Final Information - McQuillan & Friends Scottish Adventure - V5

Day 1 - Saturday 4^th May - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport 3 of you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Simon will arrive by train and make his own way the short distance to your welcoming 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 | InterContinental Edinburgh - The George
Room Type: 2 x Twin King Premium rooms with City View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 5^th May - Exploring Historic Edinburgh & Free Afternoon

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.

Overnight: Edinburgh | InterContinental Edinburgh - The George
Room Type: 2 x Twin King Premium rooms with City View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 6^th May - Free Day & Hidden Underground Streets

Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on an underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.

Overnight: Edinburgh | InterContinental Edinburgh - The George
Room Type: 2 x Twin King Premium rooms with City View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Tuesday 7^th May - Meet Your Guide & Head North to The Cairngorms National Park

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.  There are many options for explorations and leg stretches to take in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. Maybe admire an elegant palace, discover the historic university town of St Andrews, enjoy your first Highlands hike, or save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before settling into your welcoming Highland hotel.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 4 x Classic King/Twin for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 8^th May - Hike the Cairngorms & a Royally Approved Distillery

Enjoy a full day hiking and exploring the mountains and rivers of beautiful Deeside area with your expert guide, who will tailor the day to your preference. Maybe explore the woodland trails and pyramids of the beautiful Balmoral Estate, the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Then celebrate the day with a tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Slainte Mhath!

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 4 x Classic King/Twin for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 9^th May - Transfer West via Adrenaline Filled Activities

Transfer West today, heading over the ‘snow roads’ to the other side of the Cairngorms massif where you will pause to enjoy some classic Scottish pastimes. Test your aim with a target clay pigeon shooting, led by an experienced instructor who will share their tips and tricks for the best results. After lunch in a characterful local pub,  learn the gentille art of falconry in a private session with beautiful raptors. This ‘sport of kings’ dates back thousands of years and will astound you with the beauty and accuracy displayed. Then finish your journey west to settle in and enjoy the fabulous views from your hotel.

Overnight: Spean Bridge | Whispering Pine Lodge
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Loch View Room & 1 x Three Bedroomed Pine Tree Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 10^th May - Sea Kayaking & Exploring the Rugged West Coast

Enjoy superb views as your guide drives you west 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. On arrival in Arisaig you will take to the waters for an afternoon of guided sea kayaking. 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, complete with a wide variety of local wildlife. At the end of a wonderful day your guide will take you back to your hotel for some well-earned relaxation.

Overnight: Spean Bridge | Whispering Pine Lodge
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Loch View Room & 1 x Three Bedroomed Pine Tree Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 11^th May - Hiking The West Coast - Glencoe or Near Oban

You have the full day to hike and explore this wonderful landscape with your guide today, and you will be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge and your guide will discuss the best choices for the day.

Maybe get out into the dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe. These have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Or head to the bustling harbour town of Oban and take a small ferry to explore the island of Kerrera. If you head to Oban then pop into the distillery for a wee dram, which prides itself on being older than the town itself!

Overnight: Spean Bridge | Whispering Pine Lodge
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Loch View Room & 1 x Three Bedroomed Pine Tree Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 12^th May - Transfer to Pitlochry with Explorations on Route

Departing the west coast today, you make your way into the heart of Highland Perthshire. Stop for a scenic hike along the way, and take in a tour of the highest distillery in Scotland which prides itself on producing gently warming spirits in the coldest and harshest of conditions.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Loch View Lodge Rooms as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Monday 13^th May - Land Rover Explorations with a Kilted Ranger

This morning continue your local explorations with your guide, or enjoy a relaxed start to the day. At midday 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 before you head back down into the valley. Maybe finishing the day with some delectable chocolates at a local award-winning specialist. Your guide will depart after dropping you back at your hotel, leaving you to enjoy a relaxing day to yourselves tomorrow.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Loch View Lodge Rooms as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Tuesday 14^th May - Free Day to Rest & Relax or Explore Pitlochry

Today you have a completely free day to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or head into Pitlochry to explore the local shops. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle
Room Type: 2 x Loch View Lodge Rooms as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Wednesday 15^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.

Meals Included: Breakfast