In the Footsteps of the Royals

Day 1:

On arrival at the airport this morning you will be met by your driver guide who will take you to your hotel. If your arrival time permits, enjoy a short orientation sightseeing tour with your driver guide taking in some of London’s most famous sights such as Whitehall, 10 Downing Street – the British Prime Minister’s residence, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column.  This evening why not ride on the London Eye from which you can get a fantastic bird's eye view of the city and beyond.  Overnight in Central London.

Day 2:

Full day of walking and sightseeing in London. Start with a refreshing walk in St James Park to Buckingham Palace, the London home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to see the Changing of the Guard at 11.00 (everyday during summer and every other day in the winter). Next  stroll along to Westminster Abbey - one of the most important church buildings in Britain and the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. Afterwards pass the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, walking across Westminster Bridge for a cruise on the River Thames to visit the Tower of London, the medieval castle which served as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution and torture, an armoury, treasury, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, ending the day with walk across the iconic  Tower Bridge. Overnight in central London.

In the morning travel to Windsor and its Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and contains a magnificent chapel in addition to the royal palace. In the afternoon there’s a visit to Eton College, a world-famous British Public School - Prince Harry and Prince William are among many royal family members and prime ministers who graduated from there.
Overnight central London.

Day 4:

Full day tour to Hampton Court Palace – the palace associated with many British kings and queens since Henry VIII. In the afternoon enjoy a walk in the famous Royal Kew Gardens , their history dating back to Henry VII. For the evening the best choice would be one of  Prince Harry’s favorite night clubs: Mahiki or Boujis.
Overnight central London.

Day 5:

In the morning meet your guide and travel by tube for a visit to Kensington Palace. The Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years and was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria and home of the late Lady Diana Spencer. Today it houses a stunning collection of royal court and ceremonial dress, including gowns worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. Afterwards, walk across Hyde Park past Speaker’s Corner and on to Piccadilly for a traditional English cup of tea and shopping at the Queen’s grocers - Fortnum & Mason.
Overnight in central London.

Day 6:

A full day’s tour to Althorp, home of the Spencer family since 1508. The park became the focal point of the world's attention on 6th September 1997, when Diana, Princess of Wales was laid to rest there, after her tragic death. She now lies on the island in the Round Oval, an ornamental lake, surrounded by her family's ancestral heritage. Visit the stables, now the setting for the exhibition celebrating her life. Entering her family home you will see the State Rooms including the Library, the Saloon, the Marlborough and the Sunderland Rooms. Return to London via  Cambridge and a visit to one of its University Colleges. Prince Charles studied at Trinity College between 1967-1970.
Overnight in central London.

Transfer to the railway station to travel north to Edinburgh.  Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Later in the afternoon enjoy a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. This was often home to The Queen and Royal Family  during their many decades undertaking state visits around the world, until retired from service a few years ago.
Overnight in central Edinburgh.

Day 8:

A full day’s sightseeing in Edinburgh starting at the Castle, in its majestic defensive position providing amazing views in all directions. The Castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny , the ancient coronation seat of the Scottish monarchs.  Afterwards enjoy a walk along the medieval Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral with its famed crown spire. Next, walk to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including the life of Mary Queen of Scots. Now it is the official residence of the royal family when in Scotland.
Overnight in central Edinburgh.

Day 9:

Travel north to visit Falkland Palace,  an impressive Renaissance building set at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Built by James IV and James V between 1450 and 1541 the palace was a beloved country residence of the Stuart monarchs of Scotland for over 200 years. Then travel to St Andrews to  walk around the University where Prince William studied and afterwards  head north to Forfar and visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Overnight in the Aberdeenshire area.

Day 10:

This morning enjoy a visit to the Royal Lochnagar distillery. This distillery started as in illicit producer, but at one time supplied the Queen with whisky, hence the name 'Royal Lochnagar'. Continue for a visit to Balmoral Castle, purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848 and the Scottish home of the British Royal Family ever since, before returning to Edinburgh. On the way visit Scone Palace, the coronation venue of the Kings Scotland.
Overnight in central Edinburgh

Day 11:

Transfer to the railway station to travel south to London, where you’ll transfer to London Heathrow Airport for the return flight.

Seasonal Attractions:   Why not add the following to your trip

The State Opening of Parliament.
State openings usually take place in November, or soon after a General Election.

Royal Ascot   16-20 June 2009
Royal Ascot is a unique event in the summer social calendar, steeped in tradition, heritage and pageantry. It is one of the greatest horse race meetings in the world and a celebration of everything that is uniquely British.