Scott Dunn - Scotland Explorations

Day 1 - Tuesday 20^th May - Welcome to Edinburgh

You will board your train at Kings Cross this morning bound for the Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.  On arrival at Edinburgh Haymarket, you will be met by a private transfer driver and whisked into the heart of the city to your iconic hotel that overlooks the famous Old Town skyline.

After freshening up, your local city guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you’ll head out to explore the city.  As you wander through the cobblestone streets, let your guide bring the city to life with tales of days gone by and take you to places only known to the locals.  As well as the famous sites of the Palace of Holyrood and St Giles Cathedral, the closes just off the famous Royal Mile offer incredible insights into life here and the eclectic mix of people who make up this enigmatic city.

Your guide will drop you back at your hotel in the early evening where you can either enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants here or head out to experience some of the culinary delights that the city has to offer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 21^st May - Journey North to the Cairngorm National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you will meet your main guide who will also be your driver and commence your journey to the Cairngorms National Park.  Along the way, enjoy a visit to historic Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue north.

Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. If time allows and you’re eager for adventure, your guide can suggest a picturesque walk amidst the stunning countryside. Settle into your accommodations and perhaps take a leisurely stroll and prepare for your adventures ahead in the Cairngorms.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 22^nd May - Exploring Linn O’Dee

There are so many options for hiking today that you will be spoilt for choice and your guide will discuss all of the options with you before you set off.

One such option is a lovely hike through the intriguing and beautiful landscape of the Highlands. Hike along the banks of the River Dee, which rises from a spring on the Braeriach plateau in the Cairngorms and empties into the dark waters of the North Sea. Stop to admire Linn O’Dee, where the river cascades through a narrow chasm, overlooked by an old stone bridge. Visit the waterfall further up the glen, winding your way through old pinewoods that tang with sunshine and resin.

Another option is to head up one of the many mountains in the area for a really strenuous hike where you are likely to encounter some of the wonderful wildlife such as Red Deer, Birds of Prey and maybe even the elusive capercaillie!

Whatever you decide, your guide will make sure you make the most out of your day and give you plenty of time to just be in the moment and soak in the amazing scenery that makes this part of Scotland so special.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 23^rd May - To Skye

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and you will head north through the mountainous scenery to the emotive landscape of Culloden Battlefield.  Here you will meet up with your guide again for a tour of where the last pitched battle on UK soil was fought.  As you stand on the windswept moorland, imagine what it was like for Bonny Prince Charlies men on that fateful April morning facing the might of the English Army.  Your guide will regale you with tales of this bloody time in Scottish history and the change that this battle made on life in this ancient land as we know it.

After some lunch, you will continue on your journey across the country to the Misty Isle where your beautiful country house hotel awaits you.  Settle in your luxurious suite before taking your taste buds on delectable journey in the restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 24^th May - Exploring Skye

The dramatic landscape of Skye offers incredible hikes from day long journeys from one end of the famous Quiraing to the other to gentle clifftop walks that offer views across to the Western Isles.  Perhaps take a walk through the abandoned villages, hearing stories of how the islanders had to flee their homes during the Highland Clearances, or take a cliff top walk out to the furthest western point of the island where you may be able to spot some whales breaching the waters or dolphins happily playing in the waves.

Your guide will discuss all the options with you and tailor the day to suit you.  Whatever you decide, you can stop off in Portree on your way back to the hotel to explore some of the quaint local shops and the pretty harbour – perhaps collecting some souvenirs to take home to friends and family.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 25^th May - The Road to the Isles

It is time to leave the island today and head back towards the jagged peaks of the dramatic Glen Coe.  Leaving the island by ferry, you will travel along the beautiful Road to the Isles – known as one of the most breathtaking drives in the whole country.  Heading inland from the sea, you can stop off at Loch Shiel to visit the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite Uprising.  Depending on the timings, you may also see the famous Jacobite Steam Train thundering along from the mountains to the sea.

Your hotel this evening is the former home of Lord Strathcona and offers opulent suites with incredible views across the loch.  Relax and unwind after your long journey before dining in your suite this evening.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 26^th May - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

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 with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge.  Perhaps head into the Lost Valley to see where the Clan MacDonald used to hide their rustled cattle, or climb one of the many peaks that offer far stretching views across the country.

After your hike 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 | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 27^th May - Return to Edinburgh

It is time to head back to the bright lights of the city today as you depart the dramatic landscape of Glencoe and head south.  On the way, you will travel through Loch Lomond National Park where you can stop off for one last hike with your guide.  Should you prefer, you could stop off at Stirling to visit Stirling Castle or Bannockburn – the site of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over the English Army.

Arriving back into Edinburgh in the afternoon, your guide will drop you off at your city centre hotel and say goodbye.  Leaving you to enjoy one last night in the city and to raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 28^th 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