The Ultimate Scottish Adventure

Hop into a taxi at the Edinburgh airport to our accommodation, The Bonham, a 5-star hotel in the coveted West End neighborhood. A stone’s throw from the Old Town, our hotel has incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline.

This afternoon, feel free to explore the area around the hotel or relax and recuperate at the hotel. Our guide will meet us in the bar for pre-dinner drinks and a briefing before a delicious welcome dinner at the Angels Share Restaurant. 

Today, we'll meet up in the lobby in the morning to begin our exploration of this vibrant and historic city. Together we'll walk along the famous Royal Mile, stopping to admire iconic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Here we'll visit the castle’s Great Hall, the Royal Palace, St Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg – a six-ton siege gun.

After lunching at the Outsider Restaurant, we'll venture out to the port of Leith and explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, the late Queen Elizabeth’s floating palace that transported her all over the world. Tour her bedchamber, discover where state functions took place, and check out the kitchens in the heart of this magnificent ship.

Tonight will be at your leisure. Savor one of the many fine eateries the city has to offer or snuggle up and order room service. We're happy to help with suggestions and reservations. 

Today we'll head to the fabled Isle of Skye through the rolling hills of Perthshire and into the Highlands. The total drive time is about 5.5 hours, but we'll break it up with many stops throughout the day. 

Our first stop will be 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 owned by Flora Shedden, a semi-finalist in the Great British Bake Off. 

We'll stop for lunch at the iconic House of Bruar, with time after lunch to browse its classic Scottish country wear. For over 70 years, the House of Bruar has sold the finest tweeds in Scotland.

As we continue north, the scenery becomes more dramatic by the mile. We'll pause at Eilean Donan Castle to take photos before crossing the famous Skye Bridge, arriving at our country house hotel in the late afternoon. 

We'll check into our home on Skye, the Skeabost House Hotel. Skeabost began in 1871 as a Victorian hunting lodge. The views are to die for as the hotel sits right on the shore of Loch Snizort. 

We’ll have time to explore the grounds before joining up with our fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant set in a charming glass conservatory. 

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

Before we head off to these peninsulas, though, we'll start the day in Portree, ready to watch the Chieftain’s Parade – the historic march that traditionally opens the famous Highland Games. These games were first invented to crown the clan's strongest and bravest. Musicians and dancers were also encouraged to showcase their talents as a credit to their clan.

Now that we've had our competitive fix, we're off to the Trotternish Peninsula that boasts rugged cliffs and ancient rocks. A bit to the west, Waternish Peninsula offers tranquil shores with sandy beaches and sleepy villages that reflect Skye's peaceful essence. 

On Waternish, we’ll visit a local tannery to explore leather-making and witness the careful transformation of raw sheepskins into durable leather using traditional methods. The tannery includes a showroom and shop selling quality items, the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir.

Afterward, we’ll have the opportunity to spend time with an award-winning Scottish landscape artist and photographer based on the Isle of Skye, who draws inspiration from Scotland's serene landscapes. Cath's work captures the essence of open spaces, expansive skies, and the unique colors of the Scottish land and sea.

After a rest back at the hotel, we’ll meet again for our evening meal at the on-site restaurant, pausing to enjoy some traditional Gaelic singing beforehand.

Heading back to the Scottish mainland, we'll stop at the impossibly quaint fishing village of Plockton. Explore the village or enjoy a coffee at a local cafe on your own as you watch the world go by.

We'll continue with a private tour of Attadale Gardens, the recent winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Best Regional Garden Award. Dating back over 250 years, the gardens have been continuously reinvented. Our tour will cover many highlights, including the water and Japanese gardens, followed by coffee at the historic house.

After our garden visit, we’ll transfer to Inverness, where our accommodation, the Inverness Palace Hotel, awaits. Settle into your room, then take the rest of the evening to yourself. Wander around the city center, sip a pint in a local pub, or maybe rejuvenate at the hotel's luxe spa. 

We'll come together for dinner tonight, enjoying a warm, cozy meal in a local restaurant. 

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Inverness and begin our journey through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, where dramatic landscapes and centuries of history unfold around each bend. 

Our first stop is the poignant Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising and one of the most significant moments in Scottish history. At the award-winning Culloden Visitor Center, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the events of April 16, 1746, through immersive exhibits and powerful storytelling.

From here, we'll continue south through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery to the magnificent Blair Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Murray and the seat of the Dukes of Atholl for more than 700 years. As we wander through its grand ballroom and impressive armory, we'll discover the fascinating stories of the generations who shaped this remarkable estate. Time permitting, we'll also enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

This afternoon, we'll travel deeper into Perthshire, passing rolling hills, ancient forests, and charming Highland villages before arriving in the picturesque town of Pitlochry. 

Nestled along the River Tummel and surrounded by heather-covered hills, this welcoming Victorian town is known for its independent boutiques, whisky heritage, and inviting cafés. After checking into the Pine Trees Hotel, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, choosing from one of the many lovely local restaurants to savor dinner. 

Today, we'll discover the timeless charm of Perthshire, a region celebrated for its rolling hills, ancient glens, and storybook landscapes. 

Our morning begins with a visit to a local Highland farm, where we'll experience one of Scotland's most beloved rural traditions as expertly trained sheepdogs demonstrate their remarkable skill and intelligence.

From there, we'll enjoy a leisurely drive through the breathtaking Glen Lyon, often considered one of Scotland's most beautiful and unspoiled valleys. Framed by rugged hills, ancient woodlands, and winding rivers, this hidden gem offers spectacular scenery around every corner. We'll pause along the way to enjoy lunch before continuing to the charming town of Aberfeldy.

This afternoon, we'll be welcomed into an intimate local gallery and bookshop, where the owner will introduce us to the work of talented regional artists and share stories behind the collection. As we browse the artwork, we'll enjoy canapés and a glass of sparkling wine, creating a wonderful personal cultural experience that captures the creative spirit of the Highlands.

Returning to Pitlochry, we'll have time to unwind and enjoy the comforts of our hotel before gathering one final time for a memorable farewell dinner. Over exceptional food and a final toast, we'll celebrate the friendships we've made and the unforgettable experiences we've shared, bringing our Scottish adventure to a fitting and heartfelt close.

Our journey will come to a close today after breakfast, as we return to Edinburgh Airport for onward connections, arriving around noon after about a 2-hour drive. Here, we bid farewell while cherishing our fond Scottish memories. 

Note: Anyone booking an international flight departing before 3 p.m. today will likely need a private transfer from the hotel at approximately £300. Transfers should be arranged before arriving in Scotland.