Scottish Romance Tour

Scottish Romance Tour

Your great Scottish Romance tour begins when your private chauffeur picks you up from Edinburgh Airport with a warm Scottish welcome and delivers you to your 5-star accommodation, The Caledonian Hotel. You’ll have time to drop off your bags, settle into your stunning surroundings and freshen up for your reservation at one of Edinburgh’s most well-renowned restaurants, The Witchery.

Following a delicious breakfast at The Caledonian, you’ll meet your Blue Badge walking tour guide in the hotel lobby. From there, your highly knowledgeable and experienced guide will lead you on a journey through Edinburgh, taking in the city’s captivating history, remarkable architecture, and hidden stories as you explore one of Europe’s most beautiful and intriguing cities on foot.

The tour begins with a stroll along Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, the historic route connecting Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, you’ll discover the beautifully preserved Dunbar’s Close Garden, a tranquil, hidden gem tucked away from the bustle of the city. From here, continue to Edinburgh Castle, one of the world’s most iconic historic landmarks. As you make your way along the Royal Mile, you’ll also visit St Giles’ Cathedral, where you can discover more than 900 years of history and admire this remarkable architectural landmark.

History lessons over, it’s time to refuel with a sumptuous afternoon tea in The Colonnades at the Signet Library. From here, make your way to Holyrood Palace to marvel at the grandeur of the King’s official Scottish residence.

After a day of walking around Edinburgh’s historic cobbled streets, you will have built up quite an appetite, so you’ll be glad to head to Kyloe for a delicious meal.

In the morning, your private chauffeur will greet you in a spacious, luxury vehicle to begin your journey north into the Highlands. Your first stop is a decadent one: the workshop of Iain Burnett, the Highland Chocolatier. Known for producing Scotland’s finest artisanal chocolates, this visit includes a tasting of his world-renowned Velvet Truffle, an unmissable highlight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

From there, venture deeper into the wild landscape for an exclusive, private Highland Safari. Accompanied by your personal ranger, you’ll traverse rugged terrain in search of Scotland’s iconic native wildlife, keeping watch for soaring Golden Eagles, majestic Red Deer, and wild Grouse along the hillsides.

After another memorable day of exploring, check into the elegant surroundings of Fonab Castle, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s luxurious five-star spa facilities. Take some time to relax and rejuvenate before preparing for a wonderful evening of dining.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at 1892 on the Loch, Fonab’s beautiful lakeside restaurant. With its stunning views across Loch Faskally and a welcoming, elegant atmosphere, it is the perfect setting to round off another unforgettable day in the Highlands.

After a leisurely breakfast at Fonab Castle, your private chauffeur will whisk you through the breathtaking Highland landscape to Dalwhinnie Distillery, one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky producers. Here, discover the craft and tradition behind Scotland’s national drink, with an exclusive opportunity to explore the distillery and sample its distinctive single malt.

Continue your journey to Cawdor Castle, a romantic 15th-century fortress set amid beautifully landscaped gardens and picturesque Highland surroundings. Steeped in history and legend, Cawdor is famously associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, whose protagonist is bestowed with the title Thane of Cawdor. Take time to explore the castle’s richly appointed interiors and enchanting grounds before continuing your Highland adventure.

Continue onwards to Inverness, the cultural heart of the Highlands, and settle into the luxurious Ness Walk Hotel. Take some time to relax and enjoy the elegant surroundings before an evening of exceptional dining at The Torrish. With an enticing à la carte menu and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a wonderful setting in which to savour a memorable dinner and unwind after a day of Highland exploration.

Today, venture into the heart of the Highlands and discover the legendary beauty of Loch Ness. From Ness Walk Hotel, your journey follows the winding shores of this vast and atmospheric loch, before taking to the water for a private boat excursion. As you cruise across Loch Ness, take in the dramatic scenery from a completely different perspective. Keep your camera close at hand, as the combination of tranquil waters, rugged Highland landscapes and mist-shrouded hills makes this a truly memorable experience.

Next up is a tour of Eilean Donan Castle. Scotland’s most romantic castle, built in the 13^th century, sits on its own tiny island and looks out over three glorious sea lochs.

From there, it’s on to visit the charming village of Plockton, to see one of Scotland’s most iconic animals, Highland Cows. These long-haired, long-horned beauties are an intriguing sight to behold, and if you’re lucky, there may be some very cute calves around too!

Waving goodbye to your Highland friends, you will then enjoy the treat of crossing the Isle of Skye bridge, an engineering masterpiece. From here it is on to your luxury accommodation, Kinloch Lodge, a charming family run hotel that offers a mouth-watering array of locally sourced, high quality produce for dinner.

First, you will make a stop at The Fairy Glen, which looks like something straight out of J. R. R. Tolkien’s imagination. After a short walk, you will experience the awe-inspiring views, and you will clearly see why this place is famous for its tales of magical fairies. You’ll continue in this incredible drive and explore the rugged wilderness of the Trotternish area of Skye. The next stop is the mesmerising Quiraing, part of the Trotternish Ridge, formed by a massive landslip. Think breathtaking views and high cliffs as you pass through the gigantic pinnacles of rock.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls await you next. These ancient cliffs look very much like a kilt, and by their side, watch the incredible Mealt Falls waterfall plunge into the Sound of Raasay below. You will see both spectacular sights from the same viewing platform. Only a short drive until you arrive at one of Skye’s most famous landmarks, The Old Man of Storr.  Another mind-boggling collection of huge rock pinnacles, with the pièce de resistance being the Old Man himself.

You will then journey down to the delightfully charming town of Portree. Famous for its seaside houses painted in various bright colours, Portree offers a chance for a relaxed stroll along the shoreline with an ice cream. There are also a number of shops where you can pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Finally, a visit to the Fairy Pools, if the weather is nice, you may want to pack a swimsuit and towel for a dip in the legendary pools.

After another eventful day, a romantic dinner at Duisdale House restaurant will be a welcome treat. This two-AA-rosette restaurant delivers outstanding cuisine that delights the palate.

In the morning, from Kinloch Lodge, you’ll then head south, taking the short ferry journey back to the mainland.  You will arrive in the bustling port town of Mallaig and make your way East, stopping off at the Glenfinnan Monument and Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Monument commemorates the historic Jacobite Uprising of 1745, and the Viaduct is perhaps best known for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies.

You’ll then weave through Fort William towards the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, with a chance to journey up to the clouds and experience truly wonderful views of Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK).  Enjoy views over the many surrounding hills and the Great Glen, which stretches for 100km all the way to Inverness. Unique to the UK, this fantastic ride takes you 650 metres up the face of Aonach Mòr (Scotland’s eighth highest mountain).  Once at the summit, you may enjoy a (relatively easy) romantic walk called the ‘Sgurr Finnisg-aig’ (approx 45min return walk), before returning back to sea level.

Your next stop will be for a champagne afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle Hotel, before a drive through the majestic Glencoe. Infamous as the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, Glencoe offers dramatic scenery, with its incredibly steep-sided glen and one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros, Buachaille Etive Mòr.

Your journey continues to the beautiful Isle of Eriska, where a stay on this secluded 300-acre private island offers a true sense of escape. Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Eriska Hotel provides an idyllic retreat where you can slow the pace and enjoy the tranquillity of island life.

During your stay, take time to unwind in the hotel’s luxurious spa, explore the surrounding grounds, or simply savour the peaceful setting. An exceptional fine dining restaurant completes the experience, making this a memorable and wonderfully secluded stop on your Scottish journey.

After a wonderful breakfast, your driver will pick you up and head towards the charming seaside town of Oban. Here you will visit McCaig’s Tower, a grand structure overlooking the town and inspired by Roman architecture, particularly the Colosseum. Although the plans for the tower were never fully finished, it is nonetheless a remarkable sight to behold.

Leaving Oban behind, follow the scenic shores of Loch Fyne towards the picturesque town of Inveraray, home to one of Scotland’s most impressive stately homes. Inveraray Castle, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll, has stood at the heart of this remarkable landscape for centuries and is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture. Explore the castle’s grand interiors before stepping outside to discover its beautifully landscaped gardens and expansive estate, where woodland, parkland and lochside views create an enchanting Highland setting. Afterwards, take time to enjoy a selection of freshly prepared treats in the castle Tearoom, the perfect way to round off your visit.

Your journey continues south through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Along the way, stop at the Rest and Be Thankful Commemorative Stone and Viewpoint, where you can take in the impressive views across the surrounding mountains and glens.

Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before making your way to Cromlix Hotel, the elegant country house owned by Scottish tennis legend Sir Andy Murray. Set within beautiful Perthshire countryside, Cromlix provides a tranquil and luxurious setting for your next stay.

After a thrilling tour around some of Scotland’s best loved sites, your driver will pick you up from the Cromlix hotel for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport. While it will no doubt be emotional to be leaving such a beautiful and charismatic country behind, we hope it won’t be your last visit.