V2 - Spain - Scotland Explorations

Day 1 - Friday 31^st May - 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 | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: King Premium
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 1^st June - Free Day in Edinburgh

Today is free to do some shopping or visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: King Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 2^nd June - Meet Guide, Edinburgh City Viewpoint & Head North

Your private trip guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel this morning. Hike to a charismatic local viewpoint for some of the best views of the city and surroundings. Either Carlton Hill or Arthur’s Seat, an ancient (extinct!) volcano sits just east of the city centre. Although only 822ft tall, was described by Robert Louis Stevenson as “a mountain in virtue of its bold design”.

Then head north together towards the Cairngorms National Park. If there is time then there are some superb opportunities for scenic leg stretches along the way as you enjoy the scenery becoming more mountainous.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park, Grantown On Spey | Culdearn House
Room Type: King Ensuite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 3^rd June - E-Bike Trail Explorations & Afternoon Hiking

Head out on two wheels to explore the local forest trails this morning. Using E-bikes to make your way through the ancient Caledonian Forest, your qualified biking guide will share some of their favourite local route with you. Discovering wonderful mountain vistas and sparkling lochs, and keeping your eyes open for the cheeky local red squirrels.

A picnic lunch today gives you more flexibility with routes and options. And after lunch you switch to two feet to enjoy some hiking explorations with your guide this afternoon too. There are endless route choices and your guide will discuss the best options with you.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park, Grantown On Spey | Culdearn House
Room Type: King Ensuite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 4^th June - Salmon Fishing or Explorations & Transfer To Skye

Chris will have an earlier start today to get settled in for a morning of salmon fishing on the world-renowned Spey River. An experienced Ghillie will share their local knowledge and tips with you to make the most of this special experience. Caroline will head out exploring or hiking with your guide as she prefers.

This afternoon your scenic route takes you through mountain glens as you travel towards the Isle of Skye. Stop to admire the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. You will then continue onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your lovely hotel.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Duisdale House
Room Type: Lodge Room (NOTE that this is NOT in the main hotel building)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 5^th June - Wild Loch Coruisk & Hike in the Shadow of the Black Cuillins

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 | Duisdale House
Room Type: Lodge Room (NOTE that this is NOT in the main hotel building)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 6^th June - Ferry To Mainland, Road To The Isles & Glencoe

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland 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. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and admire the views back to Skye and out to the small isles. Pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way along the tracks. Then continue on to pass through Fort William and head further down the coast to 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! This afternoon you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. Then settle into your unique hotel which enjoys wonderful views of the local area.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 7^th June - E-Biking Explorations

Head down the coast towards the bustling harbour town of Oban this morning to enjoy a wonderfully quiet and fun e-biking loop which takes in the small island of Lismore. Enjoy wonderful island views and get a sense of how the locals live with the weather and ferries. There are alternative biking options if you would prefer a longer road cycling route, or some more technical Mountain Biking trails. This day is very flexible and will be personalised to your preferences.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 8^th June - Transfer to Glasgow & Depart

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the Highlands before your guide transfers you to Glasgow Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Note that a minimum of 2.5 hours should be allowed for drive time.

Meals Included: Breakfast