Jason Smith - The Highlights of Scotland

Day 1 - Monday 9^th September - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral (which has been a working church for over 900 years) and Edinburgh Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 10^th September - Exploring Edinburgh

After breakfast, meet your guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. This afternoon you will hike up Arthur’s Seat and see Edinburgh from a different perceptive.  From the Kingdom of Fife in the distance across the Firth of Forth to the iconic skyline of the Old Town, see the city sprawling beneath you and the places that are waiting to be explored.

Tonight, you will head to the catacombs of the Royal Mile for a private tour to see where they used to distill the illicit whisky and how people used to live and work in the underbelly of the city.  A really unique experience for your last night in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 11^th September - To The West

Leaving the bright lights of the city behind you will head west today to the imposing mountains of the Nevis Range.  On the way, you will stop off to explore Bannockburn where you will meet a local storyteller who will bring the landscape to life with tales of how Robert the Bruce defeated the English army in 1314.  Imagine what it was like for the Scottish clans facing the might of the English and the celebrations that would have lasted long into the nights after!  Later on, continue your journey through the scenic countryside, beside glistening lochs and underneath jagged peaks that rise out of the ground high into the sky.  Your accommodation this evening is a luxurious castle hotel where you can indulge in an incredible seven course dinner created by Michel Roux before resting your head in your decadent suite for the night.

Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 12^th September - Over the Sea to Skye

After a leisurely breakfast, head west to the Isle of Skye, but by a slightly different route.  Board the famous Harry Potter steam train and sit back in luxury as the carriages rock you to the coast.  Feel the thunder of the wheels and breathe in the smell of the timeless way to travel as the train winds its way from the mountains and across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.  Your guide will meet you at the other end and after a delicious lunch you will board the afternoon ferry to Skye and make your way to your boutique accommodation on the fabled Misty Isle

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Room with Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 13^th September - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This evening enjoy a private out of hours tour of Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and the legend of the Fairy Flag while you wander through the hallways without the crowds, enjoying some refreshments with your private guide.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Room with Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 14^th September - Foraging and Sunset cruise

Meet a local ghillie this morning for an insight into how islanders used to live in days gone by.  Spend the morning enjoying some wild foraging and connecting with the landscape as you learn how to forage sensitively and ethically. Enjoy cooking your bounty over an open flame, sipping a wild cocktail, while listening to local tales of the island.

This afternoon is free for you to potter around the village, perhaps taking a stroll around the pretty harbour or simply sitting and watching the world go by before you step onto your private boat and head across the bay for a leisurely sunset cruise.  With a glass of Prosecco in hand, see the island from a different perspective and keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife such as seals or dolphins that may pop their heads up to say hello.  Back on dry land, you can enjoy a final dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants before retiring to your hotel for your final night on the island.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Room with Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 15^th September - Travel to Torridon

It is time to leave the Misty Isle and head to your next destination.  The Torridon Massif is known for its incredible peaks and remote wilderness where you can really get off the beaten track and spend the day without another person in sight!  As you cross the sweeping arc bridge leaving the island there will be time to stop off to admire the most photographed castle in Scotland before weaving your way round the coastline and through the pretty villages, stopping en route as you see fit to explore or perhaps enjoy a leg stretch.

Your accommodation this evening looks out over the tranquil Loch Torridon which will be the location for one of your activities tomorrow.

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: 1887 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 16^th September - Scotland from the sea

A day of exploration awaits you today as you trade your walking boots for wetsuits and set off on an aquatic adventure.  Gliding along the glassy waters of the loch, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic peaks that guard its shores. The stillness of the morning air is only broken by the gentle dip of your paddle and the occasional call of seabirds overhead. As you navigate the inlets and embrace the solitude of the loch, the rugged landscape unfolds before you, revealing the raw elegance of the Torridon region.

Back on dry land you have the option to head into the hills for a hike or perhaps just relax at your hotel and indulge in a decadent afternoon tea beside the roaring fire.

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: 1887 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 17^th September - Biking and Hiking

There are loads of options for today to make the most of your last day in this part of Scotland.  Perhaps you might like to take to two wheels and head into the hills to experience the thrill of racing down some single tracks, sweeping round the bends and seeing who can get to the bottom first!  Or you may wish to spend the day hiking in the hills, tackling one of the many grand mountains that have been tempting you from your hotel.  Your guide will make sure you make the most out of the day with their local knowledge and get you off the beaten track to experience the real Scotland.

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: 1887 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Wednesday 18^th September - To the Cairngorms National Park

Depart the jagged peaks of Torridon this morning and head through some of the most dramatic scenery in the whole country.  On route to your incredible accommodation, you will stop off to step back in time at Culloden Battlefield.  Here you will meet an expert guide who will bring the landscape to life and describe what it was like for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men on that fateful April morning in 1746.  In one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history that only lasted an hour, the course of Scottish history changed forever.

Your home for the next few nights is the unique 5* Fife Arms Hotel, created by acclaimed gallery owners Hauser & Wurth. Once you are settled into your rooms, take a private tour of the numerous artworks and antiques around the hotel.

Overnight: Breamar | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Thursday 19^th September - Walking and Whisky

Enjoy a hike in the beautiful Balmoral Estate, the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. There are some gorgeous woodland hikes or some more challenging hill walks you may enjoy. Together with your guide, you’ll decide the best option for the morning before a delicious lunch at the Rothsay Rooms.  In the afternoon enjoy a private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Taste 2 very special drams and learn about the history of the ‘water of life’ here in the Distillery Library.

Overnight: Braemar | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Friday 20^th September - Spirit and Spice and All Things Nice

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.

Back at the hotel in the late afternoon, you can enjoy dinner in the Clunie Dining room before settling down with a wee dram in the bar to toast the end of your time in the Scottish Highlands

Overnight: Breamar | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Saturday 21^st September - South to Gleneagles

Today, leave the pretty stone village of Braemar behind as you travel south to Dunkeld. Stop at the Hermitage for a gentle walk through the leafy woodland. Pass Ossian’s Hall, a folly where you can look out over the cascading falls of the River Braan. Depending on how you feel, there is an option for a shorter or longer walk, both traversing the stunning countryside. Enjoy lunch in Dunkeld, perhaps having a potter around the pretty high street. Continue to your accommodation this afternoon where your guide will say goodbye so you can enjoy the last few days together in these opulent surroundings

Overnight: Perthshire | Gleneagles
Room Type: Main House Estate Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Sunday 22^nd September - Free day at Gleneagles

Spend the day partaking in some of the wonderful activities the estate has to offer.  From Gundogs to Golf, from Falcony to Fishing and from Horse Riding to Holistic treatments there are so many options for today that you are going to be spoilt for choice.

Overnight: Perthshire | Gleneagles
Room Type: Main House Estate Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Monday 23^rd September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you this morning from your hotel and take you to the airport in time for your onward connection, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your heart and a longing to return.