Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Embark on a private journey to London and the scenic Cotswolds, experiencing the region's rich literary history at the Globe Theater and Shakespeare's birthplace as well as the cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway; exploring picturesque country villages; discovering Bath's Roman past; and taking in the highlights of London.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 1
Arrive in London, where you are met by your Guardian Angel, transferred by private vehicle to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
The Kensington
DAY 2
Accompanied by your private guide, set out on a tour of London, starting in Westminster with a flight on the London Eye, enjoying spectacular views of this world capital. Proceed to Trafalgar Square to view Nelson's Column, before heading down Whitehall and past Downing Street to the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament. Stop at Westminster Abbey, the traditional venue for coronations and burial site of monarchs. Finish your morning with a drive past Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence in London.
The Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
This morning, tour Shakespeare’s Globe, a wood-crafted replica theater founded by American actor-director Sam Wanamaker and located near the site of the original Globe, where the Bard first staged his immortal plays. Immerse yourself in the London entertainment scene of the late 1500s with an exhibition dedicated to the Elizabethan stage, and then visit the open-air theater itself. Afterward, stroll the wonderful Borough Market — a haven for anyone who appreciates fine foods, including tastings of artisan meats, charcuterie and cheeses. This afternoon, visit some of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, including the Tower of London, a historic castle built by William the Conqueror in 1078. Used as a royal residence and a prison, it is now home to the dazzling Crown Jewels, closely guarded by the Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters. Next, continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Many memorable state occasions have taken place here, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.
The Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Drive west of London to visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. With a history spanning nearly one thousand years, it is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and her preferred weekend home. Subject to opening restrictions, you may see the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Take in the excellent views of Eton College from the castle ramparts before returning to London.
The Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
Travel to the Cotswolds, a range of hills in Gloucestershire, in southwest England, now designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Check in to your hotel, in the picturesque village of Broadway, and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Dormy House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
Journey into the idyllic English countryside, synonymous with glorious thatched cottages, rolling hills and beautiful rural settings, passing through picturesque villages made distinctive by the famous honey-colored Cotswold stone. Start in the eye-catching village of Bourton-on-the-Water, with the meandering Windrush River running through its heart. Stop for a lunch at leisure, before driving to nearby Stow-on-the-Wold. This market town stands beside the Roman Fosse Way, at its junction with six other roads, where a settlement has existed since the Iron Age. Return to the picturesque village of Broadway. You may wish to visit Broadway Tower for some fantastic views over the county.
Dormy House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Explore the charming English countryside to the west of London today with your knowledgeable driver-guide. Stop first at Oxford, called the “City of Dreaming Spires” and home to England's oldest university. Walk through the impressive campus buildings that are still home to the university's main ceremonial and educational functions, admiring the impressive architecture. Continue to Woodstock, stopping at Blenheim Palace for a visit. Currently home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the palace was designed by the architect Vanbrugh and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Alternatively, today, visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the market town revered as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Tour the 16th-century half-timbered house where it is believed he was born, before heading to Holy Trinity Church to see his grave. This beautiful parish church lies on the banks of the Avon just beyond the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Following lunch at leisure, proceed to the nearby village of Shottery to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Return to Broadway via the English market town of Chipping Camden.
Dormy House
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
This morning, privately transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight or begin a post-tour extension.
Discover Scotland’s royal, religious and military highlights on a journey featuring Hollyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, along with the country’s more pastoral character — the fresh, rolling farmland and gentle valleys of the Scottish Borders.
4 days from $5,995 per person
May–Oct; Priced from $6,795
Apr; Priced from $5,995
Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published for 2023 travel, and subject to availability.
Pricing reflects A&K's recommended months of travel of this itinerary. Supplements may apply over holiday periods, festivals, special events and due to high demand. International air not included.
DAY 1
Arrive in Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, where you are met by your Guardian Angel, privately transferred to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
The Balmoral
DAY 2
Begin a guided tour of the city at Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that is home to the Honors of Scotland, the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. Take in stunning views of the city from the castle’s impressive military installations. Next, travel the Royal Mile, down from the castle through the Old Town of Edinburgh, to St. Giles Cathedral — a fascinating Gothic church. Also view Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland, and the more contemporary Scottish Parliament Building.
The Balmoral
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Today, head south to explore the rolling hills, winding rivers and idyllic farmland that lie between Edinburgh and the boundary between Scotland and England, an area known as the Scottish Borders. Take in the ruins of medieval Melrose Abbey, Scotland’s oldest inhabited residence in Peebles and the hauntingly beautiful peaks of the Pentland Hills.
The Balmoral
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
This morning, privately transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
The Kensington
Dormy House
