Jacada - Highland and Island Explorations

Day 1 - Tuesday 13^th August - To the North

Your main driver guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and you will set off on the next part of your Scottish adventure.  Leaving the bright lights of Edinburgh behind, you will head north through the rolling hills of Perthshire towards the wild mountains of the North Highlands.  On the way, you can stop off to visit Blair Castle, which is home to the only private army in the UK and where there have been sighting of witches in the woods and hills above the castle – will today be the day when another witch sighting happens?

Continue on in the afternoon to your boutique accommodation north of Inverness near the heartland of the Fraser clan, ready for your explorations tomorrow.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Two bedroom cottage
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 14^th August - Explorations Into Fraser Clan History

Delve into your family history and visit some of the local landmarks which would have featured in the lives of your ancestors.  You could visit the churchyards where they are buried. the lochs were the ancient clan members fought and lost against the Cameron’s in 1544 and of course, have lunch at the Lovat Arms hotel which is owned and run by a senior clanswomen!  A fantastic day exploring your heritage.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Two bedroom cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 15^th August - Legends of Loch Ness & Transfer To Glencoe

It is time to set off to the next part of your adventure as your travel along the shores of the famous Loch Ness towards the dramatic towering peaks of Glencoe.  On the way, you will stop off at Urquhart Castle, which is one the most besieged castles in Scotland and where the epic clan battle between Clan Fraser and Clan MacDonald!  Hear stories of how this battle took place as you wander through the ruins – and perhaps scan the rippling waters of the loch for a sighting of the elusive monster as you imagine how this landscape has changed since your ancestors fought here.

After lunch in the local village, you will continue to your hotel in the heart of the Glencoe Valley to your hotel where you can enjoy dinner together as the sun sets over the surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Feature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 16^th August - Glencoe - Mountains & Mysteries

Glencoe – a valley of myths and mystery, of magic and murder.  The tragic tales of life here are etched into the very fabric of life that echos through the impressive peaks and the hidden valleys.  Your guide will take you on a journey through this gorgeous place as you explore places that are off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the culture of this iconic part of the country.

To end your day, you will meet a local storyteller at a walkers tavern, who will regale you with tales of witches and witchcraft, of spirits and spells as well as the battles that were fought just a stones throw away from where you a sitting.  So relax, unwind and let the smooth amber nectar warm your insides as you get under the skin of the fabric of life in these ancient lands.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Feature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 17^th August - Transfer To Mull

It is time to leave the Highlands and head to the second largest Inner Hebridean island today.  Journey through the ever changing landscapes as you cross the country from the mountains to the sea.  Board the late morning ferry to Mull keeping your eyes peeled for the local wildlife such as seals and dolphins that are abundant in these waters.

On arrival in Mull you will enjoy some lunch before setting off to explore the island from Duart Castle which proudly stands guard over the harbour to the pretty fishing village of Tobermory with it’s brightly coloured houses and views back across to the mainland.

Your accommodation this evening is a boutique guest house with far stretching views and a beautiful garden for a stroll after dinner.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: 2 x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 18^th August - Isle Of Iona

The highlight of your trip has arrived as you head to the south of the island this morning to board the ferry to the small island of Iona.  This fabled isle is home to Iona Abbey which many people pilgrimage to year after year and is the burial site of more than sixty Scottish Kings.

Spend the day exploring the island from the tranquility of the nunnery walls to the windswept beaches of St Columba’s Bay before returning to Mull this evening for your final night on the island.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: 2 x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 19^th August - Return To The Mainland & Journey South

It is time to depart the ancient land of Scotland and head back to London before your flight home tomorrow.

Take the morning ferry back to the mainland before heading to Glasgow to catch a train to London, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your heart and a longing to return.

On arrival at London Kings Cross a private transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your London airport hotel.

Overnight: London Heathrow Airport Hotel | Sofitel, London Heathrow
Room Type: 2 x King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Tuesday 20^th August - Depart

You will make your own way from your airport hotel to the terminal in time for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast