Experience the highlights of London and Scotland over 10 days on an itinerary perfect for the whole family. Discover London’s famous palaces, enjoy a “Harry Potter” tour, and see ancient archeological sites at Bath and Stonehenge. Take an overnight train to Scotland, walk the historic streets of Edinburgh, visit countryside locales seen in the “Outlander” TV series, and even ride the “Hogwarts Express” amid Highland scenery.
- Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Book the Package
- See the most famous sights in London on a "Harry Potter" tour
- Visit historic palaces and enjoy High Tea at the Savoy Hotel
- Savor a foodie tour of Edinburgh and discover new Scottish gastronomy
- Travel to the stunning locales in the Scottish Highlands
- Tour Loch Ness by boat and ride the famous "Hogwarts Express"
The rustic craftsmanship is easy to admire as you walk through the galleries and theatre floor. What's harder to imagine is how thousands of Londoners once packed this snug space to see the greatest actors of the day. Shakespeare called his theatre a "wooden O," as the Globe is a 360° auditorium. It also remains an open-air theater, as it has for centuries. Like back then, audiences who attend performances and tours are told to dress for the weather.
After the Globe, you and your family will enjoy a private tour of the 11th-century Tower of London. The tour is led by an expert historian who uses this landmark as a touchstone for British history and culture. Over three hours, you'll tour the grounds and unpack the many roles the Tower has played in its nearly 1,000-year history. At various times it's been a royal residence, a strategic outpost of William the Conqueror, a prison, and even an execution site where two of Henry VIII's wives lost their heads.
You may also see the Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, who are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower. Other highlights include visiting the legendary murder (group) of ravens that have been at the Tower for over 300 years and seeing the famous Crown Jewels. This collection of royal regalia is still used in the coronation ceremony of each new monarch and symbolizes the divine right of kings.
Then you may enter the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London. You'll get to explore this Norman fortress and royal palace. Alternatively, you can visit the many other towers, such as the Beauchamp Tower, where two young princes were said to have been murdered in 1483.
Today, Edinburgh is home to a dynamic, forward-thinking culinary scene that combines modern ideas and imagination with long-standing culinary traditions and fresh ingredients. Led by a chef or local food writer, you'll stop at some of the city's top eateries to meet shop owners, taste artisanal products, and discover some of the best-kept secrets of Scottish culinary traditions.
You may even stop in at the first independent coffee shop in Edinburgh to savor locally roasted beans and learn about the renaissance of great coffee in the city. Perhaps have a look at this season's wild game in the window of a butcher shop and pop inside to taste some game pies. You'll sample both hot and cold smoked salmon, haddock, and trout from an award-winning smokehouse in the market.
Throughout the tour, you'll examine how all of these shops, restaurants, and produce purveyors factor into the Scottish diet. You'll also learn how poverty and wealth have influenced Scottish eating and drinking habits. The tour reveals firsthand how Edinburgh and its surrounding areas have become the epicenter of Scotland's fine dining and cutting-edge food trends. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.
You'll leave Edinburgh by car on a full-day "Outlander" excursion in the morning. This countryside tour is based on the bestselling series of historical fiction novels by Diana Gabaldon. Throughout the tour, you and your family will see the actual Highland locales mentioned in the books and used in the filming of the popular TV series.
After departing Edinburgh, you'll travel in the footsteps of the books' main characters, Jamie and Claire. Highlights include stops at Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress that doubled as Fort William in the TV series, plus a hike to the forest cave that served as Jamie's hiding place.
On your way to a local farm shop (convenience store/café) for lunch, you'll pass the Kelpies. These 98-foot (30-m) silver sculptures resemble horses but represent shape-shifting water creatures called kelpies. You'll get to stop and walk around the sculptures to snap photos with the kids. After lunch, you'll visit more "Outlander" TV series locales, such as the 15th-century Doune Castle and the 16th-century village of Culross. Afterward, you'll return to Edinburgh.
You'll now have an entire day to head out and see Edinburgh in all its historic splendor. Travel at your own pace and go where you want. There's a lot to see and do here, like strolling the Royal Mile (Edinburgh's main thoroughfare) and admiring the city's Gothic architecture. You'll want to head up Castlehill, a short and steep road that ends at the city's most famous landmark: Edinburgh Castle. Feel free to take a self-guided audio tour of the fortress.Other famous sights include the 12th-century St Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace (home of the British monarchy in Scotland), and Princes Street Gardens, one of the loveliest green spaces in the city. You can also head to the end of the Royal Mile and hike up Arthur's Seat, a hill that rises up 823 feet (251 m) from an extinct volcano and offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and the countryside.
Kids and literary fans will be interested to know that in Scotland's capital, author J.K. Rowling began plotting the adventures of a certain boy wizard. You'll notice that the city's architecture has much in common with the settings in the books and films. The café where she wrote some of the early chapters, Elephant House Café, still exists (although it's currently being remodeled after a fire) and is a good place for gourmet tea or coffee.
The ruins remain, however, and your family can explore them. You'll certainly want to take pictures as the castle sits on a rocky promontory with views up and down Loch Ness. You can also visit structures that were once prominent rooms in the castle. These include the Great Hall, which hosted large banquets during the Middle Ages. Your kids will certainly love seeing the full-size trebuchet, a massive catapult once used to lay siege to castles.
The guide will also lead you to the less frequented but equally beautiful south roads around the loch. And even if the typically shy monster doesn't show up, we can assure you that your guide will bring this region to life with intriguing tales rich in folklore and history. Afterward, you'll return to Inverness.
After leaving Mallaig, the trip passes incredible scenery as extreme as it is beautiful. It begins near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain at 4,413 feet (1,345 m); then passes Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain; and it also travels alongside River Morar before, the shortest river in Britain. Other incredible sights you'll see include Loch Eil, the white beaches around the town of Arisaig, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Glenfinnan is a railway viaduct built at the turn of the 20th century that runs 1,000 feet (304 m) amid towering peaks, violet heathlands, and the glassy waters of Loch Shiel. Because of the stunning scenery, both Glenfinnan and the Jacobite locomotive were featured in the "Harry Potter" films.
The end of the line is the town of Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and then can walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. There are shops, pubs, restaurants, and plenty of fish and chips to enjoy. Afterward, retire to your hotel for the evening.
Unfortunately, all great adventures must eventually come to an end. In the morning, you'll return to Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for your flight home at the appropriate time. As they say in Scotland, haste ye back—you're always welcome here!
