Flight of the Osprey

Day 1 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Visit Scott Monument and climb to the platform for spectacular city views. Head to The Meadows for some green space and to soak up the sites and sounds of the city, or visit the nearby National Galleries of Scotland. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh
Room Type: House Superior
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 4^th July - Exploring Edinburgh

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, passing St Giles Cathedral 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 leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate Edinburgh
Room Type: House Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 5^th July - Bass Rock and Aberlady Bay

This morning, meet your guide and travel from Edinburgh to the coast. Here, sail out into the swell on a boat trip to Bass Rock. Enjoy the views as the rugged coastline unfurls beyond the bow, keeping an eye out for curious seals, dolphins and an eclectic mix of seabirds. Sail around Bass Rock – home to the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets. Back on dry land, have lunch and visit the Scottish Seabird Centre, a marine conservation and education charity with an award-winning visitor centre tucked in the salt-stung town of North Berwick. Later, visit Tantallon Castle – an imposing fortress perched dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the dark North Sea. Admire the mighty curtain wall, the best example of castle architecture from the 1300s anywhere in Scotland. Return to your relaxed hotel this evening and enjoy dinner

Overnight: Gullane | Bonnie Badger
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Saturday 6^th July - Isle of May and Tantallon Castle

This morning head out for a walk on Aberlady Bay, a local nature reserve and renowned bird-watching venue. Then, with a packed lunch embark on an adventure out to the Isle of May this morning. A National Nature Reserve, the island is home to a large puffin colony, grey seals, razorbills, shags, eider ducks and many other seabirds. Upon arrival, listen to a short talk given by the Nature Scot warden before exploring the islands. Wander carefully through the nesting terns, enjoying the fabulous scenery and abundant bird life. Enjoy your final evening on the east coast today.

Overnight: Gullane | Bonnie Badger
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sunday 7^th July - Arrive in the Cairngorms, Join your Photography Trip

This morning, together with your guide you will travel to the Cairngorms National Park. On the way, you will stop for a walk on a rewilding estate, here you will learn about the reintroduction of beaver to the area and to Scotland and witness a red kite feeding. Late afternoon, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, in time for your photography trip briefing.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 8^th July - Photography Trip

Day 7 - Tuesday 9^th July - Photography Trip

Day 8 - Wednesday 10^th July - Photography Trip

Day 9 - Thursday 11^th July - Travel to Oban and explore Glencoe

After your photography trip finishes, meet your Wilderness guide and wind your way west to Oban. Today’s drive is beautiful as you traverse the northern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park, ribboning your way towards Fort William and along the shores of Loch Linnhe. We’ll stop at Glencoe visitor centre for lunch and to learn about one of Scotland’s most famous glens, it’s tragic history only eclipsed by it’s wild beauty. Later, arrive in Oban, a town on the west coast surrounded by rolling fields, craggy cliffs and sandy shores. Settle into your hotel this evening, which offers far-reaching views across the water and delicious seasonal food.

Overnight: Oban | Oban Bay Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 12^th July - The Isle of Mull and Visit Iona

After breakfast, catch the ferry from Oban across the sun-dappled water to the Isle of Mull. Once ashore, ribbon your way to the southern westerly tip of Mull and take a short passenger ferry to explore Iona – also known as the ‘Holy Isle.’ Although only a mile and a half wide and three miles long, this tiny island brims with history. Accompanied by your guide, visit Iona Abbey (founded in 563) and the Nunnery – one of the best-preserved medieval nunneries in the UK. A short scenic walk will take you to the island’s highest point for fantastic views across the water to the Treshnish Isles, Tiree, Coll, and on a really clear day, Rhum, Eigg and Skye. Back on Mull this evening, settle into your charming island accommodation and relax.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: Duart
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Saturday 13^th July - Fingal's Cave and the Treshnish Isles

Today, embark on a boat trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. Glide through the waves, soaking in the noise, sight and smell of the sea, as well as spotting coastal birds. Far-flung and remote, this is sure to be a very memorable day. Discover the unique geological formations of Staffa, including the iconic Fingal’s Cave, and wander amidst the rugged beauty of the Treshnish Isles. These islands are famous for it’s puffins, and you can take time to sit and watch them pop in and out of their burrows from just feet away. Back on Mull this evening, perhaps enjoy a drink before dinner, allowing the soothing sounds of the sea to be your soundtrack to another relaxed evening.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: Duart
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Sunday 14^th July - Leave Mull and Travel to England

Leave Mull today and travel with your guide to Glasgow. From here, catch a train to Chester. Founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century A.D you may want to take a wander around the Roman walls after dinner.

Overnight: Chester | Chester Grosvenor
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Monday 15^th July - Discover Wales

Pick your hire car up in Chester and head into Wales. Along the way, you might want to visit to the striking medieval fortress of Conwy Castle, which still towers over the town after 700 years. Make your way up the restored spiral staircase and take in the views of Snowdonia’s craggy mountains. Offering the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in England or Wales, a visit to the Castle is a fascinating and engaging experience. Afterwards, continue to your charming accommodation this evening and relax.

Overnight: Dolgellau | Penmaenuchaf Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Tuesday 16^th July - Visit the Osprey Centres

Spend the day visiting the Osprey Centres and meeting with your local contacts

Overnight: Dolgellau | Penmaenuchaf Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Wednesday 17^th July - Visit the Osprey Centres

Spend the day visiting the Osprey Centres and meeting with your local contacts

Overnight: Dolgellau | Penmaenuchaf Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double

Day 16 - Thursday 18^th July - Visit the Osprey Centres

Spend the day visiting the Osprey Centers and meeting with your local contacts

Overnight: Dolgellau | Penmaenuchaf Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17 - Friday 19^th July - Visit the Osprey Centres and depart Wales

After a relaxed breakfast, pack up read to leave Wales and drive to Manchester Airport this afternoon. It’s abotu a 2 hour drive so on the way you may wish to stop at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands for a walk and visit Ness Botanic Gardens. Later, drop off your hire car off and settle into your hotel near the airport ready for your flight home tomorrow.

Overnight: Manchester | Radisson Blu Manchester Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 18 - Saturday 20^th July - Depart for home

After a relaxed breakfast, head to Manchester Airport and depart for home.

Meals Included: Breakfast