Final Information - Solas Travel - Chris and Nicole's Scottish Adventure

Day 1 - Sunday 21^st April - Welcome to Scotland - Glencoe

On arrival at the airport you will be met by your private guide / driver who will transfer you from the bustling city to the spectacular highlands.  As you travel through the dramatic scenery you will have the option to stop and stretch your legs, enjoying some of the best views in the country.  Head to your luxurious accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening relishing the peace and tranquility of the mountains.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 22^nd April - Explore Glencoe

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and take you through the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges 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.  Get your camera ready as the sun glints over this magical place, making the most of the golden hour to get some incredible pictures of this historic location.

After your day 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: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 23^rd April - 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. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.

Take the iconic ferry over the sea to Skye, delighting in magnificent views over the water as the spectacular Cuillin mountain range comes into view.  Spend the evening relaxing at your delightful hotel or enjoy exploring the surrounding area.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 24^th April - Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye

Today you have the morning 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 morning to your interests.  This afternoon enjoy a delectable afternoon tea at your hotel, sampling the delights as you chat about your morning’s adventures.  This evening is free for you to relax and enjoy your hotel.

Overnight: Isle of Skye, | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 25^th April - Weavers & Castles

Enjoy a relaxed morning as you explore the streets of the quaint seaside town of Portree.  Perhaps enjoy the many craft and art shops or wander down to the harbour to discover the abundant photography opportunities.  This afternoon head north to discover a local weavers who continue this local tradition using pedal power!  Or head out to Waternish point, a great place for wildlife spotting and photography.

This evening enjoy a very special out of hours experience, exploring the historic Dunvegan Castle after the doors are closed to the public.  Hear stories of legends and clans as your explore each room enjoying the silence and space to soak in the incredible atmosphere of this historic place.  Head back to your hotel this evening reminiscing of a wonderful day, perhaps enjoy a warming dram as you look out over the calm waters of the Loch.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 26^th April - Transfer to Torridon

Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan, the most photographed castle in Scotland, occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens and into the spectacular Torridon region.  There are lots of options on the way to stop and take a short walk or just enjoy the incredible views, your guide will be on hand to help you make the most out of your experience. 

Arriving at your luxurious hotel this evening, you can’t help but be mesmerised by this beautiful place, perched between the water and the mountains.  You can choose to rest and relax for the evening enjoying the world class facilities at your hotel or perhaps explore the area on one of the many walking paths surrounding the hotel.

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 27^th April - Sea Kayaking and Hiking

This morning enjoy an incredible sea kayaking experience on the stunning sheltered waters of Loch Torridon, right in front of your hotel.  With the cool breeze, small waves and glint of sunlight on the water captivating your senses, you will loose yourself in the peace and tranquility of this place.  Keep a look out for the friendly resident seals who like to pop their heads up to say hello.  Head back to dry land and this afternoon enjoy some hiking with your guide. This region is famous for its unusual mountain formations and provides some of the best hikes in the country and your guide will be on hand to make sure you enjoy every moment.  Spend a relaxed evening at your hotel after a wonderful active day.

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 28^th April - Culloden & the Cairngorms

Today you will make your way through the heart of the highlands to the Cairngorm National Park.  On the way stop at 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.  Continue on to your cosy accommodation in the heart of the National Park.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Hayloft
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Monday 29^th April - Exploring The Beautiful Cairngorms National Park

Today is totally up to you.  Perhaps head out with the guide to explore the many hiking routes in the area or simply spend the day enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the accommodation which has far stretching views across the Spey Valley.  Relax with a good book or perhaps enjoy the wild Sauna Yurt!

Overnight: Cairngorms | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Hayloft
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Tuesday 30^th April - Transfer to Edinburgh & Stirling Castle

Today you leave the highlands behind and head to the bustling city of Edinburgh.  There are plenty of options to stop on the way, perhaps stop at the famous House of Bruar to enjoy a wee treat and shop for luxury Scottish souvenirs including harris tweed and tartan goods.  There is also a chance to take a short hike to the falls of Bruar, admiring the dramatic rushing waters of the falls.  As you continue south, stop to visit the Stirling Castle, one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and fascinating history.  Arrive at your luxurious hotel, perhaps explore the surrounding streets taking in the atmosphere of this incredible city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 1^st May - 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, while enjoying some local foodie delights. 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 and enjoy the facilities at your hotel’s incredible spa.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Thursday 2^nd May - 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