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 both ancient and modern. Skyscrapers jostle with medieval passageways. The juxtaposition of old and new makes the Square Mile one of the most exciting, but also enigmatic, neighborhoods of London.

On a private walking tour, discover how humans have been shaping this marshy land north of the River Thames with buildings, infrastructure, ideas, inventions and passions for nearly 2,000 years.

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. 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 King 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.

Bath has always been a city of pleasure. Since the time of the Romans, the famous hot springs have attracted people looking to relax and socialize. 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, learning the tale of how England came to be​. 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’ and explore ancient, untouched villages and Saxon churches that date back over 1,000 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 from 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 West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, linking Glasgow with the West Coast of Scotland. 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. 

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.

Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Scotland. The 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.

Head out into the hills to a remote bothy . These traditional Scottish huts were used as a shelter by shepherds and travellers, and are still left unlocked to those who need them today. Over a gourmet picnic lunch you’ll have the chance to talk to the family who has lived and worked on this land for generations. Listen to stories and traditions passed down throughout the years as you tour the family home.

Immerse yourself in the Highlands’ captivating landscapes on a day spent canoeing across tranquil loch waters. You’ll be guided by a local expert, who’ll teach you about the loch’s wildlife and how the changing seasons alter its colours, light and activity. Savour the freedom of paddling under the wide open sky, surrounded by windswept hills and lush greenery.

Today you’ll travel deep into a glen for a local culinary experience. Led by a foodie writer, you’ll learn to create her spin on some traditional dishes, blending local ingredients with her signature spices. Learn about her life and how she raised her family in this remote part of Scotland as you sit on the terrace to savour your meal together.

Located only a short distance outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. The chapel is famous for its remarkable stone carvings depicting Biblical stories and moral messages. Explore the chapel’s history, both ancient and modern, with your expert guide and unravel the mystery of this enigmatic place of worship.

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 building sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.