The Royal Route: London to Edinburgh

Your royal explorations begin today as you arrive in London and make your way independently to our five-star hotel. Located in the heart of London's elegant Mayfair, this iconic establishment is the retreat of choice for royalty, presidents and literary icons. It's the perfect place to stay as we discover the regal side of London.

As you arrive, enjoy a warm welcome from the doorman and join the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers for drinks. Tonight, we dine at the hotel, savoring a delicious meal in an ornate private dining room. As you enjoy your sumptuous surroundings, you can look forward to walking in the footsteps of royalty over the course of this journey. Overnight London.

• Dinner

With an early start, we head to the Tower of London to witness the time-honored opening ceremony. We watch as the Yeoman Warders, also known as "Beefeaters," make their way to the outer gate of the Tower to unlock it for the day's visitors. After the ceremony, you have time to explore the tower's world-famous Crown Jewels collection, including the sparkling regalia worn by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the coronation in 2023.

In the afternoon, we head across town to Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for more than 300 years, including the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. Explore the palace at leisure, visiting the Queen's State Apartments and the rooms where Queen Victoria grew up, learning about the childhood of one of Britain's most celebrated monarchs.

After dinner at our hotel, we're joined by a special guest: Paul Burrell RVM, former footman to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. With 21 years as a member of the royal household staff, Burrell has penned bestselling memoirs about his experiences. As we relax in the hotel's private reception room, he shares stories about his time with Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, giving us a taste of life in the royals' inner circle. Overnight London.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we set out for Windsor Castle, a magnificent royal residence with almost 1,000 years of history. You're free to explore at leisure, visiting the State Apartments and the Gothic St. George's Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II and 10 other monarchs are buried.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel for a quintessentially British treat. Afternoon tea is a much-loved tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, and our hotel serves one of the most awarded afternoon teas in London. Relax in the elegant, wood-paneled Drawing Room and listen to the resident pianist as you enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and scones with fresh cream and jam.

With a free evening after tea, you might like to venture into the city on your own. Near our hotel is Buckingham Palace, the royal family's primary London residence. You could stop for a photo in front of the impressive gates, visit the Victoria Memorial or stroll down The Mall. Dining independently tonight, you can choose from the city's award-winning restaurants and relaxed eateries. Overnight London.

• Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

Today brings a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 960 AD. The abbey is known across the world as the place where British royals are baptized, married, crowned and buried. From the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 to Prince William's wedding in 2011 and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, the abbey has played host to some of the most celebrated events in modern British history.

After exploring this revered site, we head to King's Cross station and board a train to Edinburgh in First Class. As we journey north, the scenery becomes wilder and more dramatic, England's green hills giving way to Scotland's windswept, rugged terrain and stunning coastline.

Arriving in the evening, we transfer to our elegant Victorian hotel next to the station. Gazing up at the beautiful clock tower, you may notice the time is wrong. It was set three minutes fast to help commuters catch their trains, and the tradition continues to this day. After checking in, we enjoy a relaxed dinner in the hotel's Brasserie Prince restaurant. Overnight Edinburgh.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking in Edinburgh today, we head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a special treat. Arriving before it opens to the public, we enjoy an exclusive private tour of the royal family's Scottish residence. As we explore the splendid State Apartments, we learn about the turbulent life of Mary, Queen of Scots, one of the palace's most famous residents.

In the afternoon, we head to the other end of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile to the famous Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. You can walk in the footsteps of kings in the magnificent Great Hall, where grand banquets and state events were held for centuries, and gaze in awe at the Honours of Scotland, a crown, scepter and sword made of gold, silver and precious gems.

Returning to our hotel in the evening, we enjoy an exceptional Taste of Scotland dinner in a private dining room, savoring seasonal produce and classic Scottish flavors with a modern twist. After dinner, we're joined by a royal historian and storyteller for an immersive presentation on the fascinating history of the royalty in Scotland. Overnight Edinburgh.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On our final full day of this royal journey, we set off from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle, home to monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots, James V, James IV and James II. Stepping into the castle's carefully restored rooms, you can get a taste of what life would have been like for a royal household in the 1500s. You're free to explore at leisure, visiting the immense Great Hall, Royal Palace, Chapel Royal and the beautiful gardens.

In the afternoon, we return to Edinburgh for a visit to the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, the last British royal yacht. Launched in 1953, this "floating palace" carried Queen Elizabeth and her family on almost 1,000 state visits over 40 years. Here, you can tour the ship and discover the nearly 400-year history of the Royal Yachts.

Returning to our hotel in the evening, you have time to prepare for tonight's gala dinner. In a private suite overlooking the stunning Edinburgh skyline, we enjoy a feast of traditional Scottish dishes, celebrating the country's rich culinary heritage as a bagpiper fills the room with the stirring sounds of Scotland's national instrument. Overnight Edinburgh.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On this spectacular vacation, we followed in the footsteps of British royalty, both past and present. From our elegant hotel in London, we visited the capital's most celebrated royal residences, met the former butler of Diana, Princess of Wales, experienced the opening ceremony at the Tower of London and enjoyed a quintessentially British afternoon tea. Venturing north into Scotland, we delved further into royal history, enjoying an exclusive tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia and indulging in a uniquely Scottish gala dinner.

Your journey ends this morning after breakfast. You could transfer to the airport, where you can board a flight home, or continue your explorations in this fascinating part of the world.

• Breakfast