Tour Type: Luxury Gold
Brochure Type: Luxury Gold 2023 v2

Experience Great Britain in all its glory as you join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London for a VIP after hours 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 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.

Choice Highlights

• 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.

Well-being

• : Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travelling Concierge's, 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.

Exceptional Dining

• 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 Queen'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.
• Edinburgh: Try a wee dram of whisky as you embark on a tasting experience of this Scottish staple.
• Dining Summary: 3 Dinner (D), 8 Breakfast (B), 1 Lunch with Wine (L), and 1 Lunch (L)

VIP Experiences

• 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: Receive VIP treatment once the castle has closed its doors to the general public and join one of the gardeners to explore the best parts of the landscaped gardens. Alternatively, join a guided tour of the house and admire its intricate architecture.

Journey Highlights

• 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: 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ullswater: Enjoy a scenic cruise on one of England's most beautiful lakes.
• Bowness-on-Windermere: Led by your Travelling Concierge, enjoy the chance to explore this lakeside town.Take a wander through the quaint streets of this lakeside town, admiring the period buildings and scenic views. Why not grab a coffee from one of the quirky cafes?
• 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: Skip the queues as 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: 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: 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.

Chairman's Collection

• Alnwick: If you are travelling on a Chairman'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.

Additional Included Highlights

• You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling 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.