Quiver tree - Shepherd Family Explorations
Tuesday 9th April – Wednesday 17th April 2024
Day by Day
Day 1 - Tuesday 9th April - Welcome to Scotland
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x3 Superior King Rooms and x1 Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: None
Day 2 - Wednesday 10th April - 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 all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. This afternoon travel to Dean Village with your guide. Explore this quaint hamlet, once home to 11 mills running off of the local river. The river, the Water of Leith, is one of Edinburgh’s hidden natural assets with a diversity of flora and fauna that you will have time to discover along the walkway at the river’s edge. Return to your hotel to spend the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x3 Superior King Rooms and x1 Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 - Thursday 11th April - Travel to the Highlands. History and Heritage
This morning board your train to Inverness. Gaze out the windows to admire the changing landscapes as you travel by the city, to the countryside and on to the highlands. You will be greeted off the train by your Driver Guide, taking you to on the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end in 1746. Walk around the exact spot Britain’s last pitched battle was fought and see the mass clan graves where those who fell were laid to rest. Later travel to your accommodation to refresh and relax before dinner.
Overnight: Inverness | Coul House
Room Type: x4 Large Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Friday 12th April - Whisky and Coast
This morning travel with your guide to the Highlands only Tartan Weaving Mill. Learn how how a rebellious Highlander followed her dream to design and weave innovative tartans breathing life back into an ancient industry. Later, make a stop at the Glen Ord distillery, where a tour and tasting awaits you. This distillery sits in the heart of the Black Isle, built by the famous Scottish Clan Mackenzie in 1838. Enjoy a unique pairing experience with your whisky expert, sampling a selection of Scotlands finest produce.
Overnight: Inverness | Coul House
Room Type: x4 Large Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 - Saturday 13th April - Loch Ness & Over the Sea to Skye
This morning step on board for a cruise of the dark waters of the infamous Loch Ness. Look out for wildlife such as wild goats, golden eagles and of course the elusive monster! The ruins of Castle Urquhart, come into view to admire as we travel further up the loch. Once back on dry land drive the loch side road winding your way to the picturesque Castle of Eilean Donan. Situated at the confluence of three sea lochs, standing in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to enjoy the iconic view before continuing over the sea to the Isle of Skye.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | The Cuillin Hills
Room Type: x1 Premier Room and x3 Standard Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 - Sunday 14th April - Discover the beauty of Skye
Visit a working farm today to meet with the owner as they share stories of the farm, their conservation ethos and the local area, over a warming cup of tea and cake selection. Afterwards, your guide will lead you to explore further into the special corners of this magical island. You will be spoilt for choice with the fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | The Cuillin Hills
Room Type: x1 Premier Room and x3 Standard Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 - Monday 15th April - Back to the Mainland
Board your ferry as you leave Skye by way of the sea and arrive back to the mainland. Arriving in Mallaig take the short drive to Camusdarach beach, rain or shine this coastline provides something special, from the glistening waters reflecting the rays of the sun, to the atmospheric crash of the waves on the rugged rock formations. Spend time here as you wish, before driving onwards to view the spectacular Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct overhead, where your guide will provide you an insight into its history. Drive on to your accommodation for the night, passing through the Highland town of Fort William.
Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: x4 Feature King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 - Tuesday 16th April - The West Highlands
This morning you will have a day in the hills, for the family members who would enjoy this experience. Your guide will lead you on a hike through the atmospheric landscapes of Glencoe. The route for this day will be discussed with your guide the evening before, to take in consideration of the weather and the terrain you would like to cover. For those who would prefer a more leisurely day, have time to relax at your hotel, or further options can be discussed with your guide, depending on interests. After the whole family have returned to the hotel you will be joined by a local storyteller to provide you with an enchanting and insightful experience of the tragic history of this dramatic region. Spend this final evening of your Scottish adventure raising a toast to treasured memories made along the way.
Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: x4 Feature King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9 - Wednesday 17th April - Depart
A Private Driver will collect you from your hotel today and transfer you to Edinburgh Airport to catch your onward travel. Taking with you many happy memories of your explorations around Scotland.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
- Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
- The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 8
- All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
- Arrival airport transfers and assistance
- Departure airport transfer
- Train from Edinburgh to Inverness
- Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
- All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Private Edinburgh City Tour, including Dean Village
- Admission – Edinburgh Castle
- Private Tour of Culloden
- Private Tartan Weaving Mill Experience (*Subject to availability)
- Private Whisky Tour and Tasting
- Private Loch Ness Boat Trip
- Admission – Eilien Donan Castle
- Private Farm Tour (*Subject to availability)
- Private Storyteller Experience
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
- Gratuities for the main driver guide
- Notes
- All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
- A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
- This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
- Terms & Conditions
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Please see our booking terms here.
Quiver tree – Shepherd Family Explorations
Tuesday 9th April – Wednesday 17th April 2024