Calverley Scottish Adventure V2

Tuesday 20th August – Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights

Overview

A wonderful 15 day trip though exploring the history of Scotland.  Starting with a visit to the capital city during the exciting fringe festival.  Enjoy hiking in the rolling Perthshire hills, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Delve into Scotland’s past with visits to castles steeped in royal history, learn about an ancient Crannog and discover the awe inspiring journey of a salmon as they make their way upstream. You will leave wanting to return and with memories that will last for years to come.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Tuesday 20th August | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Wednesday 21st August | Walking Tour & The Military Tattoo | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Thursday 22nd August | St Giles Cathedral & Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 4 | Friday 23rd August | Journey to the Valley of Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 5 | Saturday 24th August | Hiking in the Nevis Range and Jacobite Steam Train | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 6 | Sunday 25th August | Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 7 | Monday 26th August | Road to the Isles | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 8 | Tuesday 27th August | Exploring the Misty Isle | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 9 | Wednesday 28th August | Boat Trip & Hiking to the Wild Loch Coruisk | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 10 | Thursday 29th August | Journey to Perthshire | Overnight: Perthshire

Day 11 | Friday 30th August | Hiking in the Hills | Overnight: Perthshire

Day 12 | Saturday 31st August | Birnam Highland Games | Overnight: Perthshire

Day 13 | Sunday 1st September | Back to the City | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 14 | Monday 2nd September | Exploring Glasgow | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 15 | Tuesday 3rd September | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 20th August - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by your private transfer driver and taken to your city centre hotel.  The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the city, immerse yourself in the fringe festival or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King

Day 2 - Wednesday 21st August - Walking Tour & The Military Tattoo

Today you will be joined by your private local city guide guide who will show you the many wonders of this historic city. At this time of the year, Edinburgh is full of street artists and entertainers so you can spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of the wonderful fringe festival.  There are lots of shows that you can take in as well in various locations around the city.  Tonight you will enjoy pre-show dining and a performance of the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the esplanade of the Castle ending in an incredible firework display, a truly unique experience.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thursday 22nd August - St Giles Cathedral & Exploring Edinburgh

Today is your day to explore the city without a guide. After breakfast, wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral for a 9.30am service. Afterwards, pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent way to spend an afternoon, or if you fancy some history with a twist, head to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, which holds one of the largest collections of surgical pathology in the world. This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Friday 23rd August - Journey to the Valley of Glencoe

After a relaxing morning your private guide, who will also be your driver for the next part of your adventure, will collect you from your hotel and you will start your journey north west.  Your first stop will be at Stirling Castle where you will enjoy lunch in the cafe here and a tour of the castle and gardens.  Imagine what it was like for the Royalty living here back in the 1500s and see where the former Kings and Queens of Scotland were crowned. Continuing on through awe-inspiring scenery to the valley of Glencoe and your luxurious castle accommodation.

Overnight: Glencoe | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 24th August - Hiking in the Nevis Range and Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy a gentle hike this morning in the wonderful Nevis Range of mountains.  One option is to enjoy a walk to Steal Falls, the third highest falls in Scotland.  This wonderful walk offers views of the valleys and mountains as you journey into the heart of the glen to see the water cascading 105 metres down the rock face.  After lunch back in the town your guide will drop you off at the train station and you will enjoy an afternoon travelling along the famous West Coast Railway to the port of Mallaig before returning to Fort William and being collected by your guide in the early evening.

Overnight: Glencoe | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 25th August - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

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! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. First you will stop at the visitor centre to learn more about the history of this dramatic landscape before enjoying a hike that takes in some of the famous landmarks.  You could hike into the lost valley where the MacDonalds used to hide their rustled cattle or perhaps a gentler hike to Signal Rock, where legend has it the signal was given to start the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and learn some of the fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe from your guide.

Overnight: Glencoe | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double

Day 7 - Monday 26th August - Road to the Isles

Today you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. you will recognise the views from your steam train journey a few days ago. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey onward with a short ferry journey from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye.

 

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Cosy Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 27th August - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, visit Clach Ard is a Pictish symbol stone, one of the rare Pictish symbol stones that have been found in Scotland. Perhaps pause in Portree for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Cosy Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 28th August - Boat Trip & Hiking to the Wild Loch Coruisk

This morning you head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk with your guide. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way you can spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. The boat will drop you at the remote southern end of the loch and you can drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as you hike around the loch. Today is sure to be a highlight of the trip with memories to cherish.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Cosy Double

Day 10 - Thursday 29th August - Journey to Perthshire

After a lovely, relaxed breakfast, you will embark on a slightly longer drive with your guide today. Heading south to Perthshire, there will be many opportunities to stop along the way for a stretch of your legs, lunch or to explore some of the historical landmarks on your journey. Your guide will be sure to make this an educational and fascinating journey. On arrival at your castle hotel, relax and soak in the atmosphere of the ancient forests that surround you.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Friday 30th August - Hiking in the Hills

The rolling hills of Perthshire hold many options for hiking and your guide will discuss all the options with you.  One option is to climb the hill that dominates the pretty town of Pitlochry and offers views across the surrounding countryside.  Another option is to enjoy a low level walk around the Loch near your hotel and passing the local fish ladder that allows the Salmon to travel up stream to their spawning grounds.  Whatever you decide, you will have some down time later on to perhaps enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel or a visit to the Highland Chocolatier shop to indulge a little.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Saturday 31st August - Birnam Highland Games

Today you will attend the Birnam Highland Games, a traditional Scottish Highland Games held amidst stunning Perthshire scenery. The games have been held since 1864, and are now held annually on the last Saturday in August. Enjoy a day full of highland dancers, heavy events like toss the caber and throw the hammer and even a haggis eating competition! Chat to the locals and soak in the atmosphere of this truly unique event.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Sunday 1st September - Back to the City

It is time to leave the east coast and head back to the city.  A private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Glasgow. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or start exploring this vibrant city.

Overnight: Glasgow | Hotel du Vin
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Monday 2nd September - Exploring Glasgow

You will be met this morning by a local city guide who will take you out on a walking tour of the city.  Enjoy seeing the different architecture that is dotted around the city as well as the cool murals hidden down small alleyways. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city and perhaps do some souvenir shopping. Finish your holiday with a delicious meal in one of Glasgows many wonderful restaurants, showcasing Scotlands best cuisine.

Overnight: Glasgow | Hotel du Vin
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Tuesday 3rd September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell to Scotland for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 14 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 4 to Day 11 (plus City Guides on Day 2 and Day 14)
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Edinburgh Tattoo – Premier Tickets
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Stirling Castle
    • Jacobite Steam Train (afternoon return standard class)
    • Bella Jane Boat Trip
    • Crannog Centre Visit
    • Private 1/2 Day Canoeing loch Tay
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Virtuoso

Calverley Scottish Adventure V2

Tuesday 20th August – Tuesday 3rd September 2024