A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland

Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

The City of London is at once ancient and modern. Skyscrapers are built along medieval passageways. The juxtaposition of old and new makes the Square Mile one of the most exciting, but also enigmatic, neighbourhoods of London. For nearly 2,000 years, humans have been shaping this marshy land north of the River Thames with buildings, infrastructure, ideas, inventions and passions. Discover some of the secrets of the City on this privately guided walking tour.

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The Queen in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.

Enjoy a private tour of Lacock and its abbey, famous for its use as a location in multiple films​. The real interest, however, lies in its origins as a former nunnery and the birthplace of photography. You'll then head to Avebury to discover the biggest stone circle in England and enter the largest and most significant prehistoric tomb in the country, actively used for more than 1000 years and contemporary with the Pyramids of Egypt.​ Then head east along the King's road stopping at one of the best preserved Roman towns in England that lies empty except for its striking Roman town walls.

Recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape, Avebury is a place where you can connect with history and take time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago. The stone circles and henge monument are particularly unusual, not just because it is the largest stone circle in the world but also for the fact that it is the only stone circle with a village built within it.

Bath has always been a city of pleasure. From the time of the Romans, the famous hot springs have attracted folk looking to relax and socialise. The Georgians developed the city to become a harmonious architectural ensemble that is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ways to discover this charming city, whether it's through its Jane Austen connections, indulgent foodie scene, graceful architecture, parks and gardens, or simply relaxing in the world’s best-preserved Roman bathhouses.

Discover some of the iconic sites of the Cotswolds as you delve back into history to where it all began. The ​tour will be full of ​revelations and insights ​as you learn​ the story of how England bec​a​me England​. You'll go deep into the story of England's first king as well as explore the authentic Cotswolds. Visit the 'most important town in England no-one has ever heard of' ​a​nd explore ancient, untouched villages and Saxon churches that date back over 1000 years.

For your exclusive tour of the Abbey Gardens, you’ll be greeted by the owner and escorted around the house and gardens before they open to the public. The gardens are a series of rooms, each very different to the last, reflecting the history of the site and the personality of the current owners. You’ll be free afterwards to wander around the gardens at your own leisure and stroll through the town of Malmesbury.

The presence of Oxford University can be felt throughout the centre of this august city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, the patchwork of college buildings, churches and quaint streets make Oxford a beautiful place to discover the stories surrounding some of the most important characters in British history. Your local guide will tailor a tour around your interests, whether it be college gardens, religion, stained glass or Inspector Morse or Harry Potter.

Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Made famous by the song The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond, this freshwater loch is one of Scotland’s most evocative sites. The loch marks the beginning of the Highlands and the magnificent scenery of the Trossachs forms the backdrop to this spectacular location.

The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, linking Glasgow with the West Coast of Scotland. It's part of the national network and is a little glimpse into Highland life. The stretch over Rannoch Moor is a particularly splendid part of the line. The Moor is inaccessible by road and its wild beauty gives a strong sense of the remoteness of the place. What makes it special for rail fans, however, are the construction techniques of the Victoria navvies, who "floated" the line over a bed of earth and wood to stop the metal rails from sinking into the bog. Your guide will drop you off at the station and pick you up at the other end so you will enjoy this scenic journey in the company of other passengers.

Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Scotland. Site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, today it is a hauntingly beautiful Highland glen which evokes the spirit of the clans who ruled this land for centuries.

Blair Castle is unlike any other castle in Scotland. Its baronial architecture and beautiful setting in wooded grounds with mountainous backdrop are typical enough, but a couple of accidents of history have set Blair Castle apart. In 1844 Queen Victoria spent three weeks at Blair and during her stay granted the Duke a private army, the Atholl Highlanders, today the only private army in Europe. In more recent times, the castle passed to a branch of the family currently residing in South Africa.

The lovely village of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay. The majestic Dunkeld Cathedral dominates this picturesque Perthshire village and features the tomb of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. Nearby, walk along Atholl Street's variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge. You can't miss the brightly coloured houses of Dunkeld which were built in the early 1700s. Restored to provide homes for local people, they are now in the care of the National Trust For Scotland. Another NTS property is the Ell Shop featuring the original 'ell' measure, just over a metre long, used for measuring cloth in days gone by.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.

Explore the near 200 year history behind the whiskey of Glengoyne Distillery. Bold, complex flavours from the slowest stills in Scotland, matured in only the finest casks, here you'll be in for a treat.

The village of Culross is a place that time forgot. Nestled along the banks of the River Forth, the Royal Burgh of Culross dates largely from the 16th century and its ancient cottages and the striking mustard-yellow Palace are little changed. Discover a slice of Scottish history on a guided walk around this exceptional place.

Located only a short distance outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. Founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, the chapel is famous for its remarkable stone carvings depicting Biblical stories and moral messages. In 2003, a new chapter was added to the Rosslyn Chapel’s history with the publishing of The Da Vinci Code, and filming for the 2006 movie took place at the chapel. Explore the chapel’s history, both ancient and modern, with your expert guide and unravel the mysterious of this enigmatic place of worship.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and nicknamed the Athens of the North for its grand Georgian architecture. It’s the New Town that earned the city this sobriquet: its elegant neoclassical terraces were inspired by the buildings of Ancient Greece and though it’s called the New Town, this neighbourhood is already nearly 300 years old.

Edinburgh’s Old Town dominates the city from atop a volcanic outcrop and Edinburgh Castle balances perilously on the edge. The Royal Mile runs down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. The Windsor connections can be seen at a hidden location in the district of Leith, where the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia is now docked. Explore Edinburgh’s highlights with your expert guide and discover what makes this city perennially popular.

The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997. It served Her Majesty on innumerable trips around the globe over the course of its career. The yacht was dear to the Queen and she was seen to shed a tear when it was decommissioned. Today, the yacht is docked at Leith, in Edinburgh, and offers a tantalizing insight into some of the former private spaces of the British Royal Family.