London is 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. You will have a private orientation of the city on arrival, with a shared tour the following day to Bath & the mysterious Stonehenge. Travelling by train, we hit York, where you will be met at your hotel and taken on a walking tour of the city. As if to ward off time, the city is still encircled by two-and-a-half miles of medieval walls. York boasts a number of historical landmarks. Don't miss Minster Cathedral, the Castle Museum, Jorvik Viking Center, Clifford's Tower, and The Shambles, which is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Crossing the border into Scotland today, we hit Edinburgh (by train). Explore the many shops along the Royal Mile, or visit the historic Edinburgh castle with your guide (entrances not included). A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a visit into the beautiful Scottish Highlands. End your fantastic whirlwind tour of Great Britain in Inverness. This tour has a combination of private airport and train station transfers, local taxis, shared and private touring, and comfortable hotels.

Day 1
London
Avail of a private Heathrow airport transfer with vehicle and professional driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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. London 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. The city is a major tourist destination both for domestic and overseas visitors.

Day 2
London
Your English speaking guide will meet your group at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). South Bank is a beautiful riverside stretch in the heart of central London, following the Thames from Lambeth to Blackfriars bridges. In walking distance to Covent Garden and Westminster its the perfect location for a relaxing stroll Also accessible from Waterloo station. The packed programme of theatre, exhibitions, music, film and free events means South Bank is an inspiring place to explore for all ages. Along the South Bank, take in such sites, as, The London Eye: the world’s tallest observation wheel. At 135 metres above the Thames it offers unrivalled views over the city. On a clear day from the world’s largest Ferris wheel you can see 25 miles in every direction as far as Windsor to the west and, to the east nearly out to sea. Continue walking over the Milennium Bridge. Although it nowadays provides a smooth river crossing, the Millennium Bridge will be known to Londoners as simply the wobbly bridge. Designed by Norman Foster and Anthony Caro, its low-slung frame looks pretty spectacular, particularly when it’s lit up at night with fibre-optics-the so-called ‘blade of light’ effect. South Bank was made for long lazy afternoons and evenings, there is something for all tastes. Absorb the atmosphere over an al fresco lunch or dinner, enjoy cocktails with a view and try the stylish hotel bars, family-friendly cafes and funky places to grab a quick bite or late night drink. Within walking distance to your Covent Garden or Leicester Square 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 somehing simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu. Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).

Day 3
London
Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
We also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.

Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at The Mandeville (4*).

Day 4
London - York
Transport between train station and your hotel with private vehicle. Enjoy the 3 hour train ride from Central London to York. Transfer using a local taxi (easily available and economical). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Hilton York hotel is the 4-star hotel within the city walls and located in the heart of York. Only 10 minutes walk from York Minster, the railway station and other York attractions. Do business in one of 8 meeting rooms and savour European or Tex-Mex food in the 3 bars and restaurants. York attractions on the Hilton York hotel's doorstep include Cliffords Tower, York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre and York Dungeon which are all an easy walk. One of the most attractive and interesting cities in England, York has been at the centre of countless invasions over its long and colourful history. Originally a Celtic settlement, York was invaded by the Romans in AD71, who swiftly set about taking advantage of the city's prime position at the confluence of the Rivers Foss and Ouse. The city bears the marks of its turbulent past in its jumble of architecture, from the medieval higgledy-piggledy shops of the Shambles and elegant Gothic spires of the Minster, to the turreted remains of the fortified city walls. At the end of a hard day's sightseeing, reward yourself with a visit to one of the city's famous tea rooms for a cream tea or to an atmospheric old pub for a pint of bitter.

Day 5
York
Your local guide will meet you at your hotel, and take you on a walking tour of the city. York has a heritage to rival any city in Britain. King George VI famously remarked that York's "history is the history of England." Perhaps that's overstating it, but York has nevertheless seen a lot, from the Roman and Norman periods to the vast changes in the Victorian era. As if to ward off time, the city is still encircled by two-and-a-half miles of medieval walls. Whereas sentries used to walk the wide ramparts in days of yore, tourists walk them today. As one of the most intriguing cities in northern England (the heads of traitors used to hang at the entrance to Micklegate), York boasts a number of historical landmarks. Don't miss Minster Cathedral, the Castle Museum, Jorvik Viking Center, Clifford's Tower, and The Shambles, which is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Hilton York (4*).

Day 6
York - Edinburgh
Transfer using a local taxi (easily available and economical). Travel by train from York to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Journey time is approximately 2 and a half hours. Private transfer to/from Edinburgh train station to/from your Edinburgh hotel. 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 dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Modern city center hotel located just off bustling Princes Street, 300 metres from the National Gallery, one mile from Edinburgh Castle. Guestrooms at the King James by Thistle include flat-panel televisions with digital channels, tea/coffee facilities, and trouser presses. After a day of sightseeing, guests can dine in the hotel restaurant, unwind with a drink in the bar or order up room service. 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 storeyed 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.

Day 7
Edinburgh
Depart from Edinburgh by mini-coach and head for Stirling Castle on a shared tour. Here, you can visit this imposing stronghold, the favourite residence of the Stuart kings, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. You then continue into the beautiful forest-covered hills of the Trossachs National Park and stop for lunch in Aberfoyle (not included). Then along the remote and spectacular drovers road to Highland Inversnaid on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Here you can enjoy the view of the loch from the Inversnaid hotel or walk along part of the West Highland Way in the footsteps of Rob Roy and up through the Nature reserve to enjoy spectacular views of Loch Lomond. From here you return to Edinburgh in the late afternoon. .
. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at The King James (4*).

Day 8
Edinburgh - Inverness
Private transfer to/from Edinburgh train station to/from your Edinburgh hotel. Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness by train. Approximately 3.5hrs. Transfer using a local taxi (easily available and economical). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Kingsmill Hotel (4*) is surrounded by the Invernesshire Mountains and is just a 1 mile from the city centre. The hotel has an excellent reputation, and hospitality has been enjoyed by both locals and visitors to Inverness for many years. The hotel is set in four acres of carefully kept gardens and manicured lawns. At the Kingsmills Hotel you’ll find high standards of hotel keeping in a quiet and pretty location. You’re close enough to the city centre to walk there, or you can take a stroll in the hotel grounds with scarcely a hint that you’re in the middle of the Highland capital. The hotel has the pedigree plus dashes of character and panache only delivered by genuine hoteliers. The conservatory is light, spacious and very relaxing while the bar is stocked with over 40 whiskeys. The Kingsmill hotel also boasts an extensive leisure club with a swimming pool, solarium, sauna, and gym. Inverness is promoted as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. Important buildings in the city include Inverness Castle, Inverness College and various churches. It is a hub for visits to the nearby Highlands, and is situated on the famous Lock Ness.

Day 9
Inverness
Travel by shared coach to Clansman Harbour where you embark on your 30 minute cruise along Loch Ness. At the end of your cruise, you will disembark at the private jetty at Urquhart Castle. Here you shall have time to enjoy the castle ruins, with its magnificent views up and down this most enigmatic and mysterious stretch of water, and visit the Visitor Centre. You shall return by bus back to Inverness City Centre, via Tomnahurich Bridge. (Entrance to Urquhart castle and cruise on Loch Ness included). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Kingsmill (4*).

Day 10
Inverness - Edinburgh
Transfer using a local taxi (easily available and economical). Travel from Inverness to Edinburgh by train. Journey will take approximately 3.5hrs. Avail of a private transfer to the airport from your hotel in Edinburgh with a private vehicle and chaffeur. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.