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2 Weeks UK Tour Itinerary

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Private Group Tours

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If you have 2 weeks to spend on your U.K vacation, then this is the ideal itinerary for you!

We have designed this itinerary to include the major highlights and key locations from England, Scotland, and Ireland all within 14 days spent with your driver guide. We understand, however, that some of our guests have either visited some of these sites before or would like an itinerary that includes different destinations. If this is the case then our tour planning specialists would be happy to craft a custom itinerary tailored to your specifications, find out more by completing our online contact form.

Our 2-week private UK tour includes:

Day 1: Welcome to London!

Upon arrival in London, your driving guide will be waiting to collect you from the airport. 

Your first destination will be your London accommodation where you can take a moment to relax and gather yourself before your walking tour of Central London begins!

Westminster Abbey

Guided tour of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, London

The most significant Cathedral in the UK, Westminster Abbey has been the coronation site for British Monarchs since 1066, with the most recent, of course, being Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June 1953.

The Abbey contains Royal Tombs and Poet’s Corner which is the final resting place of some of the most British important historical figures including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Robert Burns, T.S. Eliot, John Keats, and many more besides.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Image of Big Ben and houses of parliament from across the Thames river.
Big Ben & Westminster, London

The massive Elizabeth Tower more commonly known as Big Ben is one of the most defining symbols of the UK. Stepping inside the Houses of Parliament with your private guide allows you to explore:

  • Westminster Hall 
  • The Queen’s robing room
  • Chamber of the House of Commons
  • Chamber of the House of Lords

10 Downing Street

The residence of the British Prime Minister, there is no public access to the property, but it makes for an interesting stop to view number 10 from the street on your London walking tour.

National Gallery

columns at the entrance of The National Gallery London
National Gallery, London

Britain is a renowned hub in the global art world, a private tour of the Gallery takes you on a journey through the history of European art with works from Masters such as Botticelli, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, Van Gogh, and more.

Buckingham Palace

A Royal Walking Tour, London Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, London

Perhaps the most famous Royal Palace in the world, a private tour of the Palace allows you to explore the Royal Collection of artistic treasures alongside highlights of the staterooms including:

  • 19 Royal State Rooms where Royal functions are held and state guests are received.
  • The Throne Room 
  • The Grand Staircase.
  • Fine Art including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Accommodation: London

London Day 2

dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London
St Paul's Cathedral, London

St Paul's Cathedral

After the original building was destroyed in the Great Fire Of London, the current Cathedral was designed in the English Baroque style and completed in 1710.

You have the option to partake in service here, or simply marvel at the monuments to luminaries such as JMW Turner and the poet John Donne. You can visit the tombs of national heroes Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren who designed the current structure. You can also climb to the top of the 364-foot-high dome.

River Cruise Under Tower Bridge

A relaxing trip along the Thames River offering phenomenal views of famous London landmarks and sailing under the iconic London Bridge.

Tower Bridge in London
Tower Bridge in London

Tower of London

In the center of London your private guide will take you to experience one of the most historic structures in the UK. Marvel at the Crown Jewels, meet the Queen’s Yeoman Warder Guards (also called Beefeaters), and discover why 78 Ravens are kept in the Tower at all times!

British Museum

British Museum guided tour
British Museum, London

The world’s very first public museum of its kind, a guided tour of the British Museum will see you explore cultural treasures and artifacts across the ancient and modern world.

May wish to cap off your London tour with souvenir shopping in our most prestigious department store Harrods, or have a fitted suit made in the most famous tailors street, Savile Row.

 

Accommodation: London

Day 3: Cambridge University & Lincoln

Cambridge University campus
Cambridge University, England

On day 3 of your 2-week UK itinerary, we will move away from London and begin exploring different regions of the UK, starting with Cambridge, the site of one of our most prestigious institutions – Cambridge University. In the afternoon your driver guide will show you the highlights of Lincoln including the Medieval Cathedral.

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 – making it the second oldest University in the English-speaking language. Many famous luminaries have passed through Cambridge’s gates since then, including Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, Rosalind Franklin, Lord Byron, and many others too innumerable to mention.

Amongst the many colleges and campuses to visit, your tour planner will help you decide which highlights to visit from:

  • Magdalene College
  • St John’s College
  • Trinity Hall & College
  • Corpus Clock & Corpus Christi College
  • King’s College
  • Queen’s College

Arrival in Lincoln

Lincoln Cathedral, facade and two towers.
Lincoln Cathedral, England

In the afternoon you can visit the two most iconic locations in the Medieval town of Lincoln. 

Famed for its dreamy cobbled streets and rich with stunning Gothic architecture the city has often been captured on screen in productions like Downton Abbey and the Da Vinci Code when heritage backdrops are required.

Your tour of Lincoln will concentrate on the two most iconic structures in the city, Lincoln Castle and Cathedral.

Commissioned in 1608 by William the Conqueror, exploring the castle with your guide will see your guide reveal the fascinating stories, lore, and one thousand years of history attached to the structure including:

Magna Carta

One of the original 1215 copies of the Magna Carta and 1217 Charter of the Forest– which played such a massive role in shaping English society and culture.

The Georgian & Victorian Prison exhibition

Hear the stories of those unfortunate enough to have found themselves at the wrong end of the Law and Justice system of the era.

Heritage Skills Center

Enjoy demonstrations on crafts of the period like stained glass workshops, silversmithing, and stone carving sessions.

Lincoln Cathedral

Then it’s onto Lincoln’s impressive 12th Century Cathedral, thought of as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture to be found anywhere in the world and formerly the tallest building in the world – an accolade it held for a remarkable 238 years!

On your guided tour of Lincoln Cathedral, your will visit:

The Lincoln Imp – A hellish Imp sent to Earth by Satan and turned to stone by an angel!

Alfred Lord Tennyson Memorial – The Great Victorian Poet 

The Libraries – 15th Century Medieval Library & 17th Century Wren Libraries

 

Accommodation: Lincoln

Day 4: Peak District Tour

winding road and green valley in the lake district in England.
Peak District, England

Day 4 will mark a change in pace for our 2-week itinerary as you spend a full day with your driver guide exploring the gorgeous landscapes and picturesque English country and village life in the Peak Districts area of outstanding natural beauty.

Chatsworth House

Known as “The Palace of the Peaks”  this marvelous stately home has belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire having been passed down through generations of the Cavendish family.

There are 30 rooms to explore with your guide, including the painted hall, sketch galleries, sculpture gallery, and collection of artworks gathered over the last 5 centuries.

Haddon Hall

Nearby Chatsworth you will find 900-year-old Haddon Hall and Elizabethan gardens – used as Malfoy Manor in the Harry Potter film franchise and known as “The most perfect house to survive from the Middle Ages”.

Ladybower Reservoir

You may recognize the reservoir from the 1955 film, The Dam Busters. When the water levels drop you can see the drowned villages of Derwent and Ashopton.

Bakewell village

Discover the gorgeous stonework architecture in the village and pay a visit to a local cafe to enjoy a delicious Bakewell Tart – the sweet treat that originated here.

Peak Cavern

Walk through the caves the locals have christened, “The Devil’s Arse”!

Ridge walk along mam tor

Meaning Mother Hill this ridge walk amongst the surrounding hills offers the most striking and peaceful views across the valleys. You can take a casual trekking route lasting 30 minutes or a more extensive path up to one and a half hours.

Robin Hood’s Stride

The legend says Robin Hood once lept from one peak to another. Even if you don’t wish to recreate the feat this is a magical beauty spot to visit.

 

Accommodation: York

Day 5: York

York Minster in North England
York Minster, England

Today you will have a full-day tour of York, a city with Medieval Norman architecture, Roman heritage, and Viking origins!

York Minster

One of the largest examples of Gothic architecture with over 800 years of history. It is also home to the largest collection of stained glass in the UK, with some pieces dating back to the 12th century.

York Castle & Museum

Features interactive exhibitions that really familiarize you with over 400 years of York’s history. Featuring recreations of Jacobean dining rooms and a living exhibit of Kirkgate shopping street.

The Shambles

Providing amazing photography opportunities and insight into what life was like in a medieval village, the delightful buildings that line the street have been restored back to the magnificent medieval glory. It has been said that The Shambles served as the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter movie franchise.

Jorvik Viking Center

An interactive exhibition that gives you the opportunity to understand what life was like in 9th century York, complete with immersive displays, preserved artifacts and remains, and talk to Viking reenactment professionals.

This will be your final evening in England as part of your 14-day tour. Your driver guide will deliver you to the northern town of Newcastle for the evening.

 

Accommodation: Newcastle

Day 6: Berwick Upon Tweed - Edinburgh

city walking tour in edinburgh, scotland
Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland

After spending the previous 5 days in England, today you will travel up the scenic Northumberland coast, stopping at the seaside in Berwick Upon Tweed, the most northerly town in England. After enjoying lunch here looking out onto the North Sea, you will formally cross the border into Scotland and drive to the capital, Edinburgh.

Berwick Upon Tweed has come to define itself as exhibiting a third culture, meaning not quite English or Scottish. This is due to the fact that Berwick has a legacy of switching between the nations throughout the centuries and various wars resulting in the redrawing of borders. Indeed, as you stroll around this seaside town you will notice the ancient walls to deter invasion from one side or the other.

Given Berwick’s location on the coast of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this is an ideal spot for you to enjoy a British classic: Fish and Chips consisting of freshly caught produce that morning! You can then enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beachfront before you rejoin your driver and enter Scotland.

Afternoon Edinburgh Tour

Welcome to the Capital of Scotland! Did you know that over 75% of the buildings in the city are “listed” meaning that they are protected for being of particular historical and/or architectural interest and significance? Your first evening exploring the most significant of these locations with a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Medieval Old Town before we delve into another of Scotland’s great institutions with a Whisky discovery and tasting experience.

Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town

Get to know the city’s history as you walk its cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Some of the sites you will discuss with your guide are St Giles Cathedral where you will discover its links to John Knox and learn why it is known as the “Cradle of Presbyterianism”, Greyfriars Kirk & Graveyard, and the monument to Greyfriars Bobby, the Scottish Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave.

Scotch Whisky Experience

row of Scotch whisky bottles for a tasting session
Edinburgh Whisky Tastings

In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Scotch Whisky Experience opened in 1987 when the Scottish Whisky industry combined to fund this showcase celebrating the history and development of Scotch whisky.

Your tour features an interactive trip through the production of Scotch, a session exploring the regional variations in scent and flavor between the different Scotch regions, and of course a tasting experience within the walls of the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

 

Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 7: Edinburgh Highlights Tour

Today you can take advantage of being able to spend the whole day in Edinburgh by visiting the most famous and iconic sites in the capital. Your guided tours for the day include:

Climb to the top of the Walter Scott Monument

The 200-foot high monument to the author of legendary Scottish literature like Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley stands rises imperiously into the sky just a stone’s throw from Waverley station, and is decorated with 64 characters representing characters from his books and poems.

Arthur’s Seat

tour guide leading a group of people up arthurs seat in edinburgh
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Enjoy a trip to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, the peak of a group of hills formed by an extinct Volcano that provides the finest views across the city.

Edinburgh Castle

external view of edinburgh castle with fountain in focus in foreground
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

The most famous landmark in Edinburgh, discover the fascinating historical tales and stories of scandal and intrigue surrounding the many famous figures intrinsic to the history of the castle such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Child King James the 6th, Oliver Cromwell, and many more.

Exhibits on display here include the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain – the Honors of Scotland, and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy where rulers were crowned.

Holyrood Palace

The Queen’s Scottish Palace and official residence in Scotland, crowning the iconic Royal Mile thoroughfare which runs from the Castle to the Palace.

Edinburgh Dungeon

The gruesome twosome Burke and Hare, infamous cannibal Sawney Bean, and The Witch of the Potterrow Port Agnes Finnie to name but a few, Edinburgh is a city with a dark and often bloody past and the Edinburgh Dungeon with its interactive live-action exhibitions is the most fun way to reveal this aspect of the city’s character.

 

Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 8: Stirling

view of external castle walls on tour in stirling, scotland
Stirling Castle, Scotland

Your driver guide will collect you from your Edinburgh accommodation in the morning as you make your way to the “Gateway to the Highlands” the historic city of Stirling which was once the Capital of the country. 

On your tour of Stirling, you will discover:

Stirling Castle

Integral to the Wars of Independence, Stirling Castle has a unique history that has seen it lay siege to at least 8 times. On your tour of the Castle, you’ll hear its tales and mysteries first-hand with your private guide, including characters such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Stirling Old Town Jail

The characters will be brought to life through re-enactments and interactive storytelling on your tour of the former Victorian-era jail.

Cambuskenneth Abbey

The ruins of an Augustinian monastery constructed in the 1100s containing the tombs of King James III and Queen Margaret.

Wallace Monument

tour guide at the top of Wallace Monument in Stirling
Wallace Monument, Stirling

The Monument to the National hero and inspiration behind the Hollywood movie “Braveheart” was built in 1869 on the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace’s most famous victory over the English army. Exhibits on display include Wallace’s sword, the Hall of Heroes, and the story behind and result of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. You can climb to the top of the 220-foot structure for an incredible panoramic view across the Stirling landscape.

Bannockburn

An award-winning exhibition on the site of Robert The Bruce’s great victory over the English army.

 

Accommodation: Pitlochry

Day 9: Cairngorms - Inverness

Today you begin the Scottish Highlands section of our 2-week UK itinerary. Beginning with your guide collecting you from your Pitlochry accommodation in the morning you will start your Highlands tour in classic Scottish style by visiting one of our most famous distilleries.

Blair Atholl Distillery

Blair Atholl Whisky distillery tour
Blair Atholl Distillery, Scotland

Understand the process that goes into making the distinctive Blair Athol Single Malt Whisky and enjoy a tasting session.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorrms National Park driver guided tour
Cairngorrms, Scotland

Covering the Cairngorms mountain range and hills, there are multiple routes for trekking and you can choose whichever suits your tastes or mobility requirements.

Loch Ness Boat Cruise & Urquhart Castle

group of people exploring Urquhart Castle on bank of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Scotland’s most famous loch, filled with more mysteries and legends than any other!

Your driver will take you on a scenic drive around the edge of the loch before heading to Urquhart Castle for a guided tour. This beautiful ruined castle dates back to 1509 and provides incredible views out onto the loch. Your views of the loch, however, are about to get a lot closer up (you might even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself) as your private boat arrives to take you out on the water for an incredible cruise experience

 

Accommodation: Inverness

Day 10: Fort William - Glencoe - Glasgow

On the morning of day ten, we will begin heading back to central Scotland as you prepare to spend your last night in the country as part of our 14-day itinerary.

Ben Nevis

Your driver-guide will collect you from your accommodation in Inverness as you head to the town of Fort William to take on and take on the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. Not all of our guests wish to take the strenuous hiking or trekking trails to the top of the mountain, however, this should not deter you from wishing to explore one of Scotland’s most powerful and magnificent peaks. The gondola cable car journey, whilst not reaching the summit of the mountain, takes you to a viewing platform that allows for a breathtaking vista.

Glencoe Mountain Range

Discover the valleys and mountains of Glencoe on this spectacular driving route that will take you past several stunning locations you will recognize from films such as James Bond: Skyfall, Highlander, Prometheus, and more.

Glencoe mountain range on driver guided tour
Glencoe, Scotland

Loch Lomond

Next let’s head to the stunning Loch Lomond, located on the bonnie banks:

Formed over 10,000 to 20,000 years ago during the last ice age, Loch Lomond is a breathtaking freshwater lake and the largest in the UK. The loch boasts several islands, with Inchmurrin being the biggest freshwater island in the British Isles. It acts as a natural gateway, dividing the lowlands from the rugged mountainous terrain of the Scottish Highlands, and is a must-visit spot for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and tourists.

Arrive in Glasgow

Preparation for your trip to Belfast the following day, your accommodation for this evening will be in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.

Day 11: Belfast

external image of Titanic Museum in Belfast
Titanic Museum, Belfast

Today you enter your third country in just 11 days as you enter Belfast in Ireland. Direct flights are available from Glasgow airport and typically take less than an hour, however, some clients express that they would like to experience the ferry crossing from Stranraer to Belfast which takes just over two hours. Just let our tour planners know what your preference would be and our team can reserve your tickets.

There are a wide variety of experiences and attractions to visit in Belfast, and to ensure that your tour includes exactly the type of sites that will interest you we will provide our recommendations after consulting with you, however, some of the most popular spots are:

Exploring the Titanic quarter

There is now a world-class interactive museum on the site where the fateful ship was built back in 1911.

Gaeltacht Quarter

Enjoy a driver-guided tour through the Gaeltacht Quarter where you will hear the locals speaking in their traditional Gaelic Irish language.

Political Mural Tour

Belfast was a key terrain throughout the infamous troubles, and the history of the town is writ large on famous murals throughout the city. Your driver guide will be able to discuss the significance, meaning, and legacy of each as you travel through the city, culminating in the Peace Wall where you can even write your own message.

Enjoy A Drink In The Crown Bar

This is actually owned by the National Trust and is probably the most famous pub in Belfast. It dates from at least 1826 and features an incredibly ornate interior of tiles, original gas lamp fixtures, and a beautifully carved ceiling.

 

Accommodation: Belfast

Day 12: The Giants Causeway & Coast

Giants Causeway standing stones and mountain backdrop on guided tour
Giant's Causeway

Your driver guide will collect you in the morning to make your way to the Causeway Coastal Route.

Your first stop of the day will be in the picturesque village of Carnlough where we can take a walk by the small harbor before we continue along the coast and then through the Glens of Antrim, hearing the myths about the fairies and leprechauns said to reside there.

We’ll stop for a spot of lunch in the coastal town of Ballycastle, before walking across the awe-inspiring Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

In the afternoon we’ll explore Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the incomparable Giant’s Causeway, and hear the legend about the Giant Finn MacCool and the uniquely shaped stones, before finishing the day off with a visit the Dunluce Castle and heading to your accommodation in Belfast.

Day 13 & 14: Dublin

From Belfast to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, takes just 2 hours with your driver-guide, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of day 13 and the entirety of day 14 in the city before you take your flight home from Dublin International Airport.

During your 2 days in Dublin, your driver guide will reveal the historic tales, fascinating characters, and distinctive Irish culture behind the most famous and iconic sites in the city such as:

O’Connell Street & The General Post Office (GPO)

front view of the GPO General Post Office on tour of Dublin
The General Post Office, Dublin, Ireland

One of the most pivotal sites in Irish history and the Easter Uprising, the GPO is where the Proclamation was read in 1916, for the very first time.

Trinity College

inside the halls of trinity college in dublin with people on private tour
Trinity College, Dublin

The oldest and perhaps most architecturally beautiful university in Ireland, founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII you will also find the hallowed ‘Book of Kells’ from 384 AD within its walls.

The Doors Of Dublin

example of the colorful doors of dublin
The Doors of Dublin, Ireland

You’ll never see two identical doors as you wander through Dublin city, and their unique and colorful charm gives the city an unmistakable character.

Guinness Storehouse

Gates of Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

The homeland of Ireland’s national drink. We don’t believe that Guinness tastes the same anywhere else in the world, and you find out if you agree or not by pouring your own pint in the factory where it all started.

Temple Bar District

the red Temple Bar building on a tour of dublin
Temple Bar District, Dublin

The heart of nightlife in Dublin, be sure to enjoy a Guinness or perhaps an Irish Whiskey or two either in Temple Bar itself or take in the bands playing traditional Irish music in the surrounding area.

Irish Immigration Museum

Discover the history of the Irish Diaspora and particularly tales of immigrants destined for America.

Kilmainham Gaol

Built in 1796 it served as a prison in former times where many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed by the British.

Dublin Castle

external view of Dublin Castle tour guide and Private Tour group
Dublin Castle, Ireland

Commissioned by King John all the way back in 1204, and although the majority of what you can see now was actually constructed in the 18th century, the Record Tower from that era is still intact.

The castle is still in use for formal occasions and functions by the Irish government today and tours of the grounds are available at regular intervals.

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Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation

Step 2:

You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England

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Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour

Request a Custom 14 day UK Itinerary

The 2-week itinerary described above is a brilliant route for those who have never visited Britain or Ireland before. We designed it as a thorough introduction to all three nations while allowing our guests a level of comfort by limiting the number of different hotels you will be required to stay in.

It is often the case, however, that our clients have already visited at least one of the nations in the UK before and would like us to revise parts of the itinerary for them. We would be delighted to handcraft a complimentary bespoke UK tour itinerary tailored to your exact requirements. Simply contact our tour planning specialists using the form below.

Tour Request

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

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