Hill's Highlights of Scotland (v2)

Day 1 - Friday 2^nd August - Welcome to Scotland! Royal Yacht Britannia

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. Head out to start exploring and make your way down to the opulent floating palace which is the Royal Yacht Britannia. Imagine the royal receptions hosted by Queen Elizabeth II & the Duke of Edinburgh. You then have a free evening to enjoy the buzz of festival season in Edinburgh.

Note: Check In is from 3pm.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 3^rd August - 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 winding streets layered above one another, to the ‘Royal Mile’ and the ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Your guide will personalise your explorations to your interests, and you will discover some truly unique historical  architecture as you explore.

You then have a couple of free hours to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer. Then discover some fresh and delightfully nuanced flavours with a tour and tasting of a local gin distillery.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 4^th August - Transfer to Gleneagles

Enjoy a relaxed morning, maybe taking advantage of your hotel’s award-winning spa facilities before a mid-afternoon private transfer takes you north over the bridges to Gleneagles.

Notes;

• Check out time at The Balmoral is 12 noon
• Check in time at Gleneagles is 3pm.
• Afternoon Transfer will be arranged for 2pm, as travel time is approx 1 hr 15 mins.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Manor View Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 5^th August - Free Day at Gleneagles

Today you have a full free day to enjoy your luxurious resort hotel.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Manor View Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tuesday 6^th August - Meet Your Private Guide & Transfer to Braemar via Kingdom of Fife

This morning your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel and you will start your journey north by heading to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Enjoy exploring this characterful university town, full of history and stories. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the birthplace of golf and ‘The Old Course’. Then it is time to head north over the ‘snow roads’ into the beautiful Cairngorms National Park where you will settle into your unique and opulent hotel.

Note: Croft Rooms – These unique rooms are equipped with a box bed* traditionally used in Scottish crofts, giving you the complete Scottish Experience. The bathroom offers a shower only. *Box beds are 1350 x 1900 cm

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Croft Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 7^th August - Exploring The Cairngorms National Park

Today you have a full day with your private guide to discover some of the highlights and hidden gems in the local area. Maybe spend your morning on a scenic hike, the heather will be blooming and the mountain landscapes are full of tales which your guide can share.

This afternoon is flexible and you could continue your explorations with your guide, maybe visiting Balmoral Castle. This has been the Scottish home of the Royal family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Or you could choose to explore the charming village of Braemar (where your hotel is situated), or maybe get pampered in the hotel spa. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Croft Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 8^th August - Explore Aberdeen & Depart

This morning your guide will transfer you west , starting with a visit to the imposing ruined castle of Dunnottar, sitting high on cliffs above the crashing waves. Then to Aberdeen to explore the place where your family used to live. The ‘Granite City’ is a long standing busy port, built strong to withstand the wild northern weather. Discover the history in the small fishing cottages, contrasting with the more modern influences of the offshore industry. Your guide will then take you to the airport to catch your late afternoon flight to London.

Note: Drive time to Aberdeen or Dunnottar Castle is approx 1 hr 45 mins

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch