Demay - Highlights of Scotland

Demay

May 2024

Number of Travellers: 8
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

A wonderful adventure exploring the length and breadth of Scotland. From the mountains of the Nevis range to the iconic Misty Isle and fascinating towns and cities, this trip will get you under the skin of the country and leave you wanting to return. Immerse yourself in the history, scenery and culture, explore the hidden places that only the locals know about and revel in the wonderful Scottish hospitality at your hand picked exclusive accommodations.

Highlights

  • Travel through the Highlands on the world-famous West Highland Railway
  • Take a ferry over the sea to Skye, to hike and taste the local whisky
  • Enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and discover the historic battlefield at Culloden
  • Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh from a completely new perspective

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive and transfer to Fort William

Your guide will meet you at Glasgow airport where you will begin your Scottish adventure, journeying to Fort William. On the way you will travel through some of the most stunning Scottish landscapes, majestic mountains and picturesque lochs. You will arrive at your spectacular accommodation, nestled in the foothills of Ben Nevis, where you can freshen up and relax or choose to explore the incredible grounds. Tonight, you will get together and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Fort William and Glen Nevis

Start today with a short hike in Glen Nevis. Located just outside Fort William, Glen Nevis is one of the Highlands’ most impressive glens. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, it offers a tranquil escape, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. Alternatively, we could take a gondola ride and be whisked up the mountainside for incredible elevated views of this wild region. Later, return to the castle where you can relax in the opulent surroundings and look forward to dinner.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Glenfinnan Viaduct / Over the Sea to Skye / Whisky Tasting

Embarking on a journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train you will traverse some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.  Continue enjoying incredible views as the train snakes its way along the coastline to the port of Mallaig. Here, we hop off the train and onto a ferry which takes us over the sea to Skye. Arriving on Skye, we will make our way north to the main town on the island, Portree. Enjoy some free time to explore this colourful port, then join your guide in a local bar for a pre-dinner whisky-tasting.

Overnight: Portree, Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Isle of Skye

Take a morning hike around Portree Bay with your guide, enjoying fantastic sea and mountain views. After the hike, we embark on a journey, to explore one of Skye’s most famous landscapes as we circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. You’ll enjoy views of the Old Man of Storr, gaze over the sea cliffs to see the stunning waterfall at Kilt Rock, and explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, we may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to Portree late afternoon.

Overnight: Portree, Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Island Castle and Loch Ness

We leave Skye together, over the Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. We pause at Eilean Donan Castle to snap a photo, then continue to Fort Augustus, on the banks of Loch Ness. After a scenic boat cruise on the famous loch, we transfer north to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, which is our base for the next 2 nights.

Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Luxury King
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Inverness & Culloden Battlefield

We start today at nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, we take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore – visit a local whisky store, catch a local gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight, love books and history, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Luxury King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Blair Castle & St Andrews

Today we transfer to St Andews, stopping on the way to visit the iconic Blair Castle.  A magnificent and historic fortress, Blair Castle boasts opulent interiors and extensive grounds, making it an ideal stop to explore.  On arrival in St Andrews, we have time to enjoy and explore the city.  Spend the day wandering the cobbled streets and walled gardens to really get a feel for the history of this seaside town.  Visit the cathedral and take a walk along the East Sands where the opening sequence of the famous film Chariots of Fire was filmed.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets Hotel
Room Type: Woodland Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Golf and St Andrews

For those looking to play a round of golf, enjoy a game on a traditional Scottish links course, on one of the top ranked courses in the world. For those who would prefer to continue exploring you can choose to stay in St Andrews, enjoying the atmosphere in this famous University town or you can choose to explore some of the traditional fishing villages of the East Neuk area.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets Hotel
Room Type: Woodland Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Edinburgh

Today is the final leg of our journey and takes us to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.  After arriving you can spend some time exploring the winding streets and bars or enjoy the shopping on famous Princess Street.  Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th Century.

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

Day 10 - Edinburgh City Highlights

Today is your final day in this iconic city.  You will be met at your hotel by a local guide who will lead you on a unique walking tour.  The experienced guides, all of whom have been affected by homelessness, will explore the city with you, offering their insights into Edinburgh’s past, present and future.  An experience of the city like no other.

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

Day 11 - Depart

Trip ends in Edinburgh.  Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your private transfer takes you to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable UK qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Transfer from St Andrews to Edinburgh Day 9
  • Airport pickup and departure drop off
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Activities, specifically:
  • D2 – Gondola ride
  • D3 – Train tickets on the Jacobite steam train
  • D3 – Ferry tickets – Mallaig – Armadale
  • D3 – Whisky tasting
  • D5 – Loch Ness cruise (private Rib)
  • D6 – Culloden Battlefield
  • D7 – Blair Castle and Gardens entrance
  • D8 – Golf and club hire (for 4 pax)
  • D9 – Mary Kings Close tour (private)
  • D10 – Invisible Cities tour
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights to from Glasgow / Edinburgh
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • D4 – Dunvegan Castle & Gardens entrance fee
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 15% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.