Flavours & Highlights of Scotland - V4
Karen and Chris Dearing
Thursday 14th November – Thursday 21st November 2024
Thursday 14th November – Thursday 21st November 2024
On arrival at Edinburgh airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags.
You will be met here by an expert local city guide who will take you out to immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh on a private walking tour. Discover the highlights of this unique capital, from 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.
Late afternoon your main host guide will meet you to introduce themselves and chat through your upcoming adventures over a coffee. As they will also be your driver for the rest of your trip, they will then drop you at the world famous Scottish Malt Whisky Society to enjoy the rest of your evening. Enjoy a tasting dinner with matched unique single cask drams, only identified by the coded number on the bottle and unconventional tasting descriptions. Enjoy!
Please note that check in time is 14:30.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Witchery
Room Type: Heriot
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning start your journey north with your guide, heading first to the beautiful Kingdom of Fife. Step back in time as you discover several fascinating locations used in the filming of the ‘Outlander’ series. Walking the picturesque cobbled streets of the Royal Burgh of Culross, a once-bustling port with wonderful views out over the firth.
Carry on your explorations as you visit Falkland Palace, a Royal pleasure palace beloved by Mary Queen Of Scots with fabulous tapestries and artworks that are hundreds of years old. See the oldest surviving real Tennis Court, walk in the beautiful grounds and explore the basement Apothecary, used in season 2.
Then head onwards to the ‘spiritual home of Scotch Whisky’ to learn about the ancient heritage of Scotland’s modern distilleries. Immerse yourself in this world with a private apothecary experience, creating your own unique spirit. Then head over the ‘snow roads’ into the Cairngorms National Park and your flamboyant luxury accommodation.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head out with your guide for local explorations this morning, discovering one of Queen Victoria’s favourite beauty spots just a few minutes drive from the hotel. A traditional stone bridge takes you up above the turbulent waters to explore Caledonian Pine Forest, your guide will share the local tales and some of their favourite hidden gems with you. Or you could choose a more challenging hike if you prefer, your guide will discuss the best options to suit your energy levels and the weather on the day.
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. The perfect end to the day before your guide takes you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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.
Get hands on as Ghillie guides you in creating a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating. Then taste the flavours paired with the local whisky, discovering some surprising combinations. Your guide will then take you onwards over the ‘snow roads’ to your comforting hotel in Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Wellingtonia Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, visit the battlefield of Culloden, here you can discover the atmospheric site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. A private guide will give you a tour of the battlefield, to provide a real insight into this location and how it changed the course of Scottish history forever.
Later, embark on a scenic journey along the Moray Coast, stopping at Logie Steading to explore its beautiful gardens and vibrant artisan shops showcasing handcrafted pottery, textiles, and woodwork.
Perhaps enjoy lunch at the café before heading to The Malt Rooms for a private whisky-tasting experience, sampling local malts and learning about the distillation process.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Wellingtonia Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy some fabulous scenery on the way to Skye through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness. Stop to explore the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Your guide will then take you onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your welcoming hotel.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Room with Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Room with Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will take you back onto the mainland and to Inverness airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
NOTE – Drive time is approx 3 hrs, so an afternoon flight would be essential.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.