B&R Butterfield & Robinson - V4 - 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. Maybe take a leisurely stroll in Prince’s Street Garden, or visit the National Gallery. This afternoon 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. This evening is free for you to explore the local culinary options.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe King interconnecting with Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: None

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

This morning a private expert local city guide will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out to discover the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering a few fascinating lesser known gems. At lunchtime 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. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe King interconnecting with Deluxe 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. 

Break your journey to visit the beautiful Glamis Castle and Gardens this afternoon, where you will tour the corridors with an expert private guide discovering the haunted tales of the past and exploring chambers not open to the general public. Stroll around the impressive castle gardens, taking in the array of scents, sights and sounds of the nature that surrounds you, before continuing to the Highland village of Braemar and your luxurious hotel.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Heritage Family Suite (Interconnecting Double & Twin Scottish Culture)
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. Today is the perfect day for a more challenging full day hike for those of you who want to head up to a summit. Discover characterful mountain slopes and ridges rising from a sparkling Highland loch with views which were beloved by Queen Victoria.

An alternative option would be a shorter morning hike before returning 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.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Heritage Family Suite (Interconnecting Double & Twin Scottish Culture)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 20^th June - Transfer West To Glencoe Via Chocolate Treats & Tales of the Past

Transfer West today, enjoying the views and stopping at a couple of special locations on route. Discover the delights created by an award-winning Scottish Chocolatier with a private tasting guided by a chocolate master.

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.

Then continue towards the dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe, recognisable as the backdrop in many films and TV shows. Settle down in a traditional climbers pub to listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller before heading to your elegant accommodation.

(Alternatives for this day include a private foodie workshop with a unique chef or a private art experience with a local artist, to unleash your creative side. Note that driving route would be different & longer.)

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 to explore the rugged and fascinating West coast on E-Bikes. There are great options to suit all abilities and preferred levels of challenge, your guide will discuss the best options to plan the day. So many choices to choose from depending on energy levels, ferries and the weather. Keep your eye open for views of Castle Stalker as you head to Port Appin, or choose to cross over onto the quiet Ardnamurchan Peninsula for something completely different.

Depending on your route choices you can continue your bike adventures or choose to head to Oban this afternoon and explore this bustling harbour town. Maybe even pop into the distillery, which they will be proud to tell you is older than the town itself!

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