British Royale

Day 1 -Welcome To London.

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at London Heathrow Airport, you will begin your journey with a transfer in an executive car, along with other guests arriving at a similar time, to the luxurious Rubens at the Palace, an exquisite five-star hotel overlooking Buckingham Palace. A part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the Rubens is yours to explore, as you spend the day at leisure. At 18:00, meet your Travelling Concierge and travel companions for a Welcome Dinner hosted at English Grill restaurant.

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE, LONDON - This historic hotel is located directly opposite the royal muse of Buckingham Palace. Recently fully refurbished, The 5-star Rubens At The Palace Hotel celebrates the very Best of British. From the red tail-coated doormen to themed bedrooms & suites, to the Royal Afternoon Tea, served daily in the Palace Lounge. With three restaurants and bars, there are plenty of bar and dining experiences to choose from, and a particular highlight is the English Grill Restaurant, where Executive chef Ben Kelliher leads a talented team to create the most delicious cuisine in the most elegant of settings.

Day 2 - Traditions And Treasures Of London.

A modern-day hub of culture and commerce, and once the centre of an empire, London is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cities, teeming with millions of stories. Your Travelling Concierge will introduce you to a Local Expert – a passionate resident who will share fascinating stories about the city, as you explore the city to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. You will then continue past Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Visit the Household Cavalry Museum, uncover the secret messages hidden within a cavalryman's uniform and try on the royal uniform for yourself. Spend the afternoon shopping at Harrods, listening to the soapbox orators of Speaker’s Corner or viewing the masterpieces in the National Gallery. Enjoy dinner as you please. Should you want to venture beyond your hotel, ask your knowledgeable Travelling Concierge for restaurant recommendations. In the evening, once the crowds have gone home, experience a private tour of the Tower of London. A serving Yeoman Warder will greet you on arrival, accompanying you through the grounds and regaling you with stories of the history and importance of this seat of British power. You will then learn about the Ceremony of the Keys, carried out every night by the Yeoman Warder, without fail, for the past 700 years. The Yeoman Warder provides a history of the tradition and explains the etiquette of handling the keys before you are privy to witnessing this ancient gate-closing ritual.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 3 - Stonehenge And Georgian Bath.

Begin your journey this morning at the mysterious Stonehenge, and stand in awe of the scale of arguably Britain's most best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your travels to the Georgian city of Bath where people have been indulging in the healing waters for millennia. Take a walk along streets lined with exquisite architecture and immerse yourself within the city's contemporary atmosphere. This evening unwinds in chic cocktail bars and welcoming traditional pubs, or explore the evening scene that embraces comedy, live music and theatre. Ask your Travelling Concierge for recommendations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

FRANCIS HOTEL, BATH - Located in the historic heart of Bath, the elegant Francis Hotel is set in an 18th-century townhouse overlooking leafy Queen Square. It houses an impressive art collection and offers luxurious accommodation complete with a tea room, lounges and bars.

Day 4 - Explore Bath.

Start the day with a visit to the original Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world and imagine how Romans once gathered to relish the good life. The rest of the day is yours to explore the many different sites that Bath has to offer and walk the streets that Jane Austin did. For many Bath is synonymous with the English writer Jane Austen. The author of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion lived here in the early 1800s and used the city as a setting for two of her novels. This evening enjoys a spectacular Highlight Dinner at Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5 - Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon And York.

Journey through the Cotswolds, famous for gentle rolling hillsides known as "wolds", green river valleys and historic market towns. Arrive in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare with time to explore this famous market town and have lunch. Your journey continues to the medieval city of York. York is like nowhere else in England with cobbled streets, quaint tearooms and gothic buildings.

Meals Included: Breakfast

THE GRAND HOTEL & SPA, YORK - Housed in the iconic former headquarters of the prestigious North Eastern Railway Company, the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa places you minutes away from museums, shops and the River Ouse. It boasts elegant guest bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, and a luxury spa uniquely situated in underground vaults.

Day 6 - Medieval Wonders Of York.

Your Way - Step back in time as you explore the medieval streets of York and learn about its lively characters. Once an important centre of Roman occupation in England, this is a storybook city surrounded by a large stone wall dating back to the 13th century. Experience York Your Way with a choice of two outstanding experiences today. Either join a Local Expert for a historic walk on the famous city walls - the longest medieval walls in England - and appreciate spectacular views of the river and the Old Town. Alternatively, embark on a leisurely guided tour to the York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the most outstanding Gothic buildings in the world. This afternoon, journey to Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest historic houses. On arrival, you will be escorted to the Grecian Hall for a delicious, traditional English afternoon tea. Once the castle has closed its doors, receive a private, after-hours visit with a guide who will show you the intricate architecture and share with you the history of the house. You will have some time to explore the best parts of the gardens before returning to York for an evening at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

Day 7 - The Wild And Poetic Lake District.

The rugged and dramatic beauty of the English Lake District famously inspired 19th-century writers such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Experience the charms of a bygone era, as you step onboard a historic steam train at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Station for a short ride along the southern banks of the lake. Journey through mystical forests to the lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere with a chance to explore, before continuing to your hotel located at Ullswater, considered by some to be the most beautiful of the English lakes. This evening, enter the dramatic ruins of Lowther Castle and take time to explore the ancient grounds. Enjoy a private dinner in the sculpture gallery which overlooks the castle gardens.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

LEEMING HOUSE, ULLSWATER, ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT - Set in the heart of the spectacular English Lake District, Leeming House is a short walk away from the shores of Ullswater.

Day 8 - Alnwick Castle.

Journey to majestic Alnwick Castle and explore its magnificent interiors. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the 11th-century castle, with its striking medieval architecture and see why it was featured in the Harry Potter films. Your travels continue to the beautiful Scottish capital of Edinburgh where you have an evening to enjoy at your leisure. Your Travelling Concierge is a treasure-trove of knowledge and will happily guide you to the best local restaurants and attractions. During August, you’re invited to witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts on earth and a celebration of the history, heritage and colours of Scotland’s regiments both near and far. Hosted every August, this renowned international showcase of military pageantry boasts performers from forty-eight countries. Enjoy the sounds and sights of bagpipes rising, drums cracking through the night air and performers dressed in tunics, kilts and tartans with Edinburgh Castle, lit up in colour, providing a dramatic backdrop.

Chairman's Collection If you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, you will meet Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland as she welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved garden. You are also introduced to the Head Gardener, Trevor Jones, who will lead you past a labyrinth, the serpent garden and ornate fountains, as you listen to the fascinating story of how The Duchess restored this exquisite garden to its former 18th-century glory over the last twenty years. Admire this masterpiece of passion and dedication, which remains a work in progress, before indulging in a seasonal lunch. This experience will be in addition to the existing itinerary.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Highlights Of Beautiful Edinburgh.

Enjoy a visit to magnificent Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most visited landmark. Skip the queue and join a Local Expert for a guided exploration of the castle grounds. Learn about the castle’s tumultuous history and appreciate panoramic views of the city below. Travel along Princes Street, past the Gothic Sir Walter Scott Monument, and continue down the Royal Mile to the gates of the Palace of Holyrood house, the principal residence of Scottish royalty since the 16th century. In true Gaelic style, meet a professional bagpiper, who is said to have been the Queen Mother’s favourite. Be enchanted as you listen to iconic music and fascinating tales about Scottish culture, whilst enjoying tea and scones. Raise a glass this evening to new friendships and a memorable journey, as we toast during our Celebration Dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL, EDINBURGH - Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh.

Day 10 Farewell Edinburgh.

Bid farewell to your travel companions and continue your onward journey with transfers timed to meet your flight. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

*Terms & Conditions Apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Travelfix and supplier full booking terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated). All prices are in Australian Dollars based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated.

Hotels may charge resort fees or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check in. Price is based on a twin-share room type for 2 adults.