Travel Tip

Fly into London and spend a few days. Then fly to Edinburgh.

Pick up at Edinburgh airport at 11.00. Drive into the beautiful Kingdom 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 sunny 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 St Andrews. Optional afternoon coastal walk into St Andrews.

Walk: (2hrs / 4km)

MEALS INCLUDED: Lunch / Dinner

In the picturesque heart of Scotland and steeped in history sits Scone Palace, home to generations of Murrays, the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings, and the original home of the Stone of Scone. Experience Scotland’s heritage in its magnificent State Rooms, extensive Grounds, and Parklands.

Afternoon Distillery tour. When asked what makes Scotch Whisky so unique, a wise man once said, ‘Yesterday’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’, and thankfully, rain is plentiful in Scotland. This contributes to some of the purest water sources in the world, providing a diverse range of world-class whiskys revered around the globe.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Walk through native woodland from Loch Faskally to Killiecrankie and hear the story of the Jacobite rebellion. After a picnic lunch, visit Blair Castle, home of the Athol 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 the 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 walk in Hercules’ Garden and Diana’s Grove.

Walk: (4.5hrs / 12km / +350m)

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 cruise boat and keep our eyes out for Nessie we will be surrounded by the breath-taking scenery of the Highlands, mysterious castles and mighty waterfalls. We will have the chance to see the ruins of the historic Urquhart castle located on the shores of the lake.

In the afternoon we continue our scenic drive over to the Isle of Skye

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s time to take another 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 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, Picnic, Dinner

We leave the Isle of Skye behind us and make our way to the Western Highlands with a stop to see the gardens of Armadale castle while waiting for our ferry crossing. We travel along the west coast to Glenfinnan on the tranquil shores of Loch Shiel where in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie landed and raised his father’s Standard for the Jacobite campaign to restore King James II to the throne. Harry Potter's steam train runs over a high, 21-arch viaduct. We continue to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the U.K.'s highest mountain (1345m) past Neptune’s Staircase Locks on the Caledonian Canal, the U.K.'s longest!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we travel through the beautiful, volcanic, and glacial Highland scenery in the valley of Glen Coe, one of the most unforgettable places in Scotland. This journey has breathtaking views and never-ending colour changes no matter what the season. We arrive at the edge of sparkling Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Scotland. The Boundary Fault line, which separates the lowlands and highlands runs across Loch Lomond, so we end this wonderful and scenic day with a walk up Conic hill at sunset for an excellent vantage point.

Walk: 6km / 3hrs / +/- 350m

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We travel to tranquil Loch Katrine where Sir Walter Scott often stayed to find inspiration for his stories and poems such as the Lady of the Lake. Other artists followed, attracted by the romantic and dramatic contrasts in the Highland and Lowland landscapes of woodland, lochs, and mountains.

(In really wet weather - Stirling Castle)

Walk: (3hrs / 5km / +350m)

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guided walking tour of the heart of the city of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, which stretches from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. Wear good walking shoes as we shall be on our feet all morning. After the tour you will have tickets and audio guides to visit the Castle at your own pace.

Now you are free to enjoy the rest of the day for independent exploration of Edinburgh’s charming medieval alleys and to do some shopping. We also recommend St Giles Cathedral and the National history Museum of Scotland - free entry.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today we visit Holyrood Abbey & Palace* and then walk up to Salisbury Crags for a view of the city from above. Afterwards you are free to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. When you walk up Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.

We meet in the evening to enjoy a farewell celebration dinner.

Walk: Salisbury Crags  (2hrs / 5km / +/-200m)

* occasionally the Palace is closed for Royal residence.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

09.30 Our tour ends after breakfast with a drop off at Edinburgh airport.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast