Self Drive – Scottish Adventure
Friday 17th May – Saturday 25th May 2024
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Friday 17th May – Saturday 25th May 2024
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Begin your adventure by collecting your hire car in the vibrant city of Glasgow, where historic charm meets contemporary energy. As you hit the road towards Glencoe, prepare to be captivated by the dramatic scenery that unfolds before you. The journey takes you through picturesque valleys, and along the shores of Loch Lomond. Arriving in Glencoe, the majestic peaks and rugged terrain create a stunning backdrop for your stay at Glencoe House. Nestled within this iconic valley, the historic charm of Glencoe House, combined with its modern comforts, offers a tranquil retreat. Spend the evening unwinding in the luxurious surroundings, relishing the beauty of the Highlands, and anticipating the adventures that await on the rest of your self-drive holiday.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 2 Bedroom Suite (1)
Meals Included: None
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Centre to learn about the landscape’s haunting history.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 2 Bedroom Suite (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Glencoe House behind, travel along the Road to the Isles to Arisaig. Stop en route to catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite Steam Train as it chugs across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. 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. Once back on shore, continue to the small fishing village of Mallaig where you will board the ferry to Armadale on Skye. A short transfer will take you to your luxurious accommodation, Kinloch Lodge, where you can settle in for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. You may choose to discover and follow The Skye Art Trail, which unveils a captivating array of galleries and studios, each showcasing the talent inspired by the island’s rugged beauty. Stop at quaint villages like Portree, where charming galleries offer a diverse range of local art, from traditional landscapes to contemporary interpretations. The drive allows for spontaneous detours to hidden gems, like art installations nestled in the midst of nature. If you feel like exploring on foot, there are several walking routes which bear testament to the island’s unique geology or visit one of the other natural features for which Skye is so rightly famous, including the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr and the very popular Fairy Pools. Or head to the north-west of the island and visit the impressive Dunvegan Castle and gardens.
Overnight: Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, head east to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. You may wish to stop to explore Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic and striking sights in all of Scotland, or visit Culloden Battlefield, a site resonating with the echoes of a pivotal battle in Scottish history. Here, explore the visitors centre and walk the hallowed grounds, gaining insight into the Jacobite Uprising’s impact. Finish your day with a short drive to Boath House, a Georgian Mansion just outside the coastal village of Nairn, and your base for the night.
Overnight: Nairn | Boath House
Room Type: Grand, or equivalent (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing from the charming surroundings of Boath House, set your course for Lynbreck Croft, a sustainable Highland farm nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms. Here, amidst the rolling hills and heather-strewn landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a taste of authentic Scottish farm life on a 3 hour tour. Meet their teams of Highland cattle, rare breed pigs, hens and bees and learn about the work that they do for the croft to help regenerate their soils and land. Continue your scenic drive to St Andrews, renowned for its historic golf courses and medieval charm.
Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: Classic Double (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a round of golf on the Castle Course this morning, before setting off for your final destination on your Scottish adventure. Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral (which has been a working church for over 900 years) and Edinburgh Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. This evening, enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Old Town View (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Edinburgh a little more at your own pace today. Wind your way through the streets that inspired JK Rowling’s famous books, testing your wizarding knowledge as you visit Tom Riddle’s grave and the real-life Diagon Alley. After lunch enjoy some time exploring, perhaps nosing into some of the independent shops that jostle for space on the colourful streets. As the shadows lengthen, you may wish to head out this evening for a private tour of Edinburgh’s dark underbelly, discovering hidden streets, eerie dwellings and listening to spooky tales of both fact and fiction.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Old Town View (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed breakfast, and depending on your onward flight times, you may wish to spend some time visiting some of the city’s lovely shops and pottering through Princes Street Gardens, or perhaps visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a well-loved Skye terrier who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. Transfer to Edinburgh Airport and begin your journey over to The Emerald Isle to continue your adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The price of this trip is £4,195 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.
Please see our booking terms here.