Reily Highland Highlights of Scotland - V7

Day 1 - Thursday 29^th August - Welcome To Scotland!

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. Get to know one another over lunch as you chat about the adventures ahead and start your explorations of Edinburgh. This afternoon take a journey back into your own family history with a private meeting with a genealogist, discovering some of the locations which have been important to your ancestors over the years.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Classic Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Friday 30^th August - Exploring Edinburgh

Today 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. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Classic Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Saturday 31^st August - Transfer To St Andrews via Highland Games

Today with your guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) you head north to the capital of the Highlands.  On the way enjoy a special experience as you immerse yourself in true Scottish culture and tradition at a local Highland Games. The air is filled with the invigorating sounds of bagpipes and rhythmic pounding of drums, and the lively cheers of the crowd. As you watch the competitors in their kilts, showcasing feats of strength and agility, you become part of a centuries-old spectacle that celebrates heritage and camaraderie.

The games are a sensory feast, with the aroma of traditional foods wafting through the air, colourful tartans adding a visual spectacle and the thrill of events like caber tossing and tug-of-war creating an electrifying atmosphere that you can’t help but be caught up in.  Then continue onwards to your welcoming accommodation in St Andrews.

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Old Course King Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Sunday 1^st September - History & Golf Traditions of St Andrews

Mr Reily plays a round of golf while Pamela explores the coastal villages with the guide. Meet back up after golf & explore St Andrews itself, also walk the Old Course with an expert local golf guide

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Old Course King Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 2^nd September - North To The Cairngorms National Park

Today you head north into the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, stopping at the iconic V&A Dundee. Scotland’s first design museum which showcases the very best of design from around the world within the breath-taking surroundings of renowned architect Kengo Kuma’s first British building. Take your time to marvel at the elegance and beauty on display before you head onwards to your unique accommodation. The Fife Arms Hotel is a fabulously unique and opulent experience created by acclaimed Hauser & Wirth. Here you will find many remarkable conversation pieces and an experience not to be forgotten. 

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

Day 6 - Tuesday 3^rd September - Royal Estate Explorations & Relaxing Afternoon

Take a fascinating stroll with your guide in the Balmoral Estate this morning, which has been one of the favourite retreats of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Wind your way through the woodland to visit some of the unique memorial cairns erected by the royals over the years, including a pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert. 

Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon soaking in your opulent hotel with a relaxing spa treatment or maybe a delightful afternoon tea. The choice is yours

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

Day 7 - Wednesday 4^th September - The Heart of Whisky Country

Today you head over the ‘Snow Roads’ into Speyside, known around the world as the heart of Whisky Country. Discover why the soft waters of the River Spey create such flavourful spirits as you take a tour of one of the classic distilleries in the area. Raise your glass and toast your adventures with the traditional Scottish ‘Slainte Mhath’, meaning good health.

Overnight: Aberlour | Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 5^th September - Culloden Battlefield & Transfer to Dornoch

Today you immerse yourselves in atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Tour the battlefield with an expert private guide and hear the tales of this defining event in Scottish history, before heading to the site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. These are exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland dating back over 4,000 years. Your guide will take you to your welcoming hotel in quiet Dornoch and leave you to enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Dornoch | Dornoch Station
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 6^th September - Robin Plays Royal Dornoch & Pamela Experiences The 'Sport Of The Kings'

Robin – Royal Dornoch
Pamela – Falconry Experience & Dunrobin House & Gardens (exploring with guide)

Overnight: Dornoch | Dornoch Station
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Saturday 7^th September - Over The Sea To Skye via Eilean Donan

Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness. Stop to explore the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Your guide will then take you onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your lovely hotel which enjoys fabulous seashore views.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - Sunday 8^th September - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day 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 day to your interests.

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 - Monday 9^th September - Exploring more of Skye

Lucy – I was thinking Raasay this day, or would they prefer the more ‘traditional’ Skye of Dunvegan Castle & Western Skye?

Finish the day with a private cruise from Portree with bubbles and/or food today

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 - Tuesday 10^th September - Jacobite Steam Train

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland 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. However, you will be enjoying a special perspective as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (known as the ‘Harry Potter Train’) after lunch. It will puff its way over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through the wonderful scenery all the way to Fort William. On arrival you will be met by your guide and continue onwards to arrive at your luxurious hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Suite in Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Wednesday 11^th September - Relaxing or Exploring Glencoe With Your Guide

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 can choose to rest and relax in your luxurious suite, simply enjoying the beautiful views. Or explore this famous valley with your guide, hearing the local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Suite in Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Thursday 12^th September - Transfer to Gleneagles & Explorations

Transfer to Gleneagles with explorations on route – Rob Roy’s Grave  – Guide departs at end of day.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Main House Estate Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Friday 13^th September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your Gleneagles and take you to Edinburgh 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