Day by day itinerary. We have highlighted the main points of your journey on the map below.

Transcription

1 The Highlands & Islands Sample Itinerary 2017

2 The Highlands and Islands of Scotland The Highlands and Islands of Scotland have much to offer everyone; from families in search of adventure, to history enthusiasts exploring ancient castles and ancestral heritage. Golfers can practice their swing on some of the world's finest golf courses, and of course there are a few fine whisky distilleries to explore. The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

3 We have highlighted the main points of your journey on the map below. The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

4 Day 1 Arrival to Edinburgh, afternoon touring with a visit to Edinburgh Castle Welcome to Scotland! Make your way through security to meet you private driver, who will be waiting for you in arrivals holding a name board. He will then transfer you from the airport to the G&V Hotel. The G&V Hotel This boutique hotel has a prime location on the corner of George IV Bridge & the Royal Mile, just steps from Edinburgh Castle. The rooms have been decorated in a bold & beautiful design, with splashes of colour brightening up the rooms. Soak up the scenic city views (including exceptional panoramas of the castle) from your bedroom window! Morning at leisure to relax and unpack 2.00pm This afternoon, your local guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel and take you on a walking tour of the city, to include the Old Town, the historic Royal Mile and ending at Edinburgh Castle. Old Town Edinburgh's Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, all amazingly well preserved and steeped in the city's history. At its centre is the Royal Mile, a remarkable street of Reformation-era tenement buildings leading from the seat of Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock down to the grandiose Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile The Royal Mile is probably the oldest street in Edinburgh, connecting Edinburgh Castle in the west with Palace of Holyroodhouse in the east. The street now houses an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions including the narrow 15th century house owned by John Knox, the Real Mary King's Close, St Giles' Cathedral and the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament building. Edinburgh Castle This instantly recognisable fortress dominates Scotland's capital and gives stunning views of the city and the countryside. Housed inside the castle are the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland which are even older than their counterparts in London! The oldest building in the castle is St Margaret's Chapel that dates back to the 12th century. Listen out for the One O'Clock Gun that is fired every day except for Sunday; apparently it can be heard two miles away in Leith Harbour! 5.30pm After the tour, your guide will help you back to your hotel and will then depart. Evening at leisure we would suggest dining at The Witchery at the Castle O/N at the G&V Hotel A: 1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD T: +44 (0) The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

5 Day am Visit to Royal Yacht Britannia This morning, your private driver will meet you in the lobby the G&V to transfer you to the Royal Yacht Britannia. A Private Morning Tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia A red carpet awaits as you come on board via the Royal Brow, an entrance previously reserved for The Queen and the Royal Family. Your specialist guide will meet you to give you a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. The Royal Yacht Britannia served Queen and country for forty four years on 968 official voyages, from the remotest regions of the South Seas to the deepest depths of Antarctica. After your tour enjoy fresh coffee, specialty teas and a selection of freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam as you enjoy the stunning waterfront views. After your tour your private driver will transfer you back to the city centre. 1.00pm Lunch at leisure we would suggest Centotre Afternoon at leisure to hike up Arthurs Seat for amazing views over the city! Balance of afternoon and evening at leisure. O/N at the G&V Hotel The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

6 Day am Day tour through the Cairngorms up into the Highlands Check out of the G&V and depart with your private driver-guide for your visit to Scone Palace A visit to Scone Palace Scottish Kings throughout history were once crowned on the stone of Scone in the Palace. The Stone of Destiny, as it is known, has however since been moved to Edinburgh Castle. The legacy of the former Kings and Queens is still very much apparent at Scone with the Palace brimming with fine furniture, paintings and pottery that the monarchs collected over the centuries; there is even a bedhanging made by Mary, Queen of Scots whilst she was imprisoned on Loch Leven. Venture into the gardens to try out the tartan beech tree maze in the shape of the Heraldic Murray Star. Depart with your private driver-guide for lunch at leisure. 1.30pm Stop for Lunch at leisure in the quaint town of Pitlochry - we would suggest The Moulin Hotel. Make sure to see the famous Salmon Ladder as well! After your lunch depart from Pitlochry for Balmoral Castle, driving through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park Cairngorms National Park Britain's highest and most massive mountain range, its biggest and best ancient forests, vast moorlands, fields and villages, rivers and lochs, red squirrels, reindeer, ospreys, eagles, wildcats in the woods... Nowhere else in Britain has the range of landscapes all in one place that the Cairngorms has; it is a unique part of Scotland celebrated for its diversity. There are traces of people who were here 7,000 years ago, and amazingly, you can still see the remains from prehistoric, Celtic and Pictish times. The archaeological record and Gaelic place names illuminate the history of the relationship between people and place in the Cairngorms. A visit to Balmoral Castle Once a private getaway for Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle is still a yearly retreat for the Royal Family. Queen Victoria described this place as a dear paradise. The castle is surrounded Caledonian Forest, which was created at the end of the last Ice Age. After your visit, your private driver-guide will transfer you to your next hotel, The Boath House, for check in. The Boath House This luxurious country house hotel is family run, with care and attention showing in everything the family do! The hotel is renowned for its Michelin starred food and all the bedrooms are differently designed with views over the lake and walled gardens. The Boath House A: Auldearn, Nairn, IV12 5TE T: +44 (0) The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

7 Day 4 Full day tour exploring the Highlands & Speyside Whisky Trail This morning depart from The Boath House with your private driver-guide for a full day tour Enjoy the Speyside Whisky Trail Whisky distilleries were founded in an environment rich in the highest quality ingredients: pure, clear spring water and abundant supplies of fragrant golden barley. On the whisky trail of Speyside, you'll find more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. Each whisky distillery on the distillery tour follows its own traditions, lore and recipes for everything from malting the barley to the height and size of its stills. The unique characteristics of each Speyside whisky distillery result in delightful, hand-crafted whisky from each one. Follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside to some of the working distilleries - from Benromach to Dallas Dhu, a perfect time capsule of whisky-making; from Glen Moray to Strathisla, home and heart of Chivas Regal; from the Glen Grant distillery to the Speyside Cooperage where real coopers work with incredible speed and skill; from Glenfiddich to The Glenlivet and the Cardhu distillery, Scotland's whisky trail signposts lead you through the picturesque lush countryside of Speyside, the world's favourite malt whisky region. Lunch at leisure A private tour of Ballindalloch Castle & distillery Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Scotland. It is first and foremost a much loved family home and has been lived in continuously by its original family, the Macpherson-Grants since Known as the 'Pearl of the North' it is a warm and welcoming castle set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey Valley. The Castle is filled with family memorabilia and houses a fine collection of 17 th century Spanish paintings built up by Sir John Macpherson-Grant in A sunset cruise on Loch Ness There is no better way to see the beautiful and mystic Loch Ness than by boat. On board the cruise you will be treated to the best Highland hospitality whilst the knowledgeable local guides take you to both the popular and the more remote destinations around the lake. It is the perfect opportunity to hear all the folklore myths and tales that have surrounded Loch Ness for so many years. Evening at leisure we would suggest dining in The Boath House this evening. O/N at the Boath House The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

8 Day am 12.30pm Day tour en route to Inverlochy Castle This morning your private driver-guide will transfer you to Fort William (your journey is approximately 2.5 hours) Lunch at leisure - we would suggest The Lime Tree Enjoy first class seats on the Jacobite Steam Train Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The train stops en route at Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer s day, you can see the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films Highlander and Local Hero. After your train journey your private driver-guide will transfer you to your hotel, Inverlochy Castle Inverlochy Castle Surrounded by the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland is Inverlochy Castle. This hotel with its tremendous restaurant and elegant rooms, each individually designed, is the perfect place to rest your head for a couple of nights. Dinner at Albert & Micheal Roux JR, Inverlochy Castle O/N at Inverlochy Castle A: Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN T: +44 (0) The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

9 Day 6 Day trip to Isle of Skye After a relaxing evening at Inverlochy Castle, depart with your private driver-guide for the Isle of Skye stopping en route at Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan Castle This fortified structure was completed in the early 13 th century and takes up most of the island. Walk across the bridge and step inside this medieval castle. Visit the banqueting hall to see restoration examples along with many artefacts including pistols and cannonballs. It is possible to get married in the Great Hall. 1.00pm Drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye and enjoy lunch at Kinloch lodge before exploring the Island! A visit to the Isle of Skye The Island of Skye is one of Scotland s well-known islands, famous for its breathtaking scenery and landscapes. The Island has a rich history here you can discover Dinosaur Fossils, Clan Warfare, history of the Highland Clearances and the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion. Both Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod have their Clan Castles on the Island too. The dominant scenic feature of Skye is the Black Cuillin Mountains. Skye is a world class destination for walkers and climbers, and there are many great walks on Skye to be enjoyed. Our favourite being a walk to the foot of the mountains to a magical location known locally as the Fairy Pools. Hike alongside a crystal clear stream with lots of tumbling waterfalls before eventually reaching the pools, which boast an enchanting underwater arch, as well as spectacular mountain and sea views. After your tour you will catch the ferry back to Mallaig and your private driver-guide will then transfer you back to Inverlochy Castle. O/N at Inverlochy Castle The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

10 Day 7 Tour of Isle of Colonsay Depart with your private driver-guide for the island of Colonsay, stopping en route at the beautiful Glencoe for photo opportunities! Glencoe Magical Glencoe combines world-famous scenery with history and is one of the highlights of any trip to Scotland. The region boasts a great collection of high mountain peaks, ridges, rushing rivers and waterfalls which altogether create a magical and mystical land that offers a unique range of activities and plenty of space to roam free. On arrival to Oban, your private charter will be waiting for you and will then transfer you and your guide to Colonsay. Your boat will be a 12-metre Redbay RIB with a full cabin. Arrival into Colonsay. You will be met by a transfer from the hotel and taken to The Isle of Colonsay Hotel for check in and late lunch at leisure. Afternoon to explore Colonsay with your guide Not as exposed to the elements as say, Coll or Tiree, Colonsay's craggy, heather-backed hills support a bewildering array of plant and birdlife, wild goats and rabbits, and one of the finest quasi-tropical gardens in Scotland. To the north of Colonsay House, where the road ends, lies the island's finest sandy beach, the breathtaking Kiloran Bay. There's another unspoilt sandy beach backed by dunes at Balnahard, 2 miles north east along a rough track. En route, you might spot wild goats, choughs, and even a golden eagle. The island's west coast forms a sharp escarpment, quite at odds with the gentle undulating landscape that characterizes the rest of the island. Due west of Colonsay House around Beinn Bhreac (456 ft), the cliffs are at their most spectacular and in their lower reaches provide a home to hundreds of seabirds, among them kittiwakes, cormorants and guillemots in spring and early summer. The Isle of Colonsay Hotel The Colonsay Hotel was built in 1750 as an inn for the local population and for the convenience of travellers using the small inter-island ferries. It is situated about 400 metres from the pier, with magnificent views across to Jura, Scarba and the Corrievreckan whirlpool. O/N at the Isle of Colonsay Hotel A: Isle of Colonsay, PA61 7YP T: +44 (0) The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

11 Day 8 Tour of Iona and Staffa This morning, you and your guide will be transferred to the harbour for your full day private charter boat to Iona and Staffa. Your boat will be a 12-metre Redbay RIB with a full cabin. Staffa The approach to Staffa (pillar island) by sea is breathtaking; great basalt columns flanking the deep caves which have inspired so much praise. If you are fortunate with weather conditions you will be able to land and explore the natural wonders of Fingal s Cave where the columns are intricately curved and distorted. Since all the caves face south east (with the exception of Clamshell which faces due east) they are best seen by morning light. During spring and early summer, the cliffs and grassy slopes provide nesting sites for various seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Iona Iona is a tiny island only three and a half miles long by one and a half across. Low craggy hills overlook the narrow sandy beaches and small coves of the east coast. In the north and west the beaches are of dazzling shell sand, and the waves that break on them have a purity of colour unique to the Hebrides. The broad western beaches of Iona are backed by machair lands of rich pasture, another feature of the isles further to the west. In the south the coastline is more rugged. At one point a fault in the cliffs shoots a spout of water hundred feet into the air if conditions are rough. At the southernmost tip of the island is the rocky inlet where St. Columba disembarked from his coracle. After your visit to Iona you will be transferred back to your Hotel O/N The Isle of Colonsay Hotel The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary

12 Day 9 Day trip with your private driver-guide through Loch Lomond on your way back to Edinburgh. Your private RIB is on hand to transfer you back to Oban, from the mainland your private driver-guide will pick up his car and transfer you to Loch Lomond. (Your journey is approx. 2 hours) Loch Lomond Loch Lomond is 24 miles long, five miles wide and at the deepest point is some 600 feet deep. Surrounding the loch is the National Park of Trossachs which is an area is renowned for its natural beauty and snow-capped mountains. Loch Lomond has something for everyone whether it be outdoor activities (on and off land) or simply enjoying the tranquility and picture postcard views that appear around every corner. Lunch at Cameron House After your lunch your private driver-guide will transfer you back to Edinburgh (your journey is approx. 2 hours) Afternoon at leisure O/N at The G&V Day 10 TBC Transfer to the airport for your onward travel Your private driver is on hand to transfer you from the G&V to Edinburgh Airport, in good time for your onward flight. LIFE IS IN THE DETAIL The Highlands and Islands Sample Itinerary