Besson Historic Scotland Explorations - v2
Sunday 18th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Sunday 18th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your iconic city centre hotel. Spend a relaxing evening in the hotel and enjoy the views out over the Edinburgh skyline from this central position.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View
Meals Included: None
This morning is free for you to relax and shake free from the last of the jetlag. After lunch your private expert city guide will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out to explore the wide Georgian streets of Edinburgh’s ‘New Town’. Take in the the elegant grandeur of the period design at the Georgian House museum before maybe heading a little further afield. Maybe choose to focus on the charming Dean Village and bustling Stockbridge today, a quieter introduction and full of inspiration at every turn. There is also a long-standing coin shop near the beautiful Botanic Gardens which you may wish to hunt out.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. 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. Old Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways and your guide will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city as you explore on foot.
This evening you enjoy a real treat as you head to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a world-renowned outdoor performance started in 1950. It is different every year and is staged on the castle esplanade with incredible views over the city. The show ends with a spectacular fireworks display and is sure to blow you away.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover a Festival show, soak in a gallery exhibition or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Your local guide will have given you some great ideas the day before to suit your unique interests.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be collected from your hotel by a private driver, and joined in the vehicle by a knowledgeable guide to make the journey go quickly. Discover some of the best preserved Roman fort remains on the northern wall as you explore Vindolanda and Housesteads with your guide. Immerse yourselves in times past with the wealth of knowledge unearthed by the archaeological digs on these sites.
Depending on the timings you may choose to divert your route home to take you via the coast to enjoy the views as you head back towards your luxurious hotel in Edinburgh for one last night.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out of the city to explore.
Head west to the impressive Falkirk Wheel. This massive structure is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift used to move boats up and down from one section of the canal to another. Then admire the Kelpies, giant metal sculptures of horse heads which represent water spirits of Scottish folklore. Your guide will share some of the tales associated with these legendary creatures as you go.
Stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and a turbulent history. Soak in the battlefield atmosphere at the site of The Battle Of Bannockburn. This was the greatest victory of Robert The Bruce and you can experience that day in history in thrilling 3D at the award-winning visitor centre. Your guide will then take you to your welcoming hotel in Glasgow.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium with view of Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you have a full day with a qualified local city guide exploring some of the historic treasures housed in various museums. Hear the tales of the streets and see the influences of elegant architects and designers throughout the years before heading inside some of these unique buildings to delve into the collections housed within.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium with view of Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You have the full day to make your way to Cameron House today and your guide will discuss the options with you. Maybe head south to explore Culzean Castle, where the imposing castle surveys the sea from its clifftop location. There are also some lovely strolls in the extensive estate, or you could go for a longer hike with your guide if you prefer.
Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: Loch View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You have the full day to explore Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park with your guide today. Maybe choose to hike up to a viewpoint, take a serene cruise along a beautiful loch, or maybe visit Rob Roy’s Grave and enjoy a short hike to the cairn summit of Creag an Tuirc, which means Hill Of The Boar. This crag is an ancient rallying point for Clan MacLaren and enjoys superb views.
Option for a foodie workshop with an acclaimed local chef.
Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: Loch View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Glasgow 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
Please see our booking terms here.
Sunday 18th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024