Trufflepig - The Grady Family escape to Scotland
Sunday 9th June – Monday 17th June 2024
Number of Travellers: 5
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Sunday 9th June – Monday 17th June 2024
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a private transfer driver and taken to your city centre hotel to drop your luggage. After freshening up, you will meet your local city guide to explore the highlights of the city. Discover the stories tied in with the varied architecture of streets that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. See the influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh and admire the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city. Your guide will drop you back to your hotel in the afternoon and the evening is free to relax, ready for your Highland adventure to start tomorrow.
Overnight: Glasgow | Moxy Merchant City
Room Type: 2 x Sleeper Doubles with Sofa Beds
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your main guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and will guide you through the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges 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 will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x Two Bedroom Suite and 1 x One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today 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. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.
You may wish to stop at the historic the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct.
Board the afternoon ferry to the Misty Isle where you will stop off at a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting of the famous Uisege Beatha before continuing onto your accommodation in the pretty town of Portree this evening.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Room Type: 2 x Superior Doubles and 1 x Cosy Double for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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.
Before returning to your hotel for the night, you will visit a local weaver that creates their beautiful fabric with the help of pedal power! Meet the brains behind this unique way of weaving and hear the story of their journey to where they are today.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Room Type: 2 x Superior Doubles and 1 x Cosy Double for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It is time to leave the fabled isle behind and head back to the mainland. Crossing over the sweeping arc of the Skye Bridge, you can stop off to visit Eilean Donan Castle – probably the most photographed castle in the whole country!
Continuing on your journey through the ever changing landscape and you’ll arrive at the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness where you can board a boat to scour the water for traces of the fabled monster. Perhaps you’ll see a swish of a tail as she dives into the deep, or a pair of eyes looking up at you from just below the water line. Back on dry land you’ll head north, stopping to see the loch from a different angle from the most besieged castle in Scotland before arriving at your hotel just outside the capital of the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Classic Single and 2 x Classic Double rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The Battle of Culloden – the bloodiest battle the country had ever seen and the end of the Jacobite uprising that changed the course of life in Scotland as we know it. Spend the morning exploring the windswept moor where Bonny Prince Charlie’s men lost their lives in just 45 minutes on that fateful April day in 1746. Your guide will tell tales of uprising and how the Prince escaped as you walk past memorials to the clans that lost their lives defending their beloved country.
After an emotive morning, the afternoon takes a different pace. For the golfer lovers in the party there is the option to play a round of golf at one of the famous north coast courses while the rest of the party enjoy a walk on the beach, perhaps a visit to Clava Cairns – the remains of a prehistoric cemetery or head into the city to take a walk along the River Ness looking for wildlife. A great day for all exploring this part of Northern Scotland.
Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Classic Single and 2 x Classic Double rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It is time to depart the Highlands of Scotland and set forth to your final destination – the bright lights of Edinburgh. On your journey south you will stop off to visit Stirling Castle – one of the most important castles in Scotland. Walk through the hallways and corridors following in the footsteps of the Kings and Queens of the past, meander through the tranquility of the Queen Anne Garden and visit the Great Kitchen where the team are busy preparing for the Royal Banquet!
Your guide will drop you off at your city centre accommodation in the late afternoon, where you can then set out to start exploring or simply relax and reflect on your recent adventures in the Highlands.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Executive Double and 1 x Two Bedroom Apartment
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.
You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer before venturing out perhaps for some food or drink on your last night on Scottish soil.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Executive Double and 1 x Two Bedroom Apartment
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will take you to the airport today in time for your onward connection, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your hearts and a longing to return.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Sunday 9th June – Monday 17th June 2024