Compare Spectacular Scotland by SmarTours vs London Like A Royal – A Deluxe Journey by Sky Vacations

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your unforgettable journey to Scotland begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital.

Day 2: Arrive Edinburgh.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Arrive in Edinburgh, one of the world’s finest capital cities and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where you’ll be greeted at the airport by your tour director. Described as “a dream in masonry and living rock”, Edinburgh is draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. A highly cultured and artistic city, Edinburgh is also described as the “Athens of the North”, a name inspired by the leaders of the Scottish Enlightenment. After departing the airport, visit the majestic, royal Linlithgow Palace. Despite now being roofless and largely ruined, Linlithgow Palace still inspires a sense of awe as you enter its gates. You’ll then continue to city center and enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent city, exploring the Royal Mile, the Princess Street Gardens, and Calton Hill, where you’ll savor a breathtaking view of the city. Transfer to your upscale, centrally-located hotel and enjoy an included welcome dinner later this evening. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Day 3: Edinburgh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on an exploration of two of Edinburgh’s main attractions. You’ll start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a word-famous icon with a dominant position overlooking the capital city. Not only will you appreciate its obvious grandeur and marvelous views, but you’ll gain an appreciation for its rich history, as Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many of the defining moments of Scottish history. Continue to another highlight of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland. Blending natural history, art, design, science, and technology, there is truly something for everyone, and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for Scottish history. The rest of the day is at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Edinburgh.

Day 4: Edinburgh/Optional Castle Excursion to St. Andrews & Glamis.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Edinburgh, or join an optional excursion to two of Scotland’s most historic castles: St. Andrews Castle and Glamis Castle. Begin with a visit to St. Andrews Castle, where you’ll visit the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St. Andrews, dating back to the 13th century. A notable highlight includes the tunnels dug in the 16th century by Protestant reformers after they murdered Cardinal Beaton and took over the castle. A fascinating exhibition in the visitor center also helps bring this historic landmark to life. After enjoying some time at leisure in St. Andrews, you’ll continue to Glamis Castle, with its stunning architecture, beautiful surrounding grounds and gardens, and rich history filled with legends and myths. Home of the Lyon family since the 14th century, Glamis was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Glamis Castle also has a bit of a dark, haunted past as the place of King Malcom II’s murder in the 11th century and of Lady Janet Douglas’s burning at the stake for being a witch in 1540 by James V. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a round of golf in the game’s birthplace (Scotland), you may ask your tour director for tips as to how to secure a tee time. The evening is at leisure, or perhaps you’ll join an optional festive dinner with traditional Scottish entertainment at the Spirit of Scotland Show.

Day 5: Edinburgh/Aberfeldy.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aberfeldy: Moness Resort

After breakfast, before heading north towards the Scottish Highlands, you’ll pay a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery, the home of “The Edinburgh Malt.” In the late 18th century, the surrounding area had an estimated four hundred illicit distilleries, and once the law was changed to permit licensed distilleries, many farmers jumped at the opportunity to get a license. Today, Glenkinchie is a model distillery, where you’ll see the production area, learn how the Scottish make their ‘water of life’, and then make your way to the bar for a tasting of the Glenkinchie Single Malt Whisky. En route to the Highlands, you’ll visit the Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable feat of modern engineering used to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You have to see it to fully comprehend it, but suffice it to say, it is the only rotating boat lift in the world and recognized as an inspirational 21st-century sculpture. Your next stop will be the magnificent Stirling Castle, which towers over several of Scotland’s most historic battlefields, including Stirling Bridge, the location of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce also defeated the English in 1314. Stirling Castle is a symbol of Scottish independence and boasts impressive architecture that you’ll surely enjoy. Continue to Aberfeldy, a charming town in the Scottish Highlands set along the banks of the River Tay. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. Moness Resort Hotel

Day 6: The Heart of the Highlands – Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aberfeldy: Moness Resort

Today, you’ll venture north into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, an awe-inspiring, beautiful region featuring famous battlefields and monuments. Your first stop on this day-long journey is, naturally, the famous Loch Ness, which has received global recognition for its celebrity resident: the sea monster Nessie. Keep an eye out for the elusive Nessie on your boat ride across the Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland with a colorful history. Built in the early 13th century, this magnificent castle changed hands a few times before being abandoned in the late 17th century. The majority of the existing buildings were built in the 14th century and remain a sight to see. Continue to the Highland House of Fraser, located on the banks of the River Ness, where you’ll immerse yourself in the world of highland dress, often characterized by the tartan. Experience an exhibition that documents the fascinating history of the tartan with a bit of Scottish humor, and if you’ve seen the movie Braveheart, you may recognize a display of the highland dress worn by some of the actors. You’ll also get the opportunity to see the master kiltmakers at work. Later, return to Aberfeldy for an included dinner.

Day 7: Aberfeldy/Isle of Mull.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Isle of Mull: Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

After breakfast, depart the Highlands for the spectacular Isle of Mull, known for its rich cultural heritage and its beautiful beaches and bays. En route, visit Stanley Mills, an impressive 18-century water mill and one of the best-preserved relics of the Industrial Revolution. Explore the interactive visitor center that will give you great insight into those who worked at Stanley Mills and the the products they made that were sold around the world. Continue to Oban, where you’ll take a late afternoon ferry to the Isle of Mull. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa

Day 8: Isle of Mull/Isle of Iona.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Isle of Mull: Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

This morning, take a short ferry to the enchanting, spiritual Isle of Iona. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who have been coming to Iona since St. Columba’s arrival in the 6th century. Proceed to the magnificent, restored Iona Abbey that was founded by St. Columba in 563 AD and houses an impressive collection of over 180 medieval and religious carved stones. Nearby, the remains of the 13th-century Abbey Nunnery is a great place to relish the utter serenity of this special island. After returning to the Isle of Mull, enjoy a visit to Duart Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan Maclean guarding the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull.  Perched atop a cliff on a peninsula with a unique view of several neighboring castles, Duart Castle was surrendered by the Macleans in the late 17th century before being repurchased by Sir Fitzroy Maclean in the early 20th century, who shouldered the important task of restoring the castle. Return to your hotel for an included dinner this evening.

Day 9: Isle of Mull/Glasgow.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Glasgow: Grand Central Hotel

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Isle of Mull and board a ferry to mainland Scotland. En route to Glasgow, the cultural capital of Scotland and its largest city, visit Inverawe Smokehouse, Scotland’s smoked food specialists. Here, after seeing how their specialties such as smoked salmon are prepared, you’ll have the opportunity to sample their product and judge for yourself their claim that they produce “the best smoked salmon you will ever taste.” En route to Glasgow, experience the fascinating Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, featuring 38 Birds of Prey. Relish the opportunity to see some rare and endangered species, as well as birds of all sizes, from the Little Owl to the female Golden Eagle. Watch the birds training or simply flying in the aviary compound and learn about the rescue facilities and disabled wild birds. Arrive in Glasgow, which blends art, architecture, nightlife, and shopping, where you’ll check in to your centrally located hotel. The evening is at leisure. Grand Central Hotel

Day 10: Glasgow.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Glasgow: Grand Central Hotel

Formerly an industrial city, Glasgow has undergone an economic and cultural renaissance since the mid 1980s, and today’s panoramic city tour will give you an excellent glimpse into this transformation. You’ll visit the Merchant City, the revamped riverbank (previously a dilapidated industrial area), the bohemian West End, and more. Next up is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions: the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. The architecture alone is a sight to see, and inside the beautiful building, the 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries display a remarkable 8,000 objects. The art, the natural history, the arms and armour will all provide plenty to marvel at. The balance of the day is at leisure in Glasgow before your festive farewell dinner (with a glass of wine) at the iconic Corinthian Club.

Day 11: Depart Scotland/Arrive USA.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Glasgow for your return flight to New York. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the USA later today. 

 DAY 1 – Welcome to London

Arrive into London Heathrow and meet your Sky Vacations ambassador for transfer to your hotel in London City Center. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 

DAY 2 – London

Today you will meet with your private guide for sightseeing in London. Depending on the time of year you will have the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace State rooms before exploring the Westminster area and they famous Abbey. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the London home and the administrative centre of the British royal family. The enormous building and extensive gardens are an important site of ceremonial and political affairs in the United Kingdom, as well as a major tourist attraction. But for a monarchy that dates back almost a thousand years, Buckingham Palace is a relatively new home. Westminster Abbey The Gothic masterpiece of Westminster Abbey has been at the heart of British history since the formation of the Abbey by Edward the Confessor in 1065. The Abbey became the coronation church for the English monarchy in 1066, was transformed into the modern stone Abbey in the reign of Henry III and has since been the venue for countless magnificent, joyous and sometimes unfortunate royal events. In modern times the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and funerals of the Queen Mother and Princess Diana have etched the Abbey into the common memory of billions around the globe. A visit of Westminster Abbey takes in such highlights as the Coronation Chair, the medieval Lady Chapel, museum containing a collection of royal effigies, and the Abbey Gardens, which whisk you away from the hubbub of the city. There is also a café and shop onsite.

DAY 3 – London

Today you will visit Kensington Palace along with the Tower of London with your private guide. Kensington Palace Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in Victoria’s re–imagined childhood rooms and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments. Tower of London On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, Zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower visitors can see crown jewels worth over £20 billion, meet the ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower there are also cafes and a shop. 

DAY 4 – London

Meet with your driver guide today for a tour out to Kew Gardens & Palace along with Hampton Court Palace. Kew Palace Kew Palace is the smallest of all the royal palaces.  It was originally built as a fashionable mansion for wealthy London silk merchant, Samuel Fortrey in 1631. George II (r 1727-60) and Queen Caroline were first attracted to little Kew, thinking it a perfect lodging for their three eldest daughters.  After them, several generations of Georgian royalty used Kew and nearby Richmond Lodge as weekend retreats from an intensely public life in town. Kew reflects the intimate personal and domestic life of Georgian kings and queens for much of the 18th century. Today the interior of this tiny, atmospheric palace tells the powerful story of George III, his mental illness and the members of his family who lived and died there. Hampton Court Palace Discover the magnificence of Henry VIII’s favourite royal residence. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bustling Base Court and marvel at the breath-taking grandeur of Henry’s State Rooms. Tickle your taste buds in the vast Tudor kitchens, stroll through over 60 acres of enchanting gardens, lose yourself in the famous maze and appreciate the beauty of one of the greatest palaces on earth. Creep along the Haunted Gallery and discover another palace, the Baroque Palace, full of intrigue and gossip from the Stuart and Georgian era.

DAY 5 – London

Spend today at leisure in London, why not do some legendary shopping or visit one of the many free museums within the city. In the evening you will enjoy a dinner river cruise on the Thames. Bateaux London The crème de la crème of our cruise experiences: let us seat you at your table on the river in preparation for an evening that’ll take your breath away. As we depart from the dock and the sun begins to slowly set, sip on an aperitif, soak up the sounds of our talented live musicians and take in the unmatched scenery as we serve up dishes from our seasonal five-course à la carte menu complimented by free-flowing selected wines. As day turns to night, we journey further down the river, floating past majestic architecture, illuminated skylines, divine river lights and ever-changing scenes of a city from a beautifully unique perspective.

DAY 6 – Kent

Meet your driver guide again today for a full day tour out to Kent where you will visit Leeds Castle & Chartwell House. Leeds Castle Leeds Castle in Kent, England, has been called the “loveliest castle in the world”. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace. It’s situation is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake. The Royal Manor was originally built in 857AD and owned by a Saxon royal family. After the Norman Conquest, work began on building the first stone castle on the site. In 1278 the Castle became a royal palace for Edward I and his Queen, Eleanor of Castile. Major improvements were made to the castle during the reign of Edward I. The Barbican, constructed during this time, is unique in that it is made up of three parts, each having its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. The medieval Keep, incorporating the Great Hall, is called the Gloriette, in honour of Queen Eleanor. Perhaps the Castle’s most famous owner was King Henry VIII, who transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The stunning painting of the ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold’, which commemorates the meeting between King Henry VIII and the French King Francis I in 1520, hangs here at Leeds Castle. Chartwell House Discover the house that Churchill called home, where he brought up his young family. Decorated as it was in the 1930s, make your way through rooms like the library, study, sitting room and dining room displayed as if the family have only just left the room. Explore the museum rooms filled with gifts that Churchill received and see the personal possessions that Churchill and the family kept at Chartwell. As you make your way around the house uncover the home and family man behind the statesman.

DAY 7  – Farewell

Transfer to London Heathrow airport for your onward journey.