Hance Scottish Explorations
Friday 19th July – Monday 29th July 2024
Number of Travellers:
2
Duration:
11 Days /
10 Nights
Friday 19th July – Monday 29th July 2024
On arrival at the 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 | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Old Town Executive View
Meals Included: None
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 | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Old Town Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head over the sweeping bridge to explore the gems to be found in Kingdom of Fife. Maybe explore part of the Fife Coastal Trail with a stroll along the “Fringe Of Gold”, as the Fife beaches are known. Take some time to admire the traditional villages which are built around tiny fishing harbours. These are all wonderfully picturesque with wee stone houses keeping watch over the brightly painted fishing vessels in the harbours, so make sure that you have your camera handy! Don’t forget to sample some traditional Fish & Chips. With fresh fish straight out of the sea, this area has won multiple awards for this Scottish dish and is famous for having some of the best in the whole of the UK.
Then continue to St Andrews, a characterful university town, full of history and stories. More recently the Prince & Princess of Wales famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’.
Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Room Type: Eden King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today the rugged West coast is calling you, and your guide will share some of the fascinating stops and stories along the way. Stop at Blair Atholl to walk the hallways and gardens of a castle that has been inhabited by the Dukes of Atholl for over seven centuries and boasts some fine 18th century interiors within its Scottish baronial architecture. There are also many superb options for scenic leg stretches as you admire the scenery becoming more mountainous. Then your journey continues west towards your unique hotel, which was a particular favourite of Queen Victoria.
Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will enjoy superb views as you drive 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. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history. You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter 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 you carry on. At the small fishing town of Mallaig you board the afternoon ferry for the short trip over the sea to Skye and onwards to your hotel in the charming harbour town of Portree.
Overnight: Portree, Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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.
Overnight: Portree, Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to explore and enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens. On arrival at Loch Ness set out onto the deep secretive waters and enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. Then continue to a warm welcome at your accommodation in Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Cedar King (LAST ROOM)
Head to the Cairngorms National Park today to explore on 2 wheels, and your guide will discuss the best options with you to suit your preferences. Maybe set out on one of the local’s favourite loops which undulates just enough to keep things interesting as you pass wooded hillsides and sparkling lochs to reach the village of Kincraig. Heading back to Aviemore you complete the loop along a road that weaves past lochs and great mountain views before a final wee climb back into town. Of course, our route notes highlight a couple of great cafes along the way which you may wish to pause at! For a longer ride, it’s worth extending the loop to the small town of Kingussie. On these extra miles, you’ll pass the atmospheric ruins of Ruthven Barracks and the Insh Marshes Nature Reserve. It’s also a short detour to the Highland Folk Museum, which is well worth a visit. Your guide will take you back to Inverness at the end of the day, your last night in the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Cedar King (LAST ROOM)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
An early flight down to London will give you the rest of the day free to explore after you have dropped your bags at your hotel.
Half day private guiding?
Evening concert
Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day with a local city guide, or afternoon activity because they will have been up late the night before?
Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on X clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.
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Please see our booking terms here.
Friday 19th July – Monday 29th July 2024