, with a sophisticated seasonal menu. Sharing the first floor with the Restaurant is the chic Meister Bar, the ultimate cocktail destination in Kings Cross, emulating the evening glamour you’d find in Berlin.
Quaglino's
An iconic restaurant & bar synonymous with style and glamour; hidden within historic St James’s, the restaurant has had a particular place within London’s social history and has always been out to impress.
Sketch
The imaginative menu is devised by French Master Chef Pierre Gagnaire, and award-winning wines and fabulous service will ensure a magical dining experience. Bursting with a myriad of elegant rainbow colors, an exquisite selection of sketch afternoon tea pastries, innovative artistic flourish, and dainty finger sandwiches. Light scones are served up at sketch afternoon tea in London, accompanied by organic preserves, and pillowy marshmallows. The dress code is art smart, smart casual with a sense of style and character.
The Top Museums | London
The Top Museums | London
British Museum
Retrace the history of humankind through the British Museum’s amazing collection of artifacts from all over the world. Access to the permanent collection – including highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures – is free.
National Gallery
Discover more than 2,000 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century at the National Gallery. See works by Western European masters of painting such as Da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Van Gogh.
Natural History Museum
Wander through the spectacular halls of the Natural History Museum, as you discover fascinating exhibits from the natural world. Marvel at dinosaur skeletons or gawp at Hope, a giant blue whale skeleton.
Science Museum
Experience the wonders of science first-hand with the Science Museum’s interactive displays. Showcasing more than 15,000 objects, the permanent collection includes must-see exhibits such as Amy Johnson's Gipsy Moth plane.
Tate Modern
See how a power station has been transformed into London’s centre for Modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern. Find world-class paintings, photographs and performance art, embrace the stunning view of the river from the gallery’s cafe, and explore the famous Turbine Hall, which has hosted large-scale installations.
Tate Britain
Find some of the best of British art from 1500 to today at Tate Britain, including the world’s largest collection of works by JMW Turner. Follow the Walk Through British Art rooms and see stunning paintings by Gainsborough, Whistler and Bacon.
Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre
Did you know London has a Roman amphitheater? Be wowed by this ancient relic, which was found by archaeologists working on the site of the Guildhall Art Gallery in 1988. Entry to both the gallery and the amphitheatre is free.
Saturday 7th September 2024
2-Hour Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour in Whitechapel
2-Hour Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour in Whitechapel
Unravel the truths and myths of London’s most notorious serial killer on this 2-hour Jack the Ripper walking tour. Explore the dimly lit backstreets of London’s East End by night, visit sites frequented by Jack the Ripper, and learn the many different theories about the infamous murderer.
- Get introduced to the history of Jack the Ripper and journey back to the Autumn of Terror
- Walk through the dark streets, that once were stalked by Jack the Ripper.
- Journey back in time and lean about the gruesome details of the murders and their investigations
Sunday 8th September 2024
Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place | Small Group Day Trip
Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place | Small Group Day Trip
Today is your first full day out of London to explore some National Treasures, the stunning Stonehenge, and Bath.
Make your own way to the meeting point in Central London to start your tour. After everyone has been picked up, and you are sat comfortably, your driver/guide will introduce themselves, and explain the plan for your day. Your guide will provide full commentary on our interesting route out of London, passing some major landmarks on our way. We will make a quick bathroom/coffee/snack stop – you are more than welcome to eat and drink on the bus.
Before your arrival to Stonehenge, you'll discuss this mysterious stone circle in preparation for your arrival, so you have a good understanding of what you’re seeing.
There’ll be plenty of time to take some wonderful pictures, listen to the audio-guide and visit the gift shop, cafe and the new visitor centre. Your guide will be very interested to hear your thoughts, will answer questions about Stonehenge and tell you some of the more weird and wonderful stories you wouldn't otherwise have heard.
After some time here, you will be ready to head to Bath. The scenic route to Bath takes just under an hour from Stonehenge. You'll drive through some quintessential English villages and take the back roads to give you a taste of real rural England. You will get some fantastic views. Your guide will point out traditional English houses and talk about English country life.
On arrival into Bath, they'll drop you off close to the city centre with some recommendations of places to eat and drink and sights to see. Perhaps you might choose a typical English pub or cafe, or a quick and tasty pasty – a special type of local pie, perhaps washed down with a glass of famous local cider? Your guide will be on hand to advise what might be best for you! We'll also provide a handy map of Bath for you too.
After lunch your guide will offer you an optional guided walking tour of Bath, focusing on the history and highlights of the city, and the different incarnations of the baths through the ages – from the Celts, the Romans, the Georgians to the present day. You’ll have some free time to explore the city that inspired Charles Dickens and Jane Austen at your leisure before a driving tour on our route out to show you Bath’s finest streets including the best of all – The Royal Crescent.
It would be a shame to come all this way and miss out on seeing some of the wonderful sights between Bath and London. Heading back to London, via a few scenic back roads, you will stop at a secret place of your guide’s choice – we can’t tell you where, but we are certain you’ll LOVE it.
After an amazing day, you will arrive back in London at 8:15pm where you will make your own way back to your hotel.
Monday 9th September 2024
Train from London to York
Train from London to York
On your final morning in London, you will say farewell to this incredible city as you board the train to York, the journey will take around 1 hour, 50m.
Welcome to York
Welcome to York
No other city in northern England says 'medieval' quite like York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth that has lost little of its pre-industrial lustre. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of narrow streets. At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained heir to that heritage.
Principal York for 2 nights
Principal York for 2 nights
Slap-bang next to the station – hop off the train and into the hotel through the rear (originally main) entrance all under cover – it means you can drop your bags and be admiring the Minster within 15 minutes of hitting the platform. The city’s medieval walls and National Railway Museum are even closer – less than five minutes – while most other attractions plus all the central shops and eateries are 10 to 15 minutes. It’s close to things without being in the hubbub.
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 offer more than just a place to sleep.
Your room: Classic Room
These Classic double bedrooms are traditional rooms highlighting all the features and characteristics of the hotel dating back to 1878. From designers Goddard and Littlefair, the delicately designed touches and details will make your stay here super comfortable and enjoyable.
The rooms include a range of amenities, including a modern en-suite with toiletries, rainfall shower, free wifi, flat-screen TV, mini fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Tuesday 10th September 2024
Private Tour | Historical Walking Tour of York
Private Tour | Historical Walking Tour of York
Get a comprehensive tour of York combined with personalized attention on this private excursion. Your dedicated guide will tailor the tour's stops and commentary to your private group's interests. Learn all about York's history, culture, architecture, and people as you walk.
On the tour, you will take you to see the major sights of the city, including York Minster, the King's Manor, St Mary's Abbey, the city walls, the Shambles, the Merchant Adventurers Hall and Clifford's Tower. You will hear the history of Kings and Queens, battles and massacres, saints and sinners, and all the things that make this city one of the most fascinating in England. Your guide is an experienced historian with local knowledge who prides themselves on being able to answer any question you throw at them (as long as it's about York!)
- Private tour for just you and your party
- Guide provides commentary tailored to your interests
- Hotel pickup at central properties
- Comprehensive tour of York highlights
Things to do | York
Things to do | York
York is a city that marries history with contemporary elegance like few others in the UK. One of the most beloved places for tourists to visit in the UK, as well as to live, there's a good reason people flock to York in huge numbers. A cultural hub since Roman times, this is something that continues through to modern-day life and there’s plenty here for the inquisitive visitor to get totally lost in. From the majestic York Minster cathedral to the surrounding streets of quirky tea shops, sumptuous restaurants, buzzing bars and a variety of museums.
York Minster
Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.
The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass.
Marvel at the Great East Window, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, take a guided tour filled with stories from the building’s 800-year history or visit the Undercroft Museum to explore the remains of a Roman barracks and the cathedral’s links to Viking York. Climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower for panoramic views of the city or take a Hidden Minster Tour to discover spaces normally closed to public access.
Goddards – National Trust
Visit the gardens of the former home of the Terry family, part of York’s chocolate heritage.
Discover the five-acre garden with herbaceous borders, fragrant garden and sunny terrace overlooking the lawns and formal pond. With a rock garden and wildlife pond, glasshouse, and small kitchen garden, it’s not hard to imagine building a home here for a growing family. The factory clock can be seen across the racecourse from the paddock orchard, one of a series of garden rooms, hidden away on the edge of the city. Family life and factory life were in some ways never far apart, in other ways, miles apart.
Drinks and light refreshments can be taken away and there are plenty of seat dotted around to have a moment. Otherwise bring a picnic, pick your spot, and relax on one of the lawns.
Clifford's Tower
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining building of York Castle, northern England’s greatest medieval royal fortress. With a spectacular new update for 2022 including a dramatic roofdeck, internal walkways and soundscape interpretation – the fascinating story of Clifford's Tower will finally be told. The tower offers unrivalled views over the ancient city whilst the new interpretation makes the tower’s history and the interior more accessible than they’ve been for centuries, bringing its dramatic and sometimes tragic story to life as never before.
Standing as a proud symbol of the power of England's medieval kings; the tower was originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north, it was twice burned to the ground, before being rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. The tower takes its name from one grisly incident in its long history, when Roger de Clifford was executed for treason against Edward II and hanged in chains from the tower walls. With sweeping panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside, it isn't hard to see why Clifford's Tower played such a crucial role in the control of northern England.
Wednesday 11th September 2024
Train from York to Edinburgh
Train from York to Edinburgh
On your final morning in York, you will make your way to York Train Station and board the train to Edinburgh.
Once again your journey will take around 2 hours 31 minutes, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, we recommend taking local taxi transport to your hotel to ensure the most seamless experience.
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.
Thursday 12th September 2024
Half-Day Private Walking Tour | Edinburgh Highlights
Half-Day Private Walking Tour | Edinburgh Highlights
Your guide will explore the ancient burgh of Edinburgh with you. It is a tour designed for the more discerning wanderer, taking you from the early 11th century, to the time of the founding of Holyrood Abbey in 1128 and St. Giles Kirk in 1130, and then onward. Your guide will illustrate how Edinburgh followed the usual pre-requisites for a medieval city, boasting a Castle, Burgh and Abbey. And then how it progressively encapsulated the ensuing centuries of turmoil in this eclectic array of timber-framed houses, monuments and markers to the good, the bad and downright ugly.
Saunter by churches, pubs, museums, gardens, shops and more! The topsy-turvy nature of the Royal Mile & Old Town is simply NOT to be missed in its exciting and chaotic array. Learn about the real-life character who inspired “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”, stop by the congenially quaint coffee-house which once served as a retreat for many a budding-writer, most notably J. K. Rowling, who enjoyed astonishing success with the Harry Potter series, and Alexander McCall Smith. Then see and visit the High Kirk of St. Giles, now widely known as St. Giles Cathedral (and find out who was responsible for its name-change). Meander down the Castlehill and Lawnmarket, observe the change in street levels from the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket, the High Street of the Royal Mile, and see the ogeedomed turrets and elegant chimneys of Edinburgh’s school for “Fatherless Bairns”.
Finally, the verdant expanse of Princes Street Gardens delineating the separation of Old & New Towns and its wonderfully varied selection of attractions. Find out what life was really like in the Medieval Old Town, from the roofed red-clay pantiles of John Knox’s House to the chapel where the Knights of the Order of the Thistle undergo their investiture ceremonies. Step back in time, in the company of writers, philosophers, body-snatchers, witches (and a faithful Skye terrier as well) and let your guide “make history come alive!”
Saturday 14th September 2024
Car Hire | Edinburgh
Car Hire | Edinburgh
Pick up your car from Edinburgh's Waverly Station ready for your Scottish adventure.
Enjoy a Nissan Duke or similar for the duration of your trip. Pick up the car with a full tank and just ensure that it has a full tank at drop off when you get to the airport.
Inclusions
- Airport service charge
- Unlimited mileage
- Stay safe initiative
- Other taxes and service charges
- Collision damage waiver
- Supplementary liability insurance
- Theft protection
- Fuel Information
- Vat Cancellation fee
*Please note that $75 will be due at the time of pick-up
Drive from Edinburgh To Glencoe
Drive from Edinburgh To Glencoe
Embark on the first leg of your Scottish adventure to Glencoe.
You'll break up the journey by stopping in Aberfoyle for a ziplining adventure through the trees.
Take the M9 out of Edinburgh and you'll be there in around an hour and 30 minutes.
From there, the journey to Glecoe will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the A82.
The Glencoe Inn for 1 night
The Glencoe Inn for 1 nights
The stunning five-star accommodation at The Glencoe Inn is sheltered among picturesque Scottish lochs and Munros and is a natural meeting point and welcome resting place near the West Highland Way.
Providing a welcoming environment, with spacious Lounge and Bar areas the hotel is complemented with cosy soft furnishings, log fires and views towards Loch Leven and the surrounding mountains, offering a perfect hotspot to relax after a day of adventure.
Come together to enjoy classic favourites at The Glencoe Gathering restaurant. A sociable spot for post-activity meetups and local flavours, passing an hour or two over great food or spending the night in the still of the Highlands. Open daily from 12pm – 8pm.
Your room: Deluxe Loch View
Step into your warm and welcoming room to witness the stunning views of Loch Leven. Décor is inspired by the glen, infused with Scottish heritage while the modern bathrooms feature a rain shower with Scottish toiletries and amenities to ensure you have a comfortable night.
Sunday 15th September 2024
Drive from Glencoe to the Inverness
Drive from Glencoe to the Inverness
Today you'll drive from Glencoe to the Inverness via the A82.
Enjoy the stunning scenery around Loch Alsh, Loch Cluanie, and Loch Ness en route
Why not stop by one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle?
There are also lots of viewpoints on the way such as
- Waterfall River Shiel
- Ruinen eines alten Aussiedlerhofs
- Loch Cluanie Viewpoint
Castle View Guest House for 3 nights
Castle View Guest House for 3 nights
Welcome to Castle View, perfectly located in the heart of Inverness with breathtaking views of the Castle across the river. Welcoming you to the highlands and providing you with a comfortable and relaxing break. Castle View guest house is located in a vibrant, central location directly opposite the Inverness Castle on the banks of the River Ness.
Castle View Guest House is located in a vibrant, cosmopolitan, yet quiet location directly opposite Inverness Castle on the banks of the River Ness.
In an ideal central location the recently upgraded 19th Century Victorian Guest House is a perfect base for exploring the stunning Scottish Highland scenery, whisky trails and distilleries.
Your room: Urquhart. King bed
Your Urquhart room is a lovely bright room with panoramic views directly overlooking the stunning Inverness Castle and River Ness. Sleep well in your King-size bed and enjoy all the amenities you need for a wonderful stay as well as a bath with shower above.
Monday 16th September 2024
The Complete Loch Ness Experience
The Complete Loch Ness Experience
Your ultimate Loch Ness adventure. Travel the full length of the loch, explore wonderful waterfalls, and visit cozy villages.
No one can resist the mythical Loch Ness: its beauty evokes a sense of wonder, while its monstrous depths are legendary.
And on this tour, you explore all of it. You can enjoy incredible views from a cruise, learn about the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and experience the less frequented south roads of the loch.
Even if the monster doesn't show up, we can assure you that your guide will bring this loch to life with intriguing tales and history.
Tuesday 17th September 2024
Recommended Day Trip | Isle Of Skye
Recommended Day Trip | Isle Of Skye
A self-guided day trip from Inverness to the Isle of Skye is an ambitious but rewarding adventure, given the distance but I know it was on your bucket list to enjoy. Here's a suggested itinerary for you to enjoy:
Early Morning: Depart Inverness
Start your journey early in the morning to make the most of your day on Skye. The drive itself is a scenic experience, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
Late Morning: Eilean Donan Castle
Before reaching Skye, consider a stop at Eilean Donan Castle. It's one of Scotland's most iconic castles and is situated near the village of Dornie. Take a tour or simply explore the castle and its surroundings.
Lunch: Kyle of Lochalsh
Just before crossing the bridge to Skye, stop in the town of Kyle of Lochalsh for lunch. There are various cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Afternoon: Isle of Skye
Once you're on Skye, prioritize the following sights:
Old Man of Storr
A striking rock formation that's one of Skye's most famous landmarks. The hike to the viewpoint is about 45 minutes to an hour but offers incredible views.
Portree
The island's main town, Portree, is charming with its colorful buildings and harbor. Take a stroll, enjoy some local shops, and perhaps have a cup of coffee.
Fairy Pools
Located in Glen Brittle, the Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. It's a scenic spot for a short walk and some great photo opportunities.
Dunvegan Castle
If time allows, visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It's the seat of the MacLeod clan and has beautiful gardens.
Evening: Sunset at Neist Point
Neist Point Lighthouse is located on the westernmost tip of Skye and is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sunsets. It's a bit of a drive, but the views are well worth it.
Late Evening: Return to Inverness
Begin your journey back to Inverness, keeping in mind the driving time and potential stops for dinner on the way.
Tips:
– Plan your route in advance and check the weather forecast.
– Consider downloading offline maps or using a GPS device.
– Keep an eye on the time to ensure you have enough for each stop.
– Remember, this itinerary is quite packed for a day trip, so be flexible and prioritize based on your interests and available time.
Wednesday 18th September 2024
Drive from Inverness to Pitlochry
Drive from Inverness to Pitlochry
It's time to say goodbye to Inverness and the Loch Ness Monster.
Today you'll drive through the Cairngorms National Park for one last stop on this amazing Scottish adventure. Tonight you'll spend the night in the small Scottish town of Pitlochry – home to the stunning Tay Forest Park.
Take the A9, for around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Knockendarroch Hotel for 1 night
Knockendarroch Hotel for 1 nights
This warm and welcoming hotel offers contemporary country house style in a quiet elevated position in central Pitlochry. Most of their 18 bedrooms benefit from stunning panoramic views of Pitlochry and the surrounding hills of Highland Perthshire.
Roaring log fires help to make their guest lounge a wonderfully relaxing space to enjoy drinks and canapés before taking dinner in our highly regarded restaurant. At Knockendarroch they pride themselves on our carefully constructed blend of excellent food, comfortable rooms, wonderful views and friendly service.
Your room: Classic Double
Elegant and tranquil, the Classic Double Rooms at Knockendarroch are individually styled, each with their own features, views and original art on the walls. They have a rolling program of upgrades to bathrooms, bedroom decor, furniture and soft furnishings to ensure that the hotel remains fresh and up to the high standards that our guests expect.
Thursday 19th September 2024
Drive from Pitlochry to Edinburgh Airport
Drive from Pitlochry to Edinburgh Airport
It's time to say goodbye to stunning Scotland and head back to Edinburgh for your flight home.
The journey will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes via A9 and M90.
Flight on DL 123
Flight on DL 123
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh Airport (EDI) |
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 19-Sep-2024 10:35:00 | 19-Sep-2024 12:50:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Delta | Economy |
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- Direct international flights
- Checked luggage included
- Private transfer from Heathrow to the Clermont
- 3 nights at the Clermont, London
- Classic room, with breakfast
- 2-Hour Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour
- Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place | Small Group Day Trip
- Train between London and York
- 2 nights at Principal York
- Classic Room, with breakfast
- Private Historical Walking Tour of York
- Train from York to Edinburgh
- 3 nights at Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
- Essential Room, with breakfast
- Half-Day Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh
- Car hire from Edinburgh
- Nissan Duke or similar
- Zipline Experience | Aberfoyle
- 1 night at the Glencoe Inn
- Deluxe Loch View, with breakfast
- 3 nights at the Castle View Guest House
- Urquhart. Room, with breakfast
- The Complete Loch Ness Experience
- 1 night at the Knockendarroch Hotel
- Classic Double Room, breakfast included
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- Transfers to/from train stations
- Any excursions not listed
- 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.