Ferguson Family Adventure in Scotland

Day 1 - Sunday 5^th 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 | Apex Grassmarket
Room Type: 1 x Family Room (2 Queen Beds) & 3 x City Double Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 6^th May - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

Spend the morning exploring the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide on a private walking tour. You will visit some of the famous sights as you walk the ‘Royal Mile’ from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and finish with entry to Edinburgh Castle. Admire the spectacular views out over the city as you walk the ramparts and the fascinating buildings of this historic fortress. Hear all about the One O’Clock Gun and see the oldest crown jewels in Europe as well as The Stone Of Destiny which Scottish Monarchs have been crowned on for centuries. Your guide will leave you here and this afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace, maybe using some tips from your guide this morning.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Apex Grassmarket
Room Type: 1 x Family Room (2 Queen Beds) & 3 x City Double Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Tuesday 7^th May - Meet Your Guides & Head North to Glencoe Via Stirling Castle

Your main guides will meet you at your hotel this morning and together you head north to start your Highland adventures. Stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and a turbulent history before heading onwards to the stunning scenery of 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! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After a short hike 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. Then carry on to your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Fort William | The Garrison Hotel
Room Type: 4 x Garrison Suite (one with pull-out sofa for the kids)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 8^th May - Wildlife Boat Trip & Afternoon Waterfall Hike

Head out onto the water today for a special boat cruise on Loch Linnhe to the island that the local seal population likes to hang out at. There is also lots of other wildlife to keep your eyes open for while you take in some fabulous views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding landscape. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see a soaring sea eagle, or leaping porpoises, as well as a variety of other seabirds as you explore past the Caledonian Canal and even a shipwreck.

After lunch you can explore the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in the country. Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!

Overnight: Fort William | The Garrison Hotel
Room Type: 4 x Garrison Suite (one with pull-out sofa for the kids)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 9^th May - The Road To The Isles & Arisaig Beaches

Today you explore the stunning Road to the Isles, frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. This takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Stop to hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way along the tracks. Explore the small harbour town of Mallaig and spend time enjoying the beautiful silver sand beaches of Arisaig with views out to the islands before heading back to Fort William.

Overnight: Fort William | The Garrison Hotel
Room Type: 4 x Garrison Suite (one with pull-out sofa for the kids)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 10^th May - Searching for Nessie on Loch Ness & Transfer to Inverness

This morning you head north to the canalside village of Fort Augustus and step aboard a fast paced Zodiac boat trip out onto the dark waters of infamous Loch Ness. Look out for wildlife such as feral goats, golden eagles and of course the elusive monster! After lunch explore the ruins of Castle Urquhart on the shores of the loch before finishing your journey to Inverness. This large castle has a rich and bloody past that dates back centuries. It was eventually destroyed by government troops so it could no longer be used as a stronghold by local clans.

Overnight: Inverness | Glen Mhor Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Family Room & 3 x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 11^th May - Brodie Castle!

Today is finally time to visit Brodie Castle and explore some of your family history in this area. Set in acres of countryside, this magnificent turreted castle has been home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years so there is plenty of history to discover. The castle also has wonderful grounds and a  Playful Garden which is full of excitement for the whole family to explore. Follow your curiosity and heritage connections in the local area this afternoon. Maybe taking a beach stroll to visit a creative coastal community and keep your eyes open for dolphins, or stepping back to Jacobite times at the site of Culloden Battlefield. With the flexibility of two guides and vehicles you can even choose to split up and maybe some of the party would like to visit a whisky distillery this afternoon.

Overnight: Inverness | Glen Mhor Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Family Room & 3 x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 12^th May - Cairngorms National Park

Today you head south into the Cairngorms National Park. Spot a ruined castle on an island as you enjoy a gentle hike by a mountain loch and keep your eyes open for the cheeky red squirrels in these ancient Caledonian Pines. Further on 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, it’s our favourite! Your guides will then take you onwards to your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Atholl Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Family Room & 3 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 13^th May - Landrover Safari with Kilted Ranger & Special Chocolate Treats

Take an exhilarating Landrover safari with a kilted Ranger this morning. Explore private estate tracks and see what traditional gillies and estate managers drive every day as you head up into the mountains. Keep your eyes open, Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Eagles are the local residents here. If you are brave enough then you can meet the deer up close too, and even try feeding them.

Maybe take a short walk to explore the local area with your guide this afternoon, possibly discovering an ancient castle on the way. Finish up the afternoon with a sweet treat at the local award-winning chocolate shop.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Atholl Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Family Room & 3 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 14^th May - Depart

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your guide drives you to Edinburgh Airport to catch your flight home. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special family memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast