V3 - Final - Vincent Cirella - Edinburgh and Highland Perthshire

Day 1 - Friday 16^th August - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today, where you will be met by your private transfer to take you to your lovely accommodation to settle in. 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 | The Bonham
Room Type: Townhouse Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 17^th August - The Fringe Festival and the Tattoo

The streets of Edinburgh will be buzzing with energy due to the various festivals running this month and you will pass street performers and entertainment on every corner as you explore. Follow your curiosity through the twisting cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy the vibrant ambience. There will be a huge variety of different shows and concerts to choose from if you wish to catch a performance or simply enjoy watching the street performers entertain the crowds as you wander along.

Tonight, you will head to the castle itself to enjoy a pre show dinner before being escorted to your premier seat for the Royal Military Tattoo – a vibrant display of music and dancing which finishes with incredible fireworks that light up the castle for miles around.  A great way to end your time in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Townhouse Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 18^th August - Exploring Glasgow

Head across to the west of Scotland today to explore Scotland’s second city.  Enjoy the bustling city centre today, exploring the varied architecture of streets that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. Discover the historical influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh or set out to find the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city. Maybe spend a relaxed few hours exploring the magnificent halls and collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with your expert guide who will bring the city to life and take you off the beaten path to find hidden gems that are only known to the locals.  A fantastic day exploring a different part of Scotland’s history.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Townhouse Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 19^th August - The Home of Golf and onto Perthshire

Leaving the bright lights of Edinburgh behind you will head north to the rolling hills of Perthshire. Your first stop will be St Andrews, which famous for both its golf course and its university and today there may be the opportunity to play a round of golf on one of its many courses. If you don’t want to play golf then you can spend the day exploring the cobbled streets and walled gardens to really get a feel for the history of this seaside town. See where the Prince and Princess of Wales used to take their morning coffee, visit the cathedral and take a walk along the East Sands where the opening sequence of the famous film Chariots of Fire was filmed.

In the afternoon you’ll continue north to your impressive Castle hotel on the shores of a sparking loch where you can sit back and relax with a wee dram or a good book after your travel day.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Woodland Lodge Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 20^th August - Exploring Highland Perthshire

The rolling hills of Perthshire are home to some wonderful wildlife, immersive hikes and incredible whisky!  Spend the day with your guide getting off the beaten track and discovering the hidden gems that are only known to the locals.  From walks to dramatic waterfalls under towering Scot’s pines to ancient dwellings on stilts above the water – let your guide help you make the most of the day and get under the skin of this beautiful part of the country.

Back at your hotel in the late afternoon, sit back with a dram of golden liquid and let the tales of times gone by wash over you as a local storyteller weaves their magic about the myths and legends of this ancient land.  A perfect end to your time in Perthshire.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Woodland Lodge Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 21^st August - To Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

It is time to head off to your last destination this morning and the mountains and lochs of the UK’s first National Park. On the way you can stop off at Scone Palace – the crowning place of the Kings and Queens of Scotland and follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots who used to run through these halls as a child.

Tonight, spend time at your accommodation nestled on the shore of Loch Voil in the depths of the glen, where the award winning kitchen will tantalise your tastebuds with local produce and delicious delicacies.

Overnight: Balquhidder | Monachyle Mhor
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 22^nd August - Exploring The Trossachs

Today spend time exploring the grounds, foraging for the freshest produce you can find and hearing about the innovative ways the tasty treats are used in dishes on a daily basis. After an enjoyable morning, sample the flavours of your endeavours and tuck into a sensational lunch. This afternoon continue exploring the Trossachs with your guide. There are so many options of things to do that you will be spoilt for choice, your guide will make sure you make the most of of your day in this wonderful part of the world.

Overnight: Balquhidder | Monachyle Mhor
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 23^rd August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and whisk you to the airport in time for your onward flight, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your heart and a longing to return.

Meals Included: Breakfast