B&R Butterfield & Robinson – McVay Scottish Explorations

Day 1 - Sunday 16^th June - Welcome To Scotland!

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your iconic city centre hotel. Here you will be met by your private trip guide to welcome you to Edinburgh. This afternoon, once you have dropped your luggage, head out to discover the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering some fascinating lesser known gems, depending on your interests.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive Old Town View (1 x Double & 1 x Twin)
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 17^th June - St Andrew's - Golf & Explorations

This morning start your journey north with your guide, heading to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Two of your party will explore the city with your guide. This characterful university town is full of history and stories and more recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and two of you will tee off on a fabulous links course on the same coastline as ‘The Old Course’. Enjoy the history and coastal views of a superb round of golf as well as a chat with the local players. Depending on timings, later in the day you may want to see if you can fit in a visit to one of the charming and picturesque fishing villages with your guide. These harbour houses are now popular with artists and writers but the sea still has a heavy influence on everyday life for most people in the local communities.

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Old Course King or Twin (1 x Double & 1 x Twin)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 18^th June - Into The Cairngorms National Park

Today you transfer North into the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Stop to visit the ‘spiritual home of Scotch Whisky’ where you will enjoy a private apothecary experience, creating your own unique spirit. Learn about the ancient heritage of Scotland’s modern distilleries and enjoy a wee dram. You may also wish to stop and visit the inspiring V&A Dundee on route, showcasing fresh Scottish design and its long heritage. Then your guide will drive you up and over the ‘snow roads’ to your luxurious hotel to settle in.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture (1 x Double & 1 x Twin)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 19^th June - Hiking & Highland Activities

A full day to take in the highlights of this beautiful area today. Head out with your guide to hike by a sparkling Highland loch this morning, discovering views which were beloved by Queen Victoria. Then this afternoon test your target skills as you try clay pigeon shooting, a traditional sport enjoyed all over the Highlands. Your experienced instructor will share tips to ensure the maximum fun.

(Note: Alternative afternoon activities are also possible, if you would prefer)

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture (1 x Double & 1 x Twin)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 20^th June - Transfer West To Glencoe

Your route takes you through some wonderful mountain scenery today, stop to enjoy some unique perspectives picked out by artist installations along the way. Break your travels with a special tour of a charming traditional whisky distillery which is normally closed to the public, finishing with a tasting of some of their delicious drams.

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! Explore this famous valley with your guide before you 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: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 21^st June - West Coast Explorations

You have a full day to explore some of the fascinating rugged West coast with your guide today. Head down to the colourful harbour town of Oban, maybe taking the small ferry over onto the Isle of Kerrera to hike and explore. Finishing the day with a private tour and tasting of Oban Distillery, which they will be proud to tell you is older than the town itself!

Tonightyour guide will join you for your final dinner to celebrate your Scottish adventures. Raise a glass to toast with the traditional ‘Slainte Mhath’, or ‘good health’ and reflect back on the special experiences you have enjoyed together.

Note: A great activity option for today would be a private zodiac boat trip to explore the waters around the local islands with an experienced local skipper. See pricing for supplement cost.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Saturday 22^nd June - Transfer to Glasgow & Depart

Your guide will transfer you south to Glasgow to make your onward travel connections this morning (Airport or train station as per preference). Depending on your departure times there may be a chance for additional explorations along the way (drive time approx 3hrs). Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast