American Express

Highlights of the Highlands

James and Peter

July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Join us on a bespoke trip that takes you into the heart of the Highlands. Visit the magical Isle of Skye, hike among Glencoe’s glacier-scoured peaks and wind your way through the aromatic pinewoods and boundless heather-covered moors of the Cairngorms National Park. With your experienced Wilderness guide, explore ancient battlefields, visit captivating castles and immerse yourself in stunning landscapes rich in history, culture and folklore. As evening light fades across iridescent skies, relax in hand-picked accommodation that has been carefully selected for its relaxed luxury and delicious seasonal food. With a focus on art, nature, and history, experience the very best of Scotland’s irresistible beauty on an adventure showcasing the Highlights of the Highlands.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Your Adventure Begins | Overnight: Eriska

Day 2 | Hiking Glencoe | Overnight: Eriska

Day 3 | Boat trip and to Skye | Overnight: Skye

Day 4 | Hiking on Skye | Overnight: Skye

Day 5 | Eilean Donan Castle and Dundreggan Rewilding Centre | Overnight: Cairngorms National Park

Day 6 | Hiking in Royal Balmoral | Overnight: Cairngorms National Park

Day 7 | Scone Palace and Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Your Adventure Begins

Meet your guide in Edinburgh this morning and head to the west coast. Here, you will visit Kilmartin Glen and the newly renovated Kilmartin Museum. Learn about the area’s fascinating archaeological and natural heritage before exploring the area on foot. Walk among the standing stones, enter the burial chambers, put your fingertips to ancient rock carvings and hike to the top of Dunadd Hill Fort, the coronation site of ancient Scottish kings. Later, arrive at your your castle hotel on it’s own private island.

Overnight: Eriska | Isle of Eriska Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Hiking Glencoe

After breakfast, ribbon your way north into the spectacular Glencoe Glen. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, the dark, brooding summits of the moor-clad mountains press imposingly against an ever-changing sky. Visit the thoughtful and engaging visitor centre, learning about the landscape’s captivating but haunting history. Join your guide for a spectacular walk tailored to you, keeping an eye out for red deer and golden eagles. Return to Eriska Hotel and make use of the spa before dinner.

Overnight: Eriska | Isle of Eriska Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Boat trip and to Skye

Today, join an experienced, well-seasoned skipper for a private boat trip. From the Isle of Eriska, heads out to explore the wild and rugged coastline, keeping an eye out for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales as well as sea eagles overhead. Come ashore for lunch at Nc’Nean distillery and enjoy a whisky tour. This small team is passionate about their pioneering organic scotch. Later this afternoon, catch the ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye and wind your way north to your hotel, which is tucked just outside the colourful town of Portree.

Overnight: Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Hiking on Skye

Wake up on Skye and enjoy breakfast overlooking the tranquil bay before heading to Elgol, a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin Mountains. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk. Also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, this dark loch stretches like a shadow below impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to circumnavigate the loch or hike up the small but steep peak of Sgùrr na Strì for some of the most incredible views in Scotland. This evening, return to Portree and enjoy a delicious dinner and a glass of wine with another fabulous view.

Overnight: Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Eilean Donan Castle and Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Travel back to the mainland this morning and visit Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic fortress perched upon a tidal island at the intersection of three sea lochs. Continue your journey through the striking landscape, arriving at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to enjoy lunch. Join an expert guide to visit their specialist tree nursery and learn about the centre’s important biodiversity. Later, travel into the heart of the Cairngorms and check into your luxury art hotel.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Hiking in Royal Balmoral

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds Balmoral Castle. Wind your way through the tangy pine forest and out onto the open hillside to a number of historical cairns erected by the Royal Family. Enjoy breathtaking views and the opportunity to see Balmoral Castle from up high, before following the path of the flowing river. Back at the hotel enjoy an art tour where you can view the impressive collection before a final Highland dinner.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Scone Palace and Depart

On your last day, enjoy a morning at Scone Palace – an impressive red sandstone house with over 1000 years of history within its walls. Family home to the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish Kings, it’s a brilliant place to explore. After lunch, head to Jupiter Artland, a contemporary sculpture park and art gallery. Set in 100 acres of natural woodland wander the park, discovering the many sculptures before your guide drops you off back at your hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch