Wednesday 25th September – Friday 4th October 2024
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your private guide who will also be your driver for your adventure through Scotland. Together you will embark on your journey to the Cairngorms National Park. Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. Along the way, stop for lunch and enjoy a gentle walk near the villages of Dunkeld & Aberfeldy amongst leafy woodland and cascading rivers. Settle into your accommodation in the heart of whisky country and relax for the evening ahead for your adventures in the Cairngorms.
Overnight: Cairngorms | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Lunch
Awakening to the misty morning air of the Scottish Highlands, enjoy your first Scottish breakfast before heading out to 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 will 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.
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
Today you will set sail aboard the Seaflower for a day filled with wildlife encounters and island exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and seals as you cruise towards Rona, a remote island with a resident seal colony. Enjoy a hearty lunch of fresh seafood onboard while admiring the picturesque views of Rona, surrounded by the calls of nesting birds. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to go ashore for up to 2 hours, exploring Rona’s natural beauty. Marvel at the magnificent views of Skye as you hike to the ruins of a settlement dating back to the Scottish Clearances, or venture to the dramatic Church Cave, a former place of worship until 1912. On arrival back in Potree, enjoy a drink in a local pub or head back to the hotel to rest after a day on on the water.
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, let your curiosity take the lead, your guide can suggest some spots to visit, perhaps taking a short drive to the famous Fairy Pools, where crystal-clear waters cascade down from the Cuillin Mountains, creating a series of enchanting pools with hues ranging from azure to emerald. Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, this tranquil spot invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive fairies that are said to dwell there.
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 indulges in a massage at Ardrhu House Spa or enjoys a session of outdoor yoga. 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, join your guide to embark on the journey back to the city of Edinburgh, where you trip started. 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. 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 and Lunch
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