The Best of Scotland - Highlights & Hidden Gems
Tan
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
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
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.
Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pick up your hire car this morning and head out of the bustling city into the rolling hills of Perthshire. Stop en route at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles, where you’ll wander through the royal apartments and learn of pivotal battles that shaped Scotland’s history.
As the busy city fades into the distance you will make your way into ancient pine forests and hills shrouded in mysterious mists, this area truly encapsulates traditional Scottish countryside. Arriving at your luxurious Castle hotel you are free to rest and relax for the evening or perhaps head out and explore the quaint villages that are dotted around the area.
Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in Perthshire today as you visit Blair Castle, which has been home to the Atholl Family for over seven centuries. Discover the tales of these turrets and surrounding estate as you explore this lovely Castle and Gardens.
This afternoon delight in the mellow and smooth finish of an iconic Scottish single malt. Learn about the unique journey from grain to glass as you enjoy a private tour of this unique distillery nestled in one of the most scenic regions of Scotland.
Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your way into the heart of the Highlands today. There are so many places en-route to stop and discover, with incredible vistas around every corner. Your first stop is at one Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, nestled in a remote village between two mountain ranges, this distillery boasts some of Scotland’s smoothest whiskies despite being located in one of the coldest areas in the UK.
If you are still feeling energetic, why not stop off at the highland village of Aviemore, where there are plenty of hidden walks to explore. Arrive at your luxurious hotel in the capital of the Highlands, where you can settle in and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Historic Culloden is your destination today, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a private tour of the battlefield and the 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.
Your afternoon is free to explore the area or just relax at your hotel with a warming dram.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your guide this morning and together enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today, passing the deep waters of Loch Ness and through steep sided mountain glens on the way. If time allows, enjoy a scenic cruise on these fabled waters. As you continue onwards stop to explore the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Pass over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your lovely hotel which enjoys views over the harbour town of Portree.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Seaview
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.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend the day exploring the Western side of the island, from jagged peaks to glittering pools and waterfalls to towering sea cliffs there is so much to explore and your guide will be with you to help tailor the day to your preferences.
After a wonderful morning exploring the island, you will end the day at the ancestral home of the Macleods, who have owned this castle for over 700 years. Spend some time exploring the beautiful gardens of Dunvegan Castle hearing stories of the myths and legends, the history and battles that all made their mark on this small part of Skye before returning to your hotel in the early evening.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Deluxe Seaview
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After taking the short ferry back to the mainland 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. This takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Stop to hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way along the tracks. Depending on your inclination you can stop for a short hike on the beautiful silver sands of Arisaig and admire the views back to Skye and out to the small isles. Then pass through Fort William and head further down the coast to your unique hotel which enjoys striking views of Glencoe.
Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Feature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and will take 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.
Your guide will bid you farewell this evening, leaving you to continue your journey.
Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will make your way back to the city of Edinburgh. There are plenty of stops on the way to enjoy before you arrive. Perhaps stop at one of the villages that line lovely Loch Tay and enjoy a warming coffee as you watch the world go by, enjoying the scenery for one last time.
Perhaps make a stop at the Kelpies, giant metal sculptures of horse heads which represent water spirits of Scottish folklore, and the impressive Falkirk Wheel. This massive structure is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift used to move boats up and down from one section of the canal to another.
Drop your hire car off as you return to the city and take a local taxi into your luxury city centre hotel.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 head to Princess Street, the shopping centre of the Capital.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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