London | The Capitals: London & Edinburgh Rail Tour

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Enjoy all that London & Edinburgh and their surrounding historical & regal attractions have to offer on our Capital Rail Tour. See some of the most important royal landmarks & check out a number of locations that British Royals are known for - enjoy it all on this 7-day tour! Our Capital Rail Tour is also available with stays at many of London's & Edinburgh's 3 and 4-star hotels. 

Day 1: London

Welcome to England's capital! Make your way to your hotel for check-in and then perhaps set out again to start exploring this city full of culture. 

Day 2: London

Today enjoy a distinguished Royal Walk through the capital; a fun stroll (not a route march) to check out a number of London locations that British Royals are known for. This two-hour walking tour will show you some famous shops, clubs, churches and magnificent palaces, including Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (when available) outside Buckingham Palace as your expert guide tells you all about the history of this iconic tradition. If you want to find out the location where the Queen buys her alcohol or which lucky barber cuts Prince Philip’s hair, then this tour is for you! Learn about the history of cream teas at the iconic Fortnum and Mason and see integral parts of the Crown Estate Pick up odd and unusual facts about the everyday lives of the royals – did you know that The Queen Mother and Sir Winston Churchill both bought their cigarettes and cigars from the same tobacconists? This tour is a perfect way to introduce yourself to the capital city and to learn about the Royal Family. Other tour highlights include a visit to Jermyn Street, upon which many establishments hold Royal Warrants – the right to advertise that they supply goods and services to the Royal Family. The afternoon is free to pass as you choose perhaps taking advantage of the many museums offering free admittance. (B)

Day 3: Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath

Today discover three of England’s national treasures on this full-day tour exploring the ancient landscape of Stonehenge, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath, and beautiful Windsor Castle. Your tour begins with a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in world and home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years. You'll visit the magnificent State Apartments, furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection with your audio guide, then explore the castle grounds and see St George's Chapel, the burial place Henry VIII and Charles I. Continuing to Stonehenge, take a step inside the Neolithic houses and visit the fascinating exhibition with ancient treasures dating back thousands of years. Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England. In the afternoon, arrive in Bath to enjoy a panoramic coach drive of this beautiful Georgian town, boasting some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Assembly Rooms. You can then visit the famous Roman Baths with your audio-guide, where the naturally warm spring is still in operation after more than 2,000 years. Your tour includes entrance fees to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & the Roman Baths. With a duration of 11.5 hours, expect to return to London's Victoria Train Station around 7:30 pm. (B)

Day 4: London | Edinburgh

This morning after breakfast, make your way to the railway station to board a high-speed train to Edinburgh.  Make your way to your hotel for check-in and then perhaps set out again to start exploring this city full of history. Remember that many of Edinburgh's finest art galleries and museums offer an entrance at no cost!   The National Museum of Scotland offers something for everyone while a visit to the National Portrait Gallery will bring to life many of the historical figures you have read about.  (B)

Day 5: Edinburgh's Royal Mile & Castle

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a morning to stroll the ancient streets before this walking tour which will be 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 guide books. Your expert guide will take you to the places where history was made – the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll be hanging on your tour guide’s every word, as the true stories of our capital’s past unfold.  The characters? Think Mary Queen of Scots, David Hume, Adam Smith and Robert Burns. But you’ll go far beyond the well-known facts and faces – uncovering another side of our city, and Scotland’s past. From crime and culture to politics and everyday events, all Edinburgh life is here – expertly told by your Mercat guide.  Then, with Skip-the-Line entry visit Edinburgh Castle.  ​The castle dominates Scotland’s capital city from its great rock. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Visit the castle with your Mercat guide, and you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your history tour with a guided visit. The full walking tour of Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. (B)

Day 6: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands

Today put on your comfy shoes! Our "Scotland in a Day" tour covers the majestic beauty of Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, the Great Glen & mystic Loch Ness. Your tour passes through magnificent Glencoe, scene of the clan massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells in 1692, and on through Fort William, the beginning of the "Great Glen" and the Caledonian Canal, which you follow up to Fort Augustus, nestling on the banks of Loch Ness. Here you can enjoy your lunch ($), a boat trip ($) from April to October) or take a wander along the lochside with spectacular views of the loch. From here you return south to Edinburgh via "Monarch of the Glen" country and Highland Perthshire  Entry fees to the attractions are not included and for a more personal experience, this tour is taken in the comfort of a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach.(B)

Day 7: Edinburgh

Today marks the end of your Capital Rail Tour. At a suitable time, make your way to the airport or railway station to continue your journey. Or ask us about booking an optional transfer or extending your stay in Scotland. (B) 

Daily departures!

Our Capital Rail Tour is also available at many of London & Edinburgh's other fine hotels.