Pre Tour - August 26th - You will have the day to relax at our Edinburgh accommodation and get adjusted to the time change before the tour starts the following morning. Overnight Edinburgh.
Day 1 - August 27th - We will meet this morning at our Edinburgh accommodation and then make our way to Falkirk. Once in Falkirk, we visit the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. During our one hour journey we sail through the sky to join the Union Canal over 100 feet above. After smoothly moving along the aqueduct and through the Roughcastle Tunnel to the beginning of the Union Canal, we then descend to the start point. While here we will 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. Welcoming Dinner followed by a Performance at Edinburgh Castle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L,D)
Day 2 – This morning we make our way to the shores of Loch Tay where we will spend 5 nights in a Luxury Farmhouse within a stones throw of the Loch. This morning however, you will leave Edinburgh by train! No Scottish rail experience is complete without a trip across the Forth Bridge! Connecting Edinburgh with Fife, this remarkable structure has the second-longest single cantilever span of any bridge in the world and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Look out onto great views of the Firth of Forth as you speed across the rails. The journey will take a little over 2 hours and end in the lovely Highland Town of Pitlochry. Once in Pitlochry you will have time to wander the streets of this delightful town before we settle in for Afternoon Tea. Before reaching home we will stop in Grandtully where we visit Iain Burnett, the Highland Chocolatier and have a Gourmet Chocolate Tasting Flight of five chocolates. We will learn about the difference between gourmet chocolate and compound chocolate, what makes São Tomé Cocoa so special and 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 3 - This morning we journey just a short ways to 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. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Loch Tay. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - 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 travel to Blair Atholl at Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Blair Castle is set in extensive parklands, including the recently restored Hercules Garden and Diana's Grove, and with 725 ears of history and over 30 rooms open to the public, an absolute delight to explore! We will have a guided tour of the castle and then you will have some time on your own in the castle and on the grounds before we make our way back home. Dinner and Overnight Loch Tay. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - 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 6 - 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 magical and unbelievable place and while here we will have Afternoon Tea 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 train back to Crianlarich and start our journey back to Kenmore. On the return journey, we will travel up the other side of Loch Tay going through Ardeonaig and Ardtalnaig and Acharn and then returning back to our lovely home for our last night at Kenmore. You will be able to find some dinner on your own this evening in Pitlochry. Overnight Loch Tay. (B,L)
Day 7 – This morning we make our way to Fort William as we drive the full length of Loch Tay to the village of Killin at the opposite end. We will stop to see the Falls of Dochart, scenic waterfalls on the River Dochart. Our journey will then take us 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 Clachan 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 travel further north and alongside the spectacular shore of Loch Linnhe and then get settled into our accommodation near Fort William. Dinner and Overnight near Fort William. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - 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 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. We then return to Fort William here you can find some dinner on your own. Overnight near Fort William. (B,L)
Day 9 - 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. You will have an opportunity to explore Fort William further and find some lunch on your own before we make our way south to Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles. Oban derives its name from the Gaelic Language and means 'little bay’. Nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town is a great place for a wee wander along the Promenade all the way up to the ruins of Dunollie Castle or up the hill to McCaig’s Tower. From here we catch a ferry across the sound to the Island of Mull and make our way to Tobermory where we will get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Tobermory, Mull. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we depart the dock at Tobermory to take a Treshnish Isles Cruise. The journey around Mull's West Coast affords an abundance of wildlife and stunning views on a comfortable journey to enjoy the dramatic surroundings. While on the cruise watch for Dolphins, Eagles, Whales and Basking Sharks, the perfect mix of wildlife and scenery. We land on the Isle of Staffa, the most dramatic of all the Scottish islands with the geological splendour of its Hexagonal Pillars and Fingal's Cave. While on our way to Staffa we will have our Packed Picnic Lunch and keep an eye out for Dolphins, Porpoises and Minke Whales which are often seen during the warmer months. Once back in Tobermory you will be able to find some dinner on your own. Tobermory 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. The town has a good variety of shops, hotels, and other accommodation as well as being the administrative centre for the island. The harbour is always busy with fishing boats, yachts and the ferry to and from Kilchoan. Overnight Tobermory, Mull. (B,L)
Day 11 - This morning we take the ferry back across the water to the mainland to Oban. Oban is known as the Gateway to the Isles and has a lovely seafront, great shops, McCaig's Tower and of course, Oban Distillery. After thoroughly exploring Oban we will settle in for lunch before visiting 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. Then we board the Glen Etive for a Majestic Line Private Charter 3 Night Boat Trip where we will take over the entire boat! We will glide through Splendid Coastal Scenery, visit coastal communities, soak in the local history and culture, Enjoy Delicious Gourmet Food and experience the very best of Highland Hospitality Afloat. We will first head south toward the Slate Islands for our first evenings anchorage. Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - This morning we wake up in the Slate Islands, so called as the slate quarried at one time was to be found on roofs all round the world. We will explore Ardencaple Bay just to the north of the Isle of Seil joined to the mainland by the famous “Bridge over the Atlantic”. This quaint humpbacked bridge spans a narrow channel waterway called the Clachan Sound. Because both ends of the sound spill into the Atlantic Ocean, the little one-arched bridge has been dubbed the “Bridge Over the Atlantic.” We then cruise further south to rugged Jura, the most northerly of the Southern Hebrides, famous for the deer, the barren mountains known as the Paps of Jura, and also for being the place where George Orwell wrote 1984. We will Anchor at Craighouse after lunch and go ashore to sample the “uisge beatha”, the water of life from the Jura Distillery. The distillery originally opened in 1810 and has been the lifeblood of the community to this day. Jura is home to 212 people, 6,000 deer, one road, one pub, and one whisky distillery! Then an afternoon cruise across to the mainland for overnight anchorage in Tayvallich. Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - This morning we make a visit to a Local Artist’s Gallery in Tayvallich, before continuing the journey north to Crinan, a pretty village, set at one end of the Crinan Canal. Crinan is a tiny harbour village that lies on the west coast of Scotland in the regional of Argyll known as Knapdale. The popular Crinan Canal, a true unexpected delight, enters the Sound of Jura here and the town looks out across Loch Crinan to Duntrune Castle. Planning for the canal to be built first began in 1773 by James Watt, the inventor of the turbine engine. The canal was built to provide safe passage for travelling goods and a short cut saving sailors the long trip round the Mull of Kintyre. After lunch we visit Dunadd, a hillfort dating from the Iron Age and early medieval period, home to the kings of Dalriada. It is hard to believe that this wee spot saw so much history unfold between AD500 and AD900 and played such an important part in what has since become Scotland. The original Scots were migrants from Ireland who from about 500 settled across Argyll in ever greater numbers, founding the Kingdom of Dalriada. Dunadd was the capital of the kingdom and was the place where its Kings were anointed. We then continue our cruise for an evening anchorage off the Island of Kerrera where we may be lucky enough to spot sea eagles! Dinner and Overnight Onboard Glen Etive. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Following breakfast onboard this morning we make our way off of the boat in Oban and start out journey back to Edinburgh. Our first stop is not too far from Oban to 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! Our drive will take us through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on our way to the lovely Trossachs village of Callendar. Callander is a bustling town situated on the River Teith and is often described as the gateway to the Highlands as it lies immediately south of the Highland Boundary Fault which is historically a meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. You will be able to find some lunch here and have a wee wander up the High Street before making our way to our accommodation just outside of Edinburgh for our Farewell Dinner. Farewell Dinner and Overnight just near Edinburgh. (B,D)
Day 15 – September 10th - Return to Edinburgh International Airport for the journey home.
