&Olives - Edinburgh, Skye & The Highlands

Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by your guide/driver who will transfer you from the bustling city to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.  Enjoy the drive, watching the landscape change from rolling green fields to the rugged mountains and moorlands of the Cairngorms. On your way, stop at Blair Atholl for a visit to Blair Castle; the castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries.  Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture. Before continuing, pop into a local, award-winning chocolate shop which makes the most delicious truffles.

Arriving at your stunning accommodation in the mid-afternoon, perhaps join your guide for a lovely short walk to explore the area, or simply take some time to relax.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: The Alder (or similar)
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Spend the day exploring the beautiful walking trails of the Cairngorms National Park with your guide. Depending on the weather and how you’re feeling, there are many wonderful walking options to choose from. Perhaps opt to get up high and traverse the great weather-beaten Cairngorm plateau that stretches magnificent and vast below an arching sky. Or, if the sun burns bright, stay low in the leafy labyrinth of the valleys, winding your way to a loch that shimmers deep and dark amongst the pines. This evening return to the welcoming warmth of your accommodation, enjoying a slab of cake and a cup of tea before a peaceful evening in the heart of Scotland’s largest and wildest National Park.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: The Alder (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Over the Sea to Skye

After a leisurely breakfast, head west to the Isle of Skye. Wind by mountain glens ribboned with narrow waterfalls and through woodlands of old trees that break the tarmac into a jigsaw of leafy shadows. Stop to explore Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic and striking sights in all of Scotland, taking your time to appreciate the unique beauty of this remote and historical place. Once on the Misty Isle, meet a local ghillie for an afternoon of wild foraging, connecting with the landscape as you learn how to forage sensitively and ethically. Enjoy cooking your bounty and sipping a wild cocktail, while listening to local tales of the island. Settle into your accommodation this evening, falling asleep to the sound of the sea.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, visit Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and stroll around the formal gardens, perhaps pausing for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wild Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin Mountains

Feeling rested, head south with your guide, arriving in 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. As the lovely first mate provides some fascinating history about the surrounding islands, look for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, a deep dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to walk around the loch 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.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Return to the Mainland & Sea Kayaking

A short ferry ride will take you back to the mainland this morning and the beautiful white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound. Meet your expert sea-kayaking guide and head out into the turquoise water to explore. Sea kayak around hundreds of tiny islands, spotting seals, otters, and a host of coastal birds. The seal colony here is friendly and curious, often slipping beneath your boat only to pop up on the other side to peer at you with their big dark eyes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island. Once back on shore, continue travel along the stunning Road to the Isles towards the brooding melancholy of Glencoe Glen and your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House Hotel
Room Type: One bedroom suite - Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Hiking in Glencoe & Tales from a Local Storyteller

Over hot coffee and tea, chat with your guide about some walking options for today. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. You may wish to summit the iconic Pap of Glencoe or head up to the Lost Valley, where the MacDonald clan used to hide their rustled cattle. As ethereal mists blow over rugged peaks, relax with a celebratory drink in a traditional climbers’ pub listening to the fascinating tales of the land from a local storyteller. This evening, after a well-earned dram, step outside into the inky darkness to look up at a sky awash with glittering stars.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House Hotel
Room Type: One bedroom suite - Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Visit Oban and Relax

Depending on how you feel, there are a handful of options to choose from today. If you wish, head out for another engaging, wild walk with your guide, traversing a landscape that holds its history close. There is also the opportunity to visit the fishing port of Oban to stroll along its high street, pop into local shops and swing by the distillery – which is older than the town itself. You may wish to simply take it easy, enjoying time to recharge, relax and have a mellow day absorbing the peaceful nature of this pretty part of Scotland. This evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner, toasting your adventure with the traditional ‘Slainte Mhath’ which means ‘good health’.

Overnight: Oban | Perle Oban
Room Type: Superior Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Transfer to Edinburgh

After breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the iconic city of Edinburgh. Along the way there will be options to stop and stretch your legs or perhaps visit the historic Stirling Castle.  Full of history and intrigue this castle is known as one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location overlooking the city of Stirling. Once you arrive in Edinburgh you are free to settle into your new accommodation and relax at your luxurious hotel or head out to explore the surrounding cobbled streets.  You will bid your guide farewell this evening.

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

Day 10 - Exploring Edinburgh

After a relaxed breakfast, meet your experienced local guide and head out for a 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.  This afternoon why not board the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.  Head back to your luxurious hotel to rest and relax for the evening, perhaps enjoying a warming dram.

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

Day 11 - Depart - Farewell Scotland

This morning, your guide will transfer you south to Edinburgh airport so you may begin your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch