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All of our tours are fully customisable to suit your tastes and requirements. 

TOUR SUMMARY:

Day 1
Activities: Transfer to The Balmoral Hotel, Dinner in Balmoral’s Number One Restaurant
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 2
Activities: Guided Photography Tour of Edinburgh

Day 3
Activities: Loch Lomond, Rest and Be Thankful, Loch Fyne, Inverary Castle, Lochgilphead, Crinan
Accommodation: The Crinan Hotel (1 night)

Day 4
Activities: Oban, Castle Stalker, Glencoe, Loch Leven
Accommodation: Glencoe House (2 nights)

Day 5
Activities: Full Day Tutored Photography Tour of Glencoe, Picnic in Glencoe

Day 6
Activities: Fort William and Ben Nevis, Mountain Gondola, Glenfinnan Monument, Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale
Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge (3 nights)

Day 7
Activities: Sligachan Old Bridge, Fair Pools, Lunch at The Old School Restaurant, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point

Day 8
Activities: Portree, The Fairy Glen, The Quaraing, Afternoon Tea at Skye Restaurant, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, The Old Man of Storr

Day 9
Activities: Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Torridon, Lunch at Bo & Muc, Clay Pigeon Shooting
Accommodation: The Torridon Hotel (2 nights)

Day 10
Activities: Hebridean Whale and Wildlife Cruise, Inverewe Gardens, Loch Maree

Day 11
Activities: Gruinard Bay, Garve, Rogie Falls, Lunch at IV10, Chanonry Point
Accommodation: The Ness Walk Hotel (2 nights)

Day 12
Activities: Private Loch Ness Boat Tour, Urquhart Castle, Lunch at Loch Ness Country House Hotel, Culloden Battlefield

Day 13
Transfer to airport and departure

Tour Details

Day 1

Transfer to The Balmoral Hotel, Dinner in Balmoral’s Number One Restaurant
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver Guide
Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

As you touch down at the airport your private driver will be waiting and your luxury Scottish photography tour will begin. Your private driver will take you to The Balmoral Hotel, one of the most iconic and luxurious buildings in Edinburgh. Your location could not be more central, with many of Edinburgh’s best attractions and streets just minutes away. Rose Street is a particularly lovely street to amble down, checking out the numerous pubs and cafes on the way. The Balmoral also boasts one of the best spas in the country and promises the ultimate relaxing experience. After all your travelling, and with an adventure packed 12 days ahead of you, the name of the game tonight is to relax and get settled.

And, of course, in the evening enjoy a sumptuous meal in The Balmoral’s unrivalled Number One restaurant. With exceptional modern artwork on the walls, seasonal ingredients from Scottish suppliers, and 4 (yes 4) AA Rosettes, the Number One will provide a dining experience you are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Day 2

Guided Photography Tour of Edinburgh

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver + Photographer Guide
Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

After a relaxing sleep you will awake in the absolute luxury of The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Your driver, alongside your professional photographer will take you round various locations, allowing you time to explore and capture great photography:

These stunning locations will include:
– Grassmarket & Victoria St   – Edinburgh Castle   –  Royal Mile & St Giles
 Cathedral
– Ross Fountain & Princess Street Gardens   – Scott Monument   – Holyrood House
– Calton Hill   – Blackford Hill

After a great day exploring all the best spots for photos in Edinburgh, you will return to The Balmoral for a chance to chill out before heading for dinner at The Witchery, which is located just by Edinburgh Castle. The blood-red gothic interior creates a fabulous ambience and has been described as the prettiest restaurant ever by Andrew Lloyd Webber. So you may be more interested in snapping pictures of the place rather than the food. However, we doubt it, because the food is to die for, with the menu including a seafood platter, Isle of Mull scallops, Balmoral Estate partridge, and Glenfeshie venison.

Day 3

Loch Lomond, Rest and Be Thankful, Loch Fyne, Inverary Castle, Lochgilphead, Crinan

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
The Crinan Hotel (1 night)

After a delicious breakfast your driver will escort you to the beautiful Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. You will weave around the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, where you can absorb the breath-taking views and picture perfect scenery. Have your camera at the ready, as your driver guide will make the appropriate stops in order for you to capture some truly incredible photographs.

You will continue to weave south-west via the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’a famous beauty spot 803 ft above sea level. This majestic viewpoint divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe offering the most spectacular views and driving.

For lunch we recommend stopping at Loch Fyne.
Loch Fyne offers fresh local seafood and uses an in-house smokery to make sure the food is of the highest quality.

After lunch you will continue west to the beautiful Inveraray Castle. Set on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is an embodiment of Scottish stately homes. You will take a tour of this grand castle and gardens.

Onwards to the quaint town of Lochgilphead. This picturesque village is perched on the banks of Loch Gilp and makes the perfect venue for a photoshoot before retiring to your accommodation for the evening which is the Crinan Hotel. The Crinan Hotel is set on the banks of Loch Crinan and has been an inn for over 300 years. All bedrooms have fantastic sea views and the hotel offers warm hospitality.

Tonight, you will be dining in the Crinan Seafood Bar, located on the ground floor of the hotel. While there are extensive seafood options, such as Gigha oysters, Loch Fyne scallops, or Crinan seafood stew, there are also vegan, vegetarian, and children’s menus available.

Day 4

Oban, Castle Stalker, Glencoe, Loch Leven

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
Glencoe House (2 nights)

After breakfast, your driver and executive vehicle will be waiting and your day of touring will commence.
You will travel north up the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Your first stop of the day will be Oban. Oban, otherwise known as the “Gateway to the Highlands”, is the biggest town in Argyll and is famed for great seafood and McCaig Tower. McCaig Tower looks over the town of Oban and provides a great photo opportunity.

Your next stop will be the guided tour of Oban Distillery, which sits right below the steep cliffs that look over Oban. With just two stills, this is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, though what they lack in size they more than make up for in character and flavour. You will learn all about the history of the distillery, which started making whisky back in 1794, discover how whisky Is made, and enjoy a fine dram in the Mill room.

After a long morning touring you will head to Airds Hotel for afternoon tea. You can enjoy beautiful views over Port Appin while enjoying the hotels fantastic array of treats laid out for you in lovely artistic fashion.

On your way to Port Appin you will witness the breath-taking Castle Stalker. Stopping at The Castle Stalker View, the viewpoints here offer panoramic views of Castle Stalker, Mull, and Loch Linnhe. Be sure to have your camera at the ready once more!

You will continue north until you reach Glencoe, which was carved out of volcanic eruptions and glaciers. With incredible summits, glinting waterfalls, picturesque lochs, and incredible views, Glencoe really is a photographer’s paradise. Words simply cannot do justice to how impressive Glencoe is. If you drive through it at any time of year, the car parks will always be full of locals and tourists alike soaking up the curious mix of feelings of magnificent grandeur and peaceful tranquillity that washes over you as you stand within the massive Glencoe. Of course, you will take pictures, but more than that we recommend taking a few moments to lock your time here in your memory, as we’re sure you will treasure it forevermore.

After a long day of visiting some of Scotland’s best photo spots, your private driver will escort you to Glencoe House. This luxurious 5 star mansion hotel is set in 10 acres of private gardens and combines picturesque tranquillity with outstanding service.

This evening you will have a dining experience a little different to the norm. You will be served food of the utmost quality, there’s no surprise there. However, you will be served at your very own private dining room within your suite.

Day 5

Full Day Tutored Photography Tour of Glencoe, Picnic in Glencoe

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
Glencoe House

Created by fire and shaped by ice, Glencoe is the hunting ground of the landscape photographer. World famous for its dramatic scenery and dynamic light, this Highland landscape will ignite your passion for creativity.

Your local photographer will provide a tailored experience to suit your needs and cater for a whole range of skills from beginners wishing to explore their creative side, to professionals looking for great locations and local knowledge to expand their portfolio.

You will be picked up in a 4×4 and embark on a private tutored day of photography. You will also enjoy a lovely picnic lunch in the afternoon, in the tranquil setting of Glencoe. Time to capture those classic shots of Glencoe.

After a day of expanding your photography skills, you will be taken back to Glencoe House for some well-earned rest, relaxation, and top-quality food.

Day 6

Fort William and Ben Nevis, Mountain Gondola, Glenfinnan Monument, Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
Kinloch Lodge (3 nights)

Today you will firstly drive through 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. Of course there will be plenty opportunities to take pictures of this majestic mountain.

There are other ways to reach up into the mountains, however, such as the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, your next stop. 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 exploring for a while, you can grab some lunch in the Pinemarten Café, which offers a range of soups, rolls, burgers, and sandwiches.

From there you will be heading 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. There is also the Glenfinnan Monument, a huge tower overlooking Loch Shiel which stands in memory of those who died for the Jacobite cause.

You will then take the short ferry trip from Mallaig, on the mainland, to Armadale, on Skye. Skye is certainly one of the most picturesque places in the world so this is a great opportunity to get some snaps of its rugged mountains from your vantage point crossing the sea.

Once on dry land, your driver will then make the short journey to your luxury accommodation on the shore of Loch-Na-Dal, travelling down a windy road to the foot of a gorgeous mountain where you will find Kinloch Lodge. A charming, historic hotel set in an incredible landscape. This family-run hotel ensures the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

You will also enjoy dinner here where the kitchen staff really go the extra mile to provide you with the very best local produce Scotland has to offer. From Perthshire partridge to Skye venison, and a range of Scottish cheeses, Kinloch Lodge always delivers a first-rate dining experience.

Day 7

Sligachan Old Bridge, Fair Pools, Lunch at The Old School Restaurant, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
Kinloch Lodge

Your first stop of the day will be a photo Stop at Sligachan Bridge. Built in 1818, the old Sligachan Bridge is a perfect example of excellent engineering standing the test of time. Set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin Mountains, enjoy the manmade and natural wonders together. You will have the opportunity to stop and take a few pictures of this wonderful scene.

After that, your driver will take you to one of the most special places in the world, the Fairy Pools in Skye. This magnificent series of huge rock pools and waterfalls attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. From the car park you look down and out across the valley, taking in the intimidating sight of the Black Cuillin mountains behind, and are just blown away by the natural beauty of this wonderous scene. The water forms gorgeous crystal clear blue pools that look inviting to swim in and while some pools are perfectly safe, the Fairy Pools do require some caution.

It will then be time for a spot of lunch at The Old School Restaurant in Dunvegan. This family run business is bursting with charm and has established itself as a firm favourite in Skye. With extensive menus filled with traditional Scottish dishes using fresh, local ingredients, The Old School will certainly not disappoint.

After lunch it’s on to Dunvegan Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, this castle has had many additions over the centuries and is now listed as a category A listed building. There are also five acres of gardens for you to explore, including the Water Garden, Rose Garden, and Walled Garden, as well as woodland walks and nearby waterfalls.

Your driver will then take you to Neist Point and the most westerly point of Skye, at the tip of the Duirinish peninsula. Here you will see one of the most famous lighthouses in all of Scotland, that was first lit back in 1909. As well as the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins below.  As you are on the cliffs there will be lots of common seabirds to view too.

Finally, you will return to Kinloch Lodge for another evening spent in luxurious surroundings and enjoying remarkable food.

Day 8

Portree, The Fairy Glen, The Quaraing, Afternoon Tea at Skye Restaurant, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, The Old Man of Storr

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
Kinloch Lodge

For your first stop today, you will explore Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. With local craft shops and a bustling fishing port, you will have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and experience Portree’s thriving culture. Have your camera at the ready as you will want to grab a picture of the brightly coloured, cottage lined harbour.

Next stop, The Fairy Glen, on the west side of Trotternish. An otherworldly experience awaits as you approach this supernatural looking landscape. A short hike from the road, these rich and vibrant colours and fairy-tale views all around are a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to keep a look out as legend has it that fairies live deep within this magical Glen…

Next you will continue north to the most northerly point of the Trotternish ridge, The Quiraing.
As the ancient landscapes begin to unfold before your eyes, your driver will take you on a stunning drive down the narrow road and hairpin bends. With rolling hills and cliffs surrounding you, there are opportunities here for a brief walk or hike. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the gigantic pinnacles of rock as they bask in their glorious surroundings.

For lunch today you will be visiting the Skye Restaurant at Flodigarry Hotel where their motto is, “nature writes our menu” emphasising their dedication to serving the freshest seasonal produce. And you will get a chance to try many different fresh delights as you will be treated to a wonderful afternoon tea.

After lunch you will continue North to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls. You will notice that these ancient 90 metre cliffs resemble a pleated kilt, hence the name ‘Kilt Rock’. You will witness both of these spectacular sights, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, from the same viewpoint on the Trotternish Peninsula. The other beautiful sight here is Mealt waterfall which, flows from the nearby Mealt Loch, with the water plunging from the cliff tops to the rocky coast below.

Your final stop for the day will be The Old Man of Storr, a monumental rock pinnacle that can be seen from far and wide. A staggering sight to behold, be sure to have plenty of battery left in your camera as there are photo opportunities aplenty here.

This evening, while you will be staying at Kinloch Lodge again, you will be dining at Duisdale House Hotel’s double AA Rosette, award winning restaurant offering only the finest in fresh local Scottish produce.

Day 9

Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Torridon, Lunch at Bo & Muc, Clay Pigeon Shooting

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
The Torridon Hotel (2 nights)

Your first act this morning will be wave a fond farewell to the beautiful Isle of Skye, and perhaps thank it for giving so many wonderful photo opportunities. However, even leaving Skye is a treat as you get to travel over the marvellous Skye Bridge.

Your first stop today is a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Game of Thrones scene! This ancient castle was built in the 13th century and survives remarkably well to this day. The tiny bridge across the water to its own little island really gets your imagination running wild as to what it must have been like living there all those hundreds of years ago. You will also be able to enjoy some stunning views out over Loch Duich. A coffee and gift shop are also available. Eilean Donan is widely considered as the most beautiful castle in Scotland, due to the idyllic setting at the junction of three different lochs (Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh).

Your driver will then take you to the delightful village of Plockton, lovingly known as the “the jewel of the highlands”. A peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron, will certainly hit the spot.

Next on the list is a drive through the magnificent village of Torridon, which is known for its wild, Jurassic looking landscape and boasting some of the finest mountains in the whole of the UK, so maybe keep that camera handy as you’ll be sure to get some more excellent pictures.

Your accommodation for the night is The Torridon, a simply marvellous luxury hotel in equally as impressive surroundings. With views out across Loch Torridon and the hills beyond, there really is no better spot to enjoy the majestic tranquillity that Torridon is famous for.

Getting its name from the Gaelic words for pig and cow, the hotel’s Bo and Muc Restaurant offers exquisite Scottish food and a friendly welcome. They even use their very own pork and beef from their Torridon Farm.

You will enjoy a delicious lunch at Bo and Muc’s before heading off for a spot of clay pigeon shooting which is organised by the hotel and caters for all levels of experience and ability. This is perhaps a chance to snap a couple of action shots.

After experiencing the power of a shotgun, you will have a chance to unwind and get changed before dining at their stunning 1887 Restaurant, enjoying exquisite dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an incredible selection of wines and whiskies.

Day 10

Hebridean Whale and Wildlife Cruise, Inverewe Gardens, Loch Maree

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
The Torridon Hotel

You are in for an absolute treat today as you will be heading out on a 2 and a half hour whale and wildlife cruise. Your experienced skipper will set off from Gairloch, heading out into the waters of The Minch, an area where it is very common to see whales and dolphins. You will head towards the Shiant Islands off the coast of Harris where you will see hundreds of thousands of sea birds, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Be sure to have your finger at the ready for those perfect wildlife shots.

Your next stop is Inverewe Gardens. Here you will get the chance to view some rare species from all around the world as you wander round this heritage garden. First created in the 19th century, this oasis of flora in an otherwise rather barren landscape continues to wow visitors after all these years. There is also a small museum within Inverewe House, including an exhibition to tell you more about Inverewe’s Underwater Garden.

If you fancy something to eat, you can pop into their very own café, Osgood’s. Newly refurbished and boasting an award-winning menu, this is the perfect spot for refuelling before carrying on your adventure.

From there you will be driven to Loch Maree, the fourth largest loch in Scotland and certainly one of the most beautiful. Loch Maree is so large that it has many islands, each with their own smaller lochs called lochans. In fact, one such island has its own lochan which has its own island, something which does not happen anywhere else in the UK.

In the evening you will return to The Torridon Hotel to enjoy some more of their first-rate hospitality, facilities, and fine dining.

Day 11

Gruinard Bay, Garve, Rogie Falls, Lunch at IV10, Chanonry Point

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
The Ness Walk Hotel (2 nights)

First up on day 11 is a visit to Gruinard Bay, which enjoy spectacular views across to the Coigach Hills. Gruinard Bay also boasts three pink sand beaches and a variety of peculiar stones. Get your close-up lens at the ready.

Your driver will then take you to Rogie Falls via Garve, a small village which sits on the banks of the Black Water river which is a very impressive body of water carving its way through numerous rock pools. As you travel onwards you will next stop at Rogie Falls, a beautiful spot just above the village of Contin. Enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge to view the waterfalls and more of the Black Water River in all their glory. Watch the water as it flows down from the nearby Ben Wyvis Mountain. Rogie Falls are a sight to behold and famous for viewing leaping Atlantic salmon.

For lunch today you will be getting a bite to eat from the lovely folk at IV10, in Fortrose, where every effort is made to serve up simple, honest food that tastes great every time. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and for a special treat why not get a hand-made pizza made to order and cooked in their wood-fired oven.

You will then visit Chanonry Point (Gaelic: Gob na Cananaich) on the Black Isle.
Widely acclaimed as the best place in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins from the land. Also, keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and otters. The lighthouse at the tip of Chanonry Point is still active and was first lit back in 1846.

From there you will make your way into Inverness and The Ness Walk Hotel, which will be home for the next two nights.

After a long day of exciting photo stops you will continue north until you reach the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, your accommodation for the next two nights in Inverness. Ness Walk Hotel opened in 2019 and sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication. The hotel provides a luxury 5 star service and incredible fine dining options.

You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

Day 12

Private Loch Ness Boat Tour, Urquhart Castle, Lunch at Loch Ness Country House Hotel, Culloden Battlefield

Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation:
The Ness Walk Hotel

This morning you will make your way to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness.
Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle. Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.

You will then make a more up close and personal visit to Urquhart Castle which is an amazing ruin to photograph in its own right but when you combine this with the majestic landscape all around it the outcome is something spectacular.

Today you will be treated to a fantastic lunch at Loch Ness Country House Hotel. With a selection brimming with delicious traditional favourites and Scottish dishes there will be a real danger of over-eating.

After filling up, the next stop of the day will be 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.

After another great day touring, you will return to the Ness Walk Hotel to relax for a while before heading to dinner at the 5-star Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness. This special Georgian mansion oozes class. Admire the dramatic décor, quirky features, and unique charm of this boutique hotel which ensures final evening to remember. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at the in-house restaurant which offers duck rillette, quail, assiette, and Scottish Angus beef.

Day 13

Departure

Your driver will transport you to Inverness airport at your desired time and bid you a fond farewell. We hope to see you again soon.

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