Eckart Scottish Explorations V1

Day 1 - Friday 30^th May - Welcome to Scotland

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: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 31^st May - Exploring Edinburgh

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: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 1^st June - Meet Your Guide & Head North Via Kingdom of Fife

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north to start your Scottish explorations. Starting with the traditional villages which are built around tiny fishing harbours, your guide will share their favourite local spots with you. These are all wonderfully picturesque with wee stone houses keeping watch over the brightly painted fishing vessels in the harbours, so make sure that you have your camera handy. You may also want to stop and sample some traditional Fish & Chips. With fresh fish straight out of the sea, this area has won multiple awards for this Scottish dish and is famous for having some of the best in the whole of the UK.

Spend the afternoon in the characterful university town of St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife and more recently the Prince & Princess of Wales famously met during their studies here. You can feel the years of history in the streets and the soaring heights of the cathedral before your guide takes you onwards to your unique hotel.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 2^nd June - Hiking a Mountain Summit or Quiet Glens

You have the full day to explore the surrounding mountains and glens on foot today and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather. Maybe conquer a local summit for fabulous views, or enjoy a gentle atmospheric exploration to discover a waterfall or forest walk. No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights.

If you fancy a summit then we would recommend Ben Vrackie. It is classified as a Corbett (Scottish mountain over 2500ft) and offers fabulous views over the surrounding mountains and scenery as you stand on the top. The work to get to the summit is definitely worth it, and there is a traditional coaching inn near the foot where you can celebrate afterwards.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 3^rd June - Exploring Quiet Roads on Two Wheels

There are some superb quiet road cycling loops in this area, and today you will be joined by a qualified cycling guide to explore some of the scenic rides. Rest easy with the support of the additional guide and a vehicle to pick you up if you decide that you would rather have a relaxing afternoon, or be kind to your legs by skipping a hill. Maybe take on the circumnavigation of Loch Tummel with the reward of ‘The Queen’s View’ to stop and celebrate at. Your guides will discuss the best options with you to suit your aims for the day.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 4^th June - Transfer to Oban via Glencoe Hike

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 on your way west, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike maybe settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub before you head down the coast to your welcoming hotel in Oban.

Overnight: Oban | No.26 By the Sea
Room Type: Gorgeous Room with Garden Access
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 5^th June - Exploring The Isle Of Mull

This morning you take the short ferry over to Mull to spend the day exploring there with your guide. Keeping your eyes open for the ‘flying barn doors’, which is what the locals call the Sea Eagles with their massive wing spans. There are also plenty of other animals and birds to watch for too; seals and dolphins are often spotted in the water and a huge variety of other (smaller) seabirds in the air.

Depending on the weather you may head up to explore the quirky town of Tobermory with its brightly coloured craft shops and pubs. You could hop onto the passenger ferry to the spiritual Isle of Iona, or maybe take a gentle hike to discover the remains of illicit stills in the coastal Whisky Cave. Your guide will personalise the day to your interests so that you can follow your curiosity.

Overnight: Oban | No.26 By the Sea
Room Type: Gorgeous Room with Garden Access
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 6^th June - Isle of Kerrera & Oban Distillery

This morning you take a tiny ferry across to the Isle of Kerrera, where you can take your time exploring the whole island with your guide. Discover the ruins of Gylen Castle and enjoy amazing views across the sea to the Inner Hebrides before you relax in the welcoming tea room. Returning to the mainland, finish your trip with a fascinating tour of the local whisky distillery which prides itself on being older than the town itself!

Overnight: Oban | No.26 By the Sea
Room Type: Gorgeous Room with Garden Access
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 7^th June - Transfer To Glasgow & Depart

Your guide will take you to Glasgow Airport to catch your onward flight today. Depending on timings you will be able to take the longer route to visit Kilmartin Glen on route. This has one of the best concentrations of Neolithic sites in the whole of Europe, and the location where Scottish Kings used to be crowned. If you have time take a hike through the ancient landscape to discover iron age burial mounds, standing stones and intriguing stone ring carvings. Then your guide will bid you farewell at the airport, waving goodbye for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Note: A late afternoon flight will be required for this itinerary, as the drive time is approx 3 hours. Alternative flight times will mean this day will have to be changed.

Meals Included: Breakfast