A Scottish Summer Adventure- Potter Family

Day 1 - Sunday 4^th August - Arrive in Inverness & Explore Loch Ness

This morning, land in Inverness, a small city far-flung in the Highlands of Scotland. On arrival at the quiet airport, pick up your hire car and head out along the shores of Loch Nessyou will catch a glimpse of the  amazing ruins of Urquhart Castle. Magnificently situated on the shores of the loch, this castle has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland’s history. If you have time stop take a wander around the atmospheric stone walls, all the while keeping an eye out for the loch’s resident monster, colloquially known as Nessie. After exploring, continue northwest to the outdoorsy-orientated town of Fort William, enjoying the beautiful views before arriving at your lovely private apartment to relax.

Overnight: Fort William | Lime Tree
Room Type: Mews Apartment

Day 2 - Monday 5^th August - Private Sea Charter

This morning after a hearty breakfast head to the fishing port of Mallaig where you will meet your knowledgeable skipper. Today’s adventure  includes a day of landscapes and seascapes, as well as great wildlife and fishing opportunities.We will take a boat ride to Sandaig itself, where you can swim in the clear waters of the bay, comb the beach at your leisure, or stretch out on the pebbles and listen to the crashing waves. Taking advantage of the slower pace of the day, we frequently have a small picnic or barbeque at Sandaig, cooking either something we’ve brought or, more excitingly, anything we’ve managed to catch in the bay, off the side of the boat. After a day well spent  return to your apartment with rosy cheeks and salt kissed skin to relax and chat over the memories of a wonderful day.

Overnight: Fort William | Lime Tree
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 6^th August - Leisurely morning followed by an afternoon canyoning

This morning, enjoy a leisurely birthday breakfast then perhaps head into Fort William for a coffee or walk amongst the old ruins of Inverlochy Castle. This afternoon you will an exhilarating time exploring Scotland’s landscape as you walk, slide, jump and slip through a series of waterfalls. Along with your guide you can work together as a family to overcome obstacles and work together to create some amazing memories. This evening enjoy a celebratory dinner and share memories of your fun filled day.

Overnight: Fort William | Lime Tree
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 7^th August - Steall Falls & Ferry to Skye

Your Wilderness guide will come at meet you at your accommodation this morning, there you can have a chat before all heading out together for an adventurous and exciting day. With plenty of lovely options to choose from, chat with your guide about what you all fancy. Perhaps hike to Steall Falls, a walk that ribbons its way through the dramatic Nevis Gorge and ends at some stunning waterfalls. Or, you may like to hop on the Nevis Range gondola up the flanks of Aonach Mor mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the mighty peak of Ben Nevis. This afternoon take the road less travelled towards the small fishing port of Mallaig and hop on a small white ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Hotel Eilean Iarmain
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 8^th August - A Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk

Feeling rested, head out with your guide to Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, a deep, dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to circumnavigate the loch with your guide or climb the rugged mountain of Sgurr na Stri – which is considered by many to offer one of the wildest and most spectacular views in Scotland. Return to your accommodation later this afternoon and bid farewell to your guide.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Hotel Eilean Iarmain
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 9^th August - Free Day exploring Skye and Distillery Visit

Today you can start slowly and enjoy breakfast and perhaps enjoy the views of the picturesque bay that your accommodation is situated in, make sure to visit An Talla Dearg the small gallery by the old stone pier at Eilean Iarmain.

There are so many options today from exploring the colourful town of Portree, visiting some of the unique shops and galleries that you find dotted about this wonderful island. The is no shortage of stunning scenery if you want to explore on foot, you end the afternoon at Talisker for a distillery tour on the oldest working distillery on the island, learn about the flavour, production and process before sampling three wonderful drams.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Hotel Eilean Iarmain
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 10^th August - Eilean Donan Castle & Arrive in Perthshire

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and drive back across the arching bridge to the Scottish mainland. Begin winding your way into the lovely, leafy region of Perthshire, making sure to stop along the way at Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a tiny island, the castle stands at the confluence of three sea lochs and is instantly recognisable as one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Arrive at your friends’ farm later this afternoon, where you can relax all together for the next couple of days.

Overnight: Perthshire
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 11^th August - Spend Time with Friends

Today, enjoy some time with your friends.

Overnight: Perthshire

Day 9 - Monday 12^th August - Arrive in Edinburgh & Tour of Mary King's Close

After saying goodbye to your friends this morning, make the short journey into Edinburgh. Drop off your hire car and make your way to your welcoming hotel. Architecturally stunning, the capital city is very accessible by foot. After you’ve settled in, perhaps head out to stretch your legs with a local wander. This evening, enjoy a tour of Mary King’s Close – discovering an underground warren of hidden streets and listening to stories about the city’s dark, often gruesome history.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Tuesday 13^th August - Exploring Edinburgh

After breakfast, meet a Blue Badge Guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for an engaging walking tour. Full of history, wander up the Royal Mile, visit St Giles Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy seeing many of the iconic sites while also visiting some of the lesser-known hidden gems that are tucked off the tourist trail. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to do as you please. Enjoy browsing the artisanal shops on the Royal Mile or stroll up Carlton Hill – the acropolis an unfinished monument which offers huge views over the city to the sea beyond.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Wednesday 14^th August - Edinburgh Castle & Military Tattoo

After breakfast, head into the city to explore perhaps visit the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street or Surgeon’s Hall Museums which holds the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world. This afternoon head to Edinburgh Castle for a guided tour. Dominating the skyline from its position on Castle Rock, archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this prestigious fortress, discovering the home of Mary Queen of Scots, visiting the oldest building in the city and observing the Scottish crown jewels.  Perhaps stay in the old town for dinner and enjoy some of the buzzing atmosphere of this city throughout the festival.This evening, enjoy the fantastic spectacle of the Military Tattoo.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel

Day 12 - Thursday 15^th August - The Fringe Festival & Arthur's Seat

Your last full day in the city beckons, and with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in full swing, spend the day exploring some of the many family-friendly shows available. With an eclectic and diverse food scene, enjoy tasting your way through the streets, stopping at food stalls and picking up pastries and coffee. For a moment of quiet among the busy streets, perhaps wander down to the historic Dean Village – which offers a peaceful oasis of times gone past. You may also like to walk up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the centre of the city, which is popular with both tourists and locals alike. This evening, enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner in one of Edinburgh’s many award-winning restaurants.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Friday 16^th August - Depart

After a good night’s sleep, head to Edinburgh airport early this morning to fly to London and then on home to Mauritius.

Meals Included: Breakfast