Dream Escape Castles of Scotland

CASTLES OF SCOTLAND PROGRAMME

9 Days & 8 Nights…

Edinburgh, Isle of Mull / Isle of Skye, Fort William / Oban, Inverness, Aberdeen, Perthshire

Introduction
Discover Scotland, a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories! From the rugged sea-sprayed islands, to its stately castles drenched in history, Scotland’s treasures are diverse and compelling. Explore the regal city of Edinburgh. Learn the secrets of making Scotch whisky during a tour and tasting of one or more of the best distilleries in Scotland. Explore the intriguing Isle of Mull or Isle of Skye. Enjoy the many fine dining restaurants in Scotland including 15 which have been awarded a prestigious Michelin star. We also have an extensive knowledge of the best Indian restaurants in the City.

If you have more time you can also discover the ancient, Neolithic village uncovered at Skara Brae in Orkney dating back to 3200 B.C.E. Also, visit the remarkable Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge

Highlights:

• See magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.
• Learn the art of producing Scotch whisky during a distillery tour and tasting.
• Search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster from the beautiful shores of Loch Ness.
• Explore the stunning Loch Katrine on the famous boat the SS Walter Scott
• Discover the western Isles of Scotland on a day trip to these unique islands
• Dine in some of the finest award wining restaurants in Scotland
• Enjoy the most luxurious private VIP transportation
• Travel with your very own private curator & guide throughout the programme

Highlights included on the extended programme:

• Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.
• Discover the ancient, Neolithic village uncovered at Skara Brae, and dating back to 3200 B.C.E.
• See the remarkable Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge.

Transportation:

• 1-2 Pax  Mercedes S-Class or equivalent
• 2-4 Pax  Mercedes Viano MPV or equivalent
• 4-8 Pax   Mercedes Riada Luxury Coach or Equivalent
• 8-25 Pax  Mercedes Esker Luxury Coach or Equivalent

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

You’ll be greeted on arrival at Edinburgh Airport by you private guide for the duration of your time in Scotland. You’ll be taken to your luxurious private vehicle for the short drive to the centre of Edinburgh. Depending on your arrival time there may be time for a panoramic tour of the city in the afternoon to introduce you to the history and beauty of the city. Return to your hotel and settle into your rooms before enjoying dinner at one of the hotel restaurants.

Accommodations – Bed & Breakfast Basis

• 5-Star – The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
• 5-Star – The Missoni Hotel, Edinburgh
• 5-Star – Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

Dining Options

• Hadrian’s Brasserie or the Michelin star Number One Restaurant at The Balmoral
• The Bistro at Hotel du Vin

Optional Experiences

• Luxury Welcome Pack on arrival to include Shortbread, Fudge, Book about Scotland etc.
• ‘Pay-as-you-Go’ UK Cell phone with up to £50 credit for the duration of the trip

Day 2: Touring in Edinburgh

After breakfast your guide will take you on a private tour of the city. You’ll have the opportunity to visit some the most outstanding attractions including Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official home when she visits Edinburgh (subject to closure when Her Majesty is in residence). In the afternoon you can visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Botanic Gardens and perhaps look round the fine selection of Museums and shops in Edinburgh

Overnight

• 5-Star – The Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh (Very Central)

Dining Options

• The famous ‘Witchery Restaurant’ on the Royal Mile
• The Michelin star Restaurant Martin Wishart in Leith
• The Dome Edinburgh centrally located on George Street
• The Indian Calvalry Club – British India during the age of Queen Victoria

Optional Experiences

• Lunch at Oloroso Restaurant with great views across to Edinburgh Castle
• Visit to Roslyn Chapel made famous in the book ‘the da Vinci code’ 
• Shopping at Jenners Department Store – Edinburgh’s version of Harrods

WOW Factor

• Private tour at Kinloch Anderson – Kilt Maker to the Royal Family
• Private shopping in the famous Harvey Nichols in St Andrews Square

Day 3: Edinburgh – Stirling – Loch Katrine – Fort William / Oban

Depart Edinburgh this morning after breakfast and you’ll drive out to Stirling for a private tour of Stirling castle with your guide – first erected 900 years ago and formerly used as a royal residence for the House of Stewart – this is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Drive onto the wonderful Loch Katrine for an amazing boat trip on the SS Walter Scott which has been cruising these waters for over a century. You’ll then drive on through the stunning Glen Coe and onto your hotel this evening near either Fort William or Oban.

Overnight

• 5-Star – Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
• 5-Star – Isle of Eriska Hotel, Benderloch, nr Oban

Dining options

• The Michelin star Red Dining Room at Inverlochy Castle
• The 3 AA Rosettes Restaurant at the Isle of Eriska Hotel
• The 3 AA Rosettes Restaurant at Airds Hotel

Optional Experiences

• Take the boat ride one way and cycle back along the shores of Loch Katrine
• Take a private boat ride on Loch Lomond and visit the wallabies on Inchconnachan Island

WOW Factor

• Lone Piper to welcome you on arrival at Inverlochy Castle
• Private dining in The Library at Inverlochy Castle

Day 4: Fort William to Isle of Skye OR Oban to Isle of Mull

Depart Fort William this morning after breakfast and take the scenic drive along to Mallaig, where you’ll board the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy a tour around Armadale Castle & Gardens before enjoying a light lunch at Kinloch Lodge – owned by Lady Claire MacDonald. Drive onto the Skye Bridge and pass back onto the mainland for a tour of Eilean Donan Castle – the most photographed castle in Scotland. Return to your hotel this evening
OR
Drive to Oban after breakfast this morning and you’ll board the ferry over to the wonderful Isle of Mull.  Explore the island with your guide and take a walk around the colourful town of Tobermory. Drive across the island to Fionnphort and board the small boat for a trip out to Fingal’s Cave. Return on the ferry to Oban in the afternoon

Overnight

• 5-Star – Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
• 5-Star – Isle of Eriska Hotel, Benderloch, nr Oban

Dining options

• Hotel Restaurants as per previous evening
• E’eusk Seafood Restaurant on the dockside in Oban
• Crannog Seafood Restaurant on the dockside in Fort William

WOW Factor

• Private Tour of Duart Castle on Mull with the Castle’s Lord, Sir Lachlan McLean – head of the McLean Clan
• First Class seats on the amazing Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig

Day 5: Fort William / Oban – Loch Ness – Inverness

Depart Fort William / Oban this morning after breakfast and you’ll drive up to the renowned Loch Ness. Enjoy a tour of Urquart Castle this morning before taking to the water for a great boat trip to explore the Loch and search for the famous monster…Drive up the side of Loch Ness and onto Inverness. This afternoon you can visit the Culloden Battlefield – location of the last battle on British soil. It’s then onto your hotel in Inverness to check-in and relax.

Overnight

• 5-Star – Rocpool Reserve Hotel, Inverness
• 5-Star – Exclusive use Aldourie Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Inverness

Dining options

• Chez Roux Restaurant at Rocpool Reserve Hotel
• Contrast Brasserie or Abstract Restaurant at Glenmoriston Town House Hotel
• 5-Course Private Dinner in the dining room at Aldourie Castle

Optional Experiences

• Dine at the chef’s table in Abstract Restaurant and witness the artistic chef’s at work
• 12-person Pipe Band display after dinner at Aldourie Castle

WOW Factor

• Private 50ft Luxury motor boat tour along the length of Loch Ness with Gourmet Lunch
• Scenic Helicopter flight over the Moray Firth & Black Isle

Day 6: Inverness – Wester Ross – Inverness

Depart your hotel this morning for a tour around the wonderful scenery of Wester-Ross. Visit the tropical Inverewe Gardens, one of the world’s greatest gardens. Inverewe sprang from the realisation of one man’s determination and his taste for the exotic. For many, visiting this beautiful, tranquil place is an unforgettable experience. Then drive down into Gairloch for lunch by the sea before returning to Inverness in the afternoon for a walking tour around the city with your guide followed by afternoon tea.

Overnight

• 5-Star – Rocpool Reserve, Inverness
• 5-Star – Exclusive use Aldourie Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Inverness

Dining options

• Hotel restaurants as per previous evening plus:
• ‘The Mustard Seed’ –  located in a converted church on the bank of the River Ness
• ‘The Dores Inn’ located on the banks of Loch Ness

Optional Experiences

• Visit Loch Torridon for a range of outdoor experiences from kayaking, canyoning to  guided walks

WOW Factor

• Take a helicopter flight out to the north west of the Isle of Skye for lunch at the special Three Chimneys Restaurant – followed by a private tour at the Talisker Distillery before returning back to Inverness in the afternoon

Day 7: Inverness – Elgin – Aberdeen

Depart Inverness this morning and you’ll drive the short distance to Cawdor Castle – home to the Earl’s and Thanes of Cawdor for over 700 years. Enjoy a tour of the castle and grounds before driving onto Elgin to visit the town and one of Scotland’s most famous cashmere shops. It’s then a drive through Whisky country and the opportunity to visit the Cardhu Distillery (Johnnie Walker Whisky) for a private tour. Drive onto Aberdeen this evening and check into your hotel.

Overnight

• 5-Star – The Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen

Dining options

• The Conservatory Restaurant at The Marcliffe Hotel
• The Brasserie at The Malmaison Hotel

Optional Experiences

• Private tour of the Gordon Highlanders Museum followed by private ‘Waterloo dinner’ in the Lakin Room

WOW Factor

• Private tour of the private Johnnie Walker Brand Home at Cardhu Distillery together with nosing & tasting and private lunch
• You can be joined by one of our theatrical historians who will bring the history of Scotland to life during an evening of Scottish stories and myths…

Day 8: Aberdeen – Ballater – Perthshire

Depart Aberdeen after breakfast this morning and you’ll drive into the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. You’ll arrive at the charming town of Ballater where you’ll have an early lunch amongst all the shops with Royal Warrants. It’s then a short drive onto Balmoral Castle where you’ll take a tour of the Royal Family’s summer retreat in Scotland. Explore the gardens and the castle before you drive down to Perthshire through majestic scenery and onto your hotel for the evening.

Overnight

• 5-Star – The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire

Dining options

• The Dormy Clubhouse, Desio, The Strathearn Restaurant at The Gleneagles Hotel
• The two Michelin star restaurant Andrew Fairlie at The Gleneagles Hotel
• The Ballathie House Restaurant at Ballathie House Hotel

Optional Experiences

• Gun-dog and / or Falconry demonstration at Gleneagles
• Instead of Balmoral Castle – visit Glamis Castle – the fairytale childhood home of the Late Queen Mother & onto visit St Andrews – the amazing home of golf in Scotland for a private tour of the Castle & private lunch in the 16th Century Kitchens

WOW Factor

• Private tour of Glamis Castle & private lunch in the 16th Century Kitchens
• Take a 4×4 tour of the Balmoral Estate with one of the Professional Estate Rangers

Day 9: Perthshire – Depart Edinburgh / Glasgow

Transfer to the Edinburgh or Glasgow airport to board your homebound flight

Optional 3-day Addition to Tour Programme

This would be inserted into the programme on day 6

Additional Day 1: Inverness – Dornoch – Thurso

Depart Inverness this morning and you’ll drive north over the Cromarty Firth and onto the small town of Dornoch. Take a relaxing walk around the city and visit the Old Jail which has been converted into a luxurious shop which uses the prison cells to showcase a vast range of clothing and gifts. Perhaps take a refreshing walk on the beach before driving further north to Dunrobin Castle – dating back to the 1300’s –  for a tour of the Castle & grounds as well as a Falconry display with resident expert Andy Hughes. Leave Dunrobin Castle and drive up the coast line towards the top of Scotland arriving at Thurso and the Forss House Hotel.

Overnight

• 5-Star Ackergill Tower – An all-inclusive exclusive use award winning property in Wick for larger groups of up to 50 people

Dining options

• The 2 AA Rosettes Forss House Hotel Restaurant
• Private dining in the dining room at Ackergill Tower or in the amazing tree house…

Optional Experiences

• Visit Clynelish Distillery on your way from Dornoch to Thruso – Spring water from the Clynemilton burn is used to produce this fruity, slightly smoky Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

WOW Factor

• Explore the wild coastline near Forss Hotel – the northern point of mainland Britain

Additional Day 2: Thurso – Orkney – Thurso

A full day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Travelling to Gill’s Bay, you’ll board a ferry bound for St. Margaret’s Hope. On the crossing you will see seabirds, perhaps porpoises and seals, and if you are very lucky, the family of otters that live in Gill’s Bay! A local guide introduces you to this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland ever get the opportunity to experience. Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village which was built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland

Overnight at

• 4-Star Forss House Hotel, Thurso

Dining options

• The 2 AA Rosettes Forss House Hotel Restaurant
• Private dining in the dining room at Ackergill Tower or in the amazing tree house…

Optional Experiences

• Guided walking around Orkney with one of our professional mountain guides
• Shop for unique local arts & crafts from the Orkney Islands

WOW Factor

• Go back in time and witness evidence of  human habitation from over 6000 years ago

Additional Day 3: Thurso – Alladale Wilderness Reserve – Inverness

Depart Thurso this morning after breakfast and you’ll drive down the coast and inland to the amazing Alladale Wilderness Reserve – the result of Paul Lister’s dream to reintroduce wildlife to this amazing wilderness in the north of Scotland. Explore this amazing reserve on foot or in 4×4 vehicles with the experienced rangers on the reserve. You’ll have the chance to see Elk, Deer, Wild Boar, Merlin, Kestrel, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagles etc. Enjoy lunch in the Wilderness at Alladale before depart in the afternoon for the drive down to Inverness

Overnight

• 5-Star – Rocpool Reserve, Inverness

Dining options

• Chez Roux Restaurant at Rocpool Reserve Hotel
• Contrast Brasserie or Abstract Restaurant at Glenmoriston Town House Hotel
• ‘The Mustard Seed’ –  located in a converted church on the bank of the River Ness
• ‘The Dores Inn’ located on the banks of Loch Ness

WOW Factor

• Take a helicopter ride from Thurso into the heart of Alladale Wilderness Reserve
• Try your hand at pony-trekking or fly-fishing at Alladale

 

Rates available upon request, please advise:

• Your perfect itinerary including the optional experiences
• No of travellers, and ages
• Preferred traveling dates
• Prefered Hotel