Family Tour of England & Scotland

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
London, Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)

The ultimate private family tour of England and Scotland, this itinerary features inspiring cultural experiences that showcase the best of British history and legends; classic British experiences suitable for travelers of all ages; and time to relax at a family-friendly resort hotel in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Begin in London, one of the great cities of the world and an endlessly fascinating destination for adults and children alike. During flexible private touring with your own Blue Badge guide and driver, experience London according to the interests of your family. Some of our favorite family-friendly options include seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London; touring awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey to learn about some of England's greatest monarchs, poets and scientists; coming face-to-face with mummies at the British Museum and dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum; visiting Harry Potter sites such as the London Zoo and Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station; taking a ride on the London Eye for spectacular views over the city; seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace; sampling sweets and treats galore in the food halls of Harrods; riding a double-decker bus; and browsing one of the best toy stores in the world. One day, opt to take an excursion outside London. Options include a VIP tour of The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London; Oxford, home to one of the most prestigious universities in Britain and the location for scenes in the Harry Potter films; Windsor Castle; Stonehenge, one of England's most enduring icons; Highclere Castle, the filming location for the Downton Abbey TV series; historic Greenwich; and Kew Gardens, with its Treetop Walkway and many other family attractions.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure will also arrange reservations for dining and afternoon tea, book tickets to performances, and provide recommendations for the best shopping in London. Accommodation is at one of London's best luxury hotels.

Continue by train or short flight to Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with a stay in a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See iconic Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Your guide will regale you with fascinating, and at times, spine-tingling, stories about the historic buildings lining the road. Adults and children alike will also enjoy exploring historic buildings, as well as the narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Visit shops specializing in wool tweed and other distinctive Scottish products. Other touring and leisure time options in Edinburgh include tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarch; the Brass Rubbing Center; and Our Dynamic Earth. Depending on your family's interests, you might like to visit the Royal Botanic Garden or National Gallery; tour the unusual architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building and other contemporary design highlights in the city; or hike up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth tidal bay. In August, Artisans of Leisure can assist with tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo or performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe.

Next, you will be transferred to the Scottish Highlands with touring en route. Visit Stirling, a strategic town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence. Tour Stirling Castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Also visit the National Wallace Monument, a landmark dedicated to one of Scotland's greatest heroes. Continue through the breathtaking scenery of Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful regions in the Highlands.

Stay at a luxury hotel in the Highlands countryside near Fort William. One day, enjoy a private scenic excursion to experience the best of the Scottish Highlands. Tour among the beautiful lochs and glens of Scotland's dramatic west coast, stopping to visit charming small towns and atmospheric castles. Watch as the Jacobite Train—made famous in the Harry Potter movies—passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and opt to enjoy leisurely hiking in the area. Alternatively, see standing stones and other ancient sites, or enjoy a boat ride to look for porpoises, otters and sea birds. Other options include seeing a working sheepdog demonstration; enjoying historic touring around Inverness and Culloden; or searching for Nessie on a boat cruise on Loch Ness. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional special-interest touring, such as visiting Outlander sites, watching Highland Games in the summer, or taking an excursion by private charter flights to Islay for in-depth distillery visits.

Next, transfer back through the Highlands, stopping en route at scenic spots, traditional towns, castles or whisky distilleries according to your preferences. Stay at Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the Perthshire countryside. During leisure time, enjoy the resort's extensive activities, including options such as countryside walks, golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, 4WD tours, shooting, gundog training, falconry and afternoon tea. Child-friendly versions of all of these activities are also available. Additional facilities include a spa, a kids club and exclusive Scottish boutiques.

This tour can be fully customized to suit your family's interests.