Itinerary
Day
1 - After arriving Edinburgh Airport you have a short transfer to your hotel.
Drop-off your luggage and set out to explore this vibrant city on your own. Overnight:
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (B)
Day
2 - Spend the day on your own exploring the capital of Scotland. Visit the
Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, and
Edinburgh Castle, which holds the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Arrive in time for the one o'clock gun. If time permits visit the Royal Yacht
Britannia, the home of the Royal family when traveling abroad. Overnight:
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (B)
Day
3 - This morning your driver/guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel,
together you will depart for the west coast of Scotland. Travel to Stirling, for
a visit to Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scotland. The
views from the top make it easy to see why. Soak up the history and stunning views
from the Wallace Monument. Travel over the Ballachulish Bridge and on to Fort
William, passing Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Overnight: Glenspean
Lodge, Spean Bridge, nr Fort William (B)
Day
4 - Following a savory breakfast you will enjoy a scenic drive, passing the
Glenfinnan viaduct, made famously recognizable as a landmark in the Harry Potter
films, then on to Mallaig to catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Visit the Armadale
Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles. A scenic drive along the island and
past the Old Man of Storr, a 160-ft basalt pillar dominating the local landscape,
will bring you to your hotel for an afternoon arrival. Overnight: Cuillin
Hills Hotel, Portree, Skye (B)
Day
5 - Enjoy a leisurely morning as you set out for a tour of the western part
of the island, visiting Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle
in Scotland; followed by a visit to the Talisker Distillery in Carbost, founded
in 1830, for a tour and tasting. The whisky has a distinct taste and may be most
appreciated by those with a well developed appreciation for whisky. Overnight:
Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree, Skye(B)
Day
6 - In the morning return to the mainland via the Skye Bridge stopping at
Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island at the point where three great sea
lochs meet. Continue up the west side of Loch Ness, stopping at Urquhart Castle,
which stands on a rocky promontory on the north shore of Loch Ness, with stunning
views of the glen and a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster. Perhaps the
most significant visit of the day is Culloden Battlefield, where the last hand-to-hand
battle was fought on British soil. Overnight: Culloden House Hotel, Inverness
Overnight: Culloden House Hotel, Inverness (B)
Day
7 -After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the Clansman Harbor
for a 1-hour Jacobite Inspiration Cruise. Travel through the Highland resort town
of Pitlochry, built on Victorian tourism and nestled amongst the mountains of
Highland Perthshire. If you fancy another whisky sampling, stop along the way
to Edinburgh at the smallest and last of the original farm distilleries in Scotland,
Edradour Distillery, for a tour and tasting. Overnight: Balmoral Hotel,
Edinburgh (B)
Day
8 -Make your way to the airport for your return flight home with plenty of
time for last minute duty-free shopping. (B)
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