B&R Butterfield & Robinson - V3 - McVay Scottish Explorations

Day 1 - Saturday 15^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 to drop luggage before heading out to explore the city. Have a leisurely stroll in Prince’s Street Garden, or visit the National Gallery. This afternoon head to meet a local genealogist who will help you uncover some of your ancestry that is linked with this ancient land. Enjoy learning more about where you have come from and delve deeper into your family tree, before checking into your hotel to relax for the evening. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive Double interconnecting with Executive Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 16^th June - Explore Historic Edinburgh & Meet Your Guide

Today you meet your expert local city guide to head out and discover the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering a few fascinating lesser known gems. At lunch you will be met by your main trip guide and you can chat about your upcoming adventures over lunch. This afternoon, choose to continue exploring the city with your guide, or take some time to relax by yourselves, the choice is yours. Perhaps visit the eerie subterranean dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close on a private tour, or walk up Calton Hill for a view of the city. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive Double interconnecting with Executive Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - 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 this characterful university town, 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: Eden Double interconnecting with Eden Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - 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. Have the option to visit the beautiful Glamis Castle and Gardens this afternoon, where you can tour the corridors and discover the haunted tales of the past. Stroll around the impressive Castle Gardens, taking in the array of scents, sights and sounds of the nature that surrounds you. Continuing northwards, your guide will drive you to the Highland village of Braemar and your luxurious hotel to settle in.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Discovery Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - 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. Have the option to continue on a longer hike or choose to return to the village for an afternoon putting your target skills to the test. Dabble in a little  friendly family competition as you try clay pigeon shooting, a traditional sport enjoyed all over the Highlands. Your experienced instructor will share tips to ensure maximum fun.

(Please note, it would also be possible to enjoy a short morning hike or alternative activity while the avid hikers enjoy a longer route. Then all meet late afternoon for the clay shooting.)

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Discovery Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 20^th June - Transfer West To Glencoe

Your route takes you through some wonderful mountain scenery today, stop to enjoy some unique perspectives and scenic photo opportunities. Enjoy the sweet taste of highland chocolate as you take time to discover the delights of the highland chocolatier. Travel on through the glens to reach a spectacular turreted castle, dating from the 16th Century. Here you will have a private tour and time to explore all the nooks and crannies of this restored castle which is the seat of the Clan Menzies. Later, travel on to the dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe, featured as the backdrop in many films. This evening, settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub to listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

(Please note: Alternative options; a private food experience with a private chef or even a private art experience with a local artist, to unleash your creative side.)

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

Day 7 - Friday 21^st June - West Coast Explorations

Today take to two wheels as you cycle to the rugged and fascinating West coast. Depending on energy levels you may choose to journey to Port Appin and enjoy lunch before transferring with your guide to the colourful harbour town of Oban. This afternoon, those who would like can a private tour and tasting of Oban Distillery, which they will be proud to tell you is older than the town itself! Alternatively have the option to cycle more this afternoon, or simply explore this harbour town with the fresh sea air. Tonight your 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.

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

Day 8 - 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