Scottish Highlights - Final Information

Day 1 - Saturday 7^th June - 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 to drop your bags. Check in time is not until 3pm, so that gives you a perfect opportunity to head out to get to know the city with a local.

Enjoy a unique introduction as you avoid the crowds, nipping through the narrow streets in a Mini Cooper (or a larger car if you would be more comfortable!). With your local city guide, enjoy a thrilling journey through the old and new towns as well as out to some of the suburbs so you can really get a feeling of what makes this city tick and the different areas. Your guide will point out how to get to St Giles tomorrow morning and finish off taking you up Calton Hill to enjoy the view (unless you want to save that for the late sunset at 21.54!). Afterwards your guide will drop you back at your hotel where the rest of the evening is free for you to settle in

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite with Castle View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 8^th June - St Giles & Historic Edinburgh

This morning make your way to St Giles for the morning service, maybe stopping for a morning coffee at The Milkman on the way. Afterwards you will be met by an expert local city guide and head off to immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour.

Discover the delightful winding historic streets with buildings boasting street entrances on different levels, and hidden walkways creating wonderful photography opportunities. Admire the elegant architecture of the School of Divinity on The Mound, enjoying views out over the ‘New Town’ and the Firth of Forth. Wander 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. There may even be time to snap a picture at the Vennel Viewpoint and finish at Mary’s Milkbar for a well-deserved treat.

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

Day 3 - Monday 9^th June - Stirling castle & Wallace Monument

Today you head to Stirling with an enthusiastic local guide to discover the mighty castle, with imposing battlements looking out from the clifftops. Known for its role in Scotland’s turbulent history it has many tales to tell. This is where the World’s Oldest Football was discovered, thought to be hidden by Mary Queen of Scots behind wood paneling to keep it safe from witchcraft. Then head to the nearby Wallace Monument, which celebrates Scotland’s first national hero William Wallace. Admire the huge Wallace Sword and climb the steps to gain the beautiful vista of the surrounding hills. Discover the Hall of Heroes and Heroines with the stories of the individuals who helped write the history of this determined wee nation.

This afternoon you may wish to step back in time with a visit to the site of The Battle Of Bannockburn. This was the greatest victory of Robert The Bruce and you can experience that day in history in thrilling 3D at the award-winning visitor centre. Or perhaps explore the picturesque cobbled streets of Culross where you could discover the history of this wee port town and see the favourite filming spots of the popular Outlander Series. Your guide will take you back to your city centre hotel late afternoon.

This could be a good evening to head to the glamorous columns of The Dome for Dinner.

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

Day 4 - Tuesday 10^th June - Highlights Of Edinburgh

Today you have a full day exploring with your expert local city guide, starting with the iconic Scott Monument which is a special part of the Edinburgh skyline. If you choose to climb the 287 steps inside then you will have plenty of time to appreciate Sir Walter Scott, the author which it is dedicated to. Take your time exploring Princes Street Gardens and hearing the tales behind the opulent Victorian design of the Ross Fountain.

Then meander your way to the tranquil Village of Dean, a 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 as you stroll along the walkway at the river’s edge. Your route will take you towards charming Stockbridge (and nearby Circus Lane), which is a lovely place full of quirky shops. There may be time to fit in a couple of fun independent bookshop visits today depending on your preferred pace, your guide will discuss the options with you.

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

Day 5 - Wednesday 11^th June - Visiting Friends in St Andrews

A private transfer will take you to St Andrews to meet up with your friends today. After a relaxed day catching up a private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh for a free evening.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite with Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 12^th June - Glasgow's Highlights

This morning a private transfer will take you to Glasgow (approx 1 hr transfer) to meet an expert local city guide who will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of some of the key highlights of ‘Scotland’s friendliest city’. Discover layers of history in the Cathedral and maze of the Necropolis, as well as varied and elegant architecture at every turn. Discover the historical influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh and keep your eyes open for the vibrant street art too, it’s a flourishing and ever-changing theme of this bustling city. Maybe spend a relaxed few hours exploring the magnificent halls and collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with your guide. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be inspired.

Your guide will depart at lunchtime, leaving you to enjoy a meal at one of Glasgow’s many celebrated restaurants (maybe the Last Bookshop) before a private transfer takes you back to Edinburgh. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer. This would be a great afternoon to head up Arthur’s Seat for the skyline views, or to take your time looking around John Knox’s House near the bottom of the Royal Mile.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite with Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Friday 13^th June - Waterside Edinburgh & Drams

Today your expert city guide will share a couple more marvelous bookshops with you as you head down to explore the port district of Leith. This area used to be a typical port area, but in recent years has regenerated and is now full of foodie interest and home to the Royal Yacht Britannia. This floating palace used to be enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. There should also be time today to head to another area of the city if there is anything else in particular which you wanted to see.

Late afternoon head to the top of The Royal Mile for a special whisky tasting followed by a delicious 3 course meal at Amber Restaurant. Discovering the layers of flavours in aged drams, and food to complement them. The perfect finish to your days in Scotland.

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

Day 8 - Saturday 14^th June - 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