Murray Family Explore Scotland

Day 1 - Saturday 3^rd August - Welcome To Scotland! Meet Your Guide & Head North.

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at Edinburgh Airport this morning, and together you head north. Depending on your arrival time there are various options for scenic leg stretches or stops along the way, but we you will certainly want to stop to explore 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! Explore this famous valley with your guide before continuing onwards to your unique castle hotel, situated on the foothills of mighty Ben Nevis.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 3 x Large Double (2 as Twins)
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Sunday 4^th August - Explore The 'Road To The Isles' & Storyteller

Today you will enjoy superb views as your guide takes you west along the stunning Road to the Isles. This 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 wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles, this is some of the most scenic beach-combing in the country. To finish your day settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 3 x Large Double (2 as Twins)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 5^th August - Transfer To Speyside via Loch Ness

Time to head deeper into the Highlands today, right into the heart of whisky country. Stop to set out onto the deep secretive waters of Loch Ness and enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping your eyes open for the infamous monster herself. Explore the ruins of Castle Urquhart on the shores of the loch. This large castle has a rich and bloody past that dates back centuries. It was eventually destroyed by government troops so it could no longer be used as a stronghold by local clans.

Then continue on through Inverness into Speyside, discovering just why the local whiskys are known around the world. Perhaps follow in the footsteps of the cheeky past distillers with a stroll on the Whisky Smugglers Trail, through the hidden glens of Speyside. Then quench your thirst with a tasting of the local produce after a tour of one of the characterful Speyside distilleries (tasting for adults only!). The perfect way to round off your day’s exploration before your guide takes you to your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Speyside, Craigellachie | Craigellachie Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Comfy Luxe Double & 2 x Snug Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 6^th August - Transfer South via Archery in Cairngorms National Park

Today you head south, skirting the edge of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. This is a perfect place to stop for a short scenic stroll before you test your target skills with a fun session of archery. Channel your inner warrior with tips from your instructor.

Continuing on, stop to explore the huge open air site of the Highland Folk Museum and relive history in its painstakingly recreated buildings. This fascinating 80 acre site has over 30 dwellings “frozen in time” from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s so that you can experience the details of Highland life as it was back then. Don’t miss the old fashioned sweetie shop, it’s our favourite!

Overnight: Near Blair Atholl | Old Manse Of Blair
Room Type: 1 x Stables Family Suite (Double & Twin) & 1 x Bothy Family Room (2 interconnecting doubles)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 7^th August - Enjoy a 4x4 'Safari' With A Kilted Ranger & Local Highland Games

This morning get an insider’s insight of the area as you head out on a fun private Landrover safari with a kilted Ranger. Exploring private estate tracks to see what traditional gillies and estate managers drive every day. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Eagles that are all to be found here before you head back down into the valley.

This afternoon enjoy a special experience as you immerse yourself in true Scottish culture and tradition at a local Highland Games. The air is filled with the invigorating sounds of bagpipes and rhythmic pounding of drums, and the lively cheers of the crowd. As you watch the competitors in their kilts, showcasing feats of strength and agility, you become part of a centuries-old spectacle that celebrates heritage and camaraderie.

The games are a sensory feast, with the aroma of traditional foods wafting through the air, colourful tartans adding a visual spectacle to the Highland dancers twirls and the thrill of events like caber tossing and tug-of-war creating an electrifying atmosphere that you can’t help but be caught up in.

Note: An alternative option would be to explore locally with your guide instead this afternoon if you would prefer.

Overnight: Near Blair Atholl | Old Manse Of Blair
Room Type: 1 x Stables Family Suite (Double & Twin) & 1 x Bothy Family Room (2 interconnecting doubles)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 8^th August - Transfer To Edinburgh, Explore & Catch Sleeper Train

This morning your guide will transfer you to Edinburgh. They will help you secure your luggage at the Left Luggage facility in Waverley Train Station, and introduce you to your expert local city guide before they depart.

Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour today. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city and discover some hidden gems with your guide’s insider knowledge. Enjoy the buzz of the ‘Royal Mile’ as you head up 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 guide will tailor the day to your interests as you get a sense of the stories and history of these streets. 

Your guide will depart late afternoon, leaving you to enjoy a relaxed dinner before you pick up your luggage and board the Sleeper Train for a fun overnight transfer to London.

Overnight: Sleeper Train | Caledonian Sleeper
Room Type: 3 x Club Twin En-Suite (Bunk Beds)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 9^th August - Arrive in London

On arrival in London you will have breakfast on board the train before you head off to enjoy your self-arranged London explorations. Taking with you special memories of your travels together which you will treasure for a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast