Pre - Tour October 20th - Arrive into Glasgow International Airport and make your way across the street from the main terminal to the Glasgow Airport Holiday Inn. Spend the rest of the day getting rested up and get adjusted to the time change if necessary. We will meet in the lobby here the following morning to start the tour.
Day 1 - October 21st - This morning we will meet at the Holiday Inn, but our adventure begins in the Highlands. Our journey will take us alongside Loch Lomond and spectacular scenery of the Trossachs and then 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! We then get settled into our accommodation near Fort William before we gather for a Welcoming Dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - 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. After some time to wander in Mallaig we will have Afternoon Tea before making our way to Loch Shiel for a one hour Loch Shiel Private Charter cruise. There are three Golden Eagle territories that edge on Loch Shiel and, weather permitting, there are regular sightings of this beautiful and elusive bird. There is also White Tailed Eagles, Black Throated Divers, Red Throated Divers and often Peregrine, Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Osprey and Hen Harrier. Ducks on the Loch are Dabchick, Goosander, Red- breasted Merganser, Mallard, Goldeneye and Tufted. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - This morning before leaving Fort William behind we will 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. After our cruise we will let you explore Fort William, find some lunch and do a bit of shopping before heading out of town to Oban. Before reaching Oban we will 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. Dinner and Overnight Oban. (B,D)
Day 4 - This morning we will take another Private Charter Cruise from Oban with Coastal Connections. Our cruise 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 by ferry to Oban where you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore and find some dinner on your own. Overnight Oban. (B,L)
Day 5 - Today will be mostly about spectacular scenery as we make our way south through Kilmartin Glen through Lochgilphead and then eventually end up in Inveraray. Over 5000 Years of Human History can be traced across Kilmartin Glen with at least 350 Ancient Monuments lying within six miles of the quiet village of Kilmartin. Of particular interest are the earlier prehistoric monuments: chambered cairns, round cairns, cists, standing stones and rock carvings. Near the village is a group of stones called Nether Largie. We will visit Temple Wood and its stone circle with a cairn at the centre. We will also visit Nether Largie South Cairn, believed to have been built around 3000BC. We will also stop at Dunadd, an Iron Age Fort which overlooks the Moine Mhor. Dunadd has a very special place in Scottish history as this was the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Legend has it that the Stone of Destiny was used here in the crowning of the first Kings of Scotland. Next we stop near Tarbert at Stonefield Castle for Afternoon Tea, We then make our way to Inverary where you will have some time to explore this lovely wee village before we check into our accommodation. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Inveraray. (B,L)
Day 6 - This morning we take in the Delights of Nature on the Cowal Peninsula. Our first stop is at Cairndow to visit Ardkinglas House, generally considered to be the architect Sir Robert Lorimer’s masterpiece. The house is still a much love family home and remains practically unaltered. We will have a tour of the house and continue on our way around the peninsula taking in Strachur, Dunans and Clachan of Glendaruel eventually making our way to Sandbank where we stop for lunch. After lunch we make our way a very short distance to Holy Loch where we board the Glen Etive for an amazing Three Night Cruise! The Glen Etive is the Majestic Line's first purpose built steel-hulled small cruise ship and the interior of is based on a 1930s gentleman’s motor yacht. With only seven staterooms we will take over the entire ship which was built to cruise in comfort round the islands of the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland. Big enough to accommodate her guests with ease, yet small enough to navigate to hidden sheltered coves and beaches that larger vessels cannot reach. Our cruise will be interspersed with Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner all freshly prepared and served onboard. After boarding the boat we make our way to the Isle of Bute through Loch Striven, Port Bannatyne and Rothesay where we will dock for the night. Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - This morning following breakfast we go ashore on the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stewart where we will have a private tour. Mount Stuart House, the lavish palace of the Marquises of Bute, is one of Britain’s most spectacular Gothic Revival Houses. Completed in 1900 it was the first house in the world to have a heated indoor swimming pool, and the first house in Scotland to be purpose built with electric lights, central heating, a telephone system and passenger lift. After lunch we will spend more time exploring Rothesay, the main town on the island. In Rothesay are Scotland’s finest Victorian Gents’ Toilets. Opened in 1899, they were designed to impress and cope with the large number of people then visiting the holiday resort. A work of art, the interior is immaculately and colourfully designed. You may also want to visit Rothesay Castle, one of Scotland’s earliest stone castles, dating from the early 1200’s. It is the only castle in Scotland to be defended by a circular wall and one of the few to have a moat. Despite these defences it was besieged and taken twice by the Vikings in 1230 and 1263. We then return to the boat for dinner and to make our way to our overnight anchorage. Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Following breakfast this morning we make our way to Hill House at Helensburgh. Celebrated architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald, created almost everything you see here, from the building itself to the furniture and textiles, working to a commission from a Glasgow businessman. Mackintosh’s geometric lines, classic “Rose” emblem and elegant purity are icons of the early 20th century Glasgow Arts & Crafts movement. The architecture and designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh are loved throughout the world, and the Hill House is celebrated as his ‘Domestic Masterpiece’. We then return to the boat for lunch before making our way up Loch Long to Carrick Castle. The 14th Century tower ruins of Carrick sit on a rock jutting into Loch Goil near the village of Lochgoilhead. It was originally a Lamont Stronghold, and King Robert the Bruce recovered the castle from the English in 1307, but passed to the Campbell Earls of Argyll in 1368. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1563. We then make our way to our to our anchorage stop for dinner and our final night aboard the Glen Etive. Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we start our long trek north to Kenmore on Loch Tay. We will continue through more spectacular scenery as this is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, where the lochs, mountains, rivers and villages hold secrets of history, legend and tradition. Our first stop will be the Rest and Be Thankful, so named as the climb out of Glen Croe is so long and steep at the end that it was traditional for travelers to rest at the top, and be thankful for having reached the highest point. We will drive along the top of Loch Lomond past Crianlarich and to Killin where we find Falls of Dochart. A bridge crosses over the Dochart River just as you enter the village of Killin giving a fabulous view of the falls as they cascade down over the rocks and around the Island of Inchbuie, which is the traditional burial place of the MacNab Clan. If not the most impressive falls in Scotland there are easily the most accessible. You will be able to find some lunch at Killin before we continue our journey driving along the spectacularly beautiful Loch Tay all the way to Kenmore and our home for the next 6 nights. Dinner and Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we travel to Crianlarich to Board a Train to the World Famous Rannoch Station on the edge of Rannoch Moor. This remote station stands in the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and is the most Remote Train Station in Scotland! It was built to be ready for the first train ever to run from Glasgow to Fort William on 7th August 1894 as part of the West Highland Line, a romantic and beautiful railway that travels from Glasgow to Mallaig through majestic country of heather moors, hills and viaducts. Rannoch Station is a magical and unbelievable place and while here, we will have lunch at the Rannoch Station Tearoom, the most Remote Tearoom in Scotland! After some time to explore and take in all the majestic beauty of this area we then take the lovely drive along Loch Rannoch to Lassintullich at the base of Schiehallion, one of Scotland's best known landmarks. The name means ‘fairy hill of the Caledonians’ and has an almost perfect conical shape. We then continue on our one track road through Glengoulandie and Keltneyburn eventually winding up back in Kenmore. Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,L)
Day 11 - This morning we journey just a short ways join a Loch Tay Safari. We will have fun on Loch Tay as we skim over the surface of the waters of Perthshire's Largest and one of Scotland’s Deepest Lochs! Surrounded by stunning and dramatic landscape, in an area steeped in history, myths and folklore you will be mesmerised by mystical and spell binding stories of the people who have shaped the very fabric of this amazing area throughout the ages. We will see Queen Sybilla's Island, the Loch Tay Fault Line, Deep Point and Kelpie Lair, the Abandoned Village of Lawers and the Crannog. We will Lunch at Scotland's Oldest Inn before a visit to my favorite Glen in all of Scotland, Glen Lyon. On the way, we will stop in Fortingall to see the Fortingall Yew standing next to the wee church there. The yew tree which grows there has been estimated to be 5,000 years old and is the Oldest Living Organism in Britain and possibly the world. The churchyard also has grave slabs and incised crosses that are hundreds of years old. The drive through Glen Lyon is mystical and magical with wee villages and breathtaking scenery around every turn. The Bridge of Balgie is a popular place to stop for a cuppa and catch up on the day with the locals. We then return home for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we will join Highland Safaris with our kilted Safari Rangers as as we head into the hills to experience this amazing Mountain Safari. We climb aboard our Land Rover or Pinzgauer and journey to the high tops through a land sculptured by the elements and steeped in history, culture, nature, and breathtaking views. We may even be lucky enough to see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as we travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks. Our safari includes Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Tea, a Dram of Dewars Whisky with Shortbread in their Mountain Bothy. Even on those occasion when we don't see an abundance of wildlife this is a very special outing! When we return from our safari we will have Lunch in the Café and then we will visit Iain Burnett, the Highland Chocolatier where we have a Gourmet Chocolate Tasting Flight of five chocolates, you will learn about the difference between gourmet chocolate and compound chocolate, what makes São Tomé Cocoa so special, how Iain chooses his ingredients, and how to identify the amazing flavour profiles in each chocolate. Then back home to rest up before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Today we travel to just near Blair Atholl where we find the House of Bruar, the home of Scottish Country Clothing. Traditional Heritage Tweeds and Fine Cashmere coats stand alongside the latest cutting-edge offerings from Barbour, Musto and Aigle in the clothing halls and their Knitwear Hall, which is home to the widest selection of pure cashmere in the UK. Nowhere else will you find such a rich selection of premium materials in both traditional Scottish and excitingly contemporary styles. You can also find the Finest Country Fayre of Traditional Scottish Food and Drink in the Food Halls and Delicatessen. We then make our way just a short distance further for Afternoon Tea at the Old Manse of Blair. After a lovely afternoon tea we make our way to Dalwhinnie Distillery for their Whisky and Chocolate Tasting. We will have a Tutored Tasting of 4 Dalwhinnie Single Malts, individually paired with handmade Scottish Highland Chocolates! We then make our way to Pitlochry where we will have dinner before returning home. Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - This morning we join the Highland Line Railway at Pitlochry for a journey to Inverness. Climbing through the heart of the Grampian Mountains, through Blair Atholl , through the Pass of Drumochter to Newtonmore, Kingussie and Aviemore – gateway to the Cairngorm mountains , before climbing again over Slochd Summit before descending finally to Inverness – Britain’s fastest growing city. Once in Inverness we will stop for Afternoon Tea by the River. Inverness is known as the Capitol of the Highlands with the River Ness flowing through the city. We will spend some time exploring the city with its Old Town featuring the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts. The contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history. You will then have some free time in Inverness to take in the sights, do some shopping and find some dinner to take away and enjoy on the train ride back to Pitlochry. Overnight Kenmore on Loch Tay. (B,L)
Day 15 - This morning we leave Kenmore and the Highlands behind as we make our way back toward Glasgow. On our way south we will stop in Crieff before making our way through Glendevon and then to Falkirk. Crieff is a Traditional Scots Market Town set amidst Perthshire’s stunning scenery. The attractive and bustling town centre supports a wide range of family-run businesses offering the best of food and drink, clothing, gifts, crafts and arts. Our next stop is in the Royal Burgh of Stirling, which was declared a Royal burgh in the year 1130. It remained so until 1975 and then in 2002 it was given city status. However, in earlier times Stirling was the capital of Scotland and it was also important as the “Gateway to the Highlands”, with its position near the Highland Boundary Fault between the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands. You can find some lunch here before 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 breathtaking 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 make it to our accommodation just outside of Glasgow where we find dinner waiting. Farewell Dinner and Overnight just outside Glasgow. (B,D)
Day 16 - November 5th - Return to Glasgow International Airport for the journey home.
