The Ultimate Scottish Adventure

On arrival in Edinburgh, hop into a taxi at the airport. Your destination is the 4-star Kimpton Charlotte Square. A stone’s throw from the Old Town, the hotel has incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline.

This afternoon, you're free to explore the city or relax at the hotel after your journey.  Your guide will meet you in the bar for pre-dinner drinks and a full trip briefing before a delicious welcome dinner at the Angels Share Restaurant. 

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby in the morning. You're headed out to start exploring this vibrant city.  Take a walk along the famous royal mile, stopping to admire the iconic landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle. Explore the castle’s Great Hall, the Royal Palace, St Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg – the six-ton siege gun.

After a cafe lunch, you'll head to the port of Leith and take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the late Queen Elizabeth’s floating palace that took her all over the world.  See her bed-chamber, discover where state functions took place, and find the kitchens in the heart of this magnificent ship.

This evening, enjoy one of the many eateries the city has to offer, or snuggle up and enjoy room service in your room. Your guide will help you make reservations. 

Through the rolling hills of Perthshire and into the Highlands, you'll head west this morning to the fabled Isle of Skye.

Our first stop is the pretty village of Dunkeld, with its historic cathedral and charming shops laid out along a traditional high street. Don’t miss the Aran Bakery and Deli! We'll stop for lunch at the iconic House of Bruar, with time after lunch to browse its classic Scottish country wear. As we continue north, the scenery becomes more dramatic by the mile. We'll pause at Eilean Donan Castle to photograph this stunning castle before crossing the graceful Skye Bridge, arriving at our country house hotel in the late afternoon. 

Skeabost began back in 1871 as a Victorian hunting lodge. The view is to die for! Your accommodation sits right on the shore of Loch Snizort, and your rooms boast fantastic views across the loch and to the hills beyond. 

After check-in at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, you’ll have time to explore before joining your fellow travelers and guide at the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. 

We spend today exploring northern Skye, taking in the Waternish and Trotternish Peninsulas, admiring the beautiful landscapes, and meeting some of the local crafters who call this region home. 

Together, these peninsulas paint a picture of Skye's diverse landscape, where every curve of the coast and every crag of the cliffs whispers of the island's enduring magic. 

The Trotternish Peninsula is a rugged masterpiece, where cliffs stretch skyward and ancient rocks tell tales of ages past. On the tranquil shores of the Waternish Peninsula, a different kind of beauty unfolds. Here, gentle bays cradle sandy beaches, and sleepy villages offer a glimpse into Skye's peaceful soul. 

On Waternish, we’ll visit a local tannery, to discover the age-old craft of leather making, witnessing the meticulous process of transforming raw sheepskins into supple, durable leather using time-honored methods passed down through generations. Here there is a beautiful, original showroom and shop selling these high quality items. 

Afterwards we’ll have the pleasure of spending time with an award-winning Scottish landscape digital artist and photographer, Cath Waters, based on the Isle of Skye, who draws inspiration from the serene beauty of Scotland's landscapes. We'll learn of her interesting back story and what drew her (and her family) to the island they now call home. Cath's work captures the essence of wide open spaces, vast skies, and the unique colors of the Scottish land and sea. Through her art, she conveys a sense of simplicity, space, and solitude that resonates with viewers. 

After a rest back at the hotel, we’ll meet again for our evening repast at the hotel.

Heading back to the Scottish mainland, we'll stop at the impossibly quaint fishing village of Plockton, where you can spend time exploring or enjoying a coffee at a local cafe as you watch the world go by.

After lunch, we'll visit Attadale Gardens for a private tour. Dating back over 250 years, the gardens are in a constant state of reinvention. Our private tour will cover the many highlights, followed by coffee in the historic house.

Afterward, it’s a short transfer to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we check into our 5-star hotel, located in a peaceful location next to the River Ness. After a rest, we’ll meet for dinner in the dining room.

Overnight: Ness Walk Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we'll head north to Dornoch, with various stop options along the way. We'll arrive in Dornoch before noon, ready to watch the Chieftain’s Parade – the historic march that traditionally opens the Dornoch Highland Games. Highland Games were first invented as a way to test for the clan's strongest and bravest. Musicians and dancers were also encouraged to showcase their talents as a credit to their clan.

The format today has come from Victorian times, with athletes coming from all over the world to compete in the ‘heavy events’ such as ‘Tossing the Caber’ or ‘Stone Putt.’ Buy lunch from one of the many food stands at the Highland Games. Why not get adventurous and try a few tastes? Spend the afternoon watching the events, admiring the dancers, and enjoying the music of this traditional Scottish day out before we head back to our hotel in Inverness.

Tonight, enjoy a free evening to try out the buzzing restaurant scene or pop into a nearby Scottish pub for a pint and haggis or fish and chips.

It is time to head south. Your adventure is coming to a close. Enjoy the impressive mountains and epic views as you pass through the Cairngorms National Park.  On the way to your final accommodation, we'll visit Blair Castle, home to Europe’s only private army.  After lunch at a working water mill, if time permits, we'll pop into a local chocolatier, famous for hot chocolate and truffles! The perfect end to the day.

Lunch Venue: Blair Atholl Watermill & Tea Room 

Your final accommodation this evening is a quaint hotel on the banks of the babbling River Tay. It serves incredible food and has a lovely wee bar where you can raise a glass to your vacation and the memories that will linger long after you leave these mystical lands.

Overnight:  Grandtully Hotel or similar

Your guide will take you back to Edinburgh Airport for onward connections, arriving at Edinburgh Airport by noon. 

Note: Anyone booking an international flight that departs before 3 p.m. today would likely require a private transfer from the hotel at a cost of approximately £300. Transfers should be arranged before traveling to Scotland.

Check in to Le Monde Hotel, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Leave your luggage and enjoy the Fringe Festival show! With over 3,000 shows to choose from, there's something for everyone at the Fringe. Whether you're a fan of comedy, drama, music, or dance, you're sure to find a show that you'll love.

Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, it's time for another day of exploring the Fringe Festival! Spend the day seeing your favorite shows, and be sure to take a break for lunch at one of the many food stalls in the city center.

Enjoy more of the Fringe Festival in the evening and catch some shows. With so many great options, choosing which ones to see can be tough. In the evening, enjoy tapas and drinks at the hotel before exploring more festival attractions.

Wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, it's time for your last day of exploring the Fringe Festival! Spend the morning seeing any shows that you missed the day before, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the festival.

In the afternoon, take time to relax before transferring to your flight home.