A Journey into the Wild - A UK adventure - Final Information

Day 1 - Friday 2^nd May - Welcome to Scotland

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

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 3^rd May - Transfer to Inverness

A private transfer will meet you at your hotel reception and transfer you to the station in time for your train to Inverness.  Enjoy the scenery as it changes from bustling city scape to rolling hills as you make your way North.  On arrival you will be met by your private transfer driver who will take you to your luxury hotel in Inverness for the evening.

Overnight: Inverness | Rocpool Reserve Hotel
Room Type: Hip Package
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 4^th May - Highlander - Canal Boat

Your Canal Boat adventure starts today.

Make your own way to the Canal boat meeting point, your hotel can assist with a local taxi should you require.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 5^th May - Highlander - Canal Boat

Day 5 - Tuesday 6^th May - Highlander - Canal Boat

Day 6 - Wednesday 7^th May - Highlander - Canal Boat

Day 7 - Thursday 8^th May - Highlander - Canal Boat

Day 8 - Friday 9^th May - Highlander Canal Boat

Day 9 - Saturday 10^th May - Inverness

Your Canal Boat adventure finishes back in Inverness today.  The Canal Boat Company will transfer you to your hotel Ness Walk in the centre of Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: None

Day 10 - Sunday 11^th May - Free Day in Inverness

Today is free for you to decide how you would like to spend the day.  Perhaps enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a stroll along the River Ness, where the peaceful water reflects the lush greenery of the surrounding parks, visit the cathedral or discover the Botanic Gardens.  Perhaps finish your day browsing the local shops, enjoying a warming drink in one of the cosy cafes watching the world go by.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Monday 12^th May - Meet your Guide & Head North

Meet your main guide today who will also be your driver and together head North.  There are so many options for stopping on the way, perhaps take a stroll along Chanonry Point, a rugged beach and favourite dolphin watching spot.   If you are in luck these playful characters will only be a few metres away chasing fish in the waves.  The quaint little towns en-route offer a delightful escape from the crowds, where you can enjoy a delicious bakery snack and warming coffee.

Arrive in your unique and colourful luxury hotel and raise a glass to your adventures ahead as you relax by the fireplace.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: 4 Poster Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 - Tuesday 13^th May - Dunrobin Castle

Continuing Northwards, you will visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle which has been the ancestral home of Clan Sutherland for over 700 years.  You  will have time to capture some beautiful shots of the exterior and the varied formal gardens, which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. If the timing is right you may also catch the daily falconry display to admire these incredible birds of prey.  As you continue your journey, there are many incredible beaches to stop and take a stroll, enjoying the fresh cooling breeze.

Make your way to your welcoming accommodation, close to the northernmost tip of the mainland.  Nestled in 20 acres of woodland, below a waterfall on the meandering River Forss, this hotel is a tranquil oasis where you can truly relax and enjoy the peace.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Thurso | Forss House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Wednesday 14^th May - Whailigo Steps & John O Groats

Sitting at Scotland’s north-eastern most tip, John O Groat’s offers dramatic sea views, rugged cliffs and serves as  a symbolic gateway to the Orkney Islands.  As you explore this unique area, don’t forget to get your iconic John O Groat’s signpost picture!

Surrounded on three sides by 250 feet cliffs, the Whaligoe harbour is accessed by the incredible Whaligoe steps.  As you make your way down, hearing stories of the fisherwomen who used to haul baskets of fish up the 365 steps in the 1800’s, you will enjoy incredible views over the vast ocean beyond.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Thurso | Forss House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Thursday 15^th May - Bettyshill & Ben Loyal

Make your way along the North Coastline today stopping in the picturesque village of Bettyhill.  Perhaps visit the Strathnaver Museum that delves into the fascinating story of 8,000 years of human occupation in the north-west Sutherland.  Take a stroll on a nearby beach and enjoy watching the powerful waves as they crash onto the sand uninterrupted.  An unspoiled gem, take a moment to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this place.

If you are feeling more active, you have the option to hike Ben Loyal.  Known as the ‘Queen of the Scottish Mountains’ it rises in an isolated position above the north coast and makes for a fantastic day out.  Offering superb 360 degree views over the area, the reward is worth the challenge of the climb!

Whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy your day out in the Scottish wilderness with your expert guide’s insights.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Lairg | Lundies House
Room Type: Gwendolyn
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Friday 16^th May - Smoo Caves & Durness

Enjoy your drive along one of the most stunning sections of the North Coast 500 route this morning as you pass sweeping wild landscapes, remote quirky dwellings and awe-inspring coastal views.

On the way you will stop off to explore Smoo Cave, a unique place to see some of Scotland’s Geology and has one of the highest entrances to any sea cave in the whole of the UK.  Venture through the 50ft archway into the waterfall chamber before taking a tour further inside to learn more about the natural and human history of the cave.

After such a fascinating insight, you can then take your time continuing on your journey to your next base on the north coast of Scotland.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Sutherland | Kylesku Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Saturday 17^th May - Exploring Handa Island

Taking one of Scotland’s most unique ferry trips, you board a rib boat for the short crossing to the stunning uninhabited Handa Island.  An incredibly beautiful wildlife reserve perched on the north-western edge of Scotland, the island boasts a vast array of bird life and as you step onto the stunning beach you will have the real feeling that you are in a special place that is home to guillemots, puffins, razorbills and great skuas.

Taking the well maintained walkway around the island, you become immersed in a variety of landscapes from hidden coves with golden beaches, to open moorland, to incredible cliff faces that plunge into the seas below.  As you turn every corner, this island surprises.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Sutherland | Kylesku Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 17 - Sunday 18^th May - Transfer to Torridon

The spectacular west coast awaits.  As you make your way to the luxurious Torridon Hotel, you will pass through some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. There are plenty of options to stop for a walk or take in a view, your guide will be there to make the most of this iconic part of your journey.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: By Achnasheen | The Stables
Room Type: The Stables - Family
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 - Monday 19^th May - Relaxing day at the Hotel

Today is free for you to enjoy your wonderful accommodation.  Perched on the edge of Loch Torridon, you can choose to slow down and enjoy a relaxed breakfast, taking in the incredible views of the rugged Torridon mountains.  If you are feeling more active, there are plenty of options to choose from, perhaps take one of the many walking trails from the hotel or enjoy one of the activities offered by the hotel.

Whatever you decide to do for the day, you are sure to enjoy your time in this incredible place.

*No activities are included*

Overnight: By Achnasheen | The Stables
Room Type: The Stables - Family
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 19 - Tuesday 20^th May - Transfer to Skye

Today you head south, driving through stunning scenery on the way to the fabled Isle of Skye. You have the option to stop for a short hike with your guide along the way allowing you to stretch your legs and properly get into the Scottish landscape, your guide will suggest appropriate routes depending on the weather and how you feel.

You may also want to divert slightly to visit elegant Eilean Donan Castle. This is known as the most photographed castle in Scotland, and it has earned that title with a stunning location on its own island. Then spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the magnificent views from your hotel over to the spectacular Cuillin Mountain Range.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 20 - Wednesday 21^st May - Exploring the Misty Isle

Today you have a full day of hiking with your expert guide. You will be spoilt for choice with the dramatic landscape on offer, with routes through stark and unusual rock formations and landscapes, including the awe-inspiring Old Man Of Storr and the Quiraing. The rugged coastline of this island means that you can enjoy incredible sweeping views of islands and mountains in almost every direction.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 21 - Thursday 22^nd May - Exploring Skye

You have another day to explore this wonderful Isle today.  Discuss the options with your guide, perhaps you want to revisit a favourite spot or head to the lesser known, but beautiful Waternish point to discover some hidden gems, from coffee in a yurt overlooking a stunning bay to visiting a local tannery where they still make luxury sheepskin rugs in the traditional way.  Whatever you decide, you are sure to enjoy your final day on the famous Isle.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 22 - Friday 23^rd May - Road to the Isles

As you return to the mainland via a short ferry ride today, you’ll travel 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. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.

Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey.

You may wish to stop at the historic the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 23 - Saturday 24^th May - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why!  Today you can choose to explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub.

Or if you prefer, head further south to Oban and enjoy exploring this bustling seaside town.  Perhaps take a tiny ferry across to the isle of Kerrera, where you can take your time walking round the island, enjoying amazing views across the sea to the Inner Hebrides and relaxing in the welcoming tea room.  The choice is yours.

This evening you bid farewell to your guide and get ready for the next part of your adventure.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 24 - Sunday 25^th May - Train to Glasgow, Private Transfer

A private transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the train station in time for your train to Glasgow.

Bidding farewell to the Highlands, relax as the train takes you through superb scenery and onwards into the bustling city of Glasgow.  Your private transfer driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your city centre hotel where you can rest and relax for the evening or head out and start exploring this vibrant city.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: Enviable Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 25 - Monday 26^th May - Glasgow - Self Guided Explorations

Today you have a full free day to explore at your own pace and there is plenty to keep you discovering more. Maybe spend a relaxed few hours exploring the magnificent halls and collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, visit the Modern Art Gallery or find a local pub with live music sessions. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be inspired.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: Enviable Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 26 - Tuesday 27^th May - Private transfer to Edinburgh & Mary Kings Close

A private transfer will meet you at your hotel this morning and whisk you to the cultural city of Edinburgh.  You can drop your bags at your hotel and freshen up before you head out to enjoy a unique tour of an unknown side to Edinburgh.  Discover the hidden streets of Mary King’s Close, a warren of 17th century streets that was walled up and forgotten about.  Fascinating layers of history around every corner.

Your evening is free to relax at your hotel or perhaps enjoy a dram at one of Edinburgh’s many bars.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 27 - Wednesday 28^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.

Meals Included: Breakfast