Final Information - Jones Family Scottish Explorations

Day 1 - Saturday 29^th June - Welcome to Scotland! Meet Your Guide & Transfer to Skye

On arrival at Inverness Airport you will be met by your private guide, who will also act as your driver for your time together. Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today, past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness and through steep sided mountain glens. 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 lovely hotel in the harbour town of Portree.

Drive time from Inverness Airport to Portree is around 3 hrs depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Premier Double & 1 x Standard Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 30^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, 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, such as the faery flag at Dunvegan Castle. Your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

The perfect finish to the day is a private sunset cruise from Portree, enjoying some nibbles and a chilled beverage as you enjoy the views.

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

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Premier Double & 1 x Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 1^st July - Ferry To The Mainland & Sea Kayaking in Arisaig

A short ferry ride takes you back to the mainland this morning. Here you will take to the waters for an afternoon of sea kayaking in Arisaig with a local guide. This location is a worldwide destination for paddlers due to the beautiful crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and fun tiny rocky islands to explore and picnic on. The curious seals and wide variety of local wildlife are sure to keep you entertained as you enjoy the views out to the small isles. At the end of a wonderful day your guide will take you along the beautiful ‘Road To The Isles’ to your hotel for some well-earned relaxation.

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

Drive time from Portree to Armadle is around 1 hour. Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig around 30 minutes. Drive time from Mallaig to Inverlochy Castle is around 1.5hrs. All depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Double (1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 2^nd July - Iconic Glencoe

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! Explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. At the end of the day 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. 

There is also the option for additional explorations in the local area if you prefer, take the gondola up into the Mountains for easy access to the views or even head down the coast to Oban.

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

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Double (1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Transfer East Via History & Whisky

Today you transfer East into Highland Perthshire, enjoying the scenery along that way. Stop off to explore the huge open air site of the Highland Folk Museum and relive history in its painstakingly 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. Then carry on to the picturesque Dalwhinnie Distillery. This is the highest distillery in Scotland and prides itself on producing gently warming spirits in the coldest and harshest of conditions. Raise a glass after your tour and toast your health, ‘slainte mhath’!

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

Drive time from Inverlochy Castle to Fonab Castle is around 1 hr 45 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Lodge Room and x1 Woodland Lodge Room(solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 4^th July - Morning Private 4x4 Safari & Afternoon Explorations

This morning you head out on a fun private Landrover safari with a kilted Ranger. Exploring private estate tracks to see what traditional gillies and estate managers drive every day. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Eagles that are all to be found here. Once back down in the valley try your hand at the adrenaline inducing sport of axe throwing and see who has the best aim! This afternoon continue your local explorations with your guide, finishing the day with some delectable chocolates at a local award-winning specialist.

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

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Lodge Room and x1 Woodland Lodge Room(solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 5^th July - Transfer To Edinburgh via Wallace Monument, Bannockburn Battlefield & Stirling Castle

Head south this morning to immerse yourselves in the history of the fiercely contested area around Stirling. Start with the imposing Wallace Monument, which celebrates Scotland’s first national hero William Wallace. Admire the huge Wallace Sword and climb the steps to gain the beautiful vista of the surrounding hills. 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.

Discover mighty Stirling castle, with imposing battlements looking out from the clifftops. This is where the World’s Oldest Football was discovered, thought to be hidden by Mary Queen of Scots behind wood paneling to keep it safe from witchcraft. Your guide will then take you to your iconic hotel in Edinburgh and depart, leaving you to enjoy a relaxing evening.

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

Drive time from Fonab Castle to The Balmoral Hotel is around 1 hr 45 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room & 1 x Classic Room for solo occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 6^th July - Edinburgh's History & Art

In the morning you will be met by your foodie specialist, to lead you on a tasteful tour of this diverse city. Walk the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways and feel the true character of the Old Town as you discover some of the lesser known sites.  Later, visit the unique buildings that house the Scottish National Gallery art collections and explore with your guide to hear the tales behind some of the highlights. This day is flexible and your guide will personalise it to your interests. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room & 1 x Classic Room for solo occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 7^th July - 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