Johnson's Scottish Adventure

Day 1 - Tuesday 13^th August - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you from Edinburgh Airport to your luxury city centre hotel in Glasgow. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: Premium King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 14^th August - Glasgow Private Walking Tour & Free Afternoon

Explore the highlights of the city on a private walking tour with an expert local guide this morning.  Discover the stories tied in with the varied architecture of streets that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. See the influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh and admire the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city. Your guide will depart at lunchtime, leaving you to continue with further city explorations at your own pace.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: Premium King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thursday 15^th August - Transfer to Fort William via Loch Lomond & Glencoe

This morning you will meet your main guide/driver for the rest of your adventure.  Together, you make your way to beautiful Fort William in the heart of the Nevis Range.  On the way stop off at the iconic Loch Lomond where there are plenty of opportunities to take a short stroll, look out for wildlife and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Continue north and you will notice the terrain changing to more rugged peaks as you enter the famous Glencoe.  A valley of myths and legends, where you can feel the true essence of Scotland seeping from the well trodden trails and drifting down the towering peaks.  There will be a chance to stop here, take in the atmosphere and capture some beautiful images of this incredible landscape.

Arrive at your unique castle hotel, where you can rest and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Small Walled Garden Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 16^th August - Glenfinnan & The Road to the Isles

Today you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why.  There are so many places to stop off to drink in the stunning scenery that is all around you.

On the way you may catch a glimpse of the famous Harry Potter Steam Train thundering over the famous viaduct as it charges from the mountains to the sea and you can also spend some time exploring Loch Shiel and the monument where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite uprising.

Arriving on the west coast you can enjoy a tasty lunch of local products as this part of the west coast is known for it’s incredible scenery before enjoying an afternoon of beach combing or exploring some of the little hamlets along the coast.  With the sun glinting off the waves as it laps against the white sand and only the sound of the wildlife around you, you’d be forgiven for thinking you may have accidentally ended up in the Caribbean for the afternoon!

Head back to your hotel for the evening, perhaps enjoy a warming dram reminiscing of your wonderful day exploring.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Small Walled Garden Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 17^th August - Transfer to Torridon

Today you make your way to the rugged landscapes of Torridon.  Passing the stunning Loch Linnhe and the towering Ben Nevis, your route winds through the Great Glen.  On the way there will be time to stop and admire the views, perhaps stop at a lovely little chocolate shop nestled in the hills and enjoy a delightful chocolate treat.  As you arrive in the Torridon area, you will be treated to views of inspiring mountains and deep glens, that capture the wild essence of the Highlands.

You will have the evening to rest and relax at your luxurious hotel, perhaps head out to explore the surrounding paths keeping your eyes pealed for sea otters, and seals.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 18^th August - Relaxed morning & A Private Boat Trip

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before heading out on to the water to enjoy a private boat trip on Loch Torridon.  As you glide along the mysterious waters of this beautiful sea loch, see if you can spot the curious seals who are sure to pop their heads up.  If the weather allows, your charter will head to a nearby Island, where you can enjoy a dram and distillery tour.  Your skipper will entertain you with stories of the area and your guide will be on hand to make sure you catch a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife in the area to capture on film.

Make your way back to the pier and head back to the hotel to rest and relax for the evening.

Boat trip is subject to availability at time of confirmation.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 19^th August - Transfer to Lochinver

Leave the dramatic mountains of the Torridon range behind this morning as you head north to your next stop.  Take your time as you drive along the windy roads stopping off at the small hamlets that offer incredible views across to the islands.

Stopping off in Ullapool in the late morning you can enjoy a walk to some cascading waterfalls or along the beach which is home to some wonderful marine life such as seals, dophins and you may even see a whale in the distance breaching the water before it dives back into the deep.  Sit in one of the many local eateries to enjoy some home cooked food before continuing on your way.

Your destination tonight is the little village of Lochinver, right on the shore of the Minch with stunning views and home to some of the best pies in the whole of Scotland!

Overnight: Lochinver | Inver Lodge Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 20^th August - Exploring the West Coast

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before you begin your day exploring.  Why not grab one of the famous Lochinver pies and spend the day discovering the beautiful West Coast, with its many hidden beaches and unique landscapes you are sure to find some hidden gems.  Your guide will share some hidden gems with you, whether you want to take a short walk to a lovely viewpoint or discover one of the wonderful hidden beaches to explore.  You are sure to enjoy a wonderful day enjoying the delights of this incredible area.

Please note that this day is totally flexible depending on what the clients would like to do.

Overnight: Lochinver | Inver Lodge Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 21^st August - Transfer to Thurso via Smoo Caves & Durness Beach

Enjoy your drive along one of the most stunning sections of the North Coast 500 route this morning as you pass sweeping wild landscapes, remote quirky dwellings and awe-inspring coastal views.

On the way you will stop off to explore Smoo Cave, a unique place to see some of Scotland’s Geology and has one of the highest entrances to any sea cave in the whole of the UK.  Venture through the 50ft archway into the waterfall chamber before taking a tour further inside to learn more about the natural and human history of the cave.

After such a fascinating insight, you can then take your time continuing on your journey to your next base on the north coast of Scotland.

Overnight: Thurso | Forss House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Thursday 22^nd August - Dunnet Head & John O'Groats

Make your way to Dunnet Head this morning, officially the furthest north point of the British mainland.  Enjoy the stunning sea cliffs and a diverse range of birds including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants. John O’Groats is the most northerly settlement on the British mainland and is also a fun visit.  If you feel like you want to explore further there is a great cliff-top walk at nearby Duncansby Head, a great way to appreciate the wild coastal scenery.

Overnight: Thurso | Forss House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Friday 23^rd August - Transfer to Tain & Dunrobin Castle

Explore more of the the iconic North Coast route as you head to your next stop in Tain.  Don’t miss the intriguing Whaligoe Steps, these lead down to a unique harbour which is surrounded by steep cliffs on 3 sides.

Continue your journey down the East Coast stopping at the majestic Dunrobin Castle, which has been the ancestral home of the Clan Sutherland for over 700 years.   You will have time to capture some beautiful shots of the exterior and the varied formal gardens, which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles.  Perhaps catch the afternoon falconry display, enjoying incredible birds of prey soar in the skies above.

Arrive at your colourful boutique hotel and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Saturday 24^th August - Historic Culloden & Inverness

This morning your guide will take you to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a private tour of the battlefield with one of their guides before heading to the site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. This site is exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland dating back over 4,000 years.

This afternoon if you choose, you will have time to explore the capital city of the Highlands, Inverness.  Explore the local shops for souvenirs or just find a cafe by the river and watch the world go by.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Sunday 25^th August - Transfer to Braemar

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’ – although hopefully there will be no snow day!  Crossing this wild tundra there are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape.  Take out your camera’s and take your time to get the best shot while your guide gives you hints and tips for that perfect shot.

Before arriving at your destination you will stop off in Tomintoul – the highest village in the highlands – for a spot of souvenir shopping and perhaps even a visit to the Whisky Castle, one of the best whisky shops in the country.  Meet the owner here and learn more about the amber nectar before perhaps purchasing some to take home with you.

Your destination is the Fife Arms Hotel, a fabulously unique and opulent experience created by acclaimed Hauser & Wirth. Here you will find many remarkable conversation pieces and an experience not to be forgotten.

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

Day 14 - Monday 26^th August - Exploring The Balmoral Estate

The highlight of the trip has arrived today and you will set out to explore the Balmoral Estate.  With the Royal Family in residence, you will be unable to enter the castle but some of the walks on the estate offer incredible views of the late Queen’s favourite residence.

One of the most unique walks on the estate is to the see Cairns that have been erected to members of the Royal Family.  From the huge pyramid in honour of Prince Albert to the smaller cairns in memory of the children Queen Victoria lost – there are stories behind each one and a real insight into the lives of the Royal Family over the last hundred years.

After your estate ramblings, you will have time to admire Crathie Kirk, the church where the Royal’s worship when they are in residence and the little village of Easter Balmoral where most of the estate workers live before returning to the hotel for the night.

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

Day 15 - Tuesday 27^th August - Transfer to Edinburgh & The hidden streets

It is time to leave the ruggedness of the Highlands of Scotland and head back to the bright lights of the city for your last few days.  There is no rush to depart this morning so you can perhaps enjoy one last wander through the village or perhaps a few stops on route south to break up the journey.

On arrival in Edinburgh, there will be time to freshen up before heading out to discover another side of Edinburgh.  At the top of the Royal Mile you will adventure down underneath the city on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.  See what it was like for people living in these conditions and hear true stories from the residents that lived here – a wonderful way to start your time in Edinburgh.

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

Day 16 - Wednesday 28^th 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 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

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

Day 17 - Thursday 29^th August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast