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8 Day London & Edinburgh Signature
Highlights: London, Edinburgh
Trip start: London
Trip end: Edinburgh
Price Range from $0pp *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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Boasting four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; London really doesn't have to do much to draw its visitors as they tend to come of their own accord. As the largest urban population in the UK, the city has a wide sweep of amenities from public gardens, to shops, galleries, museums, theatres and more. Spending a number of days here is like a drop in the ocean - there is always so much more to see and do. But fear not, we have picked the top highlights in the city to give you a great in-depth introduction to what London is all about. Enjoy a private orientation of the city on arrival, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful roman city of Bath, and enjoy a day in the country visiting Blenheim Palace and the outstanding natural beauty of the Cotswold. With private transfers, a number of organized tour options, balanced with free time to explore, this Exclusive tour of London offers you the best way to experience all of what this great metropolis has to offer... comfortably! Take the First Class train to Edinburgh - a wonderful city from sights to shopping and culture to City Sightseeing. Upon arrival, you will be met with a private vehicle and taken to your central Edinburgh hotel. Enjoy a tour of the city centre by foot with your expert local guide on arrival. Stroll the Royal Mile, and walk past Edinburgh Castle. Your guide will show you all the sites. You will also visit the Highlands of Scotland and explore the prehistoric cairns to stately homes and castles, the Corrieshalloch Gorge near Ullapool or the Quirang on Skye. You may also get the opportunity to see some nesting eagles. On your final day, enjoy a full day private tour to visit Perth, Blair castle and a whisky centre. Take in a guided tour of the castle and spend some time wandering through the extensive gardens and estate. Finish off the day with a wee dram of whisky in a local whisky centre on the way back to Edinburgh. Whatever your preferences, variety is guaranteed. It's your vehicle! Edinburgh is full of charm and history. Your most memorable memory may just be sitting in a typical Scottish pub soaking up the atmosphere while talking with one of the friendly locals. You will enjoy personalized service at its best in this 'wee" 4 day extension to the Scottish capital... Cheers!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
London
  • London: Welcome package - Pack
  • Transfer - Private - Heathrow Airport (arrival) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - Meet & Greet guide - Guide
  • Self-Guided - Dinner at Leisure (in the West End)
The Mandeville (4*) (B)
Day 2
London
  • Private - 1/2 day City Highlights (4 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Theatre: Les Miserables - Ticket (Mon-Fri)
  • Dinner (not included)
The Mandeville (4*) (B)
Day 3
London
  • Optional: Visiting Bath (On the Orient Express, private or shared basis)
  • Shared - Blenheim Palace & The Cotswolds - Coach/Driver/Guide
  • Premium Dinner Cruise on the Thames
The Mandeville (4*) (B)
Day 4
Edinburgh
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - VIP Vehicle/Driver
  • Transfer - Train to Edinburgh [4.5hrs] - 1st class
  • Edinburgh: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Saloon/MPV/ Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
MacDonald Roxburghe (4*) (B)
Day 5
Edinburgh
  • Private - 1/2 day City Walking Tour - Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • At Leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
MacDonald Roxburghe (4*) (B)
Day 6
Edinburgh
  • Shared - Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky (10 hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
MacDonald Roxburghe (4*) (B)
Day 7
Edinburgh
  • Private - Perth, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour - Saloon/MPV/ Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
MacDonald Roxburghe (4*) (B)
Day 8
Edinburgh
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 2
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 London

London is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. The city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel.

Your English speaking guide will meet your group at the airport and accompany you to your hotel.

Within walking distance to your central London hotel, enjoy a fantastic meal out at one of the best restaurants in the West End. A few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Lindsay House, specializing in Irish cuisine, Mildred's, London's best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best french food you'll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu.

Internationally recognized interior designers have orchestrated The Mandeville Hotel bedrooms for the utmost comfort. Each bedroom exudes style and has been furnished with luxurious fabrics and wall coverings from some of the leading design houses. The Mandeville Hotel is based in the ever-fashionable Marylebone Village,within a few minutes walk of some of London's most exciting shops, art galleries and antique shops of Mayfair. The hotel is perfectly located near some of the world famous auction houses such as Sotheby or Christies and renowned Harley Street clinics, making this hotel an excellent choice for your leisure, cultural and corporate stay in London. The Mandeville Hotelprides itself on offering a highly personalized service under the direction of its expert management team. Great design is the key to the hotel, providing guests with a sophisticated and stylish environment.

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


London
London
Big Ben, London
Big Ben, London
Mandeville Hotel
Mandeville Hotel
Day 2 London

Experience the city in all its beauty on a comprehensive private city tour with a Professional Guide, vehicle and driver and be shown all the major sights this world metropolis has to offer. A visit of the colourful "West End" with its well-known shopping streets and elegant parks is up first. Then travel on through both the City of Westminster and the City of London, the oldest part of the capital and home to the financial district. During the course of the tour, you will see all the highlights of the city: Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Harrods in Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column. The tour ends either in the city centre or back at your accommodation.

Spend a night out at Les Miserables. The heroic tale of a man's life journey through France in the 18th century and his struggle to live through both injustice and revolution. Shown at the QUEENS Theatre (Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1, nearest underground station: Piccadilly Circus).

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


Big Ben at Night
Big Ben at Night
Les Miserables
Les Miserables
Day 3 London

Consider taking a day trip to Bath today - either in the company of your own private chauffeur driven vehicle with guide, on a shared tour or by luxurious Orient Express train! However you decide to get there, you can immerse yourself in this glorious destination, famous for the Roman Baths, the Georgian crescent, museums and antique shops asyou send the day here before returning to London. Should you choose the orient Express option, you can enjoy brunch with a bellini on the outward journey, a guided tour in Bath, and a four course dinner with champagne and wine on your return journey. On arrival at Bath you will be met by Guides who will accompany you on a coach tour of this delightful city taking in the sights of the city and the famous Roman Baths and Pump Room. Today, Bath is Britain's best preserved Georgian city. The Roman Baths and Pump Room are one of the best preserved Roman sites north of the Alps, where hot mineral water rises from a spring at a temperature of 46°C. Explore the beauty of the Ancient Roman's architecture and art, and marvel at the intricate workmanship. Regardless of how you visit bath, you are sure to enjoy your excursion! Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any adding any of these options into your itinerary. 

Enjoy a full day coach (shared) tour with a Professional Guide to visit some of the highlights outside of London city. First on the list is Blenheim Palace - a masterpiece of English architecture and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The stunning state rooms are brimming with priceless works of art and magnificent tapestries. You have the choice to enter inside Blenheim Palace (entrance not included) or enjoy a complimentary walking tour of the gardens where you will see the Marlborough maze and the stunning fountains of the water gardens. From here it is on to the Cotswolds, a region of outstanding natural beauty which is characterised by attractive small towns and thatched villages of yellow Cotswold stone made prosperous by the historic wool trade. You'll visit Great Tew, where the traditional post office and local pub give the village an atmosphere of times gone by. With a variety of different villages there is something to see around every corner of the The Cotswolds. The magnificent high street in Burford slopes gently away to the bridge that crosses the River Windrush, while the village of Bibury was described by William Morris as the 'prettiest village' in the Cotswolds.

Once in the Cotswolds you can have lunch in a traditional English pub (lunch price not included) or if you'd prefe,r you can enjoy aome free time to explore a beautiful Cotswold village with its traditional shops and lovely thatched cottages.

Enjoy a four course dinner as you admire London by night from the river Thames on board a boat. Many of the historical and modern buildings along the banks of the river are floodlit at night and make for a beautiful tour of the city. After a cocktail, sit back and relax as you have your dinner to the accompaniment of live entertainment, provided in the form of cabaret and indulge in some dancing if the mood takes you - you are on vacation after all! Your cruise includes a 4-course dinner, coffee and chocolates, live entertainment, after-dinner dancing, a welcome drink, half bottle of House Red and half bottle of House White wine, as well as half bottle of Mineral water per person. (Please note: No jeans or running shoes. Men are required to wear a jacket and tie. This is an unescorted tour. Minimum age limit 16yrs).

Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).


Georgian crescent
Georgian crescent
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace
Dinner cruise on the Thames
Dinner cruise on the Thames
Day 4 Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with strayed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy the train ride from London to Edinburgh. Your direct train ride is approximately 4.5 hours.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer today.

Situated in the New Town neighborhood of Edinburgh, this property is near Charlotte Square, Edinburgh Castle, and Princes Street Gardens. Other nearby points of interest include Arthur's Seat. Guestrooms have fireplaces, a turndown service, and minibars; rooms also include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Recreational amenities at Macdonald Roxburghe Hotel include an indoor pool, a health club, and a sauna. Other amenities include a casino, a full-service health spa, and a restaurant.

Overnight at MacDonald Roxburghe (4*).


Edinburgh
Edinburgh
MacDonald Roxburghe Hotel
MacDonald Roxburghe Hotel
Day 5 Edinburgh

You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there's always something going on in the festival city, and that's just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling - whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella!

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at MacDonald Roxburghe (4*).


Street Sign in Edinburgh
Street Sign in Edinburgh
Day 6 Edinburgh

Depart Edinburgh at 9.30am, on board a top of the range minicoach as you embark on a full day's shared tour taking in many of the great sights outside of Edinburgh. You will travel over the Forth Road Bridge to the little town of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. From here it is a short distance to the Hermitage in Macbeths Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst spectacular waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the country. Then journey north for lunch in Pitlochry (not included) before travelling to the Queens View above Loch Tummel. Continue through the mountains to majestic Loch Tay and the pretty village of Kenmore in an area abundant with ancient stone circles. From here we cross the hills again to the world oldest Scotch Whisky distillery at Glenturret where you can take a tour and tasting before returning past Stirling Castle to Edinburgh.

Overnight at MacDonald Roxburghe (4*).


Whisky barrels
Whisky barrels
Day 7 Edinburgh

Enjoy a full day private tour with your own vehicle and driver visiting Perth, Blair castle and a whisky centre returning to Edinburgh. Perth has traditionally been a market and trading town and has many historical sites including the 400 year old Greyfriars burial ground. The architecture is impressive with it's Georgian facades, terraces and cresents and makes for a pleasant town visit. Tracing back to Mary Queen of Scots to the English Civil War, Lord George Murray and the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden, and the Isle of Man to Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her presentation of Colours to the Atholl Highlanders, Blair castle and estate is a higlight of the area. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle (entrance included) and spend some time wandering through the extensive gardens and estate. Finish off the day with a wee dram of whisky in a local whisky centre on the way back to Edinburgh.

Overnight at MacDonald Roxburghe (4*).


Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Day 8 Edinburgh

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.