Scotland and Ireland Explorations

Day 1 - Monday 20^th May - Welcome To Scotland & Explore Speyside Whisky

This morning you fly from Dublin to Inverness. Your Private Guide will meet you on arrival in Inverness Airport and whisk you away into the very heart of Scottish whisky country. Beautiful Speyside is known all over the world for producing unique whisky flavours due to the soft peaty waters of the river Spey.

Take a special tour of the UK’s only working cooperage, hear about the history where oak casks are created or repaired using traditional methods. You will see the fruits of their labour in distillery warehouses all over Scotland, but here you can see the processes in action at incredible speed.

In the afternoon you will visit one of Scotland’s best known distilleries where you can enjoy a tour and a wee dram of “Uisge Beatha” or “water of life”. This is the ancient celtic name given to the traditional fiery amber nectar that we now call Scottish whisky. Your guide will then transfer you to your welcoming hotel to settle in before dinner.

Overnight: Near Inverness | Coul House Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Large Double
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 21^st May - Ferry to Lewis & Visit Callanish Stones

Today you head to Ullapool with your guide to board the ferry to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the wild beautiful islands who live with the sea and the weather influencing every day. Visit the atmospheric site of the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones. This unique cross-shaped formation is older than Stonehenge and was an important ritual site for over 2000 years.

Then you transfer to your welcoming accommodation on the island of Harris, enjoying the varied scenery as you go. Arriving in time to settle in before dinner.

Overnight: Isle of Harris | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 2 x Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 22^nd May - Hiking on Harris

Stretch your legs exploring the spectacular coastline of Harris today. Discover gorgeous Luskentyre Beach with pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters which have inspired so many artists. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife; which includes eagles, seals, deer, and otters. Visit the charming St Clement’s Church in Rodel, built in a fabulous scenic position for the chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris.

Overnight: Isle of Harris | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 2 x Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 23^rd May - Continued Explorations of Harris & Lewis

Today you have another full day with your guide to continue your explorations of these unique islands. Maybe visit a local Harris Tweed Weaver (the only fabric in the world to be protected by an Act of Parliament), duck into a traditional blackhouse, or take a tour of the unique Harris Gin Distillery. There are many fabulous hikes to discover too, so you can discuss with your guide what will suit the day best for you.

Overnight: Isle of Harris | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 2 x Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 24^th May - Flight to Edinburgh & Free Afternoon

This morning your guide will take you up to Stornoway to catch an early afternoon flight to Edinburgh. On arrival a private driver will transfer you to your city centre hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city as you wish.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 25^th May - Private Walking Tour & Tartan Kilts

Spend the morning exploring the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering some lesser known gems. Early afternoon enjoy a special visit to a local kilt maker or a tartan merchant to learn more about the traditional Scottish garment and the fabric which is instantly recognisable around the world. The rest of the day is yours to use as you wish, follow your curiosity as you explore, learn or shop.

Note: Visit to Kilt Maker OR Tartan Merchant will depend on availability. Please let us know if the clients have a preference for one over the other.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 26^th May - Free Day to Explore Edinburgh

Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; walk the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.  Or you may want to take a captivating journey beneath Edinburgh’s streets, revealing the secrets of a hidden historical close dating back to the 17th century.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 27^th May - 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.

Overnight: None
Meals Included: Breakfast