Wednesday 25th September – Friday 4th October 2024
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver and commence your journey to the Cairngorms National Park. Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. Settle into your accommodations and perhaps take a leisurely stroll and prepare for your adventures ahead in the Cairngorms.
Overnight: Cairngorms | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: None
Awakening to the misty morning air of the Scottish Highlands, enjoy your first Scottish breakfast before meeting your expert private guide who will also be your driver throughout your onward adventures. Today you will explore Ballindalloch Estate, a much-loved Highland estate and the surrounding area. Perhaps you could try you hand at some clay pigeon shooting amidst rolling hills or head to the estate’s golf course for a round amongst the beautiful scenery.
In the afternoon, you visit Ballindalloch Whisky Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting session. Guided by passionate experts, you learn about whisky making and sample a selection of fine spirits, each sip reflecting the essence of the Highlands. This evening enjoy a delicious meal in your hotel and relax in the warm ambience of the pub.
*Activities at Ballindalloch Estate not included.
Overnight: Cairngorms | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, you will set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.
*Availability to be confirmed.
Overnight: Cairngorms | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After a leisurely breakfast, join your guide for a scenic drive west to the magical Isle of Skye. Ribbon your way through rolling hills, heathery moors and along the banks of deep, dark lochs. Before crossing the Skye Bridge, stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle. With its striking position and turbulent history, it’s one of the most recognised images of the Scottish Highlands. Arrive at your lovely accommodation later this afternoon, taking some time to settle in before a delicious dinner in Portree harbour.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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. After some lunch, stop in at a local Pony Trekking centre to join a short outing along rugged terrain and winding trails astride sturdy ponies, immersing yourself in the pristine beauty of the island and enjoying panoramic vistas of mountains and sea.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you’ll leave the Isle of Skye by ferry, arriving in Mallaig on the mainland and continuing your journey 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. 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. You may wish to stop at the historic the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey and arriving in the great glen of Glencoe. Settle into your hotel with views across this awe-inspiring landscape.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe Inn
Room Type: Deluxe Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 views in every direction. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history. After lunch, if the weather allows, Daniel can play a round of golf at Woodland’s course which has spectacular views, while Carrie heads to the Gin School at Pixel Distillery to learn the art of Scottish gin-making, learning about the intricate botanicals and distillation process behind each aromatic blend. As the sun sets over the Highland horizon, reunite, for a delicious meal and drink by the fire to celebrate your last night in the highlands.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe Inn
Room Type: Deluxe Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, a private transfer will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the city of Edinburgh. On arrival in the city, settle into your accommodation before heading out to explore this magical city at your own pace. Pick up a coffee and pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries and gift shops to pick up any last minute souvenirs. If time allows, take a tour of the crown jewel of the city, Edinburgh Castle. This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city celebrating your amazing adventure together in Scotland.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, a private transfer will take you to Edinburgh 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
Please see our booking terms here.
Wednesday 25th September – Friday 4th October 2024