Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in London
Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Covent Garden
Hotel: Strand Palace (4 Star Rating)
Nestled in the vibrant heart of London on one of the city's oldest and most distinguished streets, moments from landmarks like Trafalgar Square and the lively atmosphere of Covent Garden, Strand Palace has been a cornerstone of London's hospitality scene since 1909. Following a breath-taking contemporary renovation in 2019, our hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional British charm, providing guests with an ideal setting for both leisure and business. With exclusive amenities such as a private bar, restaurant, complimentary onsite gym, and a guest service center, Strand Palace is the trusted choice to be your preferred home away from home, with all of London's highlights right on your doorstep.
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Day 2: Full Day Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey & Dinner Cruise on the ThamesFirst experience of Westminster Abbey, one of the jewels in London’s crown and a must see for any visitor, is in the 14th century medieval under croft. Originally used by the Benedictine monks to store food and drink - the Cellarium is now a unique restaurant, and we pause here for refreshments.
Following your time enjoying complimentary coffee/tea and pastries, you will then enter the Abbey through the cloisters in Dean's yard. The cloister entrance offers priority access and aims to avoid the queues at the north door, which is the main entrance for visitors. This will be followed by an exclusive tour with your professional qualified guide.
An architectural masterpiece, Westminster Abbey presents a unique pageant of British history - the shrine of St Edward the confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. Your guide will help bring to life this remarkable building where 40 English and British coronations have taken place since 1066.
You will hear about the most recent coronation of Charles III that took place on the 6th May, 2023, the marriage of William and Kate - the Prince and Princess of Wales, and also stop briefly to pay our respect and celebrate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II whose state funeral also took place at the Abbey.For a unique celebration or date night idea, look no further than a Thames dinner cruise with City Cruises. With delectable food and drink, live entertainment and spectacular views, this is a fun and different way to dine in London.
You'll be greeted with a glass of fizz as you step aboard, then enjoy a three-course dinner as you glide through your London River cruise dinner experience, taking in the stunning landmarks on the banks of the Thames. As night falls, you'll be surrounded by the glittering lights of the capital. Then dance the night away as our live performer plays popular hits or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the open upper deck with someone special.
Day 3: Full Day Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath TourVisit the official residence of The King and home of the British monarchy for more than 900 years,
explore the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman Baths, and uncover the mystery
behind Stonehenge - the world's most famous Neolithic site.
Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the King. Visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
You also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.
Day 4: Half Day Afternoon Vintage London Bus Tour with Cream Tea at HarrodsTake your seat on the beautifully restored double-decker bus and marvel at all of London's highlights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London.
Boat trip on the River Thames: Enjoy spectacular views as you glide down the Thames. The river offers the best perspective of a number of top attractions and sights; view The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's, The Shard, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London from the comfort of your seat.
The boat is a modern catamaran offering climate-controlled indoor cabins with comfortable seating, outdoor back decks, toilets and on-board bars.
Harrods Cream Tea with a Glass of Sparkling wine: Cream Tea includes Home-baked scones, clotted cream, jam and tea or coffee plus a glass of Bubbly.
The Harrods Tea Rooms' quintessentially English cream tea stands amongst London's finest, and when enjoyed in such regal surroundings, is an experience to be savoured, remembered and repeated. Home-baked English scones served with clotted cream and Harrods exclusive preserves and this is accompanied by a glass of Prosecco and your choice of tea from Harrods own tea gardens. Relax and enjoy!
Tour ends at Harrods in Knightsbridge, leaving you the rest of the afternoon to explore the world's famous department store.
*On occasion the open top bus may be changed to a closed top bus.
Day 5: London to EdinburghTransfer: London - Covent Garden to London King's Cross Railway Station
Transfer: Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station to Edinburgh - City Centre
Hotel: Virgin Edinburgh (5 Star Rating)
Welcome to your Pad in the City. Virgin Edinburgh have put a new spin on Old Town charm. Take your pick from hotel's numerous drinking, dining and entertainment options. Then get your beauty sleep in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Make yourself at home. Put your feet up in our signature chambers and suites or drop off your bags and grab a well-deserved drink at one of our contemporary bars. The hotel got dining, drinking, dancing and so much more - all right outside your chamber door.
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Day 6: Full-Day Secrets of Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Food Walking TourBook this tour if you’d like…
- A unique journey round the sites, stories and secrets of the Old Town you might otherwise miss
- A tour led and loved by Mercat historians
- A wonderful introduction to Edinburgh, it’s past and people
- A guided visit to Edinburgh Castle
Our beautiful city is waiting for you…
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!
Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Take a journey through time with them, and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives.
Hang on your tour Storyteller’s every word, as they walk you through the crime and culture to the politics and everyday events, and show you the evidence that has survived to this day, throughout the Royal Mile.
Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.
The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its great ancient rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.
Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller, and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.Embark on a culinary adventure through Edinburgh's historic streets, savouring the city's diverse food and drink scene. This guided walking tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh, where you'll discover hidden gems and iconic establishments. As you stroll through the city's charming neighbourhoods, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Edinburgh's food heritage and culinary traditions.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sampling unique Scottish food: From Smoked Fish Chowder (Cullen Skink) to Scotch Eggs or Haggis.
2 local soft drinks
Savouring Edinburgh's vibrant modern food scene: Creative dishes by talented chefs using the
freshest and finest local ingredients.
Visiting characterful restaurants and pubs: From banking halls to wine cellars, each venue has its
charm and story.
Discovering the unexpected: Places and stories only locals know
Day 7: Full Day Small Group Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands TourReady to become a monster hunter? As we journey deep into the Scottish Highlands, you’ll hear legendary stories of the Jacobites as you’re bewildered by the beauty of Glencoe. This tour is packed with as much Scotland as we could fit in, but most of all, it gives you the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster.
Day 8: Depart from EdinburghTransfer: Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport
