B&R - Butterfield & Robinson - Self Scottish Explorations

Day 1 - Friday 6^th September - Welcome To Scotland!

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

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 7^th September - Family History & Explore Edinburgh's Old Town With Your Guide

This morning you will make your way to the Scottish Genealogy Society to meet an expert researcher. Enjoy a happy couple of hours delving into the research which they have prepared on your family history for you, maybe discovering new locations of interest, facets to your ancestors characters or branches to your family tree.

Early afternoon, after lunch, meet your private guide for the rest of your trip and spend the afternoon exploring the unique city of Edinburgh together. Discover some of the famous historic attractions, wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture so there is character in every corner.

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

Day 3 - Sunday 8^th September - Heading North via Local Highland Games

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. Stop to experience the thrill of a traditional Highland Games on your route today.  Join the locals in cheering on the competitors in a variety of events; including heavy throws, Highland dancing, Bagpipes, races and many others. Maybe even get involved in some of the open events if you fancy it!

Overnight: Ballater | Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 9^th September - Hiking & Local Explorations

There are many options for superb hiking locally to take in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you explore some of the mountains and glens. So maybe discover one of the local beauty spots which have been loved by the Royal Family over the years. Maybe also save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before heading back to your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Ballater | Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 10^th September - Traditional Crafts & Transfer Day

Today you transfer to the north of the Cairngorms National Park over the ‘Snow Road’. Stop to admire some of the intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape.

Head into the heart of Speyside to discover the rich history of traditional crafts in a landscape which produces some of the most famous whisky in the world. Discover the UK’s only working cooperage, where oak casks are created or repaired at incredible speed using traditional methods. Then visit a traditional woollen mill which has been weaving in this location since 1784. The history and connection is evident in every part of this lovingly restored mill.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park - Grantown On Spey | Firhall
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 11^th September - Hiking In The Cairngorm National Park & Distillery Visit

Today you head down to the beautiful Cairngorms National Park for a full day hiking and exploring with your expert guide. There are many different options to choose from and your guide will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and your preferred level of challenge. This mountain range boasts some fabulous views from the heights, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens. Finish your day with a whisky distillery tour to discover the secrets behind the world famous spirit. Enjoy a wee taste of ‘uisge beatha’, ‘water of life’ to toast your Scottish adventures before heading back to your charming accommodation.

Overnight: Cairngorms National Park - Grantown On Spey | Firhall
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 12^th September - Rewilding, Loch Ness & Over The Sea To Skye

Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today, hearing the local tales from your guide as you go. Discover the exciting rewilding project rejuvenating ancient royal hunting grounds above Loch Ness with a private tour from one of the hard-working rangers. After lunch set out onto the deep secretive waters of Loch Ness itself to enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. Then continue onwards, passing elegant Eilean Donan castle safe on its own island and surrounded by majestic scenery. The graceful arc of the Skye Bridge will take you onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and to your lovely hotel which enjoys fabulous views.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Sligachan Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 13^th September - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Sligachan Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 14^th September - Ferry to Mainland & Jacobite Steam Train

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland 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. However, you will be enjoying a special perspective as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (known as the ‘Harry Potter Train’) and settle into your First Class Seats after lunch. It will puff its way over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through the wonderful scenery all the way to Fort William. On arrival you will be met by your guide and continue onwards to arrive at your luxurious hotel.

Overnight: Fort William | The Grange
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 15^th September - Exploring Glencoe & Local Legends

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller. 

Overnight: Fort William | The Grange
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 16^th September - Morning Sea Kayaking & Afternoon Explorations

Set out to explore the beautiful waters of the Sound of Arisaig in sea kayaks this morning, with a private instructor to help you make the most of the gorgeous location. Keep your eyes open for the local seal colony and the incredible turquoise colours which the sea creates as it gently laps around tiny islands and white sandy beaches. A truly special experience, this is sure to be a highlight of your trip. 

This afternoon is flexible for you to discuss with your guide. There are so many fabulous hiking opportunities, suitable for all levels of challenge and energy, and many fascinating historically significant places locally. The choice is yours! Your guide will join you for dinner today, have fun reminiscing over the stories and adventures of the trip.

Overnight: Fort William | The Grange
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 - Tuesday 17^th September - Transfer To Inverness & Depart

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your guide transfers you to Inverness Airport to catch your onward travel connections. Depending on the time of your flight there may be the opportunity for some short explorations on route. You may be waving farewell for now but the special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations will stay with you.

Meals Included: Breakfast