The Luxury Scotland Family Tour

Day 2

Walking Tour of Edinburgh, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh Castle

Transport: Walking Guide For Tour
Dinner: The Dome

We recommend filling up on a big Scottish breakfast this morning as your touring adventure begins with a guided walk around the historic streets of Edinburgh. Your private guide will greet you outside The Balmoral and take you to the first stop of the day, the pristine slopes of Princes Street Gardens, complete with a glorious fountain, a mini amphitheatre, and great views of Edinburgh Castle.

At one end of the gardens stands the magnificent Scott Monument, Scotland’s tribute to writer Sir Walter Scott. The monument can be climbed, allowing for picture perfect panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline.

You will then make your way to The Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street is packed with cosy little pubs and gift shops, so it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir. Towards the top of the mile, you will duck down a side street or “close” as their known in Edinburgh to grab a drink at The Jolly Judge.

You will then head into a world of fun at Camera Obscura. This intriguing collection of exhibits and interactive rooms has been wowing visitors since 1853. There are mirror mazes, vortex tunnels, a magic gallery, and many more fun activities for all the family. Head to the top floor for a guided demonstration of the camera obscura which has a small hole in a darkened room and uses sunlight to act as a camera, allowing views of Edinburgh outside.

Finally, you will head to Edinburgh Castle to enjoy a guided tour teaching you all about the castle’s fascinating history and see some of the treasured artifacts on show here, including the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and Mons Meg, a gigantic cannon which is still used to mark one o’clock each day.

This evening you will dine at The Dome, an incredible building which will have your jaw hitting the floor with its elaborate dome ceiling and lush golden interior. With haggis, neeps, and tatties to start and haddock fillet for main, you’re sure to find a traditional taste of Scotland at The Dome.

Day 3

Three Bridges Boat Tour, The Kelpies, Dunkeld

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Dunkeld House, Dunkeld (1 Night)
Dinner: The Stag Restaurant, Dunkeld House

Day three kicks off with an exciting boat tour exploring the three bridges which span the Firth of Forth just outside Edinburgh. This 90 minute cruise around a UNESCO World Heritage Site will teach you all about the three bridges which span not just the Firth of Forth but three centuries, too, with the Forth Rail Bridge of 1890, the Forth Road Bridge of 1964, and the Queensferry Crossing of 2017. The bridges are a staggering sight to behold, but keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as this is a great place to spot seals and puffins. With fantastic views of Edinburgh and the Kingdom of Fife on the horizon, this cruise has it all.

Back on dry land, your chauffeur will be waiting to whisk you off to visit The Kelpies, two huge sculptures of Clydesdale horses’ heads which take their name from the mythical Scottish shapeshifting creatures. Weighing a staggering 300 tonnes each and standing at 100ft tall, this monumental artwork stands as a testament to the work horses who were crucial during the industrial revolution. There are many facilities at the Helix Park, including a coffee shop, lagoon, wetlands and woodlands, water fountains, and a play park for the kids.

Next, you’ll journey to the picturesque and tranquil town of Dunkeld, nestled beautifully along the banks of the River Tay.  Your stay for the evening will be at Dunkeld House, a charming country house hotel set amidst 280 acres of pristine natural woodland. Dinner awaits at The Stag Restaurant within the hotel, where you’ll savor dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a true taste of the region.

Day 4

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (2 Nights)
Dinner: Conservatory Restaurant, Kingsmills Hotel

Up first today is a magical adventure for all the family. You will head to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and embark on a “Hill Trip” up into the hills of the Cairngorms to admire the beautiful reindeer herd. The reindeer are very friendly, and it is possible to get up close to them, so be sure to pack your camera. The walking route is steep, rough, and boggy in places, and the weather in the Cairngorms can be unpredictable, so sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is required.

You will then make a stop at Cawdor Castle which dates back to the 15^th century. With three immaculate gardens, a courtyard café, and many rooms which have been lovingly maintained as they were in the 19^th century, Cawdor Castle offers you the chance to step back in time and experience Scotland as it was hundreds of years ago.

Rounding off today’s tour is a trip to Clava Cairns. This ancient site traces its origins to the Bronze Age and includes standing stones which are unbelievably well-preserved, elaborate burial cairns, and a medieval chapel.

This evening you will rest your head at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness where dinner will be served in the Conservatory Restaurant. With such prime access to fresh Scottish seafood, we highly recommend checking out the seared scallops to start and cod & potted shrimp for the main course. If you have room for pudding, look no further than the traditional Scottish dessert of Clootie dumpling with whisky butterscotch.

Day 5

Byres Farm, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Dinner: Conservatory Restaurant, Kingsmills Hotel

Animal lovers will be delighted once more today as you head to Byres Farm. There are paddocks where you can hand feed the animals including pigs, goats, and sheep. There are also some iconic Highland cows on site for that perfect photo op. The farm also has pedal tractors, archery, football, picnic tables, a play garden, and a coffee shop with a range of delicious cakes.

From the farm you will be driven to Nairn, a serene seaside town on Scotland’s north-east coast. To learn more about the local history, head to Nairn Museum in Viewfield House which is full of displays detailing many aspects of Nairn’s colourful past. After that, a stroll along the golden sands of Nairn Beach is a must.

Culloden Battlefield is next on the itinerary today. This site is of huge significance in Scottish history as it is here that the famous Jacobite Rising was ultimately defeated in 1746. The Jacobite’s supported the restoration of the House of Stuart to the British throne. However, the British Government forces led by Prince William Augustus crushed them once and for all in the last pitched battle on British soil. The visitor centre use artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays to tell the full and fascinating story.

This evening you will return to the Kingsmills for another delicious dinner in the Conservatory Restaurant.

Day 6

Loch Ness Boat Tour, The Loch Ness Monster Centre, Eilean Donan Castle

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Skeabost House Hotel, Skye (2 Nights)
Dinner: Pier View Restaurant, Skeabost House Hotel

The Scottish people love a great folktale of mythical creatures, and none are more famous than the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Set your kids’ imagination alight on this exciting boat tour of Loch Ness searching for the elusive “Nessie”. While we cannot guarantee sightings of the famous beast, we can absolutely guarantee stunning views of Loch Ness, which is the largest loch by volume in the UK, containing more water than all of the English and Welsh lakes combined. Your experienced skipper will help you spot wildlife in and around these famous shores.

You will then return to land to head to The Loch Ness Centre where the one hour tour will guide you through the full history of Loch Ness. Discover how the legend started, examine real objects found in the loch, hear about scientific research inspired by Nessie sightings, and listen to people’s accounts of seeing the monster.

Day six wraps up with a trip to Eilean Donan Castle. Built in the 13^th century, this well-preserved castle is surely the most photographed in all of Scotland as its prime location on a little island and surrounded by three lochs and mountains makes it a photographer’s dream. As you cross the old stone bridge to the island, take a moment to think of what life would have been like here more than 700 years ago. On your way back, pop into the gift shop for a souvenir or postcard.

You will then head to your accommodation for the next two nights, Skeabost House Hotel on the Isle of Skye. This old Victorian hunting lodge enjoys panoramic views over Loch Snizort which are enjoyed best from the hotel’s Pier View Restaurant, where you will dine this evening. Steamed Loch Eishort mussels, Hebridean white crab, and Skye Estate venison casserole are the pick of the bunch.

Day 7

Portree, Isle of Skye Dinosaur Tracks, Kilt Rock, Uig, Dunvegan Castle

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Dinner: Pier View Restaurant, Skeabost House Hotel

Your adventure round the gorgeous Isle of Skye begins in Portree, the main town on the island. With an abundance of independent craft and gift shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and a fishing port, Portree is the epitome of Scottish island towns.

The Loch Ness Monster’s existence may be in doubt, but there is no doubting that dinosaurs roamed these lands millions of years ago. Indeed, your next stop is Staffin where there are some wonderfully preserved three-toed hadrosaur footprints. It really is an incredible feeling as you look over these marks, made millions of years ago, to imagine these lumbering giants making their way over the very ground you now stand on.

Your journey continues to Kilt Rock which gets its name due to the way the rock has formed a pleated pattern reminiscent of the traditional Scottish Tartan used for making kilts. This is also a great vantage point to view Mealt Falls, a cliff edge waterfall which thunders 60 metres to the rocks below.

Next up is Uig, a tiny village at the head of Uig Bay on the Trotternish peninsula, which offers unbelievable photo opportunities. For fans of beer, it is definitely worth heading to The Isle of Skye Brewing Company just next to Uig Pier, where they brew an award-winning range of beers and ales.

The final stop today is the 13^th century Dunvegan Castle. Nestled on the banks of Loch Dunvegan, this impressive fortress has undergone many transformations over the years, but one thing has remained true throughout, it is a truly impressive sight to behold. It is now a category A listed building, and its grounds include five acres of gardens to explore, such as the Rose Garden and Water Garden. If you fancy stretching your legs, there is a woodland walk surrounding the castle.

In the evening, you will return to Skeabost House Hotel to sample more tasty treats at the Pier View Restaurant.

Day 8

Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Bridge), Glencoe, Hagrid’s Hut location in Glencoe

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (1 Night)
Dinner: Kingshouse Restaurant

Fans of Harry Potter, young and old, will be delighted to hear that day eight begins with a trip to Glenfinnan Viaduct, the bridge made famous as part of the route Harry and his friends travel on their way to Hogwarts.

From there you will head to the majestic Glencoe. This is one of the most beloved areas in all of Scotland, with its imposing mountains, glistening waterfalls, and crystal clear lochs. The grandeur and atmosphere of Glencoe can be enjoyed from a large car park, giving you plenty time to snap some incredible photos.

There is more excitement for young witches and wizards as you head to the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. Not far from The Clachaig Inn, overlooking Torren Lochan (meaning “a small loch”), and surrounded by Signal Rock Forest, sits the spot where Hagrid, that beloved gentle giant, lived. Even if you are not fans of the movies, this idyllic location is a lovely place just to spend some quiet time in nature.

Nestled in the picturesque Scottish landscape, the Kingshouse Hotel stands as a haven for families seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The hotel, with its rich history and contemporary comforts, offers spacious family accommodations that provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. The expansive windows in each room showcase stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation. One of the highlights of the Kingshouse Hotel experience is the exquisite dining options, where families can savor gourmet meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The culinary offerings, paired with a warm and inviting ambiance, make dining at the hotel an integral part of the overall luxury experience, creating cherished moments for families against the backdrop of Scotland’s rugged charm.

Day 9

Loch Lomond, Seaplane Tour over Loch Lomond, Falconry at Cameron House

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Cameron House, Loch Lomond (1 Night)
Dinner: Cameron House Grill

Your final day of touring begins with a drive through the scenic Loch Lomond National Park. The beauty of Loch Lomond is so great that it has inspired many poems, stories, and songs. On a clear day, the tree covered slopes are reflected off the water, giving you a little slice of heaven to admire.

But why just admire this natural beauty from the land? Up next is a thrilling Seaplane Tour which takes you over Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, providing unbeatable views of the islands of Islay, Jura, and Gigha. They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, it really flies when you are having fun and flying, so savour every second of this incredible 90-mile adventure.

The ariel theme continues after you touch down as you will be treated to a mesmerising falconry display at Cameron House. These elegant birds will put on a show of their flying and hunting skills before you get up close and personal with them as they land on your gloved hand. The sense of awe is palpable as you stare into the eyes of these magnificent creatures.

Dinner this evening will be served in the Cameron House Grill, which serves up a range of the finest Scottish produce, including Shetland monkfish, West Coast whole lobster, and Aberdeenshire lamb.

Day 10

Departure

After a thrilling tour taking in some of Scotland’s best sights, savouring delicious local food, and enjoying fantastic fun for all the family, it is time to say goodbye to this magical land.

Your chauffeur will help you with your bags once more, drive you to the airport, and bid you a very fond farewell.