An Outdoor Adventure Specially designed by Dream Escape 2016 Page 1 of 7
This five-night adventure through the north of Britain is perfect for families seeking adventure and excitement. From searching for the Loch Ness monster and the elusive Highland deer to learning how to handle a falcon or a fishing rod, their journey through Scotland s scenery is guaranteed to be exhilarating. To complement impeccable accommodation, a wealth of memorable and exclusive experiences have been proposed, with a unique finale in the north of England as family members must band together to face a terrible dragon. Day One: Arrival Inverness Airport Our expert local chauffeur-guide will be waiting to welcome you at Inverness Airport. Under a wide arc of sky, the Scottish Highlands encompass snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, secluded valleys and rugged expanses of coastline. Many of the stock images of Scottish culture clans, tartan, whisky and bagpipes to name a few originated in the Highlands and thus the region provides a wealth of interests. Inverness, which lies on the banks of the River Ness, is nicknamed the Highland Capital. Depsite being the largest city in the north, it is more like a town in atmosphere. The red sandstone exterior of Inverness castle perched above the city centre, keeps a watchful eye over the region. Through the centre of the city flows the River Ness; in the summer it is typical to see fishermen fishing for salmon along its banks. The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor centre lies a stone s throw away from the river. Here, one can gain insight into how world-renowned tartans are produced and how the Scottish national dress the kilt is crafted. Your accommodation for two nights is a 4-star property located in the centre of Inverness. Family is the cornerstone of the Highland Capital s leading hotel, and they remain committed to offering luxurious rooms, impeccable dining and old-fashioned Scottish hospitality to all their guests. Page 2 of 7
Day Two: Loch Ness Travel to the shores of Scotland s most famous stretch of water Loch Ness. An impressive 23 miles in length, a mile in width and 750ft deep, it is Europe s largest natural body of fresh water by volume and third by depth. There can be no better way to see the water than from aboard a luxury motor cruiser which, with a capacity for just six guests, would be reserved exclusively. Sumptuous platters of Scottish delicacies are served as you sit back and admire the spectacular scenery, including impressive Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13 th century. Once one of Scotland s mightiest strongholds, it is now nothing more than atmospheric ruins overlooking dark waters. Maybe during your trip, you may catch a glimpse of one of the loch s elusive residents; a kelpie (water horse) that populates Scotland s folklore or the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Local legend has it that she lives in the caves below Urquhart Castle. Other highlights include: Cawdor Castle and Gardens best known for its role in Shakespeare s Macbeth, the castle s most unique feature is perhaps the living holly tree it was built around. The grounds are also well worth exploring. The Clava Cairns The Neolithic burial site and standing stones are one of Scotland s most evocative sacred prehistoric sights, believed to be around 4000 years old. The site was the inspiration for the Craig na Dun stone circle through which Clare Randall travels back in time in Diana Gabaldon s Outlander series. Culloden Battlefield - The moving site of the infamous 1746 battle where, in less than 60 minutes, the Jacobites of Scotland lost to the armies of the British throne. Fort George - Built by George II to try and discourage further uprisings and unrest by the Jacobites. It was the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe. The Royal Burgh of Elgin - The birthplace of Johnston s of Elgin, creators of exquisite woollen and cashmere cloth since 1797, and the beautiful ruins of Elgin Cathedral. Speyside A region home to more than half of our working malt whisky distilleries (84 in total), including some of the world s best-sellers. Leault Sheep Farm bottle feed the lambs, watch up to eight dogs working as a team as they manoeuver a flock through various obstacles, meet the puppies or help shear a sheep! Page 3 of 7
Day Three: Highlands to the Lowlands Depart Inverness and being the journey south. Pause to experience Scotland s famed mountains one last time. All you need be is armed with camera and binoculars as you sit back and soak up the sights from the comfort of your chauffeur-driven 4WD. Your Safari Ranger will bring Scotland alive, transporting you into Europe s last wilderness. This is an exclusive location 2,500ft high on the hills above Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, offering dramatic views towards Ben Nevis some 50 miles to the west. Here on the mountain slopes, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch served from wicker baskets. You may even be lucky enough to see the majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare and the soaring Golden Eagle. Continue south, watching the scenery change as the Highlands give way to the Lowlands. Check into to your second property, the wonderful Gleneagles Hotel. Having won Best of the Best Family Programme at the 2013 Virtuoso Awards and Best Family Hotel at the 2014 Junior Design Awards, as well as high praise from Condé Nast Traveller, it is little surprise that the resort s family-oriented experiences are nothing short of amazing. As a family be astounded by a falconry display including falcons, owls, hawks and eagles; alternatively, experience for yourself the sport of kings, learning how to handle and fly these magnificent birds of prey. Page 4 of 7
Day Four: Country Pursuits Whether you want a relaxing, lazy afternoon or rise to a fitness test, Gleneagles has a wide variety of indoor activities that will keep you occupied from dawn until dusk From yoga to Body Attack, relaxing in the spa to kicking a ball around a football field or putting on a green, they offer a programme suitable for all ages and abilities. Gleneagles provides world-class sporting schools. Dedicated to the cultivation of classic sportsmanship, the schools offer children (and adults) rewarding 'hands on' instructional programs, fuelling the trend to learn while on vacation and introducing the simple pleasures of country sports to one and all. Lessons commence at the Gundog School, where you can learn how to handle a trained gundog, whose obedience is matched only by its agility in retrieving. Following break time, visit the off-road driving school and learn the thrills and skills of handling a 4WD vehicle over two of Scotland's most testing 4x4 off road driving courses. This is followed by the chance to take aim at the Shooting School: clay-pigeon shooting, archery or air rifle are all catered to. The day concludes with a relaxing fishing lesson, as younger family members learn to cast their line in one of Gleneagles well stocked lochs. It is also entirely possible for teenagers to enjoy a little escape into their own world at the Zone, the place to chill out in style. Play Sony PlayStation, listen to music on the giant beanbags with the free juke box, have a go on the karaoke machine, play table football, pool, interactive TV, DVDs and a wealth of video and board games. Meanwhile, the Salon caters to all styling and pampering needs. Note: height restrictions are in place for some activities. Page 5 of 7
Day Five: Edinburgh with an expert guide Drive the short distance to Edinburgh, your final destination. Head straight to the Castle, known as the Jewel in Scotland s Crown. From its volcanic rock, it towers over the city, every inch a mighty fortress and defender of the nation. Keep an eye out for the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace once you find yourself on the cobbled Esplanade, hear the One O clock Gun and admire Mons Meg, one of the most impressive medieval cannons. Visit the Jewel House to see the Honours of Scotland the Scottish Crown Jewels. Learn how the oldest Crown Jewels in the United Kingdom were secreted out of the castle and hidden from Oliver Cromwell, only to be rediscovered and returned in 1818 by the author Sir Walter Scott. Of course, no castle in Scotland would be complete without ghostly goings-on. There are stories of a mysterious piper lost in the tunnels below, and a poltergeist in the castle dungeon. One of the most touching aspects of the site is the soldier s dog cemetery. Dating back to Queen Victoria s time, it is a small garden used as burial place for officer s pet dogs and regimental mascots. Your accommodation for one evening is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh's landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark. Then perhaps venture underground. Located deep beneath the Royal Mile is the city s deepest, secret warren of hidden streets. They have remained frozen in time since the 17 th century. One particular close was partially demolished, buried and later closed to the public for many years; eventually being uncovered, it became shrouded in myths, including tales of plague victims being walled up and left there to die. It has repeatedly featured as one of the most haunted places in Britain. Page 6 of 7
Day Six: Alnwick Castle & Departure Travel across the border to England and visit fabulous Alnwick Castle. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe, proudly known as the Windsor of the North. It is the home to the 12 th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and has been in the Percy family since 1309, when the duke s ancestors virtually ruled the north of England. Hear tales of the Castle s turbulent past from Kingmakers and Gunpowder Plot. As well as an exciting Poison Garden, it boasts an art collection which includes work by Canaletto, Titian and Van Dyck as well and the world s only surviving pair of Cucci cabinets from the Palace of Versailles, originally created for Louis XIV. Explore the medieval world of Knight s Quest which is set in 1389. Here, family members can dress in medieval finery and meet the characters of the castle. Become an artisan apprentice in our marketplace, play traditional games in the square, practice your knightly skills in the lists and take your place upon the throne! There is even the opportunity to try your hand at various medieval crafts. From here, our chauffeur-guide will continue to Newcastle Airport for your onward flight to London Heathrow. End of Services Page 7 of 7