england & scotland

Transfer from the airport to the city centre, before spending the afternoon on a guided tour of the city’s highlights. Visit Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Churchill War Rooms on a walking tour. If arriving from London Heathrow, consider a slight detour to visit Windsor Castle. The castle has over 1,000 years of history and is home to more than 39 kings and queens.

Take the opportunity to go shopping in London’s famous Regent’s Street, Oxford Street or Marylebone Village. Hop over to lesser-known London spots, such as Kenwood House, Hampton Court or Camden Town.

Leaving London head to Stonehenge. Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument is around 5,000 years old making it older than the Pyramids of Egypt. After discovering the rituals of the Neolithic people who built it, you’ll head to the stunning spa town of Bath with its own 2,000-year history. Uncover the Roman bath culture that makes the town famous. Wander the picturesque Georgian streets to see the architectural majesty of the Royal Crescent and Circus.

From Bath travel north through the Cotswolds countryside to the ancient university city of Oxford. Take in some of the city’s most famous sites such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs or Trinity’s Carfax Tower on a walking tour. Lunch at the covered market or one of the many cafes popular with students and faculty. Take in one of the many historic pubs like the Eagle and Child for dinner.

Start the morning exploring Roman Chester. Walk the city walls – the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain dating back 2000 years. Visit the majestic 1000-year-old cathedral. Here you can have afternoon tea in the Refectory where monks once ate in silence. Explore “The Rows” continuous half-timbered galleries, which form a second row of shops above those at street level. In Liverpool, trace the life of the Fab Four and hear about Britain’s vibrant music culture. After the Beatles Story, discover Liverpool’s important maritime history at Albert Dock. Break your journey at Moor Hall, a two Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms set in a medieval hall surrounded by a moat and five acres of grounds.

The ruins of Fountains Abbey are extraordinary. The structure is part of a complex of buildings and water gardens, making the whole worthy of World Heritage Status. Visit nearby caves and waterfalls, small historic market towns. Taste local cheese at an artisan cheesery.

Travel up the east coast of England via the spectacular Northumberland’s Coast. The coast is famed for its wealth of history, vast sandy beaches, and impressive castles. Break up your journey with visits to Bamburgh Castle. Alternatively, try Alnwick Castle and the spectacular gardens next door. Wander Amble’s pretty marina or its inviting independent shops. Skirt Edinburgh crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge for picturesque Perthshire.

Today you’ll hit the road in your Land Rover. Travel to Cairngorms National Park through historic Stirling. Or leave Edinburgh via the UNESCO World Heritage site and picturesque Perthshire.

Continue your journey through Speyside. Choose between the Black Isle peninsula or the impressive military complex at Fort George. End the day in Dornoch after visiting the historic Balblair distillery.

Traverse the magnificent Flow Country on one of the longest but loveliest drives of the week. Take in the vast expanse of protected peatlands, moor lochs, and wetlands before hitting the spectacular North Coast.

Explore a land of breathtaking mountains and spectacular beaches of silver sand. Visit soaring cliffs and deep caves rich with wildlife in one of the last truly unspoilt areas left in Britain.

Meander along the beautiful West Coast of Scotland. Visit some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the Highlands. As you pass around Loch Ewe, explore the untold history of the World War II Arctic Convoy base.

Immerse yourself in one of the most classic drives of the NC 500: the Bealach na Ba pass. Visit Eilean Donan before passing the base of Ben Nevis and ending your day in the hidden gem of Port Appin.

Take one of two routes back to Edinburgh. Explore the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Alternatively, drive the ‘Skyfall’ road made famous by the James Bond franchise.

With a burgeoning arts culture and buzzing dining scene, Edinburgh artfully blends the ancient with the modern. Take your time to savour this incredible city.

Continue your exploration of this vibrant city. Take in culture and history at the Museum of Scotland. Or take a short hike up Arthur’s Seat to soak in the spectacular views before returning to London to end your trip.