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British Royale with the Royal Scotsman

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 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
Edinburgh
16 Day British Royale with the Royal Scotsman Itinerary (Luxury Gold)
Countries Explored: England, Scotland
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
G260

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Luxury Gold's 16 Day British Royale with the Royal Scotsman. Experience Great Britain in all its glory as you join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London for a Ceremony of the Keys—a time old tradition carried out for 700-years. Journey from Viking York to Castle Howard for High Tea in the grand surrounds of the Grecian Hall, followed by a private tour of the castle after it closes. In Scotland, explore the Real Mary King’s Close beneath Edinburgh or choose instead to visit a whisky distillery and try a wee dram of Scottish firewater. Board the world...read more famous Royal Scotsman steam train for a first class adventure through the Scottish Highlands. Then to the breathtaking beauty of Ballindalloch Castle and the exclusive country pursuits of the Rothiemurchus Estate and Glamis Castle—the childhood home of the Queen Mother.

Itinerary

Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant. (D) Stay: The Rubens at the Palace, London.

Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Enter bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you're treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys. (B)

At mysterious Stonehenge, stand in awe of Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you've stepped into a classic English novel. (B) Stay: Francis Hotel, Bath.

Personalise your day in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain's only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant. (B/L)

Travel through the charmed villages of the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past. (B) Stay: The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.

Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house. (B/L)

Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, with time to explore the charming town of Grasmere. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere. (B/D) Stay: Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake District

Discover majestic Alnwick Castle's magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colours of Scotland's regiments. (B) Stay: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

Explore the grounds of Edinburgh's “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. A meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day, accompanied by music from a former bagpiper to the Royals. (B/D)

Today is yours to explore Edinburgh at leisure. Perhaps choose to stroll through the medieval Old Town or explore the elegant New Town with its neoclassical buildings. Please note your free time in Edinburgh and the train portion of this journey is not accompanied by a Traveling Concierge. (B)

With another day at leisure perhaps take some try to try some Scottish delicacies such as Haggis, or perhaps walk up to Arthur's Seat for panoramic views over the city. (B)

Board the Royal Scotsman for an unforgettable journey to the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Cross the Firth of Firth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Designed in the late 1880s, this is one of the oldest cantilever bridges to be built and is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arboath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith. This evening, relax over an informal dinner. (B/AT/D) Stay: The Royal Scotsman.

Travel west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness. Lunch is served as you head towards the Kyle of Lochalsh on the most scenic railway route in the UK. Alight in the picturesque fishing village of Plockton where you are invited on a boat trip to see a colony of wild seals. This afternoon, enjoy a dram or two at the Plockton Hotel. Return to the Kyle of Lochalsh for your overnight stay. This evening, savour a delicious formal dinner. (B/L/D)

Marvel at the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Take a walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Or take a short drive to see the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle. Re-join the train in Inverness for lunch and next disembark in Carrbridge to explore the romantic Ballindalloch Castle. This evening enjoy dinner on board, followed by a performance by local musicians in the Observation Car. (B/D)

Visit the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Take a tour of Rothiemurchus Estate or enjoy one of the outdoor activities like clay pigeon shooting or fishing. In the afternoon enjoy refreshments in the hunting lodge before returning to the train for lunch. Disembark at Dunkeld. This evening, celebrate your epic Highlands adventure with a formal dinner entertainment. (B/D)

Bid farewell to your travel companions and continue your onward journey with transfers timed to meet your flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • London: Your passionate Local Expert will lead you from Westminster to Piccadilly Circus as they recount fascinating tales of London and its famous landmarks. Pass by the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square as you explore the English capital.
  • London: Step through history at Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial grounds of St James Park in the shadow of Buckingham Palace. Discover the secrets of a cavalryman's uniform in the Household Cavalry Museum before trying on the royal clothes yourself.
  • Stonehenge: Visit the mysterious circle of upright stones, the best known prehistoric site in Europe. Experience the lives led by Neolithic builders 3,500 years ago and admire the selection of archaeological treasures that have been unearthed in this place.
  • Bath: Be taken through the grand historic sights of Bath with a private orientation tour. See the majestic Royal Terrace, the inspiring architecture of Bath Abbey, and, the stately Pulteney Bridge, completed in 1774.
  • Bath: Join a Local Expert for an insightful tour revealing the town's history.
  • Cotswolds: Journey through the Cotswolds, one of the most quintessential and unspoiled regions of England, famous for gentle, rolling hillsides known as ‘wolds', green river valleys and historic market towns, where time has stood still for over 300 years.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Fans of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, will love exploring this vibrant town where he was born. This cultural centre still has many rows of attractive half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th century.
  • Ullswater: Enjoy a scenic cruise on one of England's most beautiful lakes.
  • Alnwick Castle: Join a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the 11th century castle, with its striking medieval architecture and see why it was featured in the Harry Potter films.
  • Edinburgh: A Local Expert guides you around magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched on a black basalt outcrop. Discover the site's 900-year history and take in the spectacular panoramic views over the city's most famous landmarks.
  • Edinburgh: Wander along Princes Street with your Local Expert, past the Gothic Sir Walter Scott Monument, and continue down the old-world Royal Mile to the gates of Holyrood Palace, the principal residence of Scottish royalty since the 16th century, and the Queen's official Edinburgh lodgings.
  • Edinburgh: In true Gaelic style, meet a fabulously entertaining bagpiper, playing pipes passed down since 1888. Hear fascinating tales from the time he played for the Queen Mother, to riotous nights at Edinburgh Castle.
  • Plockton: Take a boat trip on Loch Carron and see its iconic colony of wild seals. Bask in the magnificent views of the Applecross Mountains, followed by a leisurely woodland walk.
  • Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
  • London: You're invited to the Tower of London to experience the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world. At your special after-hours visit you'll get an inside look at the 700-year-old tradition that stood the tests of even the most tumultuous times.
  • York: Feeling like the star of a period drama, you'll enter the 18th century mansion for a private tour of the house.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Bath: Visit the historic Roman Baths, which draw from Britain's only natural mineral springs and gave the Georgian city its name. This remarkably preserved historic site was once a gathering spot for Romans to bathe and socialise over 2,000 years ago.
  • Bath: Visit the immersive Jane Austen Centre dedicated to the writer who lived here in the early 1800s and used the city as a setting for two of her novels. Learn about her life, her works and the Regency period from entertaining actors.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • York: Embark on a leisurely guided tour to the grand York Minster, an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
  • York: Get active and follow a Local Expert as you walk on the 13th century city walls and you soak up the spectacular views of River Ouse and the Old Town.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Edinburgh: Visit the 17th century Mary King's Close with a Local Expert, walk in the footsteps of former residents and unlock fascinating stories from Edinburgh's sometimes dark past.
  • Edinburgh: Try a wee dram of whisky as you embark on a tasting experience of this Scottish staple.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Isle of Skye: Go for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye.
  • Eilean Donan Castle: Take a short drive to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle.
  • Ballindalloch: Enjoy a private castle tour at Ballindaloch.
  • Carrbridge: Take an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Aviemore: Enjoy one of the outdoor activities at Rothiemurchus Estate like clay pigeon shooting or fishing
  • Aviemore: Join a tour of Rothiemurchus Estate.

  • You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

  • London: Dine in style at the lavish English Grill Restaurant, just across the road from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner prepared by executive chef Ben Kelliher using only the finest English produce and the same suppliers who serve the King's kitchen.
  • Bath: Experience an exquisite Michelin-starred lunch at the Olive Tree restaurant. A fresh, seasonal menu, curated by award-winning Head Chef Chris Cleghorn, offers classic flavours combined with modern techniques. Relax in the chic, yet informal atmosphere and enjoy the best of British cuisine.
  • York: Visit one of Britain's finest historic houses, Castle Howard. Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea in the Grecian Hall.
  • Edinburgh: Say farewell to Edinburgh with a final Celebration Dinner in the historic Scottish capital. Let your tastebuds be delighted with a delicious meal and raise a glass to the health of your companions and your unforgettable journey.
  • Muir of Ord: Visit Glen Ord, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and enjoy a tour as well as a private tasting and nosing session.

  • York: Housed in the iconic former headquarters of the prestigious North Eastern Railway Company, the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa places you minutes away from museums, shops and the River Ouse.
  • The Royal Scotsman combines Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house.

  • Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Alnwick: If you are travelling on a Founder's Collection departure, on Day 8 you will meet Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland as she personally welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved garden. You are also introduced to the Head Gardener, who will lead you past a labyrinth, the serpent garden and ornate fountains, as you listen to the fascinating story of how The Duchess restored this exquisite garden to its former 18th century glory over the last twenty years. Admire this masterpiece of passion and dedication, which remains a work in progress, before indulging in a seasonal lunch. This experience will be in addition to the existing itinerary.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

Worldwide

Luxury Gold Worldwide (2023-24)

Welcome to the new golden age of travel. Every journey has its highlights but very few can craft them like this. Our Journey Highlights promise a unique perspective on the bucket-list items or local insights that capture your heart. The New Golden Age of Travel means unforgettable experiences, daily.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Luxury Gold. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Luxury Gold. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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