Shah Scottish Explorations - V2

Candy and Paul Shah

Thursday 18th April – Sunday 28th April 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

Discover the true flavours of Scotland as you explore through this beautiful landscape, both self-driving and enjoying insights from your private Highlands guide. Explore history in the twisty cobbled alleyways of Edinburgh, hike in atmospheric glens and mountain ranges and celebrate it all with a wee dram packed full of the flavours of Scotland. From the city streets to the wild Highlands, you are sure to fall in love with every inch of this character packed country and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Hike in some of the most stunning wilderness landscapes and discover the local's favourites as you explore with your private experienced guide
  • Boat journey to a remote and wild corner of the Isle of Skye before hiking under the shadow of the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains
  • Set your own pace and follow your curiosity as you enjoy the freedom of self-driving alongside expert insights in the Highlands & on Skye
  • Taste some of the freshest and most delicious Scottish produce in stunning locations in your luxury hotels

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 18th April - Welcome to Scotland!

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 19th April - Exploring Historic 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’ 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. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Room Type: Grand Chamber
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Saturday 20th April - North To The Highlands

Pick up your self-arranged rental car this morning and start your journey north into the Highlands. Take a small detour for a delectable tasting treat at the award-winning Highland Chocolatier on the way. We also highly recommend their hot chocolates if you need a wee warm-up! Then continue onwards towards your opulent castle hotel, where you will receive a warm welcome.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 21st April - Free Day to Explore The Highlands

Today you have a full day to explore the local area at your own pace. Perhaps choose to relax and enjoy your luxurious hotel, take the mountain gonldola up into the heights to admire the views, or take a stroll along ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ (a dramatic flight of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal). Or maybe head down the coast to the bustling harbour town of Oban, with a distillery which is older than the town itself! The choice is yours.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Monday 22nd April - Glencoe - Landscape & Legends

This morning your knowledgeable and qualified Highlands guide will meet you at your hotel and take you out for a day of hiking and exploring 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. After your hike 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: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 23rd April - Over The Sea To Skye

Over the sea to Skye today. Drive the beautiful Road To the Isles to take the ferry over to ‘the misty isle’, passing the elegant Glenfinnan Viaduct and the stunning white sands beaches of Arisaig along the way. Choose if you wish to make your journey completely independently, or meet up with your knowledgeable guide along the way to enjoy a hike or hear the stories of the local area.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | The Three Chimneys
Room Type: Junior Double Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Wednesday 24th April - Exploring Magical Skye With Your Guide

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, so there are many things to discover. Discuss the options with your guide and they will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | The Three Chimneys
Room Type: Junior Double Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 25th April - Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin Mountains

This morning you head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk with your guide. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a private 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 and you would be well justified in celebrating with a wee dram when you relax in the evening

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | The Three Chimneys
Room Type: Junior Double Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 26th April - Make Your Way To Inverness via Eilean Donan & Loch Ness

Head over the Skye bridge to make your way to Inverness. Stopping to explore the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and take an early afternoon cruise on Loch Ness to see if you can spot the monster.

Overnight: Near Inverness | Culloden House
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Saturday 27th April - Taste The Heart Of Whisky Country (Guided day)

Finish your trip with a special appreciation of Scotland’s favourite export, uisge beatha or ‘water of life’. A knowledgeable guide who loves sharing their favourite parts of the heart of whisky country will collect you from your accommodation this morning and take you deep into Speyside. Discover the history of the spirit as you take a stroll along a whisky smugglers pathway and take a special tour and tasting at a classic whisky distillery (with no need to worry about driving!) before your guide takes you back to your hotel to relax and enjoy one last dinner in the Highlands.

Overnight: Near Inverness | Culloden House
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Sunday 28th April - Depart From Inverness Airport

This morning you make your way to Inverness airport to drop off your hire car and catch your onward flight. Taking with you many special memories of your Scottish adventures which are sure to make you smile for years to come.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 5 to Day 8 inclusive
  • The Services of a qualified and experienced guide on Day 10
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
    • Note that you can choose to drive in convoy if you prefer
  • Airport Transfer on arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • All Ferry travel mentioned in itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Morning Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh with Expert Local Guide, includes entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse & Edinburgh Castle
    • Chocolate Tasting using Audio Guide at Highland Chocolatier
    • Private Storyteller Experience in Glencoe
    • 2 x Entry Fees on Skye when exploring with Guide, variable as per interest
    • Return Boat Journey to/from Loch Coruisk (not private)
    • Tour & Tasting at Torbhaig Distillery on Skye
    • Entry to Eilean Donan Castle, includes audio guide
    • Scenic Cruise on Loch Ness (approx 1hr)
    • Tour & Tasting of Classic Whisky Distillery in Speyside
    • Special Tour & Tasting of Whisky Distillery in Speyside
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Car Rental
  • 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
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
  • Chocolate Tasting led by a Chocolate Master staff member, pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

Please note that the pricing includes a voluntary Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.

Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.