Family Memories & Scotland Explorations - Final Information

Day 1 - Friday 6^th June - 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 to drop your bags. You can then head out to start exploring this unique city.

Please note that Check In time is from 15:00

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Executive View King, 1 x Deluxe Twin interconnecting with 1 x Deluxe King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 7^th June - 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.

Note: As many of the party as wish can join the private morning tour. It will be personalised to your interest and kept to a short distance if preferred.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Executive View King, 1 x Deluxe Twin interconnecting with 1 x Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 8^th June - Meet Your Guide & Head North

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. Stop and visit Blair Castle, which has been home to the Atholl Family for over seven centuries. Discover the tales of these turrets and surrounding estate before continuing onwards through the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. Stop off to explore the huge open air site of the Highland Folk Museum and relive history in its recreated buildings. This fascinating 80 acre site has over 30 dwellings “frozen in time” from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s so that you can experience the details of Highland life as it was back then. Don’t miss the old fashioned sweetie shop before continuing to Inverness and your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Cedar King & 1 x Cedar Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 9^th June - Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle & Local Explorations

Step back in time today at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Discover the stories of the battlefield and the doomed last stand which changed the course of Scottish history forever.

Your next explorations are the medieval castle of Cawdor, which was made infamous by Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Legend says that the Thane of Cawdor chose this spot as a safe place for his family to live after an oracle spoke to him in a dream, it must have been a true oracle because the Cawdor family still live there today!

There are many other options for local explorations with your guide, who will discuss the options with you. Perhaps walk the walls of Fort George, an impressive historic military fortification which took 22 years to build after the bloody battle of Culloden. Keep your eyes open for Dolphins as they are often spotted leaping in the waters here. Returning to your cosy hotel in time to freshen up for dinner.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Cedar King & 1 x Cedar Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 10^th June - Over The Sea To Skye via Loch Ness & Eilean Donan Castle

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’. 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.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Double & 1 x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 11^th June - Exploring Skye

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.

If some of the party wish a less active day, then they can stay at the hotel to relax and maybe spend some time exploring the charming small town of Portree.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Double & 1 x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 12^th June - Wild Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillins

You have a second full day with your expert hiking guide today and this morning your active party head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a boat trip to the heart of the famous Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the remote 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 where you can soak in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as you explore the lochside and admire the jagged ridgeline far above. You will have plenty of stories to share when you all meet up again this evening.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Double & 1 x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 13^th June - Return To The Mainland, 'Road To The Isles' to Fort William

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.

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 Fort William and your uniquely luxurious castle hotel.

If you have time, then hop aboard the Nevis Gondola to be whisked up the mountains with no effort required. Discover great views and a cafe to sit and enjoy them comfortably if you don’t wish to take a scenic stroll before heading back down into the valley.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Double King & 1 x Large Double Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 14^th June - Transfer To Edinburgh

Today you wave farewell to the Highlands, but not before taking in the stunning scenery of infamous Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Hear the tales of this atmospheric glen from your guide before you continue on your way south.

One last stop on route to take a journey through time with a visit to the site of The Battle Of Bannockburn. This was the greatest victory of Robert The Bruce and you can experience that day in history in thrilling 3D at the award-winning visitor centre.

Your guide will then drop you safely at your hotel and depart, leaving you to make the most of your final night in Edinburgh.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: 1 x Two Bedroom Apartment & 1 x One Bedroom Apartment
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 15^th June - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the 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