Alvaro Stein 50th Birthday Celebrations & Explorations in Scotland

Day 1 - Friday 24^th May - Welcome to Scotland Alvaro!

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to St Andrews & your welcoming accommodation. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Transfer Time = Approx 1 hr 20 mins

Overnight: St Andrews | Haar Restaurant With Rooms
Room Type: 1 x Standard King Room for Solo Occ
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 25^th May - Golf in St Andrews for Alvaro & Welcome to the Rest of the Party

This morning Alvaro tees off on a fabulous links course on the same coastline as ‘the birthplace of golf’. Enjoy the history and coastal views of a superb round of golf and chat to the local players. This afternoon welcome the rest of your party as they arrive, and you can explore the cobbled streets of this historic university town at your leisure. More recently the Prince & Princess of Wales famously met during their studies here but St Andrews is much better known for being the home of golf. You can feel the years of history in the streets and the soaring heights of the cathedral.

Transfer Time = Approx 1 hr 20 mins

Note: Breakfast for Alvaro is included

Note on Golf: St Andrews Link do NOT take bookings for solo players. A round on one of their courses for a solo player could only be requested that day before. They said that ‘most of the time’ there is no issue for a solo player to get a tee slot by joining another group of 2 or 3 players., however a specific time could not be guaranteed. However we can book a solo tee time at an alternative course on the same coastline.

Overnight: St Andrews | Haar Restaurant With Rooms
Room Type: 2 x Standard King Room for Solo Occ
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Sunday 26^th May - Meet Your Guide & Transfer North in Speyside

This morning your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel, and together you will head north. There are various options for stops along the way if you wish. Perhaps take in the inspiring V&A Dundee on route, showcasing fresh Scottish design and its long heritage, or maybe the infamous Glamis Castle before you head onwards. Your route will take you through some of the fabulous landscape of the Cairngorms National Park as you head into Speyside.

Enjoy a special welcome to the region with an special tour at Glenlivet Distillery. Celebrating its 200 year anniversary in 2024, this distillery prides itself on innovating fresh approaches and evolving with the times. While always putting the flavour first of course! Discover the history and taste a few of the warming drams before your guide takes you to settle into your hotel.

Drive Time = Approx 4 hrs

Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: 2 x Grand Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27^th May - Immerse Yourselves in the Heart Of Whisky Country

Today you immerse yourselves in Speyside as you enjoy a journey through Scottish whisky history, and discovering just why Speyside whiskys are known around the world. Beginning the day with the chance to observe the ancient art of coopering, which is the skilled art of creating the all-important barrels that spirits rest in. Maybe take a stroll into history and follow the footsteps of past lawless distillers along the Whisky Smugglers trails as you guide shares their tales. And this afternoon quench your thirst with a tasting of the local produce with a special tour and tasting in one of the characterful Speyside distilleries (various options to suit your preference).

After dinner you head to the iconic Macallan Distillery for a unique evening experience in partnership with Cirque du Soleil. This is the only way to gain access to the distillery this month and is designed to be a feast for the senses. Starting at 8pm and running for 2.5 hours, there will be some fabulous refreshment choices on offer too. Then return to your hotel for the night.

Drive Time = Variable depending on distillery selection, but assume approx 2 hrs

Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: 2 x Grand Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28^th May - Transfer To The West Coast Via Speyside Distillery

The rugged west coast is calling today, but there is one last whisky stop in the Cairngorms National Park before you go. Enjoy an exclusive private tour of a ‘closed door’ whisky distillery. The distillery manager will share the unique character and history of this pretty distillery and guide you on a tasting of some of their fine drams. 

Admire the mountainous landscape as you travel onwards, there are many great opportunities for superb scenic leg stretches along the way and your guide will discuss the best options with you. You will pass the foothills of mighty Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, and then head along ‘The Road To The Isles’ to your hotel near the historic Glenfinnan Monument. This road is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history. You may even be able to spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct if the timings are right. 

Drive Time = Approx 3 hrs

Overnight: Glenfinnan | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Loch View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 29^th May - Transfer To Edinburgh via Glencoe & Private Walking Tour Of Historic Old Town

This morning you bid farewell to the Highlands as your guides takes you south. Stop on route to admire the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why!  Then carry onwards towards Edinburgh. On arrival in the unique capital city your guide will take you to your hotel to drop your bags and introduce you to your expert city guide who will take you out for a private walking tour this afternoon.

Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your evening is free to relax and maybe raise a glass to toast ‘Slainte mhath’ or good health for your last night in the country.

Drive Time = Approx 4 hrs

Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: 2 x Chamber Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30^th May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Transfer Time = Approx 45 mins

Meals Included: Breakfast