V3 - Scottish Highlights & Explorations
Thursday 16th May – Saturday 25th May 2024
Thursday 16th May – Saturday 25th May 2024
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. You are more than welcome to enjoy breakfast at the hotel and freshen up in your room after your flight. Then meet a local expert guide, who will take you on a walking tour to visit some of the famous historic attractions. Wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture and your private guide will give you a real personal insight into the history and character of this amazing city. After enjoying lunch in a local pub your main guide will arrive and this afternoon, you will head out with your guide to hike Arthur’s Seat – which offers panoramic vistas of the city and across the Firth of Forth.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It is time to leave the bright lights of the city and head off on your Highland adventure towards the mystic valley of Glencoe. Here the jagged peaks rise up from the valley floor and then road twists and turns underneath them. Stop off as you see fit to enjoy a hike into the very heart of this incredible landscape and breathe in the crisp Highland air. Before arriving at your castle hotel, you’ll head to a local walkers tavern to meet a local storyteller – sit back with a wee dram and let yourself be transported back in time as the tales of myths and legends handed down from generations wash over you. The perfect way to start your time in the Highlands
Overnight: Fort William | Inverlochy
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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. Another option would be to head to Glen Nevis in the shadow of the UKs highest mountain and perhaps enjoy a hike to an impressive waterfall that falls gracefully from the peaks above.
Your guide will discuss all options with you so that the day is tailored to suit you.
Overnight: Fort Willam | Inverlochy Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Set out to explore the beautiful waters of the Sound of Arisaig in sea kayaks this morning, with a private instructor to help you make the most of the gorgeous location. Keep your eyes open for the local seal colony and the incredible turquoise colours which the sea creates as it gently laps around tiny islands and white sandy beaches. A truly special experience, this is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
This afternoon. head across the sea to the Misty Isle and make your way to the pretty town of Portree and your base for the next two nights
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade hotel
Room Type: Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, there are lots of options for you to choose from, perhaps visit a local weaver who make their fabrics by pedal power, maybe meet a local ghillie to go foraging for some tasty treats on the shoreline and make some delicious tasting nettle tea.
End your day with a private sunset cruise around Portree harbour accompanied with some champagne and canapés – the perfect way to end your time on Skye.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Leaving the fabled island behind you will set off this morning to another legend of Scotland – Loch Ness.
With stunning views of the loch and the surrounding mountains, you will enjoy an incredible cycling experience as you cycle part of the historic Great Glen Way, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area. After an exhilarating morning on two wheels you’ll head north to explore the emotive battlefield of Culloden and the ancient buriel chambers of Clava Cairns before arriving at your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Nairn | Boath House
Room Type: Grand Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike over the hills of Glenlivet to the private home and kitchen of a charismatic and well-travelled ‘food anthropologist’ who delights in sharing her findings and skills with others. Set in an idyllic and remote location you will discover a colourful and well-stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the hills. This house actually used to be a whisky smuggler’s den, so you are in the perfect place to enjoy a cookery workshop specifically designed to pair whisky and food on a unique flavour journey. Discover worldly flavours as well as some local and wild foraged produce.
Overnight: Braemar | Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a morning of hiking and exploring the mountains and rivers of beautiful Deeside area with your guide, who will tailor the time to your preference. Maybe explore the woodland trails and pyramids of the beautiful Balmoral Estate, the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852.
After lunch, you’ll enjoy a private tour of the Royal Lochnagar distillery that was given the royal warrant in 1848 following a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head south back to Edinburgh today via the historic city of St Andrews. Explore the streets and the Cathedral and perhaps wacth some of the golfer tee off on the iconic Old Course. After enjoying lunch at the Old Course hotel, your guide will take you to back to Edinburgh and drop you off at your hotel for your final night in the city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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
Please see our booking terms here.