8-Nights Beyond the Highlights: London & Edinburgh from $3,768

Day 1: Arrive in London

Transfer: London Heathrow Aptto London - Covent Garden

Hotel: Strand Palace (4 Star Rating)

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London on one of the city's oldest and most distinguished streets, moments from landmarks like Trafalgar Square and the lively atmosphere of Covent Garden, Strand Palace has been a cornerstone of London's hospitality scene since 1909. Following a breath-taking contemporary renovation in 2019, our hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional British charm, providing guests with an ideal setting for both leisure and business. With exclusive amenities such as a private bar, restaurant, complimentary onsite gym, and a guest service center, Strand Palace is the trusted choice to be your preferred home away from home, with all of London's highlights right on your doorstep.

What better way to see the highlights of London than from the upper level of a vintage double-decker bus? Take in excellent views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London on a meandering route, sweeping through the streets and history of the English capital.

The tour also includes a boat trip on the river Thames as well as a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official Royal residence of His Majesty the King. Following your time at Buckingham, the scene shifts to the river Thames where you'll set off on serene sailing coursing through the central waterway of London, passing sites of interest including Shakespeare's Globe, London Bridge, the Shard and Tower Bridge before arriving at the London Eye pier, where you'll disembark. Shortly after, you'll be returned to the Victoria Coach Station where you'll bid farewell to your guide and enjoy time on your own.

Important note: The Changing of the Guards only takes place in the morning and therefore cannot be seen on this afternoon excursion.

Day 2: Half Day Classic Rock and Beatles Sites

On the afternoon tour, join us at famous gig sites, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios. Paul McCartney still lives near the famous Abbey Road recording studios with its infamous Zebra crossing which we'll walk across. We'll see where legendary Jimi Hendrix lived and died, the headquarters of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones sites and the place where Freddie Mercury and Queen hung out inspiring Bohemian Rhapsody. Then there is Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Sex Pistols, Bob Marley and Elton John, all personalised for you in a small group minivan tour.On the afternoon tour, join us at famous gig sites, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios. Paul McCartney still lives near the famous Abbey Road recording studios with its infamous Zebra crossing which we'll walk across. We'll see where legendary Jimi Hendrix lived and died, the headquarters of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones sites and the place where Freddie Mercury and Queen hung out inspiring Bohemian Rhapsody. Then there is Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Sex Pistols, Bob Marley and Elton John, all personalised for you in a small group minivan tour.

Day 3: Full Day Magic of London Tour with Cream Tea at Harrods

The morning part of the tour begins with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral where you enter as their doors open. You will explore the masterpiece designed by Wren in 1673 with a professional guide, taking time to listen to the 1695 organ that Mendelssohn once played and visit the tombs of Nelson and Wellington. On Sundays when there is restricted viewing at the Cathedral there will be an opportunity to enter and enjoy one of the services. Next, a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey before you head to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace is the official Royal residence of His Majesty the King. Watch the world famous changing of the Guard ceremony as the Queen's soldiers, dressed in their fabulous tunics and busbies march to military music. Free time will be given for lunch and our guide will be happy to recommend places to eat.

Arriving at the Tower of London built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, your guide will regale you with fascinating insights into the history of this Royal Palace and fortress. Ample time will be given to view the Crown Jewels and the White Tower and to wander around this imposing fortress. Take your seat for a 40 minute River Thames cruise. Enjoy spectacular views as you glide down the Thames. The river offers the best perspective of a number of top attractions and sights; view The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Pauls, The Shard and The Tower of London and Tower Bridge from the comfort of your seat.

The Harrods Tea Rooms’ quintessentially English cream tea stands amongst London’s finest, and when enjoyed in such regal surroundings, is an experience to be savoured, remembered and repeated. Home-baked English scones served with clotted cream and Harrods exclusive preserves and this is accompanied by a glass of Prosecco and your choice of tea from Harrods own tea gardens.

Tour ends at Harrods department store in Knightsbridge.

Day 4: Half Day Stonehenge Tour

The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and now a world heritage site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since.

Day 5: London to Edinburgh & Edinburgh Hop on and Hop Off Bus Tour

Transfer: London - Kensington to London King's Cross Railway Station

Transfer: Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station to Edinburgh - City Centre

Hotel: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh (3 Star Rating)

Be a guest and relax in their stylish city-center Edinburgh hotel. You’ll find the hotel on Jeffrey Street in the city’s Old Town, close to Waverley Train Station. They are a short stroll away from the capital’s landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park and many other local hotspots.

Vouchers must be exchanged/validated with Ticket Sellers at Tour departure point Waterloo Place prior to boarding. Vouchers cannot be exchanged by tour bus drivers en route but they will take you and your voucher to the nearest ticket seller. Vouchers can no longer be exchanged at the partner attractions - every customer MUST head to Waterloo Place first.

Day 6: Half Day Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour & Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour

Book this tour if you’d like…

- A unique journey round the sites, stories and secrets of the Old Town you might otherwise miss
- A tour led and loved by Mercat historians
- A wonderful introduction to Edinburgh, it’s past and people
- A guided visit to Edinburgh Castle

Our beautiful city is waiting for you…
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!

Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Take a journey through time with them, and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives.

Hang on your tour Storyteller’s every word, as they walk you through the crime and culture to the politics and everyday events, and show you the evidence that has survived to this day, throughout the Royal Mile.

Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.
The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its great ancient rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.

Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller, and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.This five-star experience will go beyond expectations with interactive projections, live performances and three cocktails specially made to match your flavour profile.

The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience - A Journey of Flavour is designed to be more than just a tour. It's an immersive, theatrical experience that will engage all your senses and leave you with lasting memories.

Start your journey with the Johnnie Walker flavour quiz to discover your personal flavour profile so we can tailor the tour to your tastebuds. Then, embark on a highly immersive, 90-minute sensory experience led by our Johnnie Walker experts.

Throughout the tour you’ll be served three delicious cocktails tailor made to your flavour profile, and of course you can opt for a neat whisky or a non-alcoholic mocktail if you’d prefer. Each cocktail is designed to enhance your tasting experience, offering a modern twist on classic whisky enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or new to the world of Scotch, our tailored approach ensures that your experience is as enjoyable and enlightening as possible. Journey of Flavour tour can be booked in Mandarin, French, German and Spanish

Day 7: Full Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands Tour

Ready to become a monster hunter? As we journey deep into the Scottish Highlands, you’ll hear legendary stories of the Jacobites as you’re bewildered by the beauty of Glencoe. This tour is packed with as much Scotland as we could fit in, but most of all, it gives you the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster.

Day 8: Private Half-Day Edinburgh Tour with Lunch

Edinburgh is an incredibly historic city, and you will have an exciting and unique experience while in town. Appreciating that you may be short on time to see and do everything Edinburgh has to offer, this Mini Mack adventure visits a host of notable UNESCO sites and hidden gems while you snap away on your cameras and phones. Led by one of two local brothers, Rowan and Andy Mackie, you will have the opportunity to see and do more than what is listed in guide books. While Rowan and Andy may not be licensed historians, their local knowledge of Edinburgh and inside scoops on what's fun and interesting to do in the city is second-to-none, making for the perfect day out. After discovering a range of Edinburgh's top highlights including Calton Hill and Arthurs Seat - among many others - you will then settle in for a tasty meal in a charming local pub that features fresh, locally-sourced cuisine before being returned to your hotel. The perfect half-day sightseeing experience in Edinburgh, an additional treat is that your transportation between sites is in a well-maintained and comfortable Mini Cooper.

Day 9: Depart from Edinburgh

Transfer: Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport