About your itinerary
?
Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Thank you for our chat yesterday finalizing your itinerary for this fabulous trip together – as promised, I have removed your flight prices, as well as the train back to London and the one night stay at the Marriott.
After looking back through the flights, I found a departing flight out of Edinburgh for 11:45AM to Charlotte, with a layover in Heathrow. This is a more expensive option, but could give you guys a little bit more time in bed! I have added this for your reference, but have removed all pricing.
Following our chat, I also switched round your hotel stay in Edinburgh to the charming Apex Waterloo Place, which offers a more cosy affair in cost & space, but still a great spot to be in during your stay in the city.
We are now looking at a total of around $6.5K per person so I hope that this works perfectly for you, and I cannot wait to get everything finalised for you on Monday. Excited to work with you all!
Best travels,
Maria Gardner 
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.
Wednesday 3rd July 2024
Flight on AA 730
Flight on AA 730
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) |
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 03-Jul-2024 18:30:00 | 04-Jul-2024 07:30:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| American Airlines | Business |
Thursday 4th July 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.
Time Travel
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.
Art & Culture
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.
Diversity
This city is deeply multicultural, with one in three Londoners foreign-born, representing 270 nationalities and 300 tongues. The UK may have voted for Brexit (although the majority of Londoners didn't), but for now London remains one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, and diversity infuses daily life, food, music and fashion. It even penetrates intrinsically British institutions; the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum have collections as varied as they are magnificent, while the flavours at centuries-old Borough Market run the full global gourmet spectrum.
A Tale of Two Cities
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 Treehouse Hotel
Private Vehicle from London Heathrow Airport to Treehouse Hotel
Upon your arrival in London Heathrow's International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our fabulous representatives who will invite you into your Private Transfer and drive you into the heart of London, where you will be staying at the lovely Treehouse Hotel for the next 5 nights.
Treehouse Hotel for 5 nights
Treehouse Hotel for 5 nights
Make yourself at home in Treehouse London's welcoming guest rooms and suites, perched high in the city skyline. Cosy, welcoming and colourful, just like your childhood clubhouse.
The hotel takes up the top five floors of an uninspiring 1960s office block. But ignore the exterior: inside is stylish, whimsical and fun, with epic city views.
Located on Langham Place, right oppose the BBC’s relatively new Broadcasting House, Treehouse Hotel is just a few blocks north of Oxford Circus. Perfectly located for shopping (Bond Street and a number of London’s best department stores, including Liberty and Selfridges) are nearby, as well as dining and going out – Fitzrovia, Soho and Bloomsbury are all a short stroll away.
Your room: Lookout King
2 x Lookout King Rooms
Perch above the city in your Lookout King guestroom, with architectural views of Marylebone and the historic John Nash designed All Souls Church. With your plush king-sized bed and lovely ensuite bathroom, this stay makes a special one.
Treehouse Hotel for 5 nights
Treehouse Hotel for 5 nights
Make yourself at home in Treehouse London's welcoming guest rooms and suites, perched high in the city skyline. Cosy, welcoming and colourful, just like your childhood clubhouse.
The hotel takes up the top five floors of an uninspiring 1960s office block. But ignore the exterior: inside is stylish, whimsical and fun, with epic city views.
Located on Langham Place, right oppose the BBC’s relatively new Broadcasting House, Treehouse Hotel is just a few blocks north of Oxford Circus. Perfectly located for shopping (Bond Street and a number of London’s best department stores, including Liberty and Selfridges) are nearby, as well as dining and going out – Fitzrovia, Soho and Bloomsbury are all a short stroll away.
Your room: Lookout Twin
2 x Lookout Twin Rooms
Perch above the city in your Lookout Twin guestroom, with sweeping city views including landmarks such as the BT Tower, 20 Fenchurch (aka the “Walkie Talkie Building”), and The Shard.
Best Bites in London
Best Bites in London
You can’t get bored of eating out in London. This city’s restaurant scene is a rich tapestry of different cuisines and flavours. From the family-run neighbourhood Thai joint that’s been around for years to the Michelin-starred grandee where you can sit at a counter and watch genius chefs at work, London’s restaurants are diverse, creative and always exciting.
Chishuru
Restaurants specialising in modern West African food aren’t exactly ten a penny in London. Neither are restaurants as good as Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare’s Chishuru. The Nigerian-born chef-owner won the Brixton Kitchen competition in 2019 and opened her first restaurant in 2020. Chishuru is a stunning introduction to the richly complex cuisine of Bakare’s West African heritage. Dishes like mimri oku (spicy broth) and kekefia (hake) with plantain fondant transport your tastebuds to exciting new places. You’ll think about the textures and flavours long after you’ve finished eating. The set-menu format (£28 per person for lunch and £45 for dinner) means you get a tour of the ingredients and spices of Bakare’s native country, while her sheer talent and charismatic service will steal your heart. Right now, there’s no other restaurant in London quite like Chishuru.
Manteca
David Carter and Chris Leach’s long-underrated, itinerant Anglo-Italian went permanent in Shoreditch at the end of 2021. The excellent menu skews both refined and rugged: what person wouldn’t want to follow brown crab cacio e pepe with a stuffed pig’s snout?
Singburi
You can’t order badly at Singburi, the excellent, cash-only Thai place in Leytonstone. Over the years, chef Sirichai Kularbwong has, rightfully, developed a loyal following. The standard menu of noodles and curries is hot, but the blackboard specials are where the real treasures lie.
Bibi
A swooning modern Indian, wrangling British produce into high-concept takes on subcontinental classics. Chef Chet Sharma is both a wicked cook and a trained physicist: disciplines he combines in niftily presented dishes like the outrageous house riff on a yoghurty Lahore chicken.
Sessions Arts Club
This fancy ex-courthouse turned cod-Palladian villa is one of London’s most attractive restaurants. But there are trousers as well as (artfully distressed) shirts here. Florence Knight’s simple, ingredient-led menu eats as poetically as it reads: mammole artichoke and lemon, say, or a single crab croquette.
Sambal Shiok
Malaysian chef-owner Mandy Yin’s Sambal Shiok was the winner of our Love Local award for north London’s ‘most loved restaurant’. Quite worthily, given the brilliance of the scalp-sweating, ‘campur’-style (mixed) broths at this kick-ass Islington laksa bar.
Noble Rot
Noble Rot is a premium restaurant and wine bar located on Bloomsbury’s Lamb’s Conduit Street and Soho. This Parisienne-inspired establishment, which opened in 2015 and quickly became a favourite with Londoners, is comfortable and ageless in its old-school appeal.
Galvin Bar and Grill
You will no doubt have heard of the Galvin brothers by reputation – be it their Michelin-starred Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields or maybe you revelled in their French-inflected cookery at Middle Over Wallop at Glyndebourne? Either way, it will no doubt delight readers to discover that brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin alongside head chef Adam Gray have taken over the restaurant at the Kimpton Fitzroy and that epic dining room held up by cherub-topped columns. While rooted in British cooking, the menu will not be wedded to traditional dishes, instead, drawing on other cultures to reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Everything from a glazed Dorset lobster omelette to a turbot T-bone with aromatic fennel and potato terrine will be served.
Friday 5th July 2024
Full Day Tour of London Highlights | Private
Full Day Tour of London Highlights | Private
Today is about hitting all the highlights of London. After breakfast, make your way to your meeting point where you will meet your guide for an amazing day out.
Stroll past monument after monument for the best photos and views of this stunning city. Don’t just wander through a town so full of stories from gigantically important historical moments, follow your guide to hear about world-changing events and little local anecdotes that even many Londoners never knew. Be the envy of all other tourists as your guide ensures you have the best spot to view the Changing of the Guard, skip-the-line tickets to the Tower of London and a river cruise all included in the tour.
Uncover the stories of legendary figures in British History from Nelson’s victories over Napolean in his iconic Trafalgar square, to Churchill’s defiance of the Nazi as you passed his wartime bunker and the house of the Prime minister. See the center of British Politics at Westminster and follow in the footsteps of royals past and present at the place many are married and all are crowned. March alongside the world-famous queen’s guard and their big band, dressed in their bright red tunics, witnessing the changing of the guard.
See the home of the queen before jumping on a river cruise and passing all of London’s landmarks in style as your boat takes you to the infamous dungeon, prison, and castle of the Tower of London. Your guide will escort you to the entrance where you will enjoy skip-the-line access to the tower.
Join the Yeomen Warders, aka Beefeaters, for a tour inside the tower. These Royal guards know the tower like the back of their hand and are still to this day the only ones authorized to guide inside. See the crown jewels, learn about the mysterious ravens that guard the tower, uncover stories of execution betrayal, and rebellion in this real medieval fortress. All in one day!
**I have an update on this one. Big Ben Tours have now been changed since I last sent clients on a tour here, unfortunately this is now only for UK Residents only. Also Buckingham Palace the King will be home during your dates in London, so sorry about that! But you will of course have a chance to pass by in person.
Sunday 7th July 2024
Maria's Top London Suggestions for Families
Maria's Top London Suggestions for Families
There is so much on offer in London, from amazing museums and art galleries, to more interactive experiences, and as a family travelling there is so much choice to choose from! This is not an exhaustive list but gives some food for thought to check out during your time in London altogether.
London Dungeon
This walk-through experience recreates scenes from some London’s scary and sinister history. Learn about the Great Fire of 1666, discover Henry VIII’s victims as you ride through Traitors’ Gate and the see (and smell!) what it was like to live in London during the plague.
Camden Market
Camden is a great neighbourhood to shop and explore, full of colour and life. One of the best places to go is Camden Market, located next to Regent’s Canal. Home to over 1,000 places to shop, eat and drink you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and jewellery to vinyl records and photography. The food options are fantastic too with street eats from around the world.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios Tour
Harry Potter-loving travellers should wizard themselves to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to experience the Making of Harry Potter. Step onto iconic sets such as the Great Hall, see props from the films, take a close-up look at costumes and discover how the special and visual effects teams made Harry and his wizarding pals fly.
Climb the O2 Arena, Greenwich
The O2 Arena in London’s Greenwich Pensinula in southeast London is a multi-purpose arena where concerts, sporting events and theatre is held. For something a little different, however, you can take a walk across the roof of the arena. Various walks are offered including a daytime climb, a sunset climb or a twilight climb, and every one allows visitors to walk across the dome and see some of the best views of London while you do it!
Madame Tussauds
Unbelievably Madame Tussaud’s first opened in 1835 (yes, really!) and the museum has been leaving visitors star-struck ever since. Hundreds of lifelike models from the worlds of music, fashion, politics, history, movies, sports, royalty and fiction now fill the museum’s halls including personalities such as Harry Styles, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Madonna and her Royal Majesty the Queen
Monday 8th July 2024
Complimentary Balloon Museum Tickets
Complimentary Balloon Museum Tickets
As a thank you for booking this amazing trip with me here at Out Of Office (massive compliments to George of course), I am delighted to have added in your tickets for the Balloon Museum compliments of myself.
The Balloon Museum is a format created by a curatorial team that designs and realizes contemporary art exhibitions with specific works in which ‘air’ is a distinctive element. A journey through out-of-scale installations with unexpected shapes in which the interaction with viewers is placed at the center of the experience.
Art one can touch, to live with and share, never static that creates an innovative relationship with the user, giving life to an experiential path of socialization. This unconventional approach to culture is fascinating and intriguing to adults and children, as they are passionate and curious, and are helping to establish Inflatable Art as one of the most acclaimed ‘Pop’ movements in the world.
Tuesday 9th July 2024
Train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley
Train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley
After a stunning five nights in London, you will be ready for an speedy train journey up to Edinburgh for four nights. Make your own way to London Kings Cross and board your high speed train to the capital of Scotland. The journey takes approx 4.5hrs and I have upgraded you all to First Class for extra comfort.
Proposed Train Times
Departs: 10:30AM, London Kings Cross
Arrives: 3:09PM, Edinburgh (Waverley)
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel for 4 nights
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel for 4 nights
Just around the corner from Calton Hill, this 4-star Georgian hotel epitomizes luxury living in the heart of Edinburgh. Find yourself stunned in the grand entranceway where the traditional features of the building are complemented perfectly by our modern fittings and super stylish touch.
Its central location, lively restaurant, Elliot’s, and relaxing Yu Spa leisure facilities make this the perfect Edinburgh hotel to wine, dine, stay, and explore on your next city break, shopping trip or romantic getaway.
Your room: Classic City Room
2 x City Rooms
Your chic City Room may be scaled down in size, but everything else is just as grand. With sustainable Scandi-style interiors, your space suits everyone who loves a place to stop inbetween exploring the city.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel for 4 nights
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel for 4 nights
Just around the corner from Calton Hill, this 4-star Georgian hotel epitomizes luxury living in the heart of Edinburgh. Find yourself stunned in the grand entranceway where the traditional features of the building are complemented perfectly by our modern fittings and super stylish touch.
Its central location, lively restaurant, Elliot’s, and relaxing Yu Spa leisure facilities make this the perfect Edinburgh hotel to wine, dine, stay, and explore on your next city break, shopping trip or romantic getaway.
Your room: Classic City Twin Room
2 x City Twin Rooms
Your chic City Twin Room may be scaled down in size, but everything else is just as grand. With sustainable Scandi-style interiors, your space suits everyone who loves a place to stop inbetween exploring the city.
Alternative Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square
Alternative Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square
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.
For a stay at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, there would be an amount of $655.00 per person. You would also be within 15 mins walking distance from your Scottish Whisky Experience, similar to the APEX.
Edinburgh Discoveries | Best Bits
Edinburgh Discoveries | Best Bits
Many travellers who visit Edinburgh fall in love with this city. It’s one of those places that has so much going on, so many places to see, a huge swash of history, epic bars and some incredible things to do in Edinburgh. It really is a great place to visit and one that offers so much to do, I have put together a list of the best things to experience whilst in Edinburgh for inspiration over your four-night stay.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat was (and still is) one of the best places for views over Edinburgh and its surrounding areas. Interestingly, Arthur’s Seat actually forms the largest part of the massive (extinct) volcano that once stood in Edinburgh (with the other parts being Castle Rock and Calton Hill). Thankfully, the Volcano has since long gone but the impressive mound still exists. The hike up will take around 30-minutes (or less) and is relatively easy. Just make sure to take a coat on windy days, it can get quite blustery.
Find Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is perched on the Firth of Forth and dates way back to the 15th Century (when Edinburgh was a very different place). The castle itself is about 35 minutes from the centre of the city, so make sure you plan your day ahead and try to miss those rush-hour times (about 4-6 pm). Once you’re here, make sure you climb the towers for some pretty impressive views across the region.
Stroll through the Old Town
The Old Town of Edinburgh is exactly as it sounds. The old part of town! Quite different from the New Town (around George Street) you can expect lots of cobbled streets, historic houses and picturesque little squares. Make sure to stroll down Victoria Street (from the Royal Mile down to Grass Market) and visit some of the local boutiques and tasty restaurants. My personal favourite is the Witchery (just on the Royal Mile) which creates some of the best meals from local Scottish ingredients. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the statue of Greyfriars Bobby (that sits on the corner of Candlemaker’s Row and George IV Bridge) that lived in the 19th Century.
It’s said that the little terrier guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years. It really is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh if you want to explore some local history. The whole old town looks like something from Harry Potter and just can’t be missed.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
The castle is easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh and possibly one of the most famous castles in Scotland. Sitting on top of that extinct volcano (I mentioned with Arthur’s Seat), Edinburgh Castle is an impressive sight to see at any time of the year.
Explore the Georgian House Museum
The Georgian House Museum is a reconstruction of how Edinburgh’s wealthy lived during the 18th and early 19th centuries in the new part of town. Housing collections of furniture from that period; you can see porcelain, silver, and art do not forget to look above at the chandeliers which will give you a glimpse of how affluent residents of Edinburgh once lived.
See the Palace of Holyrood
Holyrood Palace is the official home to the Queen whilst in Scotland and her palace of choice when visiting Edinburgh. Perched just across from the Scottish Parliament, it’s a great place to explore and see a little slice of royal life whilst in the city.
Day-Trip Suggestions
If you want to spend your day exploring the wonders of the breathtaking Scottish countryside, let me know and I can add this in for you! The beautiful Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond and even Balmoral awaits you.
Wednesday 10th July 2024
Taste of Scotland | The Scottish Whisky Experience
Taste of Scotland | The Scottish Whisky Experience
After a day of leisure and enjoying the city centre, this evening the four of you will be ready for a stunning 90-minute experience tasting and indulging in the most gorgeous whisky from Scotland.
Make your own way to the world's largest collection of Scotch Whisky, where you will meet your expert guide ready for a gorgeous evening experience.
Described as a whisky lover's dream, embark on a sensory journey on this tour offering a full guided tour of the distillery, as well as an introduction to art blending, all whilst tasting four single malts and one deluxe blended Scotch to match the experience.
Throughout your tasting, you will also have the chance to pair one of the whisky's with chocolate as well as receive a gift bag including a crystal whisky tasting glass and a distillery map to take back with you.
After this awesome tour, you can opt to have dinner at the contemporary AMBER Restaurant, with seasonal dishes paired with the perfect dram, and loving prepared by Amber's very own chefs throughout.
Thursday 11th July 2024
Scottish Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train | Private
Scottish Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train | Private
This morning, you will be ready to escape the city for the day to the incredible Scottish Highlands. Your guide & driver will greet you at your hotel, ready for a fantastic day out.
Your first stop is the charming Highland village of Pitlochry where there’s time for coffee and a snack from one of the local cafés (own expense) and a stroll through town.
Next up is Glenfinnan where you get your first glimpse of the soaring Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel, both recognisable from the Harry Potter movies.
Upon arrival in Mallaig, there’s time to try the local speciality, fish and chips (own cost), before boarding the Jacobite steam train, which takes you on a journey through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! To ensure extra comfort, relax and indulge in First Class during your journey (subject to availability upon booking). Your passionate guide will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland.
After an incredible journey on this amazing train, you will be collected on the other side and driven back towards Edinburgh, where you will have the chance to make a short stop at Glencoe, a place of haunting beauty, before being dropped back to your hotel.
Saturday 13th July 2024
Private Vehicle from Apex Waterloo Place Hotel to London Kings Cross
Private Vehicle from Apex Waterloo Place Hotel to London Kings Cross
After a stunning few nights in Edinburgh, you will be greeted early by your friendly driver and escorted to the Airport, ready for your return journey home.
Flight on BA 1443
Flight on BA 1443
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh Airport (EDI) |
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 13-Jul-2024 11:45:00 | 13-Jul-2024 13:10:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Aer Lingus | Economy |
Flight on AA 735
Flight on AA 735
| From | To |
|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport (LHR) |
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 13-Jul-2024 15:15:00 | 13-Jul-2024 18:55:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| American Airlines | Business |
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- Private Transfers to/from Airports
- 4/5* Accommodation as listed
- 2 x Doubles & 2 x Twin Rooms
- All breakfasts included
- Private Tours as listed
- Hotel Pick-up for Scottish Highlands Tour
- Complimentary Balloon Museum Tickets
- First Class Train from London to Edinburgh
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- International flights
- Private Transfers to/from Train Stations
- Hotel Pick-up for London Tour & Scottish Whisky Experience
- Lunches & Dinners
- 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.