Final Information - Martha Rhodes Travel - The Valentines and Abbots Explore Scotland

Day 1 - Sunday 11^th May - Welcome to Scotland

Upon your arrival at Edinburgh Airport, a private transfer will whisk you away on a scenic 4.5-hour journey to the Torridon Massif. Sit back and relax as the landscape transforms from rolling lowlands to dramatic, jagged peaks, setting the stage for your Scottish adventure. Enjoy the ever-changing views and start to soak in the beauty of Scotland as you approach your destination.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Cottage & Grand Master
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Monday 12^th May - Indulge at Torridon Hotel

Today is dedicated to relaxation and indulgence at the beautiful Torridon Hotel. Take advantage of the hotel’s activities, from meeting their resident charming Highland cows to clay pigeon shooting, hiking or stargazing under Scotland’s clear night skies. This day is all about unwinding and immersing yourself in luxury and local culture.

For lunch and dinner, you are spoilt for choice with the very the best of Scotland’s local produce. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant features an ever-evolving menu, where each dish is crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding Highlands and its own kitchen garden. For a more relaxed meal, the Torridon Inn provides a warm, casual atmosphere with hearty pub classics.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Cottage & Grand Master
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 13^th May - West Coast Explorations

This morning you will meet your dedicated guide, who will also be your driver for the rest of the trip, and set out to explore Scotland’s captivating North West Coast. Journey along scenic coastal roads to discover pristine beaches, or choose to hike through stunning landscapes. Your guide will tailor the day to your interests, ensuring you experience the best of the coast, whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Cottage & Grand Master
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 14^th May - Over the Sea to Skye

Travel southward to the Isle of Skye, passing through stunning landscapes of towering mountains and shimmering lochs. Stop at Lochcarron Weavers to discover your family tartan and browse traditional Scottish textiles and gifts. Next, visit the charming seaside village of Plockton, where you can enjoy fresh fish and chips while taking in the peaceful harbour views. Continue on to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, exploring its medieval halls and learning about its rich history. Finally, cross the Skye Bridge and arrive on the Isle of Skye, where your adventure continues amidst its wild and beautiful scenery.

Settle into your hotel with views across Portree harbour and the hills that serve as a backdrop to this stunning island.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Double Garden View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 15^th May - Island Hopping & Seafood Lunch

This morning you will set sail for the nearby island of Rona island on a private boat tour, enjoying a scenic cruise with views of the Storr and Cuillin mountains along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including seabirds and a resident seal colony. Upon arriving in Rona’s stunning harbour, explore the island’s natural beauty with a hike to ancient settlement ruins or a visit to the dramatic Church Cave.

Afterward, return to the boat for a fresh, locally caught seafood lunch served on deck. The adventure continues as you sail to the island of Raasay, where you can enjoy a tour of the Raasay Distillery. This unique perspective reveals the dramatic beauty of the islands and provides a tranquil escape to the lesser-known parts of the region.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Double Garden View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 16^th May - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, visit Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and stroll around the formal gardens, perhaps pausing for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Double Garden View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 17^th May - Road to the Isles

Today you’ll join your guide and board a ferry that will take you back to the mainland. Travel along the stunning Road to the Isles, which 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 the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.

You may wish to stop at the historic 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 over the graceful arches of the viaduct.

Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey and arriving at your luxurious castle hotel.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 18^th May - Exploring the Nevis Range

Today, the options are endless. Hike through the breathtaking Nevis Range, perhaps reaching the third highest waterfall in the UK with sweeping views over the glen. Alternatively, take the cable car to the top of Aonach Mòr for panoramic vistas of Ben Nevis, Skye, and the distant Torridon Massif.

Your guide will discuss all the options with you to make the most out of your day.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 19^th May - Explore Glencoe

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and will guide you through 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! Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to delve into the area’s rich history. In the evening, unwind at a local tavern, listening to a storyteller regale you with ancient myths and legends, while sipping a warming dram of Scotch whisky.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Large Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 20^th May - Transfer to Edinburgh

It is time to leave the peaks behind as you head back to the city today.  On the way you can stop off at Stirling Castle to explore one of the most important castles in the country before arriving at your unique Edinburgh hotel in the heart of the city. Your guide will leave you here, once you are settled and will leave you to enjoy the city.

Should time allow, you can head out to explore the city in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner at one of the many eateries in the city and raise a glass to your Scottish Adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | 100 Princes Street
Room Type: 2 x Executive King Castle View Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 21^st May - 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