Reily Highland Highlights of Scotland -V9

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

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by your private transfer to whisk you off to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and settle in, or start exploring if you wish.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Classic Suite
Meals Included: None

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.

Enjoy lunch before taking 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. Your local city guide will take you to your meeting and introduce you.

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 meet your guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) and journey 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: Eden King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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

This morning you explore St Andrews itself and hear the local history as you walk the Old Course with an expert local golf guide. Then after lunch head out to explore more of the local area, maybe taking in the picturesque fishing villages clustered around their tiny harbours. 

Relax and enjoy being pampered this afternoon with relaxing 80 min massages at your hotel (4pm)

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Eden King Room
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 special 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

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. 

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 6^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 10 - Saturday 7^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.

Finish the day with dinner and a a private cruise from Portree with bubbles and incredible views

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

Day 11 - Sunday 8^th September - Exploring More Of Skye

Raasay OR more more ‘traditional’ Skye of Dunvegan Castle & Western Skye
Clients choice :)

Lucy – have the clients indicated what they may be leaning towards for this day?

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

Day 12 - Monday 9^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 13 - Tuesday 10^th September - Transfer to Gleneagles & Explorations

Start your day with some fascinating tales of the local area from a storyteller. Listen to the spellbinding legends before you take to the road south. 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 14 - Wednesday 11^th September - Relax and enjoy the hotel facilities

Relax and enjoy Gleneagles

Lucy – please let us know if they would like us to make any reservations for them here

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

Day 15 - Thursday 12^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