Join bestselling novelists Eliza Knight and Heather Webb on an unforgettable literary journey through London and Edinburgh. While in London, explore iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London. Guests will also tour famous bookstores, savor a traditional high tea, and experience the magic of a West End performance.
In Edinburgh, we'll wander the historic Royal Mile, as well as visit Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and Mary King’s Close. Our tour will also feature authentic Scottish dining at famous venues, including a whisky tasting.
Along the way, Eliza and Heather will share exclusive insights and conversations; weaving together literature, history, and culture for a truly immersive adventure.
Please contact Dilya at dilya@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!
Be greeted by a private driver, who will drive you to our four-star hotel, which will be The Clermont London (Charing Cross) or a similar hotel, located in the city’s center.
(Note: Some guests will opt to arrive on September 8th, so that they can relax at the hotel for a day before the tour officially begins. These guests will enjoy a free day, on their own, to relax on September 9th)
Check into The Clermont London (Charing Cross), a four-star hotel located in the very heart of London, just steps away from many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
We will meet in the lobby to walk to the iconic British pub, The Admiralty, located in Trafalgar Square, for our welcome dinner.
Meet in the hotel lobby. Accompanied by our local guide, we will explore some of the key sites of London, including Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
We will enjoy lunch at a local British restaurant, Old Queen Street Cafe.
Walk three minutes to Churhill's War Rooms. Churchill used these rooms to oversee wartime operations, making crucial decisions about military strategies, air raids, and resource allocation. The Cabinet War Rooms provided the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British government throughout the Second World War. We will spend a couple of hours going through the museum on our own. Audio guides will be available.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a dinner cruise. While cruising along the Thames River, we will take in the stunning London sights and savor a delightful meal.
Schedule:
Board: 19:30
Cruise: 19:45 to 22:45
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for Hatchard’s, London’s oldest bookshop, steeped in literary history and beloved by generations of readers. Enjoy a stroll through the elegant streets of Mayfair and Piccadilly, rich with centuries of culture.
Continue on to Heywood Hill, the famous Mayfair bookshop tied to royalty and authors. Guests will enjoy browsing its beautifully curated selection of books and soaking in its timeless charm before departing for lunch.
From Hatchard’s Bookstore, we will depart for one of the top food attractions in London—Borough Market—for lunch. Many different dining options will be available, and we'll have free time to eat and explore this market.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Tower of London. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historic fortress and former royal palace, that has served as a prison, treasury, and home to the Crown Jewels.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant. We will enjoy dinner at Fatto a Mano Pizzeria.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart London by private coach for Windsor (approx. 1 hr drive).
Enjoy the scenic views en route as we head west to the royal town of Windsor.
Explore the State Apartments, lavishly decorated with treasures from the Royal Collection.
Visit St. George’s Chapel, the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter and the site of many royal weddings and burials.
Learn about the 1,000-year history of the world’s oldest inhabited castle.
Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea at the elegant Castle Hotel Windsor, located just steps from the castle. Enjoy freshly baked scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a selection of fine teas.
Stroll through the charming streets, browse local shops, or enjoy a short walk across the bridge to Eton.
After a few busy days of touring, guests will be on their own for dinner tonight.
Meet in the lobby and depart for a visit to Buckingham Palace (State Rooms) — explore the magnificent official residence of the monarch, including its grand halls and exquisite art collection.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Return to the hotel for free time or enjoy walking the surrounding neighborhoods or Hyde Park.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant. We will enjoy an early dinner at a Spanish restaurant, Jamon Jamon Soho.
Experience the magic of London’s famous West End with an evening performance at one of its historic theatres, located just steps from our hotel. From world-class musicals to acclaimed plays, the West End is renowned for its unforgettable productions. Popular shows such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, or Mamma Mia! have long been favorites with London audiences. The specific show will be confirmed closer to the tour date, ensuring we select one of the most celebrated performances available at the time.
Gather in the hotel lobby with your bags packed, then depart for the London Kings Cross train station.
Our hotel is just a five-minute walk from the train station. We will check into our four-star hotel, which will be the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel or a similar hotel in the same area.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Meet in the hotel lobby and meet our local guide for a walking tour through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Stroll along the Royal Mile, lined with historic closes, shops, and pubs. Stop at the magnificent St. Giles Cathedral, known for its stunning stained glass windows and role in Scotland’s Reformation. The morning concludes with a guided visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, offering breathtaking views and centuries of royal history.
Enjoy a hearty Scottish lunch at the cozy Royal Mile Tavern, located right on the Royal Mile and beloved for its traditional fare and welcoming atmosphere.
Head to the opposite end of the Royal Mile to explore Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland, is now a famous ruined abbey beside the Palace of Holyrood house in Edinburgh.
We will walk to dinner at Howie's, a traditional Scottish restaurant located just steps from our hotel.
We will depart for The Real Mary King's Close, where we will explore this unique underground historic attraction. This will be a guided tour through preserved streets and buildings from the 17th century. Visitors can explore the stories of the people who lived there, including the challenges they faced during times of plague and poverty.
We will enjoy lunch at this local restaurant specializing in Scottish comfort food.
Guests may choose how to spend the afternoon:
National Museum of Scotland – Located just a 10-minute walk from our hotel, this fascinating museum showcases Scottish history, art, science, and culture under one spectacular roof. Explore at your own pace.
Scenic Walk – Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding area, enjoying Edinburgh’s historic streets and charming atmosphere.
Shopping – Discover Edinburgh’s boutiques, from traditional wool and cashmere shops (including the renowned Walker Slater) to unique local finds along the way.
Conclude your journey with a spectacular farewell dinner at The Witchery, one of Edinburgh’s most famous restaurants. With its dramatic candlelit rooms, gothic décor, and refined Scottish cuisine, The Witchery provides the perfect setting to celebrate our final evening together.
Transportation provided for all guests to Edinburgh International Airport.
$7,995 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$9,995 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Accommodations at high-end hotels
All transportation, including train tickets to Edinburgh
Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
All tips
Price does not include:
International airfare to London and returning from Edinburgh
Alcoholic drinks and one dinner
Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, phone charges, laundry, etc.
Charges incurred if guests arrive a day early in London or decide to remain in Edinburgh after the tour ends
This trip includes walks of up to one mile, and over uneven terrain.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.