Sunday 4th May – Sunday 11th May 2025
v1 – 11th Feb 2025
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 as you wander 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 your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel this morning and together you head north. Stop to explore 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!
This afternoon 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 before continuing onwards to your opulent Castle hotel.
Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Step aboard a local train to experience one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. You will understand why as you make your way from Ben Nevis through glorious mountain scenes and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct all the way to the rugged west coast.
On arrival at Mallaig you will be met by your guide and can enjoy making your way back to Fort William being able to stop where you wish. Hike on the beautiful white sand beaches of Arisaig looking out to the ‘Small Isles’ and hear the tales of Jacobite rebellions in the area as you go.
Note – You could choose to return by train as well, but being able to stop and explore along the route while you hear the guide’s tales of the local area is quite special.
Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Explore the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in Scotland this morning. Walk along the dramatic gorge with your guide to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!
Your destination this afternoon is Inverness but on the way stop to visit the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, situated on the shores of secretive Loch Ness. This was once one of Scotland’s largest castles which, due to its strategic position, played a key role during the Wars of Independence.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Cocoon Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you have a full day of hiking with your qualified hiking guide in the Cairngorm mountains (a short drive away). There are many different options to choose from and your guide will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and what you want to explore.
This mountain range boasts 5 out of 6 of the highest peaks in the UK, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens. Your guide will discuss the best options to suit your energy levels, the weather and your preferred level of challenge!
Option – You can choose to do a slightly shorter hike and save time to visit atmospheric Culloden Battlefield on the way back to your hotel.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Cocoon Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will travel around Speyside with your guide on a journey through the history of Scottish whisky, discovering just why Speyside whiskys are known around the world. Beginning the day with the chance to observe the ancient art of coopering, which is the skilled art of creating the all-important barrels that spirits rest in.
With Whisky on the mind it will then be time to follow in the footsteps on the Whisky Smugglers Trail, through the hidden glens of Speyside. After your hike through the Whisky country it seems only right that you quench your thirst with a tasting of the local produce with a tour and tasting in one of the characterful Speyside distilleries. The perfect way to round off your day’s exploration before your guide returns you to your hotel and departs.
Note: An alternative for today would be to play one of the superb local golf courses, pricing variation would depend on course selection.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Cocoon Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Inverness 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
The price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients rooming as per the itinerary, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
Sunday 4th May – Sunday 11th May 2025