SEPTEMBER 2023
Start Point – London
Finish Point – Inverness
Tour Style – Hosted Tour
Accommodation – Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels
Meals – As per itinerary
Transport – Private Coach / Van, Boat
Max Group Size – Min 10, Max 12 guests
A Great British Adventure
SEPTEMBER, 2023 – 13 NIGHTS
LONDON to INVERNESS
HOSTED HIKING TOUR
– LIMITED AVAILABILITY–
A Great British Adventure: this is a remarkable Luxury Hosted Hiking Tour for Women that takes you from London to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, a journey through Great Britain from south to north. Along the way, you’ll hike through the charming villages of the Cotswolds’ and through the mountains of Lake District National Park. You’ll experience the culture and heritage by visiting castles, historic homes and a modern-day croft.
This fabulous trip offers 14 days of gorgeous delights and fun in some of the most beautiful spots in the UK. Kicking off this fabulous women-only journey with some luxury life in London: a gorgeous hotel, divine retail and pre-hiking pampering in Covent Garden. And of course, a glass of bubbles to celebrate.
Then head out into nature and the spectacular British countryside. The countryside holds a special place at the heart of English life and culture; it remains for most people in Britain an idyllic place, a place where one can live and relax. For so many people, the countryside is Britain as it should be – an area full of historic sites, memorials, monuments, protected areas, pretty villages, pubs with tables in the garden – a part of Britain where time seems to have stopped in its tracks.
Hiking throughout, incredible food, castles, the glamour of the Cotswold’s and the beauty of the Lake District; the finest of Scotland with so many insta-worthy experiences, local interactions, gorgeous villages and divine scenery it will make your head spin. Communing with nature and of course, mixing it all up with iconic cities, the sophistication of London and the culture of Edinburgh.
Your body and soul will be nourished through yoga, nature walks, and various foodie experiences. And you’ll meet a variety of fascinating local characters along the way.
If you love a touch of glamour combined with the great outdoors, sublime food and great company then this is the trip for you. A stunning trip from start to finish.
Join Head Diva Andrea Powis, on this inaugural Great British Adventure – Luxury Hosted Hiking Tour for Women, your very own Great British Adventure!
- Luxury private shopping experience
- Sudeley Castle with a private guide
- Chedworth Roman Villa with a private guide
- Visit Beatrix Potter’s home
- Private yoga session
- Private forest-bathing (or Shinrin-yoku session with female guide- meditatitve)
- Private visit with Ghillie Basan
- Fabulous hiking
- So much more…
Included:
- Fully escorted from Athens by Andrea Powis, Founding Diva
- Private arrival transfer in London
- 13 nights 4-star, boutique hotel accommodation
- 2 nights’ boutique accommodation at Henrietta Hotel, London
- 3 nights’ boutique accommodation at The Lamb Inn, The Cotswalds
- 3 night’s boutique accommodation at The Langdale Hotel & Spa, The Lakes District
- 2 nights’ boutique accommodation at The Bonhom, Edingburgh
- 3 night’s boutique accommodation at Dowans Hotel, Aberlour
- Group airport transfers on arrival and departure*
- Breakfast daily
- 9 evening meals
- Drinks with dinner on Day 1 and Day 11
- 10 lunches
- Afternoon tea
- The services of a qualified and experienced guide throughout the hike from Day 3 – Day 14
- A second guide on days when the hiking is slightly more challenging
- All transfers throughout the trip in a private mini coach with driver
- All local boat rides as per the itinerary
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- All guided hikes as per the itinerary
- Visit Sudeley Castle with privately hosted talk
- Visit Chedworth Roman Villa with private guide
- Visit Dove Cottage at Grasmere; ride a water taxi on Derwentwater
- Private Yoga session; visit former home of Beatrix Potter
- Food-themed walking tour of Edinburgh
- Visit a Highland croft run by two ladies who escaped to live a better life
- Private forest-bathing /Shinrin-yoku session (female guide)
- Visit Ghillie Basan to learn about her life and cooking; and for a final night’s dinner
- Fruit and local snacks throughout the trip
- Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, as well as local guides (but not our lead guide or the coach driver)
- 24/7 in-country support
*If on suggested group Flights. If outside of these flights, then you will need to pay a Private Transfer supplement service.
Not Included:
- Airfares – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
- Travel Insurance – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
- Transfers unless stated in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Phone calls
- Passport and visas
- Laundry unless stated
- Tips at meals and bars
- Excess baggage
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages unless specifically described.
- Optional excursions or activities that may be offered
- Any COVID required testing or documentation required by the countries of entry.
DATES:
16 September – 29 September 2023
RATES:
– from GBP 7,345 per person Twin Rate
– from GBP 9265 per person Single Rate
*Rates are per person based on Twin Share & Single Room.
*Prices are subject to change until paid in full.
*International Airfares are not included. PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE.
Day 1 – Arrive London
Arrive into London, one of the most fabulous and exciting cities in the world!
On arrival you will be collected by your private transfer to your hotel, The Henriette, home for the next two nights. Take time to settle in and then explore your surrounds.
This evening the group will catch up for a tour briefing, welcome drink and for those in the mood we will head out locally for a casual dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta (or similar)
Day 2 – London
London offers so many things to do and see, so today is up to you.
We can arrange private tours of beautiful museums and art galleries, private shopping if you would like it – or you might just want to go and get lost in Harvey Nichols (Andrea’s favourite!) or head out for a walk through the delights of St James’ Park, Regents Park and more.
This evening a sublime welcome dinner at a favourite restaurant in Bloomsbury where the gorgeous things hang out and you never know who you might see!
Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta (or similar), (B / D)
Day 3 – The Costwolds
A private transfer collects the group from your Covent Garden Hotel mid-morning and transfers you to the Cotswolds (approximately 2 hours).
Along the way we will enjoy lunch and if time permits, you will enjoy an easy afternoon hike following the Windrush River, taking us directly into Burford.
Dinner together this evening, where we will get to know our guide as well.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar), (B / L / D)
Day 4 – The Villages of The Costwolds
Enjoy breakfast and then this morning, we enjoy a classic Cotswolds hike, linking the charming villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, the Slaughters (much nicer than its name suggests!) and Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’).
Afterwards, we visit Sudeley Castle, with its strong royal connections, where we benefit from a private guide to talk us through its fascinating history.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar), (B / L, D)
Day 5 – A Roman Villa
A short transfer takes us to Chedworth, one of the grandest Roman villas of its time. After exploring the beautiful ruins, enjoy a relaxed hike, following the banks of the River Coln to the charming village of Bibury, passing through woodland and through small villages on the way.
In Bibury, you can explore Arlington Row, often said to be the prettiest street in England. This row of weavers’ cottages were created in the 17th century but the original buildings date back to around 1380.
A short transfer returns us to Burford and a delicious dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar), (B / L / D)
Day 6 – The Lakes District
Today we transfer north to the Lake District National Park.
The transfer time is almost 5 hours, so we will have a break or two along the way and then enjoy a short walk to stretch out our legs on arrival in the Lakes.
Check into our lovely home for the next few nights and enjoy your gorgeous surroundings.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar), (B / L / D)
Day 7 – William Wordswoth, Hikes & Afternoon Tea
After breakfast, we visit the home of William Wordsworth for a tour of his cottage. Wordsworth is a famous English Poet, and one of the founders of English Romanticism. He is also recognised as one its most central figures and important intellects
Afterwards, we transfer to the nearby market town of Keswick. We can enjoy a leisurely ‘water taxi’ on Derwent Water, admiring the mountain views, and enjoy an easy lakeside amble; or, take on the hike to the summit of Cat Bells (about 4 hours) – a favourite Lakeland hike, taking on a smaller summit with big views!
Then it is time to catch up and enjoy the classic English tradition of afternoon tea!
Dinner is at leisure this evening.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar), (B / L / Afternoon Tea)
Day 8 – Yoga, Windemere & Beatrix Potter
After a full day hiking yesterday, an easier day today.
We start with a private yoga session to stretch out those muscles, followed by some free time in the beautiful town of Windermere. Lunch is at leisure so you can explore to your hear’s content.
Afterwards, we hop on a ferry for a short crossing of Lake Windermere to its peaceful western shore. Here, we visit the former home of Beatrix Potter, and then take an easy hike to a small lake where she wrote many stories. How peaceful and delightful.
This evening dinner together for our final night as we head off to Scotland in the morning.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar), (B / L / D)
Day 9 – Edingburgh
Today we transfer north to Edinburgh (about 3.5 hours).
On the way, we will break the journey with a hike at a scenic stage of the famous Hadrian’s Wall Path. The hike will take us to Sycamore Gap, which has featured in several movies, including Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves! (Insta alert)…
Afterwards, we continue to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and settle into our hotel in a beautiful part of the New Town district.
Tonight dinner is at leisure, but Andrea does have a favourite up her sleeve if anyone feels like dining in the midst of history, in an exquisitely beautiful restaurant…
Overnight Accommodation: The Bonhom (or similar), (B / L)
Day 10 – Edingburgh
A day exploring Edinburgh, including the famous Old Town district which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
To kick off we will enjoy a foodie themed walking tour that will certainly introduce some dishes with a difference and also help get your bearings in the city. Then you can choose to shop, take to the spa or enjoy a plethora of free museums and the castle that looms over the city! It is extraordinary and breathtaking – very Outlander…
Dinner is at leisure this evening and is a great opportunity to get out and about, exploring some of the local pubs and a plethora of great bars and restaurants.
Overnight Accommodation: The Bonhom (or similar), (B / L)
Day 11 – Cairngorms National Park
After breakfast, we checkout of our gorgeous hotel and head off.
This morning we transfer north to Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands (3 hours).
After lunch, we visit a small croft run by two remarkable ladies dedicated to small-scale farming in tune with nature. We spend time with them learning about their life and commitment to sustainable living.
Afterwards, we continue to the attractive village of Aberlour, and check into our hotel. There should be time for a short walk in the village, perhaps along the banks of the River Spey or up to a waterfall, before dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel, (B / L / D)
Day 12 – Shinrin-yoku (Forest-Bathing) & a Coastal Hike
This morning, transfer 30 minutes north to the Moray coast.
Here, we meet a local guide who will lead a session of Shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing. This meditative practice teaches us to slow down and really take note of the nature which surrounds us.
Later, enjoy a relaxing coastal hike along a scenic stage of the Moray Coastal Trail before returning to the hotel and a delicious dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel (B / L / D)
Day 13 – BEN RINNES, MEETING GHILLIE BASAN, OFF-GRID LIVING AND A WHISKY TASTING…
A special day to finish this amazing trip!
This morning, we hike up a ‘local’s favourite’ peak called Ben Rinnes. The 4-hour hike takes us to its summit, at 840m above sea level, for wonderful views across Moray and the Cairngorms.
Afterwards, we visit Ghillie Basan, a remarkable chef/writer who has lived off-grid for most of her adult life. Here, we’ll learn about her philosophy towards food and life, and enjoy a wonderful final night banquet, complete with whisky tasting.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel (B / L / D)
Day 14 – Farewell
Sadly all things must come to an end. We transfer to Inverness and for those in the mood we can enjoy a short walk around the River Ness islands, finishing around lunch time. Then a group transfer to the airport.
For those who wish to you may want to extend for a night and go off in search of the Loch Ness monster! (B)
Andrea Powis – Tour Host
