Final Information - Ann and Candy’s Scotland Explorations (v7)

Day 1 - Saturday 18^th May - Welcome to Edinburgh!

On arrival at Edinburgh airport you will be met by your private transfer driver and taken to your boutique hotel in the city.  You can spend the rest of the night relaxing or exploring more of the city under your own steam.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Hotel Du Vin, Edinburgh
Room Type: Deluxe Twin Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 19^th May - Full Day Exploring Historic Edinburgh With Expert Guide

In the morning you will be met by your local city guide who will take you on a tour to discover the highlights of the Old Town, including Edinburgh Castle & St Giles Cathedral. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways running off The Royal Mile, which contrast with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture. Exploring with your expert guide will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city. Visit the Museum of Scotland in the afternoon to discover the wide variety of Scottish history and fascinating artefacts stored here.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Hotel Du Vin, Edinburgh
Room Type: Deluxe Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 20^th May - Meet Your Guide & Explore St Andrews

The hallowed green fairways of St Andrews with the crashing waves as a backdrop are a must see on any trip to Scotland. This morning your private guide, who will also act as your driver for your time together, will collect you from your hotel and together you’ll enjoy a day in this famous city.  Explore the cathedral and hear stories about the past & sample some delicious Scottish dishes as you enjoy lunch  in the clubhouse with its amazing views across the Old Course.

You may also wish to explore Falkland Palace or one of the charming Fife fishing villages before your guide takes you back towards Edinburgh, but this will not be pre-booked to allow you maximum flexibility while you are with your guide. This afternoon your guide will take you to Midhope Castle to immerse yourselves in the history and stories to be found here, before heading back to your hotel.

Driving Notes; Approx 1.5 hrs drive time each way Edinburgh Hotel to St Andrews, depending on traffic

Overnight: Edinburgh | Hotel Du Vin, Edinburgh
Room Type: Deluxe Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 21^st May - North To Inverness Via Speyside Distillery & Culloden

Leaving the bright lights of Edinburgh behind you will set off north to start your Highlands adventure. Continuing north your guide will show you places of interest as the countryside changes from rolling hills to jagged peaks and barren valleys before you arrive in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Start your Highlands adventure in the right way as you take a private tour of a charming ‘closed door’ whisky distillery and enjoy some special tastings guided by an expert.

Your next stop is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite uprising. As you walk along the moorland, hear the tales about the Jacobite uprising and the role this location played during this tragic time in Scotland’s history.

Then visit the nearby unique site of Clava Cairns. This ancient burial ground features some imposing standing stones and is exceptionally well preserved. Hear stories of how the Scottish used to treat the dead as you explore these Bronze Age mounds, dating back over 4,000 years. Your guide will then take you to your unique hotel, the very building which Bonny Prince Charlie acquisitioned as his headquarters during the uprising.

Driving Notes; Approx 2.5 hrs drive time from Edinburgh Hotel to Speyside Distillery, Approx 1 hr drive time from Speyside Distillery to Culloden Battlefield, Hotel only 15 mins from there

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 22^nd May - Transfer to Skye via Loch Ness & Eilean Donan Castle

Departing from Inverness this morning you will make your way along the dark and shimmering waters of Loch Ness where you will stop off to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a proud stronghold that guards the loch and from where you may see the tell tale swish of a tale coming out of the water to show that the monster is still watching and waiting for the right time to emerge.  Continuing on, you can stop off to visit Eilean Donan Castle, standing proud on her island with the impressive Cuillins as backdrop. You will then continue onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself, carrying on to your lovely hotel which enjoys views over the harbour town of Portree.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Standard Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 23^rd May - Exploring the Misty Isle

From the Fairy Pools to the Fairy Glen, this incredible island has so many myths and legends about these magical creatures that you may find yourself feeling like you are being watched from hidden hidey holes by inquisitive eyes. Spend time exploring the island, getting off the beaten path and visiting the “hot spots” at times when it will be less busy.  Your guide will regale you with what life used to be like for the islanders, about the history behind the Highland Clearances and of course, about the magic that is woven into the very fabric of this island.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Standard Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 24^th May - Return to Mainland, Steam Train & Transfer East

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. However, you will be enjoying a special perspective as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (known as the ‘Harry Potter Train’) after lunch. It will puff its way over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through the wonderful scenery all the way to Fort William. On arrival you will be met by your guide and continue onwards to arrive at your luxurious hotel.

Note: Your guide will not take the train with you, but will transfer your luggage in the vehicle while you enjoy the train journey. They will meet you in Fort William on arrival.

Driving & Travel Notes; Approx 1 hr drive from hotel to ferry, Approx 45 mins ferry crossing, Approx 2 hrs train journey (Departs Mallaig 14:10, Arrives Fort William 16:03), Approx 2 hrs drive from Fort William to Pitlochry, so please note that estimated arrival time at hotel is after 18:00.

IMPORTANT – Please see below notes on Steam Train.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

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

Day 8 - Saturday 25^th May - Depart

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.

Drive Time Approx 1.5 to 2 hrs from Pitlochry Hotel to Edinburgh Airport, depending on traffic

Meals Included: Breakfast