Foo Private Explorations of Scotland V5

Day 1 - Thursday 19^th September - 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 | Parliament House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 20^th September - Exploring Edinburgh

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 your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Parliament House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 21^st September - North To The Highlands

You have a nice slow morning to enjoy breakfast and a one last walk before you check out. Then catch the train north to the Highlands. Sit back and enjoy the scenic ride through the edge of the Cairngorms National Park as it takes you to Inverness. On arrival at the station a private transfer will meet you to take you to your characterful hotel just outside the city. This building was once used as the battlefield headquarters by Bonnie Prince Charlie and has plenty of stories associated with it.

Overnight: Inverness | Glen Mhor
Room Type: Deluxe Riverview
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 22^nd September - Meet Your Guide & Head to Skye via Loch Ness

Your private guide (who will also act as your driver for our time together) will pick you up from your hotel this morning. Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for ‘Nessie’.

Maybe stop to admire 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 welcoming hotel in the harbour town of Portree.

Celebrate your arrival tonight with an informal whisky tasting in one of the local pubs, led by your guide. Discover just why ‘uisge beatha’ takes on such different characters in different areas of Scotland and appreciate the layers of flavour each offers.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 23^rd September - 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, with unique hiking routes through 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, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests. Finishing the day with a distillery tour and tasting would be the perfect way to toast your adventures.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 24^th September - Ferry To Mainland, 'Road To The Isles' & Glen Nevis

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles with your guide. This 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 admire the views back to Skye and out to the small isles. Pass 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 along the tracks. Then continue on to Fort William.

This afternoon with your guide you can hike the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in Scotland (filming location for the village in Braveheart). 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 | Nevis Bank Inn
Room Type: Double Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 25^th September - South via Stirling Castle, Bannockburn Battlefield & the Wallace Monument

This morning you bid farewell to the Highlands and your guide will take you south to Edinburgh. Your route will pass through the stunning scenery of Glencoe, full of mountain history and local legends. Later stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and a turbulent history.

Then head to the nearby 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.

Finally 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. Your guide will depart after dropping you safely at your welcoming city centre hotel. Leaving you to enjoy one last night in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 26^th September - 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