Scotland

Our day starts on a high note with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.

After our first Pub meal, in a cosy ancient building in the heart of the city we continue our day with a visit to the Tartan Weaving Mill, not far from the castle down the Royal Mile. The Tartan Weaving Mill is the only fully working commercial mill in the city and has one of the highest quality ranges of cashmere and lambswool products in Scotland . Here we will have the chance to watch tartan being woven on high speed powerlooms.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we leave Edinburgh to drive northeast into the beautiful district of Fife, our first excitement, especially for engineers is the Queensferry crossing and the view of three Forth bridges crossing the Firth estuary, truly a wonder of the modern world. On a clear day, we can stop to take some great photographs.

Then we sit back and enjoy the scenery of the small coastal resort towns on our way to 14th century Kellie castle where Medieval meets Victorian when it was saved from ruin Sir Robert Lorimer, famous artistic and eccentric architect! A local dairy here makes wonderful artisan cheeses! We travel through St Andrews and the Cairngorms National Park and stop to visit Blair Castle on the outskirts of Pitlochry, home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has a diverse history and has been adapted over 700 years to suit the needs of the family and style of the day. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists, and entrepreneurs, the family history is set against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture. Not to mention the splendid grounds where we will have the chance to see Hercules’ Garden and Diana’s Grove.

Tonight’s resting point will be in a splendid Inn in Inverness, and dinner in a local pub will be accompanied by traditional Scottish folk music.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head out to the burgh of Dufftown, ‘The Whisky Capital of the World’. Here, located along the River Fidddich we will have the chance to go for a walk and along the way visit a couple of local distillery and taste traditional Scottish malt whisky.

After lunch you will be able to enjoy a free afternoon to explore the charming city of Inverness.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch

The mysterious waters of Loch Ness are world famous. Legend has it that a serpentine beast, the Loch Ness Monster, lurks beneath its surface. As we explore the loch onboard a boat cruise and keep our eyes out for Nessie we will be surrounded by breath-taking scenery of the Highlands, mysterious castles and mighty waterfalls. We will have the chance to see and maybe explore the ruins of the historic Urguhart castle located on the shores of the lake.

This afternoon we will be making our way over to the Isle of Skye, to the town of Portree where we will be staying.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s time to take a hike. Today we head up to the north of Skye and will get the chance to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery yet.

A pleasant walk will take us up to see one of the most iconic images of Scotland: The Old man of Storr and its rugged rocks set against the backdrop of rolling green hills and the coastline of the Isle of Skye.

After a picnic lunch or pub meal, weather depending, we will head just so slightly further north and walk out to Brothers Point, and see the Kilt Rock and Mealt waterfalls, where water gushes off the cliffs and drops down into the sea far below.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Portree and the Isle of Skye behind us and make our way to Armadale, from where we will catch the ferry which will take us from Skye to Mallaig in the Western Highlands. Mallaig is a bustling fishing port and prides itself on its fresh seafood and traditionally smoked kippers.

From here after lunch we board the famous  Jacobite steam train, famous in the filmed Harry Potter series, and journey through the Scottish Highlands to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Time permitting we may also take a short walk to see Neptune’s Staircase Locks (8 total) on the Caledonian Canal, the longest in the U.K.!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start back on our way South, with our destination for the end of the day being Glasgow, a vibrant and bustling city.

On our way we stop to explore and take a walk on the edge of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs national park, the largest in Scotland. Defined by its sparkling lochs, rolling hills, pine and birch forests, crumpled hills and sleepy forests – a great and scenic day out.

In the afternoon we will arrive in Glasgow where we will be staying for the next two nights.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, a vibrant and ancient city with lots to offer.

This morning we will have the chance to go on a walking tour of the city centre discovering everything we can about its history and culture. Once you have had the chance to get yourselves oriented you will be free to enjoy the rest of your day exploring the city at your own pace. Glasgow truly has something to offer for every taste.

We will meet again in the evening to enjoy our final dinner together accompanied by some local music.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

9.00 Departure from our hotel in Glasgow for the airport.

If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to your required destination.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast