Wednesday 25th September – Friday 4th October 2024
On arrival at the 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
After a hearty breakfast, meet your driver and guide and commence your journey to the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, enjoy a gentle walk along the way near the villages of Dunkeld & Aberfeldy amongst leafy woodland and cascading rivers. Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. If time allows and you’re eager for adventure, your guide can suggest a picturesque walk amidst the stunning countryside. Settle into your accommodations and perhaps take a leisurely stroll and prepare for your adventures ahead in the Cairngorms.
Overnight: Cairngorms
This morning, a short transfer will take you to Ballindalloch, a much-loved Highland estate. Managed by the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, it is home to Scotland’s first ever single estate distillery. Enjoy a private tour, learning about the estate’s unique history and traditional approach to whisky making. After lunch, join your expert guide to canoe down the River Spey, hearing stories about Scotland’s famous whisky river. Come ashore at Aberlour Distillery and celebrate your paddling adventure with a dram in the Mash Tun Whisky Bar. Relax in the warm ambience of the pub, chatting to the small team of knowledgeable staff about their unique Glenfarclas Cask Collection which impressively spans 52 consecutive years from the same distillery.
Overnight: Cairngorms
Spend the day exploring the beautiful walking trails of the Cairngorms National Park with your guide. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, there are many wonderful walking options to choose from. Perhaps opt to get up high and traverse the great weather-beaten Cairngorm plateau that stretches magnificent and vast below an arching sky. Or, if the sun burns bright, stay low in the leafy labyrinth of the valleys, winding your way to a loch that shimmers deep and dark amongst the pines. This evening return to the welcoming warmth of your accommodation, enjoying a slab of cake and a cup of tea before a peaceful evening in the heart of Scotland’s largest and wildest National Park.
Overnight: Cairngorms
This morning you will set off for the west coast. On the way you can stop off for a leg stretch and some delicious lunch in a quaint Scottish village. Continuing through the beautiful scenery you will arrive in the valley of Glencoe, and your accommodation overlooking the incredible scenery of the valley.
Overnight: Glencoe
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history.
Overnight: Glencoe
Ready your wands this morning as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical journey to the coast in the train that featured in the Harry Potter films. Puff your way through glorious mountain scenes and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, hopefully with no flying cars though! On arrival at Mallaig you will be met by your guide and take a short ferry ride will take you over the sea to the Isle of Skye and onwards to your hotel on this beautiful island.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
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 Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and stroll around the formal gardens, perhaps pausing for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Feeling rested, head south with your guide, arriving in Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. As the lovely first mate provides some fascinating history about the surrounding islands, look for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, a deep dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to walk around the loch or climb the rugged mountain of Sgurr na Stri – which is considered by many to offer one of the wildest and most spectacular views in Scotland.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Today your guide will take you to inverness Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
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Wednesday 25th September – Friday 4th October 2024