Stay & Dine: Cromlix Hotel

After an eventful morning you may have built up an appetite and luckily you’re in for a treat at the next stop, The Highland Chocolatier. Master Chocolatier Iain Burnett crafts premium chocolates that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Only the finest and freshest natural ingredients are used, such as the single-origin cocoa sourced from São Tomé, an island in the South Atlantic. Here you will experience a guided tasting session which will teach you all about becoming a Master Chocolatier, how such premium chocolate is made, and, of course, sample some of Iain’s world-famous velvet truffles. If you have a special someone you want to buy a gift for, this is the spot as Iain’s truffles have not once but twice been voted the best in world.

From there you will head to one of the wildest places in the UK, the Cairngorms. This notorious area of Scotland is incredibly beautiful with its vast open moorland, mountains, and plenty of wildlife to look out for.

Next, you will visit The House of Bruar where you will enjoy a spot of lunch and do some shopping. This upmarket shopping centre has a huge range of tweed clothing and outdoor wear, as well as many items for your home or perhaps a gift for friends and family.

From there you will be treated to a tour of Dalwhinnie Distillery, which first started producing whisky in 1897. While the remote and wild location, with particularly harsh winters, may provide its challenges, it also means that it is the only distillery which uses water from Lochan na Doire-uaine (loch of the green thicket) providing Dalwhinnie with a truly distinctive sweet and smoky flavour.

After another great day touring, you will then be dropped off at the 5 star Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness. A stay at Ness Walk Hotel promises an enchanting blend of luxury and tranquility. Immerse yourself in elegant surroundings and impeccable service, where the timeless charm of the Scottish Highlands meets modern sophistication.

For dinner this evening you will indulge in a culinary journey at Ness Walk’s Torrish Restaurant. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a menu curated to delight the senses, dining at Torrish promises a gastronomic experience that captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands in every exquisite bite.

Today you will firstly make your way to Culloden Battlefield. You will learn about the fall of the Jacobites, who were outwitted by British forces, leading to the brutal slaughter of over 1000 men.

The Glen Ord Distillery is next on the agenda. With roots stretching back hundreds of years, and the modern-day distillery founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery has a rich history. You can learn all about this history on a whisky tour, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You can also sample some of the whisky and if you like what you taste there’s a gift shop to buy for yourself, or as a gift for friends and family perhaps.

From there you will return to the Ness Walk Hotel for where you will have the chance to socialise some more and get ready for dinner.

This evening you will be dining at the Mustard Seed Restaurant. With its warm ambiance and a menu showcasing the finest local produce, dining here is a delightful journey through flavors that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, making each visit a memorable celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

Returning to shore you will then head to the remarkable Glenfinnan. Harry Potter fans will be excited to get the chance to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the bridge that carries the Hogwarts Express on its way to that world-famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. You will also visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a huge tower overlooking Loch Shiel which stands in memory of those who died for the Jacobite cause.

You will then be taken to visit Fort William, a charming highland town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. While you won’t have time to climb it on this trip, simply witnessing the majesty of this imposing mountain is enough to put a smile on your face.

For lunch today you will be tucking into some delights at Crannog, a pretty, red-roofed seafood restaurant serving fresh seafood and allowing wonderful views over Loch Linnhe.

Your next stop will be the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. This impressive feat of engineering transports you 650 metres up the side of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in the UK, all the while enjoying the unbeatable scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Once at the top, you can spend some time taking in the views and enjoying some of the scenic walks.

After a long day of touring, you will be taken to Inverlochy Castle, your accommodation for the evening. This beautiful 19th century castle is surrounded by the luscious trees and a picturesque nearby loch.  Described by many as ‘the most prestigious hotel in Scotland’, you will enjoy an unrivalled service in these tranquil surroundings.

The award-winning Chez Roux Restaurant is where you will dine for the evening. After dinner you can retreat to the grandeur of your opulent suite, to finish an eventful day in relaxation.

Onwards to the seaside town of Oban (Gaelic for ‘little bay’). As you arrive in Oban you will not be able to help but notice McCaig’s Tower, standing tall and proud on the town’s skyline. The Colosseum-like Tower takes only 10 minutes to walk to from the town centre. Drink in the spectacular views over Oban and the neighbouring islands.

For lunch today you will have the pleasure of visiting a true institution of Oban, The Oban Inn. Established in 1790, this cosy spot has been offering weary travellers food and drink for hundreds of years. Choose from Stornoway black pudding, Orkney mac and cheese, highland beef olives, and much more.

Next up is a wildlife boat tour around the Gulf of Corryvreckan. On this two hour trip your experienced guide will be on hand to tell you all about the surrounding area and help you spot some incredible wildlife, including seals, dolphins, whales, eagles, and many other sea birds. There will also be the chance to see the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world.

Your driver will then take you to the Isle of Eriska Hotel which sits at the start of Loch Creran and boasts views over the Morvern Mountains. Here you can relax for the evening, making use of the fantastic spa facilities before enjoying some fine dining in the hotel restaurant where more of Scotland’s finest fish are on offer, such as Loch Melfort Steelhead Trout.

You will continue to route east until you reach West Lothian. You will stop off at the small town of Linlithgow where you will tour the famous Linlithgow Palace. Sitting proudly above Linlithgow Loch, the palace was a Stewart Family stronghold and Mary Queen of Scots was born here. This will be a very exciting visit for the history buffs.

You will then make the short journey to Blackness Castle. Built in the 15th century, Blackness Castle has had many uses over the years, including a royal home, a prison, and even a filming location for Hamlet and Outlander. The tour of the castle is fantastic, and you will enjoy majestic views over the Firth of Forth.

Upon your arrival in the capital city of Edinburgh, your chauffeur will guide you through the bustling streets to your haven of sophistication and grandeur – The Balmoral Hotel. This iconic establishment stands as a testament to refined elegance and timeless luxury. From the moment you step into the opulent lobby adorned with classic Scottish furnishings, you will be enveloped in an atmosphere of impeccable service and attention to detail.

Your two-night stay at The Balmoral promises not only a sanctuary of comfort but an immersion into the rich history and charm of Edinburgh.

Embark on an extraordinary dining experience at The Balmoral Hotel’s Number One restaurant, where the fusion of contemporary elegance and classic charm sets the stage for a culinary masterpiece. Helmed by renowned chefs, the restaurant celebrates Scotland’s finest seasonal produce, offering a menu that tantalizes the taste buds with inventive flavors.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without visiting the legendary Edinburgh Castle. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century and you will tour round the great hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, see the one o’clock gun, the honours of Scotland, and the stone of destiny.

After another wonderful day, you will return to the Balmoral Hotel where you will spend your final evening.

Concluding your tour on a culinary high, your last meal will be an exquisite dining experience at The Balmoral’s Brasserie Prince. This charming brasserie, nestled within your iconic hotel, offers a delightful blend of casual elegance and gourmet sophistication. Indulge in a menu crafted with the finest local ingredients, providing a fitting crescendo to your journey with a taste of Scottish culinary excellence.