Macek Scottish Explorations - V2

Day 1 - Tuesday 25^th June - 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 to meet your main private guide. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel, chat over the trip ahead over an afternoon tea or head out to start exploring part of this unique city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Junior Suite with Castle View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 26^th June - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you are joined by a local expert guide and enjoy a private walking tour. Visit 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 and this tour will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city. Walk the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.

You then have options this afternoon to continue your explorations with your guide, immerse yourselves in the National Gallery, take a walk up to the skyline views from Arthur’s Seat or Carlton Hill or relax at your hotel as you prefer. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Junior Suite with Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 27^th June - North To The Cairngorms via St Andrews

This morning start your journey north with your guide, heading to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Most of your party will explore this characterful university town with a local expert, full of history and stories and more recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and one of you will tee off on a fabulous links course on the same coastline as ‘The Old Course’. Enjoy the history and coastal views of a superb round of golf and maybe a chat with the local players.

Then it is time to head north over the ‘snow roads’ into the beautiful Cairngorms National Park where you will settle into your unique and opulent hotel. Your home for the next 2 nights is the unique 5* Fife Arms Hotel, created by acclaimed gallery owners Hauser & Wurth and full of art and antiques.

Overnight: Braemar | Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Friday 28^th June - Royal Deeside Exploration Options

Royal Deeside is full of wonderful hiking options with all kinds of tales and history attached. Today you will be joined by a second qualified hiking hike so that some of the party can undertake a mare challenging hike if you wish. The mountains and rivers of beautiful Deeside area offer so many wonderful choices at all levels and your hiking guide will tailor the day to your preference.

Maybe explore the woodland trails and pyramids of the beautiful Balmoral Estate, the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Or choose to hike up into the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.

With a second guide you have flexibility for some of the party to enjoy some different explorations. Maybe take the 1.5hr drive East to Aberdeen and walk in the footsteps of your family heritage. There are also options for a historic castle visit, or meet some hairy Highland Coos with a farm visit on the way back.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 29^th June - Transfer West Via Special Foodie & Whisky Experience

Today you head over the hills of Glenlivet to the private home and kitchen of a charismatic and well-travelled ‘food anthropologist’ who delights in sharing her findings and skills with others. Set in an idyllic and remote location you will discover a colourful and well-stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the hills. This house actually used to be a whisky smuggler’s den, so you are in the perfect place to enjoy a cookery workshop specifically designed to pair whisky and food on a unique flavour journey full of stories & with highlights of local and wild produce. Then your journey continues west towards your castle hotel, which was a particular favourite of Queen Victoria.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 30^th June - Glencoe - Landscape & 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, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge and you will joined by a second hiking guide so that everyone can choose the level of challenge they prefer. After your hike meet back up and settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub as you listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

Note: an alternative option for today would be to explore the ‘Road To The Isles’ on a drive with your guide. Admire the graceful arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct, stroll the white sand beaches of Arisaig with their views out to the Small Isles & Skye and hear the Jacobite history which has shaped this world-renowned drive.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 1^st July - South to Gleneagles & Loch Kayaking

Heading south today, stop for one last Highland adventure on the way. Set out on the the sparkling waters of a scenic loch in kayaks (or open canoes if you prefer) to explore the scenery from a different perspective. Your expert instructor will ensure that you can make the most of the experience as you paddle along. Discover a fabulous picnic spot and stop for a bite to eat, food always tastes better outside doesn’t it? Then relax into the luxurious welcome of Gleneagles and some well-earned pampering.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: (Arranged by Black Tomato)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 2^nd July - Gleneagles - Options

There are many fabulous options in the local area to consider and discuss with your guide, either all together or splitting into different parties. Maybe conquer a local summit for fabulous views, explore a local village, head to Perth to see the local racetrack, visit the mighty Stirling Castle, or enjoy a gentle atmospheric exploration to discover a waterfall along the glens.

If you have time we would highly recommend finishing your afternoon with a special tour & tasting at the oldest working whisky distillery in the country to raise a celebratory dram to your Scottish adventures. Or you could choose to simply relax within the grounds to make the most of your time and sample some of the huge variety of facilities here at Gleneagles.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: (Arranged by Black Tomato)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Train from Scotland & London Highlights

This morning your guide will transfer you from your luxurious resort hotel and take you to Edinburgh or Glasgow Train Station to catch your morning train to London. Taking with you many special memories of your Scottish adventures which are sure to make you smile for years to come. On arrival in London you will be met on the platform by a private driver who will whisk you off to your hotel to drop your luggage and meet your local city guide. Take in the iconic highlights of this unique city this afternoon with their expert insider knowledge (and your chauffeur at your disposal if you would prefer not to walk too much). 

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental - Hyde Park
Room Type: Superior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Thursday 4^th July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Heathrow 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