History, Scenery & Drams In Scotland
Monday 9th September – Sunday 15th September 2024
Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Monday 9th September – Sunday 15th September 2024
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Here you will be met by your private guide and drop your luggage so that you can head for lunch to discuss the explorations of the week ahead.
After lunch get your first taste of the real Edinburgh as you head out in two Mini Coopers, each with a local as your city guide and driver. This is one of the best ways to get an overview of the city, nipping through the narrow streets in these fun wee cars. Enjoy a thrilling journey through the city centre streets as well as out to some of the suburbs so you can really get a feeling of what makes this city tick and enjoy the skyline views.
Afterwards they will drop you back at your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax, or you can head out for some informal explorations with your main guide if you prefer.
Note: An early or mid-morning arrival will be required for this day. later arrivals will mean the itinerary has to be changed.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Junior Suite (1 with Castle View)
Meals Included: Lunch
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.
This day is flexible and will be customised to your personal interests. And if you want to head a bit further afield (Rosslyn Chapel or Blackness Castle for example) your main guide has your vehicle available to drive you.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Junior Suite (1 with Castle View)
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning you start your journey north with your guide, exploring the Kingdom of Fife on route. Step back in time as you discover a Royal pleasure palace beloved by Mary Queen Of Scots still decorated with tapestries and artworks that are hundreds of years old. See the oldest surviving real Tennis Court, walk in the beautiful grounds and explore the basement Apothecary where you will find a wonderfully recreated room full of ingredients for ancient remedies.
After lunch in the characterful university town of St Andrews try something different as you visit the ‘spiritual home of Scotch Whisky’. Try your hand at creating your own Aqua Vitae using age old knowledge, and insights from a guiding expert of course! Your guide will then take you onwards to your welcoming accommodation on the southern fringes of the Cairngorms National Park.
Overnight: Blair Atholl | The Old Manse of Blair
Room Type: 1 x Estate Suite with Garden View & 1 x Bothy Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning 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.
Once back down in the valley (and after lunch) explore a local glen on two feet to enjoy soaking in the views and tranquil atmosphere. Or perhaps head up to a small local summit if you fancy more of a challenge, the choice is yours and your guide will discuss the best options with you.
Overnight: Blair Atholl | The Old Manse of Blair
Room Type: 1 x Estate Suite with Garden View & 1 x Bothy Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you transfer North, stopping on route in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park for a scenic hike around a mountain loch with your experienced guide. Enjoy the trail through the romantic Caledonian pine forests and keep your eyes open for the cheeky local red squirrels. Then it is time to stop for a distillery tour before you continue onwards. Discover the history of ‘uisge beatha’ (the ‘water of life’) and toast your Scottish adventures with the traditional ‘Slainte Mhath’, or ‘good health’.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: 1 x Grand Master & 1 x Torridon Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You have the full day today to explore the unique scenery of the West Coast with your guide. The mountains of Torridon sweep up out of the ground almost from sea level in dramatic bare slopes which culminate in rocky ridgelines which are little visited.
Together with your guide you will decide on your choices for the day, depending on the weather and what level of challenge you wish. You may want a full day out to explore as much of this incredible landscape as possible, admiring the reflected mountains in a serene loch, or you could choose to have a relaxed afternoon making the most of your hotel’s facilities.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: 1 x Grand Master & 1 x Torridon Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will take you to Inverness Airport to make your onward connections. Depending on your flight time there may be the opportunity for one last exploration on route. 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 4 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.
Monday 9th September – Sunday 15th September 2024