Winrow's Scottish Adventure

Walt & Christine Winrow

Sunday 22nd September – Sunday 6th October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 22nd September - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 23rd September - Free day to Explore Edinburgh

Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; walk the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture, as you explore deeper into this amazing city you will uncover it’s wonderful history and character.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 24th September - Guided Morning & Castle

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.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 25th September - A Food Tour of Edinburgh

After a relaxed breakfast, head out to meet an expert Edinburgh guide and enjoy a foodie walking tour of the city. Very accessible on foot, the capital brims with locally sourced culinary delights. As you stroll down cobblestone streets, chat with your guide about the intriguing history of the city, delving deep into the Scottish larder.

This afternoon is free to continue exploring, or just head back to your hotel to rest and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 26th September - Fly to Orkney & The Italian Chapel

This morning a private transfer will take you to the airport in time for your flight to Orkney.  On arrival in Orkney you will meet your main guide/driver for the remainder of your Scotland trip and together you will visit the Italian Chapel as you slowly make your way to your hotel.  This unique chapel is two Nissan huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war.

Continue on to your hotel and settle in for the evening and discuss the next few days plans with your guide.

Overnight: Kirkwall | The Lynnfield
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 27th September - Skara Brae & Walk to Birsay via Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Skara Brae is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and probably the best known of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. An early start this morning will ensure that you get a chance to immerse yourself in this fascinating site while it is still quiet. You will then head north along the coastline along cliffs which are home to a multitude of seabirds and thousands of years of history in the form of archaeological sites. You can continue all the way to the rocky Point of Buckquoy. If the tides are in your favour you may be able to cross the tidal causeway to explore the Norse settlement on the tiny isle of the Brough of Birsay.

Overnight: Kirkwall | The Lynnfield
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 28th September - The Ring Of Brodgar & Stromness Coastal Hike

Take some time today to explore the characterful town of Stromness, full of narrow alleys and always with the character of the sea permeating the air. You can also choose to explore the short loop from town around the tops of impressive cliffs back to Warebeth Beach. Early afternoon you will head to the incredible massive stone circle that is the Ring Of Brodgar and take a tour with a Ranger from the National Trust. Theories still abound about the purpose of this site, hear all the evidence and decide for yourself if it was a ritual site, a giant astronomical observatory or something completely different.

Overnight: Kirkwall | The Lynnfield
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 29th September - Inverness & Historic Culloden

This morning catch the ferry back to the mainland with your guide.

As you make your way to your next hotel, you will stop and explore the historic Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746.  Here you will take a tour of the battlefield and visitor centre before heading to the site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns.  This site is exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland dating back over 4,000 years.

Head to your hotel to rest and relax this evening, perhaps enjoy a warming dram in the cosy library bar.

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 30th September - Wildlife Rib & Exploring

This morning head over to the beautiful Black Isle to enjoy an exhilarating Rib boat trip, in search of the local wildlife.  Seals and seabirds are almost guaranteed, but you may be lucky enough to catch a sighting of a friendly dolphin!

After your wonderful Rib boat experience perhaps head back to Inverness to discover the capital of the Highlands, with its lovely eateries, unique book shop and incredible history it is worth taking some time to explore.  If you don’t want to head back the city just yet, perhaps explore the small costal villages en-route and take a short walk to the lovely fairy glen falls.

Head back to your hotel this evening to rest and relax.

 

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 1st October - Transfer to Skye

Today you will make your way to the iconic Isle of Skye.  Enjoy the incredible scenery that passes by as you get closer to the Isle, perhaps stop for a short walk to stretch your legs.

Your evening is free to explore the surrounding area of your lovely hotel and the village of Portree.  Perhaps head down to the harbour to take pictures of the iconic colourful buildings that line the shorefront, or enjoy exploring the lovely art and craft shops that are dotted throughout the village.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 2nd October - Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye

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.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Thursday 3rd October - Waternish Peninsula & Dunvegan Castle

The unique corner of Waternish peninsula is a real hidden gem on the isle of Skye.  This morning head to a local farm on the headland with incredible views over the water.  Meet the couple who still run the farm today and discover how they combine modern farming and conservation, while enjoying a warming tea or coffee and a delicious slice of cake from a local bakery.

As you make your way back to Portree you will stop at Dunvegan Castle, the only castle to have been occupied by the same family, the Macleod clan for 800 years.  Learn it’s legends and history as you wander around the beautiful surrounding gardens.  Depending on the time you may want to enjoy a short hike or a short boat ride to see the local friendly seal colony (weather & availability permitting).

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Friday 4th October - Road to the Isles

Today you’ll leave the iconic Isle of Skye and take the ferry back to the mainland.  As you make your way to Fort William you will 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 will stop at iconic Arisaig and enjoy an afternoon sea kayaking on the incredibly calm, clear blue waters.  If you strike it lucky with the weather you might not believe you are in the north west of Scotland but rather a Caribbean beach!  As you glide along the costal bays keep a look out for the friendly seals and local seabirds.

Head back to your lovely hotel for the evening to relax and reminisce about your incredible day.

Overnight: Fort William | The Garrison Hotel
Room Type: Garrison Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Saturday 5th October - Explore Glencoe

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe 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 hiking options to suit every level of energy and challenge, your guide will help you decide which options are best for you.

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.  Head back to your hotel for the evening, taking with you a small part of the history and legends of this mysterious place.

Overnight: Fort William | The Garrison Hotel
Room Type: Garrison Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Sunday 6th October - Depart

Your guide will take you to the airport to make your onward connection to London. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 16 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 5 to Day 15 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Entry Fee – Edinburgh Castle
    • Half day food tour – Edinburgh
    • Entry Fee – Italian Chapel
    • Entry Fee – Skara Brae & Skaill House
    • Private Tour – Culloden Battlefield
    • Rib Experience
    • Local Farm visit & Conservation presentation
    • Entry Fee – Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
    • Half Day Private Sea Kayaking in Arisaig (weather permitting)
    • Story teller – Glencoe
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Internal & International Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.