Day 1 – September 1st - This morning we meet at our Edinburgh Airport Accommodation and make our way to the Highlands Village of Pitlochry with a few stops along the way. The first stop will be Perth and Scone Palace, the home of the Earls of Mansfield. Once the crowning place of Scottish Kings, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in Scotland’s history. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone, Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in Scotland’s crown. We will take Afternoon Tea at Scone Palace before making our way further up the road to the delightful village of Dunkeld which sits upon the banks of the River Tay where you can walk along a variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge. You may also want to step into Dunkeld Cathedral which can trace its history to the ninth century when it emerged as an important religious centre for the early Celtic Church. No building of this period survives, the present Cathedral dates from 1318. Partly destroyed during the Reformation, the choir is roofed and now serves as the parish church for regular Sunday worship. From here it is just a short way to our accommodation in Pitlochry where we get settled in before our Welcome Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - September 2nd - This morning you will have some free time in Pitlochry, known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands' before we head just a short way up the road to Blair Atholl to visit Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Pitlochry is one of the most lovely towns in Scotland and one of our favourites. It is full of wonderful shops, places to eat and a easy to walk High Street. At one end is the wonderful clothing shop of MacNaughtons and at the other end is the Heathergems Factory and salesroom. We know you will find what Queen Victoria called 'The Loveliest Village in Scotland' as delightful as we do. After you find some lunch in town, we visit Blair Atholl Distillery for a Guided Tour. Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish. We will be immersed in the distillery's historic charm and picturesque setting while our guides leads us through the journey their single malt takes from grain to glass. Our tour culminates in a tutored whisky tasting of three drams and a complimentary memento to take home. This evening we are out to dinner followed by a Performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Overnight Pitlochry. (B,D)

 

Day 3 - September 3rd - This morning we head just a short ways north to Blair Atholl where we find Blair Castle set in extensive parklands, including the recently restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 750 years. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture. With 30 rooms open to the public, it is an absolute delight to explore! After your thoroughly explore the castle, you will have some time to explore the grounds as well. Then we travel just a few minutes up the road to a lovely Highland Hotel for a lovely Highland Afternoon Tea. After tea we make our just a few minutes more up the road to the House of Bruar, home of Scottish Country Clothing with an extensive range of high quality products in both the Men’s and Ladies Clothing Halls. You can also find the Finest Country Fayre of Traditional Scottish Food and Drink in the Food Halls and Delicatessen. It also houses the largest collection of Cashmere in the UK. The Country Living Shop carries plenty of choice for decorating your home, or even the perfect gift. Dinner on your own in Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L)

 

Day 4 - September 4th - Our first visit of the day takes us to the very heart of Angus in Scotland, Glamis Castle. This has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V. Glamis Castle was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also frequent visitor during her childhood, alongside her elder sister HRH Princess Elizabeth. After lunch at Glamis we make our way to Dunnottar Castle, a spectacularly situated coastal castle with breathtaking views. This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over. Oliver Cromwell's Army laid siege to the castle in 1652, but The Honours of Scotland were smuggled out of the castle and taken to Kinneff Church, where they remained until the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Dinner Overnight Moray Firth. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 - September 5th - This morning we board a boat for a Puffin Cruise Wildlife Trip. On these trips you often see Bottlenose Dolphins, Seals and Harbour Porpoise and sometimes Minke Whale. The bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth are the most northerly resident group of bottlenose dolphins in the world and a vital part of Scotland’s natural heritage. On this 3 Hour Wildlife Trip we will sail to Troup Head which is home to 4,000 plus gannets and is the only gannet colony in mainland Scotland. In Summer, approximately 22,000 Guillemots, 2,000 Razorbills, 15,000 pairs of Kittiwakes and 2,000 Pairs of Fulmars are present along with smaller numbers of Puffins and Sags as well as Seals. We will then stop for Afternoon Tea before visiting Huntly Castle. Huntly was the seat of one of medieval and Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families, the Gordons. The earls of Fife built the original castle, the Peel of Strathbogie, around 1190, to guard the crossing-point where the rivers Bogie and Deveron meet. But it was the mighty Gordons who made the stronghold their own from the 1300s and eventually renamed it Huntly Castle. The surviving remains tell the story of the development of the castle in Scotland, from the motte and bailey of the 1100s, through the tower house of the later Middle Ages, to the stately stone palace of the Jacobean era. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Moray Firth. (B,L)

 

Day 6 - September 6th - On our way to Grantown-on-Spey this morning we stop to visit Elgin Cathedral, the superb ruin of what was perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in Scotland. Elgin Cathedral is Scotland's second largest cathedral behind St. Andrews and was known as 'The Lantern of the North'. If suffered many mishaps and then was rebuilt only to see the Reformation in the 1500's. Even in ruins, it is still one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Scotland. Next we visit Forres where we stop to see the Sueno's Stone, a Pictish Stone that is the most remarkable sculptured monument in Britain. It stands over 20 feet high and dates to the end of the first millennium AD. Forres is a lovely town and while we are here we will take some time for you to find some lunch before making our way to Culloden Battlefield. This desolate stretch of moorland looks much as it did on 16th April 1746, the date of the Last Battle to be fought on British soil. Here Bonnie Prince Charlie made his last stand for the Stewart cause. The battlefield is restored to as close as possible as it was when the two sides marched on that fateful day. We will find out why this battle that lasted only one hour changed the way of life of the Highlands forever. The we get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Grantown-on-Spey. (B,D)

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Day 7 - September 7th - This morning we make our way to Strathspey to join the Stathspey Railway which was one of my family's favourite outings. We have booked the Chairman's Saloon and the Director's Saloon for a special luncheon journey traveling alongside the famous RIver Spey. Originally pulled by its own engine the LMS District Officer would travel around the rail network in style in this Officer’s Saloon Car which was restored by the Watkinson’s Trust. The Saloon Car consists of two Saloon compartments, one for the District Officer the other for his staff and there is also a compartment for the Guard and a galley for the Steward. Wood panelled with late 1940’s style fittings, red carpets and seating for 6 in each compartment, we will have a comfortable journey with excellent views of Strathspey. The Chairman's side of the saloon also allows you to watch people working on the footplate as the locomotive will be in front of the window on the return trip. Starting at the Aviemore Victorian Station there are stops at the other Victorian stations of Boat of Garten and Broomhill during the journey. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight near Grantown-on-Spey. (B,L)

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Day 8 - September 8th - As we are halfway through the tour, the entire day will be spent at your leisure. The village we are staying in sits at the Northern Gate of the scenic Cairngorms National Park and is situated below the Monadhliath Mountains and where the River Dulnain snakes its way through this picturesque village before emptying into the River Spey. It is famous for its 18th Century Packhorse Bridge over River Dulnain which is the oldest surviving bridge in the Highlands. It was built in 1717 to enable funeral processions to reach Duthil Church, hence it was also known as "coffin bridge". The village has spectacular forest, moorland and mountains surrounding it, as well as a great network of paths and tracks leading out of the village and offering fine views, a rich local history and abundant wildlife including Scottish crossbills, crested tits and red squirrels. Just west of Carrbridge, Sluggan Bridge crosses the River Dulnain and is a lovely spot for a walk, picnic and photographs. The stone bridge may be more modern than The Old Packhorse Bridge, but it’s no less attractive. You will have a packed lunch to take out and about with you to enjoy at your leisure. Get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight near Grantown-on-Spey. (B)

 

Day 9 - September 9th - This morning we make our way to Fort William with a first stop at Drumnadrochit where we will take a cruise on Loch Ness. We’ll head out and our skipper will start their live commentary as we make our way to the deepest point of Loch Ness. Our skipper will show us the marker posts used by John Cobb during his water speed record attempt, tell you all the secrets of Urquhart Castle and of course our skipper will tell you all about our shy monster, they may even tell you some first hand stories about their own sightings! You can find some lunch in Drumnadrochit before we make our way to Fort William where we take a two hour Private Charter Cruise along Loch Linnhe aboard the ship Elsie. Onboard we will enjoy spectacular views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding areas as we head off towards Corpach and Visit the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. We then head down Loch Linnhe to Black Rock which is home to common and grey seals before heading back up Loch-Linnhe. Along the way we will come across a Mussel Farm, a Salmon Farm and a large variety of wildlife including Seagulls, Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Otters, and many others. Then we make our way home before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William. (B,D)

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Day 10 - September 10th - This morning you will board the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwart's Express, from Fort William to Mallaig. Described as the Greatest Railway Journey in the World, this 42 mile 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 crosses the 21-Arched Glenfinnan Viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument. We will have Afternoon Tea before making our way to the dock to take a Mallaig Wildlife Cruise which has become the best attraction in Mallaig! We leave the harbour with the isles of Skye, Rhum, and Eigg to our left. Crossing the entrance to Loch Nevis, we travel to Green Island on the Knoydart Peninsula. The waters are frequently visited by a variety of birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks. After our cruise we return home to enjoy the surrounds before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - September 11th - This morning we make our way south to Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles. While here we will take a Private Charter Cruise which will take us around the Isle of Lismore. This fertile, low-lying island was once a major centre of Celtic Christianity, with a monastery founded by Saint Moluag. Our cruise around the island will reveal wildlife including Sea Eagles, Seals, Porpoise and some seabirds. We will also see the Lismore Lighthouse and make a stop if the tides allow. We then cruise by the Isle of Mull where we will see Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. We will also see Glensanda Castle on our way to Port Appin. Glensanda is a late 15th century simple, two-storey tower of local granite and originally the stronghold of the Macleans of Kingairloch who emigrated to Canada in the late 1700's. Sited atop a grassy mound looking out to Appin across Loch Linnhe, it was probably abandoned for good around 1780-1790. We will stop for lunch at Port Appin before returning to Oban where you will have some free time before we get checked into our accommodation and then gather for dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Oban. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 - September 12th - This morning we take a Private Boat Excursion to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Thousands of people are attracted to the islands in the hope of catching a glimpse of the rare and unusual Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Otter, Corncrake and an abundance of other birds and mammals. The seas off the coast of Mull are important feeding areas for whales, dolphins and basking sharks. The colourful and picturesque island capital of Tobermory is an ideal location from which to make the very most of our wildlife watching. This lovely town was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and is now the main town on Mull. It is a picture-postcard of a place with the brightly painted buildings along the main street to the pier and the high woodland-fringed hills surrounding the bay and has a good variety of shops. This afternoon we make our way to the very beautiful Isle of Iona where we will explore the 800 year Old Iona Abbey where St. Columba began his crusade in the year 563. It is said that 48 Scottish Kings are buried in the abbey graveyard. While here you will also want to visit the Nunnery and St. Oran's Chapel. Iona is very small but has an abundance of shops that offer Genuine Artisan Crafts and Eclectic Gifts along with numerous Iona produced items in the island’s stores as well as a great selection of books and literature. We then make our way back home to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Oban. (B,L)

 

Day 13 - September 13th - This morning we stop at Dunstaffnage Castle, one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. Built around 1275 on a huge rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn, Dunstaffnage was the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls. Built around 1220 by Duncan MacDougall, the son of Earl Somerled, known also as the ‘King of the Isles’, Dunstaffnage Castle was built at the height of the battle between Scotland and Norway for control of the Hebrides and was even once besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence. We next make our way through the striking mountains of Glencoe with its assemblage of peaks, ridges and valleys which rise up above the peat hags and scattered lochans of Rannoch Moor. The waters which tumble from these high mountains give rise to a series of spectacular waterfalls that gather initially at the 'Meeting of the Three Waters' to form the River Coe. We will stop at the Clachaig Inn for Lunch before we visit the site of the Glencoe Massacre. Against a backdrop of craggy peaks and the tumbling River Coe, the Glen offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery but has also seen one of the most violent acts in Scottish history when in 1692 the Clan McDonald were massacred on this very spot! After more spectacular scenery we return to Oban for you to find some dinner on your own. Overnight near Oban. (B,L)

 

Day 14 - September 14th - This morning we make our way inland and to just near Stirling. Along the way we will stop at St. Conan's Kirk, spectacularly sited over Loch Awe. You will fall in love with this wee Romanesque Church! Designed and built by Walter Douglas Campbell, the kirk is unique in having an example of almost every style of church architecture. Highlights include the Norman Doorway, the Gothic Flying Buttresses, a Celtic Cross, the Arts and Crafts Carvings, the Saxon Tower and even a Stone Circle. We then stop in Callander for Afternoon Tea before we visit Doune Castle, a 14th century stronghold which offers a unique view into the life of the medieval royal household. This a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle and famous for the filming location of Monty Python's The Holy Grail and more recently, the Outlander TV series as Castle Leoch. This is one of my most favourite castle to take people to as it gives such a wonderful glimpse into 14th century Scottish castle living. From here it is just a short hop up the road where we get checked into our accommodation before setting down to dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Stirling. (B,L,D

 

Day 15 - September 15th - This morning on our way Stirling and Stirling Castle for a Private Before Hours Tour of the Castle. Stirling Castle in one of the finest examples of Renaissance Architecture in Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here and the Great Hall and Chapel Royal are wonderful highlights. Here you will be able to step back into the sumptuous world of Stirling Castle’s Royal Court. An ongoing project has returned the six ground floor apartments in the castle’s Renaissance palace to how they may have looked in the mid 16th century. After our tour you will have some free time to explore the areas that you want to spend more time in. We then stop of Afternoon Tea before we make our way to Falkirk to see the Falkirk Wheel, the world's one and only rotating boat lift. A marvel of engineering and Scottish Canals' flagship destination, the Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes! We will take a boat tour where as our gondolas is lowered, the opposite one rises, keeping the vast, 1800 tonne boat lift in perfect balance as it carries our canal barge over 100 feet into the air in a matter of minutes. After our tour we return home where you will have the rest of the afternoon free and the evening to find dinner on your own. Overnight near Stirling. (B,L)

 

Day 16 - September 16th - This morning on our way back toward Edinburgh we visit Helix Park to see the Scottish Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. We will have a Guided Walking Tour that takes you through the vision of artist Andy Scott and how history and industry impacted on his designing of these breath-taking sculptures. The pinnacle of the tour is that you get to experience a Kelpie from the inside, and see for yourself the breathtaking engineering and design of the Kelpies. We then stop for Afternoon Tea before we make our way to Bo'ness to board the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. There's nothing like a departure by steam or the rumble of a mighty heritage diesel locomotive. Enjoy a scenic ten mile return train journey to Manuel along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. We will be welcomed aboard and invited to soak up the atmosphere of our award-winning heritage railway through the sights, sounds and smells of yesteryear. After our journey, we make our way to our accommodation to get checked in before our Farewell Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L,D)​

 

Day 17 – September 17th - Return to Edinburgh International Airport for the journey home. ­

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