A Great British Adventure: London, The Cotswolds, The Lake District & Scotland

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Join our gorgeous women-only active escape, your very own Great British Adventure! We believe that every day should be an adventure, no matter what you’re doing, and this trip delivers in bucketloads….

This fabulous escape offers 14 days of gorgeous delights and fun in some of the most beautiful spots in the UK.

The glamour of London, and a beautiful start in Covent Garden. Incredible food, castles, the beauty of the Cotswolds and 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 through scenic hikes and of course, mixing it all up with iconic cities, the sophistication of London and the culture of Edinburgh. A tour that is beautiful from start to finish.

DIVA MOMENTS

Sudeley Castle with a private guide

Chedworth Roman Villa with a private guide

Private yoga session

Private visit with Ghillie Basan, famous cook book author/foodie delight and fabulous woman

Beautiful hiking

Private whiskey tasting

Private guided walking tour of hidden edinburgh

Gorgeous accommodation

Fabulous food

So much more…

Imagine, kicking off your fabulous women-only hike 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 heading out into nature and the spectacular British countryside.

This remarkable journey 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.

And your body and soul will be nourished through yoga, nature walks, and various foodie experiences. And of course, 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!

GETTING THERE

So many ways to get to London and via so many airlines. Whether you have an airline preference or not we can get you there very easily. Just ask us how and we will find the best solution for you! Just fill in the airline form here and we will get back to you with options.

Tour Price: Twin share $15,715 per person. Single $19780 per person

Tour Starts: London

Tour Finishes: Inverness

Tour Dates: 1 – 14 September 2024

Included in the Price:

Fully escorted from London by Nicola, your Travelling Divas tour leader (and experienced hiking guide)

13 nights beautiful boutique hotel accommodation

Breakfast daily

10 lunches

9 evening meals

Afternoon tea

Drinks with dinner on Day 1 and Day 11

The services of a qualified and experienced hiking 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

Prrivate walking tour of hidden Edinburgh

Visit a Highland croft run by two ladies who escaped to live a better life

Whiskey tasting and tour

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

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas (if applicable); entry fees into countries charged at the airport; laundry or tips. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and additional government taxes not covered already; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; beverages unless specifically described. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sunday 01: Hello London…

Arrive into London, one of the most fabulous and exciting cities in the world!

Make your way to the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, your home for the next 2 nights.

This evening the group will catch up for a tour briefing, welcome drink and for those in the mood head out for a casual dinner.

Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta

Monday 02: Let your shopping diva go crazy (or perhaps a little culture is more your thing)…

London offers so many things to do and see, so today is up to you. Enjoy 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 or head out for a walk through the delights of St James’ Park, Regents Park and more.

This evening a delicious welcome dinner at a favourite restaurant in Covent Garden….

Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday 3: To the Cotswolds we go…

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)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday 4: The villages of the Cotswolds, and a castle with Tudor connections…

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)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 5: A Roman villa and the prettiest street in England…

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)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 6: To the Lake District, oh so beautiful…

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 Inn on the Square

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday 7: William Wordsworth, choices of hikes and afternoon tea (you’ve earned it!)…

After breakfast, we transfer to Grasmere, visit the home of William Wordsworth for a tour
of his cottage and amble around the pretty little village before visiting the Grasmere Gingerbread
shop to learn about the history of this local delicacy, and of course sample the goods!
Afterwards, We’ll pick up a packed lunch and set out on our first of our Lake District hikes to a
nearby mountain tarn passing waterfalls and natural infinity pools, a great opportunity to dip a
toe! We’ll transfer back to our hotel to debrief and relax before dinner.

Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Overnight Accommodation: The Inn on the Square

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Sunday 8: Private yoga, cruising the Lake and Beatrix Potter…

After a full day hiking yesterday, an easier day today.

After hiking yesterday, an easier day today. We’ll drive down the spine of the Lake
District along the winding country roads to Windermere for a private yoga session near the
shores of the Lake. Afterwards, we’ll board a boat on the lake and relax on a 30-minute cruise to
Ambleside. From here we’ll transfer back to the north lakes to Lingholm Kitchen and Walled
Garden to enjoy the quintessential British tradition of Afternoon Tea overlooking the garden
which Beatrix Potter credited as her inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Overnight Accommodation: The Inn on the Square

Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

Monday 9: To Edinburgh we go…

Today we transfer north to Edinburgh (about 3.5 hours).

However, before we leave the Lake District we’ll make a stop at Aira Force on the shores of Ullswater. Quiet glades give way to dramatic waterfalls, we’ll visit a thundering waterfall that drops 65 feet past ferns and rocks, made even more picturesque by the small stone bridge at the bottom. There are so many woodland trails for us to discover in this landscape of contrasts.

Afterwards, we’ll head north to Edinburgh, a journey of around 3 hours through the winding Scottish countryside. Once we have arrived we’ll settle into our hotel in a beautiful part of the New Town district.

Overnight Accommodation: The Bonham (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday 10: Exploring exquisite Edinburgh…

A day exploring Edinburgh, including the famous Old Town district which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

To kick off we will enjoy a day exploring Edinburgh, including the famous Old Town district which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Enjoy a morning with a local guide, showing you the best and hidden, less-known areas in Edinburgh, finishing with a tasting of the national dish of Scotland, the Haggis ( a must – and there is a vegetarian version!).

Take the afternoon to continue your exploration on your own.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 Bonham (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wednesday 11: Back to nature we go…

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. They are incredibly inspiring and it is amazing what they have achieved!

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 12: Shinrin-yoku and a coastal hike…

This morning, transfer 30 minutes north to Findhorn where we will enjoy a relaxing coastal hike along the scenic stage of the Moray Coastal Trail.

Then it is time for whiskey – a staple in Scottish life. We’ll take a trip to a local distillery where we will learn all about the local whiskeys and indulge in a private tasting experience….

Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday 14: Time to say 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!

Meals: Breakfast

London:

The Henrietta:

The Henrietta Hotel is located in the heart of Covent Garden just steps away from Covent Garden Market. The hotel is a short walk from Covent Garden Underground on the Piccadilly line, and within walking distance of Soho, The Strand and Leicester Square.

Inspired by the streets of Covent Garden each of the 40 bedrooms of the Henrietta Hotel are uniquely designed by French Interior Designer, Dorothee Meilichzon. Guests are able to enjoy a unique home away from home, right in the centre of London. The room amenities are a selection of carefully curated toiletries, complimentary high speed internet, bespoke mini bar selection and 24-hour room service.

The Cotswolds:

The Lamb Inn, Burford:

The Lamb Inn is an institution with generation after generation of families succumbing to its charms. A genuine quintessential English inn with modern day comforts. Arrive, relax and switch off. Step through the door and leave the outside world behind you. Walk into the entrance hall where you will be met by the warmth of an open log fire, and the grandfather clock that stands proudly in the corner.

It started life in the early 15th century as a weaver’s cottage and has since indulged in a few modern touches to help complete your stay. Quintessentially English, with open fires and many armchairs to sink into, books and papers to read, board games to be played and good food to be eaten. Sit back, forget everything else and just relax.

The Lake District:

The Inn on the Square:

small group luxury tour, travel for women, Hiking, Active travel, Cotswolds, UK

The Inn on the Square features modern Scandinavian design mixed with a love for all things Cumbrian – our family-owned Keswick hotel simply oozes comfortable indulgence (with optional adventures on the side). The handy central Keswick location means that everything is just outside your door – from shops to bars and restaurants to typical Keswick sweet shops. Derwentwater lake is only a 10 minute wander through the town if you feel like having a paddle, taking a boat ride or simply enjoying the views.

With 34 modern bedrooms, a chic lounge bar and our Brossen Steakhouse – the Inn on the Square is perfect for romantic weekenders, fresh-air seeking walkers or people who simply love the Lake District.

Edinburgh:

The Bonham:

Set in a quiet leafy crescent in the exclusive West End of Edinburgh, only minutes from the main attractions, The Bonham provides guests with luxurious, fully refurbished rooms and suites. Many rooms offer stunning views either over Drumsheugh Gardens or towards the Firth of Forth and the Kingdom of Fife.

Welcoming lounges and a stylish restaurant and bar make the most of the beautiful interiors of the original houses and look over the peaceful gardens.

The Scottish Highlands:

Dowans Hotel:

The hotel, built in 1888, offers sixteen individual and bespoke en-suite rooms ranging from cosy and elegant singles to eloquently styled king and super-king size doubles. Every room has tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries. With the Glenfiddich Terrace and manicured lawns looking out over the Spey Valley to the front, and a grand ornamental pond with fountains and stoned pathways set within the shadow of Ben Rinnes to the rear, whichever room you are in, the view is sure to delight.

A minimum of 8 guests is required for this experience to depart. There is a maximum of 12 guests. If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure.
A $2000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Once minimum numbers are met, deposits are converted into British Pounds and forwarded to the suppliers. A statement confirming the outstanding balance will then be provided. Please note we will make no conversions until minimum numbers are met and the tour is a confirmed departure.
A $100 non-refundable booking management fee applies to this tour and will be added to your final invoice.
Final payment is required by 15 July 2024. Should you wish to pay in instalments we are able to accommodate your requirements for this.
Easy to moderate hiking is included in the itinerary on most days. A reasonable level of fitness and stamina is required for you to join this journey.
Please note hotels are boutique, and some quite old, and therefore room size will vary. Rooms will be allotted by hotel management and cannot be altered due to the limited numbers available. There are a maximum of 8 double rooms for single use and 2 x twin rooms.
Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Merchant fees apply to credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment.
Please note an interim payment maybe required due to the supplier terms and conditions.
The only circumstance for a refund is if this tour doesn’t not depart and you are still booked to travel. If for any other reason you cancel there is no refund hence the requirement to have travel insurance.
Any part of the tour not utilised is non-refundable
Prices quoted are in British Pounds and once full payment is received price is guaranteed. Until that time price is subject to change.
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months. Please check visa requirements for entry into the UK.
It is compulsory for all passengers to have comprehensive travel insurance for travel on this tour including emergency medical evacuation. If you do not have travel insurance you will be unable to travel with us.
Please check www.smarttraveller.gov.au for the latest travel advice
Please check with your health professional regarding required vaccinations