Vincent Cirella - Edinburgh and Highland Perthshire

Day 1 - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today 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 | The Bonham
Room Type: Townhouse Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - 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 - North to Gleneagles

Spend one last morning exploring the streets of Edinburgh before a private transfer arrives to take you to the Glorious Playground of Gleneagles.  On arrival, drop your luggage and the rest of the day is free to explore – perhaps play a round of golf, indulge in a spa treatment or simply enjoy the opulent surroundings with a good book and a cup of tea!  The choice is yours.

Overnight: Perthshire | Gleneagles
Room Type: Country Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Golf and Outdoor Pursuits

From Golf to Gun dogs, Clay shooting to Cycling or Fishing to Falconry, there are so many options here that you are going to be spoilt for choice.  Enjoy doing what makes your heart sing in this incredible landscape and make the most of the wonderful location and opulent surroundings

Overnight: Perthshire | Gleneagles
Room Type: Country Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - The Home of Golf

This morning your guide for the rest of the trip will meet you at your accommodation and you’ll head east for the day.  St Andrews is 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 your guide can take you on a gentle hike along the Fife Coastal Path to see the Rock and Spindle, a spectacular natural eroded volcanic plug, that is of similar formation to the rock that Edinburgh Castle is built on. The views from here are stunning so keep your eyes peeled for all of the local wildlife.  Or 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.  Your guide will make sure you make the most of the day before you return to Gleneagles for the night.

Overnight: Perthshire | Gleneagles
Room Type: Country Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Deep Trenches and Dark pasts

The time has come to transfer to your final destination, but first an incredible experience awaits as you climb into the driving seat of the iconic Land Rover Defender and head off road to test your driving skills.  Negotiate deep trenches, steep hills and challenging descents under the watchful eye of an expert instructor in the wilderness before returning safely to your awaiting guide.  From here you will head for a well deserved lunch before enjoying an afternoon exploring 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, your accommodation is a luxurious castle overlooking a glistening loch which will gentle lap you off to sleep after a busy day

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

Day 7 - 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 Scotland

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

Day 8 - 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