Coons Scottish Explorations - V3
Monday 16th September – Saturday 28th September 2024
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Monday 16th September – Saturday 28th September 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 | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: None
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 explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your private guide (who will also act as your driver while you are together) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. There are many options along the way for a leg stretch to take in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a stroll to discover a special beauty spot, or visit the fascinating recreated historic buildings in Highland Folk Museum (a key Outlander filming location), before continuing north.
This afternoon enjoy a private fly fishing experience. Your guide will take you to a quiet trout loch where you will be met by your expert local fisherman. Spend the morning immersing yourselves in the techniques and lovely location with the added benefit of specific insider knowledge. Your guide will then take you to your welcoming hotel.
Overnight: Near Inverness | Loch Ness Country House Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness. Take a scenic cruise to enjoy the vista and keep your eyes peeled for ‘Nessie’ as you stop off at the might ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Later in the day stop to explore the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Your guide will then take you onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your welcoming hotel.
Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Mrs Beaton's Cottage (over road from main hotel, 2 floors with lounge)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.
Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Mrs Beaton's Cottage (over road from main hotel, 2 floors with lounge)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After taking the short ferry back to the mainland you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles with your guide. 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. Admire 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. There is much to explore before settling in to enjoy the traditional Scottish hospitality of your hotel.
NOTE: Riding the Jacobite Train is listed as an Optional Extra, due to the possibility that the service will not run. If possible then we can add this activity.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: Loch View Junior Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 (or stroll!) 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. Your guide will then transfer you down the coast to your welcoming accommodation.
Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
There are plenty of options for explorations today, depending on your preferences. One superb option is to head to the colourful harbour town of Oban where you catch a small ferry for a short trip to Kerrera Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient ruins of Glyen Castle and the rest of the island before you relax in the island tea room.
Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Heading south today stop for a short walk; exploring the fascinating neolithic standing stones at Kilmartin or admiring the Crinan Canal which is a scenic and lovely reminder of an age when travel was slower and the world was smaller.
After lunch you will board the ferry to the Isle of Islay, which is also known as the “Queen Of The Hebrides” and famed throughout the world for its distinctive whisky flavours. The island boasts 8 working distilleries but also has beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. It is also one of the friendliest places in Scotland and you will notice that every driver will wave to other cars as they pass by, anyone who looks confused isn’t a local!
If ferry times permit, then enjoy a true Islay welcome with a distillery tour and tasting to toast your arrival on the island!
Overnight: Port Ellen | The Machrie, Islay
Room Type: Comfy Luxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Explore some of the highlights of Islay with your guide this morning, maybe taking in the beautiful walk on the Oa Peninsula in the far south of Islay. Here you will find the American Monument, which commemorates the loss of two troops ships in 1918. And you can choose if you wish to carry on to a superb viewpoint – on a clear day, the coast of Northern Ireland can be seen from here!
This afternoon you head towards your favourite distillery for a special experience at Lagavulin as you discover some of the tales and unique tastes of this classic distillery. You can also explore along the rest of the ‘Three Distilleries’ pathway between the legendary Lagavuliin, Ardbeg and Laphroig. Thankfully your guide will be driving, leaving you free to just enjoy yourselves! What a perfect finish to your Highlands & Island explorations.
Overnight: Port Ellen | The Machrie, Islay
Room Type: Comfy Luxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will drop you at the airport to catch your short flight to Glasgow, waving farewell. On arrival at Glasgow Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon on a private walking tour with an expert local city guide who will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of some of the key highlights of ‘Scotland’s friendliest city’. Discover layers of history and culture, as well as varied and elegant architecture at every turn. Keep your eyes open for the vibrant street art too, it’s a flourishing and ever-changing theme of this bustling city. You then have a free evening to spend as you wish.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium Garden View
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the bustling city centre with a full free day today, exploring the varied architecture of streets that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. Discover the historical influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh or set out to find the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city. Maybe spend a relaxed few hours exploring the magnificent halls and collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be inspired.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium Garden View
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is £9,895 GBP per person
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.
Please see our booking terms here.
Monday 16th September – Saturday 28th September 2024