London & Edinburgh: A Family Discovery

DAY 1: ARRIVAL LONDON

Upon arrival into London Heathrow airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will be provided with an Oyster Card to be used for all London public transport with GBP 40 value already loaded.

DAY 2: LONDON’S ROYAL WEST TAXI TOUR – THAMES SPEEDBOAT CRUISE

Today you will be meeting with one of our local legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.

Discover London’s glamorous and regal side on this insightful taxi tour. Begin your tour at the impressive 19th-century Marble Arch and visit Speaker’s Corner. Speaker’s Corner is an open space in Hyde Park known for its public speaking demonstrations, covering many topics such as politics, war, religion and environmental issues. Next, head down Park Lane and enter Mayfair, a billionaire’s playground where you can glimpse the opulent lifestyle of London’s elite. Continue down the south side of Hyde Park and stop to see the Royal Albert Hall, named in honour of the beloved husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert. The Royal Albert Hall is one of England’s most famous concert halls, hosting the classical music concert, the Proms, every year. Across from the Royal Albert Hall, see the glorious Albert Memorial, commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of Prince Albert.

Next, discover and immerse in the Kensington and Knightsbridge regions of London, some of the city’s most prosperous districts. Here, see three of the city’s most revered 19th century museums: the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, and discover the French Quarter in South Kensington, home to one of London’s more defined French populations.

Head up Knightsbridge, passing the world-famous department store, Harrods. See the Wellington Arch, commissioned under George IV to commemorate Britain’s victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Head down Constitution Hill and view Buckingham Palace, the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II. See the famous balcony where the Royal Family stand during special occasions and the Victoria Memorial. Explore the Royal area of St James’, where you will discover the hidden treasures and alleys in connection with the Royal Household. Your tour will end near Green Park or Trafalgar Square depending on your preference.

During your tour, we will pick up and try some delicious scones, the perfect way to introduce you to the quintessential British Afternoon Tea.

Experience an exhilarating day out on the water with a thrilling River Thames speedboat ride. On this fun-filled 50-minute ride, you’ll see the best sights of London from Westminster down to Tower Bridge as well as experiencing adrenaline pumping speed with fast-paced twists and turns on your way to Canary Wharf and back.

DAY 3: A WALK THROUGH QUEER LONDON

For the most part, London has been in denial about the gay men and women who have left an indelible mark on the city. LGBTQIA+ people have contributed to the city in every profession and walk of life. We will never know the full extent of this contribution, but we can celebrate the lives of those who forged a reputation that has lived on beyond their death and whose sexuality became known. Plaques, particularly Blue Plaques, are awarded to some of London’s most famous residents to commemorate their residences and today you will take a walk discovering these people’s stories and some of London’s highlights. Start in Fitzroy Square to discover the life of Virginia Woolf before walking through the iconic Carnaby Street, Savile Row and Green Park to Buckingham Palace. Now the formal residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marvel at the decadent architecture before continuing South down to Burton Mews, home to prolific 20th century actor and playwright, Noel Coward. You will also visit the nearby home of writer Vita Sackville-West and that of the infamous Oscar Wilde. You will then hop on the London Underground from Sloane Square to St James Park to discover Westminster. Learn about the actor Sir John Gielgud, before ticking off some of the iconic sights of London such as Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square. From here you will enjoy a Double Decker bus ride North, stopping near Gordon Square, where you will learn about The Bloomsbury Group. Finally, reward all your walking and discovering with another great British Institution. Finally, reward all your walking and discovering with another great British Institution; Afternoon Tea.

DAY 4: LONDON BRIDGE FOOD TOUR

On you London Bridge food tour, you’ll enjoy some of the best classic British foods around. You’ll start with award-winning Fish & Chips, followed by World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon & Egg Baps. You’ll also get to try tasters from street food vendors, English cheeses paired with local beer/cider, and a classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the tour! So come hungry and ready to eat your way through one of the world’s most vibrant and historic cities!

DAY 5: TRAIN TO EDINBURGH

After breakfast and check out this morning, make your own way to London King Cross Station for your train to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 6: IMMERSIVE HARRY POTTER TOUR

On your Immersive Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour you will enjoy a guided walking tour of beautiful Edinburgh in search of all things Harry Potter. You will visit Harry Potter locations such as the entrance to the fictional Hogwarts school and take a walk through the atmospheric old streets where JK Rowling found her inspiration for her incredible books. Edinburgh is after all where she created Harry and wrote all of the Harry Potter books. Alongside the Harry Potter sights you will also learn about and see the cultural and historical gem that is Edinburgh.          

DAY 7: VISIT STIRLING CASTLE – FALKIRK WHEEL ORIGINAL TOUR

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costume and playing medieval instruments. Don’t miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle’s infamous characters and history to life in great detail.

Enjoy the full experience of the Falkirk Wheel as you sail through the sky to join the Union Canal 35m above. After moving smoothyl through the aqueduct and through the Roughcastle tunnel to the beginning of the Union Canal, you will then descend to the start point returning to the visitor centre.

DAY 8: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK & LOCH LOMOND CRUISE

Today, we will make our way to the Trossachs National Park. The park encompasses nearly 720 square miles of some of the finest woodland and scenery that Scotland has to offer. It has rolling lowlands in the south to the high mountains of the north and in-between you’ll find many lochs, rivers, forest and woodland. This morning you’ll enjoy a guided walk in a region of the Trossachs with your guide.

This afternoon we’ll make our way to Loch ness. Cruise the Canal & Loch, with castle views as you follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria on this two-hour cruise. Boarding at Dochgarroch, you’ll experience a breathtaking journey that takes you along Thomas Telford’s famous Caledonian Canal and, of course, across the legendary waters of Loch Ness. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Glen, and panoramic views of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and the spectacular Urquhart Castle. Cameras at the ready!

You’ll hear about the colourful history of the Loch, including the crash site.

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

After breakfast and check out, your driver will transfer you to Edinburgh airport for your departure flight.