Upon arrival into London after clearing customs and collecting your luggage you will be met by your local Guardian Angel and private vehicle and transferred to your centrally located London hotel.

This morning meet your local guide and private vehicle for a half-day (4hr) orientation tour of London. Your guide will show you the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. You will also gain a spectacular panorama of the city from the London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel.

This afternoon, following lunch at leisure, meet your local guide and private vehicle and explore the various Christmas attractions this festive season has to offer in London. The largest is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park Corner; this area of the park is transformed into a bustling festive delight with fairground rides, a giant wheel, a circus and Christmas food and drink stalls. Alternatively you could visit something a little different and more off-the-beaten-track: Clarkenwell Christmas Open Studio is located within the borough of Clarkenwell, one of London’s most creative areas. The area is filled with a wide spectrum of different art and design industries; the open studio is a chance to meet the people and the machines that create the jewellery, fashion, home wares, ceramics, accessories and other crafts and you might find something special and unique for that perfect Christmas gift.

This morning travel to Windsor through Runnymede Meadow, where the Magna-Carta was signed by King John in 1215. On arrival, tour Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world, and the Queen’s favorite residence.  Subject to opening restrictions, you may see the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s amazing intricate Doll’s House. You will also gain excellent views of Eton College from the castle ramparts.

This afternoon is yours to spend at leisure and explore London at your own pace. Perhaps visit Hamleys for some gifts for the younger members of your family, or try Harvey Nichols or Fortnum and Mason where you can see the spectacular Christmas window displays. For those looking for something a bit different, why not visit Somerset House for a whirl around their festive ice rink!

Today you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred with your Guardian Angel to the London railway station.  Here you will be shown to your pre-reserved 1st class seating and your luggage will be handled on board for you.  Upon arrival at the Edinburgh railway station you will be met from the door of the train and your luggage will be handled for you.  You will then be privately transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to settle into your hotel and start exploring this wonderful city.

The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide will unravel these themes during your sightseeing tour by private vehicle.

The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation. It is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city.  The Royal Mile stretches down from the castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown.

At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland. If no member of the royal family is staying, you will tour the staterooms that are noted for their ornate plasterwork ceilings, and visit the historic apartments in which Mary, Queen of Scots resided. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.

In the eighteenth century, Edinburgh was expanded considerably by the construction of a 'New Town'; this afternoon on a panoramic tour of this area you will see the impressive houses that were built for Georgian high society, seen at their best in the incomparable Charlotte Square. Much of the wealth of the citizens was derived from maritime trade, and the Leith still functions as the port of the city. The docks are now best known as home to the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, this ship was used by the Royal Family for many official voyages overseas, and much loved by the Queen as a refuge for relaxation. As well as the grand reception rooms and the cosy private areas that were used by the Royal Family, the tour of the vessel also encompasses the behind-the-scenes parts of the ship where the crew lived and worked.  

This morning you will be met by your local guide and private vehicle and taken to explore the Christmas markets of Edinburgh. There is a great mix of classic and contemporary gifts and yummy festive delights. For something really Scottish, try the Traditional Highland Village located in East Princes Street Gardens. This market is described as eclectic, vibrant and fun! With a range of food, drinks and gifts to look at and buy, it makes the chore of Christmas shopping a lot more fun. After sightseeing you driver and guide will return you to your hotel.

Today you will be met at your hotel by your private vehicle and local GA and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.