Katy Stanley Family Adventures in Scotland

Day 1 - Friday 6^th June - Welcome to Edinburgh

Today Kate and Annie arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. You will meet your city guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a half day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle.. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Tigerlily
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 7^th June - Exploring Edinburgh

After breakfast, meet your city guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a half day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. If you fancy an afternoon with a twist, head to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, which holds one of the largest collections of surgical pathology in the world. This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Tigerlily
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 8^th June - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning head to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. You will enjoy a self guided tour of this site teeming with history, culture as well as wonderful views over the city, perhaps hang around to hear the one o’clock cannon fired from the ramparts.

Before you leave the Royal Mile enjoy a visit to Mary King’s Close offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s hidden underground streets, where you can explore the preserved remains of a once-thriving 17th-century neighbourhood and hear eerie tales of its residents, plagues, and ghostly legends that linger in the dark, narrow passageways.

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

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 9^th June - Journey north to the Cairngorm National Park

After a hearty breakfast, meet your driver and guide at your hotel and commence your journey to collect Clayton and John from St Andrews. Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route and perhaps stop to stretch your legs en route to Straloch and the venue for a fabulous picnic in a lunch hut up in the hills. Over some delicious food in a spectacular location you can catch up with each other on your adventures of the past few days and look forward to the days ahead.

After a wonderful lunch you will enjoy the walk down hill from the hut and enjoy the views all around.  Your guide will take you onwards from here to settle into your accommodation for the next three nights at Fonab Castle.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 10^th June - Perthshire Hiking and explore the Crannog Centre

This morning you will head off with your guide for a hike the are many options whether you opt for the Birks of Aberfeldy, a lovely woodland trail that follows the Moness Burn, offering waterfalls, lush greenery, and panoramic views, as well as the gentle climb up Weem Hill for picturesque vistas of the town and surrounding Highlands. After some lunch, we will explore the crannog  centre. This roundhouse (perched on stilts in the water) is a reconstructed iron age dwelling. Learn about what life would have been like for people living here over 2500 years ago.

Your guide can drop you into the enchanting town of Pitlochry in the late afternoon  where you can browse the small range of artisan  shops and galleries before heading across the river to Fonab.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 11^th June - Explore Perthshire

After breakfast, your guide will discuss hiking options for this morning .  There are many walking options in the picturesque Perthshire countryside through its myriad hiking trails, offering diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, Perthshire’s hiking options promise unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s splendor. This afternoon you will take  tour of nearby Blair Castle and grounds with it’s beautiful walled garden, enjoy exploring the charm of this Scottish estate together. Your guide will take you back to your accommodation for your final evening in Perthshire.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 12^th June - Back to Edinburgh

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your fine surroundings before heading back towards Edinburgh.

Meals Included: Breakfast