Grand UK Explorer Tour

Take a chauffeur driven tour of the United Kingdom and discover the greatest sites and expereinces that the great nation has to offer. This combination of exclusive experiences takes in 4 countries and 4 capital cities with accommodation in luxury hotels. Most definitely the journey of a lifetime.

Full Itinerary

London skyline at dusk

Day One: Arrival into London and let your journey commence

Your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the airport. See the sights en-route to your accommodation; drive along the banks of the Thames, see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben plus of course Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Marble Arch.

Check into The Goring, quite simply London’s quintessentially English hotel and your home for the next four days. Completed in 1910, it was the very last “grand hotel” of the Edwardian era to be built. It is now the oldest privately owned luxury hotel in London. Each of the 71 individually designed bedrooms and suites exude English style.

Once refreshed, depart with chauffeur/guide, heading south to the river, first stopping at the Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum for private visit with the Curator. Firmly placed in history, there are many places deep within the walls to see and the Curator will bring them to life – in particular see the Cabinet Room, which was the inner sanctum of the British Government.

To follow, board a private capsule on the London Eye, the world’s largest observation wheel and see the capital and over 55 of the most famous landmarks from a different perspective.

What a start to your trip!

The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Day Two: Iconic London on your doorstep

To start, “pop” next door to Buckingham Palace, and see Changing of the Guard, a spectacular ceremony involving the marching soldiers and imposing mounted guards.

Thereafter, the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in existence for a guided tour. See in particular, the magnificent 1902 State Landau carriage, which was specifically built for King Edward VII in 1902 and was intended to be used at his Coronation. It was of course used in April of this year, taking the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Buckingham Palace.

Head next door again to the Queens Gallery and see “Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy”, the blockbuster exhibition which will be the largest ever of his studies of the human body and today are among the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures.

And what an end to the second day – head to the world renowned Harrods and experience “exclusive by appointment” – a team of stylists scour the prestigious store on your behalf.

You will even have access to your own Jewellery Suite where you can view and select from an array of fine jewellery collections.

Day Three:

To start, visit Westminster Abbey for a verger-led tour of this stunning Gothic church – it has been the scene of every Royal Coronation since 1066. Highlights are many and include the Royal Tombs, Poets Corner and the Nave, where underneath the West window is the Grave of the Unknown Warrior which commemorates the many thousand skilled in the 1914-1918 war who have no grave. 

The Abbey did of course take centre stage in April playing host to the marriage of HRH Prince William with Miss Catherine Middleton.

Thereafter a private guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, with highlights including the crypt, the famous Geometric Staircase, the Chapel of St. Michael & St. George.

Learn the history of this architectural jewel as well as the many of the tombs and memorials that are housed within, including Sir Christopher Wren, Wellington and Nelson.

And for the finale – a private visit to the Tower of London, opened especially for your clients. Guided by one of the Yeoman Warder, see behind the scenes of this historic palace and learn the stories of intrigue, imprisonment, torture and murder.

Winston Churchill’s Birthplace

Day Four: Quintessentially English

Head to Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires” – see the famous University, the second oldest in the world, with Christ Church as its centre piece. Here enjoy a private tour with Custodian and learn about the student life, scenes associated with the world of Lewis Carroll and of course, the Harry Potter films.

To follow, the small village of Woodstock for lunch before a rather special visit to Blenheim Palace, without a doubt, one of our grandest stately homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Accompanied by one of the Resident Horticulturists, tour the spectacular grounds. They were designed by arguably our greatest landscaper, Capability Brown and were the integral in assisting the Palace gain a World Heritage status. They are a delight at any time of the year and indeed the Formal Gardens are past worthy winners of the “Garden of the Year”.

To follow, refreshments served before enjoying a private guided tour of this magnificent Palace, which was given to the first Duke of Marlborough by a grateful Nation following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in August 1704.

Highlights are too numerous to mention, however what makes this tour unique is that subject to their diary, a visit to the private apartments of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough is included.

Return to London for final evening.

Stonehenge

Day Five: to the West Country and even further!

Head west, taking time to pause at the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Britain’s most important prehistoric monument dating from 3000 B.C.

Thereafter to the city of Bath – founded as a health spa by the Romans, however, many years later in the 18th century it was again developed into an elegant Georgian health resort to which the fashionable world flocked for the season.

See the Abbey, dating back to the 15th century, which is the last of the great medieval churches of England and has remarkable carved frontage and amazing fan vaulting.

Marvel at the Georgian architecture and of course no visit here would be complete without a visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, which remain among the finest antiquities in the country.

From here, continue west and cross via the Severn Bridge, into country number two, Wales and head along the coast to Cardiff and check into your home for three evenings, the rather splendid Holm House.

Dating back to the 1920’s, it has been furnished to the highest standards and in its own words describes itself as cosy, quirky, eccentric, bohemian and opulent.

Dine in Neale’s restaurant, offering splendid views across the Bristol Channel.

The Southern Coastline

Day Six: the south coast

This morning, head west to Swansea, which is perhaps best known as being the home of Dylan Thomas, Wales’s more famous literary figure and here enjoy a guided visit of his birthplace and home with local literary expert. 

Head to the harbour front and take a boat trip, seeing the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take in the magnificent coastline with travelling companions likely to include Atlantic Grey seals – inquisitive mammals often spotted basking on the rocks at low tide.

Return for lunch in the harbour front before returning to Cardiff, for a panoramic city tour, see the much developed and regenerated Cardiff Bay and of course, Millennium Stadium, home to the national rugby team before finishing up at the impressive Castle.

In 1947, the 5th Marquess of Bute gave Cardiff Castle and its parklands to the people of Cardiff and to this day, if you live or work in the city you can enjoy free admission of this mighty stronghold.

Beautifully and lavishly restored, enjoy a private specialist tour with the Curator hearing about the fine and decorative arts and the work of architect William Burges before returning to Holm House for second evening.

Moored on the canals

Day Seven: Brecon Beacons

Travel north into the Brecon Beacons National Park – established in 1957, it is the third of the three Welsh parks after Snowdonia in 1951 and the Pembrokeshire Coast in 1952 and it stretches from Llandeilo in the west to Hay-on-Wye in the east and covering an area of 520 square miles. 

Here, a rather special trip, step on board a narrow boat complete with skipper and sit back and relax as you cruise along the Brecon Canal, which dates back to the 18th century.

A gourmet picnic with traditional Welsh delicacies and a glass or two of the award-winning cider is included – During the trip experience first-hand the workings of a lock and cross the River Usk 25ft upon the Brynich Aqueduct – definitely something different.

Return to Holm House for final evening.

Railway to the top of Mount Snowdon

Day Eight: to the North of Wales

Depart from Cardiff airport at 0730 and arrive on the Isle of Anglesey, some 60 minutes later, This is of course where the recently married Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have made their home with the majestic Snowdonia National Park on your doorstep. 

Take a trip on the mountain steam railway to the summit of Mount Snowdon, which at 3,560 feet (1,085m) is the highest mountain in Wales – the views over the coastline and neighbouring mountains are breath-taking.

To follow enjoy a guided visit of the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Caernarfon Castle, where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales in 1969.

Check into your home in north Wales for two evenings, the beautiful Bodysgallen Hall and Spa. Built predominately in the 17th century, it is situated at the end of a winding drive in 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal gardens.

It is intimate in size with only 15 bedrooms/suites in the main house. The property boasts a quite wonderful spa and the restaurant has been awarded a total of 3 AA rosettes.

Trinity College

Day Nine: The Fab 4 and the Emerald Isle

And so to Liverpool, no more than hour’s drive. It’s safe to say, that no trip here would be complete without paying homage to the city’s most famous sons, the Beatles. 

Visit the award-winning museum at the waterfront location, taking you on a journey through the life, times, culture and music of the Fab 4. Discover how four young lads came together to become the world’s greatest band.

Thereafter, to Holyhead and board the afternoon fast ferry which will have you in the capital of the Emerald Isle in less than two hours. Check into your accommodation for two nights and as they say, welcome to Dublin, welcome to Dylan, the ultimate in style and luxury – Victorian on the outside and victorious on the inside. Intimate in size with less than 50 bedrooms, this is a boutique 5* property that is very much the place to stay.

And on Day Ten, see the sites – Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1 and perhaps one of Dublin’s “must-sees”. Among the many famous students to attend were playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift and political writer Edmund Burke.

Thereafter continue on to explore the Georgian side for a a private visit in one of the mansion houses, which dates back to 1785 and has since been restored to its former glory. Today you will have the opportunity of meeting its owner and hear her regale the history of this house as only she can.

Onto majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, which, today is the Protestant Church of Ireland’s national cathedral. The cathedral suffered over the centuries from desecration, fire and neglect but, thanks to the generosity of Sir Benjamin Guinness it underwent extensive restoration during the 1860’s.

King John’s Castle

Day Eleven: to the west

And so begin journey west – stop at the National Stud at Kildare and enjoy a private guided visit around the Stud itself, which was visited by HM, The Queen in May of this year.  

Continue westwards arriving in Limerick, the Republic of Ireland’s third largest city. Conquered by the Vikings in the 9th century, this bustling modern city has a rich medieval past, which resounds around its ancient streets.

Take lunch on the river front, maybe “The French Table” which is particularly noted for its fish and seafood and thereafter a private guided visit at the internationally renowned Hunt Museum. Home to a diverse collection of antiquities and fine and decorative art, it is perhaps best known with its exceptional art collection including works from Picasso, da Vinci and Renoir.

Continue to the magnificent Dromoland Castle, situated in ornamental grounds and woods that extend over more than 1,500 acres, your home for the next three nights. Today, it quietly affirms itself as one of the most impressive and distinguished castle hotels in Ireland – and one of Europe’s most desired 5 Star destinations.

Kylemore

Day Twelve: Connemara County

And so head northwest to Connemara, home to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Ireland and indeed Europe. Here enjoy one of the most special of private visits at Kylemore, which was originally built as a Castle by Henry Mitchell in 1867 as a romantic gift for his beloved wife and is now the monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns.

Inside the Abbey, your private guided tour will take you a suite of rooms which have been sympathetically restored, where you really experience the character and atmosphere of the Castle before entering the quite delightful Victorian Walled Gardens for a guided tour.

Return via the lively and picturesque city of Galway, located on the Bay of the same name. It has a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned speciality shops, often featuring locally made crafts including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewellery and woodwork.

It has many relics of its medieval past – the Town Walls, dating back to 1270 and Lynch’s Castle, which is at heart of the old medieval town and is one of the oldest buildings in Ireland still used for commercial purposes.

See the Cathedral, located on the west bank of the River Corrib and also the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, which dates from the 1300’s – Christopher Columbus stopped off here on his way to discover the new world in 1477.

Day Thirteen: the Cliffs of Moher

Depart complete with a gourmet picnic and head to one of Ireland’s “must-sees” (they do attract almost 1 million visitors every year) – the Cliffs of Moher. They reach a staggering 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of Co Clare. They are also 320 million years old.

Upon arrival, be met by one of the Conservationist Rangers, who will take you on a private guided tour of the cliff – bringing to life the wildlife, geology, botany and history of this renowned stretch of coast.

They are a Special Protected Area for Seabirds, with over 30,000 nesting pairs each year including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars & kittiwakes they are Ireland’s largest mainland seabird nesting colony.

Features include O’Brien’s Tower which stands proudly on a headland of the majestic cliffs and from here it is possible to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the south.

Return to Dromoland for final evening – enjoy a cocktail in the bar, boasting quite magnificent views across the lakes of Co Clare before fine dining in the award-winning dinner Earl of Thomond restaurant.

Muckross, on the outskirts of Killarney National Park

Day Fourteen: to Killarney via Cork

And begin the journey south and head to Cork. On the outskirts see the harbour with the three islands joined by bridges. See “Cobh” (pronounced “cove”, which is simply the Irish for haven) on Great Island. Take time to the see the English Market, which is one of the oldest of its kind, which has been trading as a market since 1788.

It was once the main departure point for emigrants to America and was a stopping place for transatlantic liners and indeed has the dubious distinction of being the last port of call for the ill-fated voyages of both the RMS Titanic and the RMS Lusitania.

Continue to where Ireland’s highest mountain range meets the shores of the famous Lakes of Killarney and to the 25,000 acre Killarney National Park – a wonderful combination of woods, waterfalls and wildlife – the red deer roam freely and white tailed sea eagles have recently been re-introduced.

The estate was gifted to the Irish Nation thus becoming Ireland’s first national park. Here see Muckross House and Gardens and perhaps even take a pony and trap ride.

Thereafter check into the Killarney Park Hotel, part of the “leading hotels of the world” collection and your home for the next three evenings. Situated on its own private grounds, this family owned luxury property is committed to ensuring that every moment will be memorable, relaxing and enjoyable.

The Dingle Peninsula

Days Fifteen + Sixteen: the spectacular coast

To start see the Dingle Peninsula – thrust out 30 miles into the Atlantic to claim Ireland’s most westerly point. Pause in Dingle, which back in the 14th and 15th centuries was Kerry’s leading port and later became a centre for smuggling, at one point even minting its own coins. Today, it remains a thriving fishing port and the town is a jumble of attractive streets, tumbling down a hillside to the handsome pier.

An area renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery and abundance of wildlife – there can be nowhere better for a coastal walk. See the Cliffs and the towering Cathedral Rocks, where you are likely to see the world’s second largest fish, the giant basking shark, plus always scan the horizon for the twenty foot tall blow of a fin whale or the tail fluke of a diving humpback.

Return to Killarney for perhaps a light supper in the “locally owned, internationally known” Foleys on the high street.

And on day 16, another of Ireland’s most noted sites – the Ring of Kerry. Following the coastline of the Iveragh peninsula, this circular route is 177km / 110miles of rugged coastal scenery and offers some breath-taking photo opportunities and the chance to visit many picturesque villages along the way.

In particular see Kenmare. Often said to be the “Jewel on the Ring of Kerry" it nestles on the sea-shore at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains. The town, founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty, has preserved many original features. Today, it is particularly noted for its boutique craft shops and dining options, with over 30 to select from.

Return to Killarney Park Hotel for final evening.

Loch Ness

Days Seventeen + Eighteen: to country Number 4 – the final destination

Head to Cork Airport and board the lunchtime flight to Scotland arriving into Glasgow early afternoon. Be met by local guide who will accompany you on your trip around your final country.

Head north along the banks of Loch Lomond watching the scenery change as the lowlands give way to the highlands.

Check into Inverlochy Castle, which nestles in the foothills of mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A more picturesque location is hard to imagine; indeed in 1873, during a trip to Balmoral, Queen Victoria spent a week here sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’.

Dining is a delight and renowned throughout the world – “an adventurous menu featuring the very best of local cuisine” – they are one of only a handful of restaurants that have been awarded 3AA rosettes and a respected Michelin star.

And what a day and an experience for Day 18 – head east to perhaps Scotland’s most famous stretch of water, Loch Ness for a private cruise. With a capacity for less than 10 people, the luxury motor cruiser offers a quite wonderful experience.

The views from the boat offer a unique view of the impressive Urquhart Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and following the cruise perhaps visit what was once one of Scotland’s mightiest strongholds – now an atmospheric ruin overlooking the dark waters of the loch.

Return for second and final evening at Inverlochy Castle.

Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Day Nineteen: to All aboard!

And what an experience to start – step on board the steam train, justifiably mentioned as one of the “world’s great train journeys”. Travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, perhaps best known for featuring in the Harry Potter films.

Travel long one of the most famous and beautiful stretches of coastline – The Silver Sands of Morar, which is quite simply spectacular and will without a doubt be a highlight of the trip. On a clear day, you can see the enchanting Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum – with Skye to be seen in the distance – breath-taking.

Upon reaching the end of the line, board the ferry for the short crossing to the Isle of Skye, where some would say no visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to and unjustifiably so.

Thereafter head south to your home for three nights, what is affectionately called “Lady Claire MacDonald’s”. Charming, cosy and discreetly luxurious – it is recognised internationally and has been cited as one of the world’s top 25 small hotels in Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

Day Twenty: the Isle of Skye

Spend the day exploring the romantic Isle of Skye – pause in the heart of a 20,000 Highland Estate and visit one of the most romantic places in Scotland and home to the Clan Donald – Armadale Castle and Gardens. The ruins of the Castle provide a wonderful backdrop to the 40 acres woodland garden.

Head to the easterly coast to Portree, the “capital”, which was the setting for Bonnie Price Charlie’s last days in Scotland. The harbour is particularly pretty with colourful buildings and boats

And on the return drive past what is often said to be the most dramatic mountain range in Scotland, the Cuillins and pause on the banks of Loch Harport for tour and tasting of the “water of life”. The 10YRO malt is described as having a rich, dried fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense.

Luskentyre

Day Twenty One: The Western Isles

The Stones at Callanis

Head to the very north of the isle and board the local ferry and head to the Island of Harris, one of the 200 islands that make up the Outer Hebrides – the scenery is breath-taking and this year has been included in many publications as one of the Top 100 Places to Visit in the World.

See the famed white beaches, clear waters and coastline, in particular Luskentyre, where some say it is difficult to imagine a better beach anywhere!

To follow, see the wonderful and awe-inspiring stones at Callanais, undoubtedly the most famous prehistoric site in Scotland – dating from around 3000 BC, they are older than the pyramids of Egypt.Approximately 50 in total stand on a rise and are best viewed as the light begins to change – shifting rays of sunlight through the broken cloud.

Take dinner at the waterfront of Tarbert before catching evening ferry to Skye. Note: this should be viewed as an extended day and subject to ferry timetable.

The Edinburgh Skyline

Day Twenty Two: the journey south

And so begin the journey south, towards our capital city. Travel through atmospheric Glen Coe, site of the infamous Clan Battle in 1603 between the “Macdonalds” and “Campbells”.

Pause at Stirling Castle for visit, often said to be one of the most important castles – whoever controlled here controlled the nation. It commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of our history including Stirling bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297 and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe only 17 years later, in 1314.

Arrive mid-afternoon and take in a panoramic city tour – see the World Heritage UNESCO sites of the Georgian New Town with is splendid architecture and the Old Town, characterised by its narrow closes and cobbled streets.

Check into the Rocco Forte Collection’s 5* Balmoral is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word – while many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh’s landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their doorstep is a landmark.

For an outstanding culinary experience and start to the 3 days in Edinburgh – head downstairs to the Michelin-starred “number one”, recognised as one of Scotland’s best restaurants, led by Executive Chef Jeff Bland.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Day Twenty Three: A Royal Edinburgh

Spend the day seeing the royal highlights of the capital city. And what a place to start explore arguably one of the most famous streets in the world, the Royal Mile. At the top, see the Castle, sitting high and proud above the city – highlights start as soon as your reach the historic ramparts on the Esplanade.

Perhaps take lunch in the Witchery. Hidden within an historic building at the castle gates, it has delighted diners for over a quarter of a century. There after stroll down the famed Royal Mile and at the “foot” visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Official Residence of HM, The Queen and The Royal Family in Scotland.

And at the end of the day, perhaps saving the best for last, see the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Opened exclusively, your VIP experience commences with a “quayside” arrival” and from here, you see the ship on all her splendour. Board via a red carpet on the Royal Brow, a practise previously reserved for members of the Royal Family and visiting dignitaries.

Your personal guide will bring Britannia to life – she served HM, The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. Furnished to HM, The Queen’s personal taste, each room was filled with photographs of her children, treasured family heirlooms, much-loved personal possessions and gifts from across the globe.

This was the ship that, even with its full complement of around 300 Royal Yachtsmen and Royal Household staff, HM, the Queen named as the one place where she could truly relax.

To complete, a glass of Champagne and a souvenir guidebook presented as you depart.

Glamis Castle

Day Twenty Four: Glamis Castle and St Andrews

And what a finale – head to Glamis Castle, the ancestral home of the Strathmore family for over 600 years but is perhaps best known as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

There are numerous highlights but in particular see the Royal Apartments – unique to Glamis as they constitute of the suite of rooms arranged by the 13th Countess of Strathmore following the marriage of her daughter, Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, into the Royal Family in 1923.

To follow, the beautiful and ancient town of St Andrews often called the “home of golf” and a “must see” in many a travellers’ book.

It is now of course firmly rooted in history as the place where it all began for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, whilst studying at the world renowned university. Whilst they were here they enjoyed a great deal of privacy and were treated by local people as normal students – in fact to their contemporaries, they were known simply as “Wills and Kate”.

Here, enjoy a guided private walk on the renowned fairways before seeing the ruins of St Andrews Castle, once the glorious home of the Bishops and Archbishops of St Andrews and to follow visit the remains of the Cathedral – what was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church.

Return to Edinburgh for final evening.

Day Twenty Five: homeward bound

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