Spirit of Scotland Tour - Private Trip of a Lifetime

Day 2

Transport: Walking Guide For Tour
Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Edinburgh.   Dinner: Kyloe Gourmet Steak Restaurant and Grill

After a leisurely breakfast you will embark upon a walking tour of Edinburgh. You will meet your blue badge guide in the hotel lobby. Your guide will be your friendly face, personally hand selected by us. They will be on hand to take you on an exploration of Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town. You will travel from Holyrood Palace, climbing the Royal Mile and visiting St Giles Cathedral. And of course, 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.

For lunch you will be sampling the delightful menu of Holyrood 9a, a cosy little pub in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town offering a huge range of salads, burgers, steaks, venison, and, since you’re in Scotland, a haggis burger.

You will then have time to return to the Waldorf to relax and refresh before heading for dinner at Kyloe, a gourmet steak restaurant and grill. “Kyloe” is an ancient Scots word for highland beef cattle, an ideal name for an ideal steak restaurant where only premium beef from Scotland’s very best farms are served, ensuring a fantastic result every time. While steaks are understandably the main event at Kyloe, you can also choose from grilled Darne of Shetland salmon, salsify, cheddar, and pistachio gratin, and grilled half lobster.

In the evening you will return to your 5 star accommodation at the Waldorf Astoria.

Day 3

Scone Palace, Pitlochry, Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa (1 Night).   Dinner: Sandemans Fine Dining Restaurant

After a luxurious breakfast your private driver will be waiting and another day of fun filled touring will begin. Your first stop of the day will be Scone Palace, an elegant, Gothic castle which used to be the crowning place for Scottish Kings and Queens. You can also explore the gardens which are home to some of the biggest and most beautiful oak trees in the UK, as well as the Murray Star Maze and a kitchen garden.

You will then travel to the town of Pitlochry for a chance to wander around and explore this charming spot which sits on the beautiful River Tummel. Here you will also stop for lunch in McKays Hotel where you can enjoy a range of traditional favourites such as haddock and chips, scampi in a basket, haggis, neeps, and tatties, and the Highland burger.

You may want to skip dessert at lunch as you’re in for a sweet 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.

You will then be driven to your accommodation for the night, Fonab Castle. This 5 star hotel and spa has been restored to the highest standards and enjoys picture perfect views across the Perthshire countryside and the river Tummel. In the evening you will enjoy exquisite fine dining in the 3 AA Rosette Sandeman’s Restaurant. Surrounded by wood-panelled walls and ornate furniture, tuck into the seven-course tasting menu full of classic dishes with an extra twist.

Day 4

Cairngorms, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Cawdor Castle, Inverness

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night).  Dinner: The Torrish Restaurant

This morning you will route through the Cairngorms National Park until you reach 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. You will be treated to a tour of Distillery and sample a few drams of the ‘gentle spirit’.

For your lunch stop today you will visit the Sun Dancer in Nairn. You will have no doubt worked up an appetite by now so you will be delighted to choose from seafood chowder, Isle of Barra king scallops, or opt for something from the recently launched Street Food menu.

Your next stop will be at Cawdor Castle. This enchanting castle was built in the 15^th century and has strong connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. You will tour round the castle where there is so much to see, from its drawing rooms to the Old Kitchen which has remained unchanged since the 19^th century.

From there it’s on to the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which 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.

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 5

Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye (2 Nights).  Dinner: Kinloch Lodge

After a relaxing breakfast your private driver will be waiting, and your Scottish journey will continue. You will visit the famous Loch Ness, home to the mythical “Loch Ness Monster”. You will weave round this beautiful loch and your private driver will make sure you visit the best photo stops. You will then 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.

For lunch today you will make your way to Fiddlers, the home of whisky on Loch Ness. The team at Fiddlers don’t mess about. They serve hearty, traditional dishes in a simple and effective way that will hit the spot every single time.

The next stop will be Eilean Donan Castle, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Game of Thrones scene! This ancient castle was built in the 13^th 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).

You will then head to the delightful village of Plockton, lovingly known as the “the jewel of the highlands”. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron and beyond.

After leaving Plockton, you will travel over the engineering masterpiece that is the gently curving Skye Bridge and onto Skye where you will make your way to your luxury accommodation for the night, Kinloch Lodge Hotel.

For dinner you will have a reservation in the hotel restaurant 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 6

Day Tour Of Skye

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye.  Dinner: Kinloch Lodge Restaurant

On day 6 you will have a day tour of the Isle of Skye. You will see sights such as The Fairy Pools, The Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens and Portree. There will be plenty of stops with mild hiking throughout this day for you to enjoy time in the great outdoors on this beautiful island. Ensure you have packed and dressed for the many weather conditions which can come over the Isle of Skye throughout a day.

Your first stop after a delicious breakfast is Glenbrittle and the magical Fairy Pools, Skye’s most popular attraction. With their crystal clear waters and beautiful waterfalls, it is easy to see why. You will walk 20 minutes to the fairy pools themselves, an easy hike, allowing you to soak in the magnificent scenery all around you. Ancient folklore says that fairies swim in these pools and if you are feeling brave, you may wish to do so as well.

You will then head to Dunvegan Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, this castle has had many additions over the centuries and is now registered 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.

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.

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.

Next you will continue 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.

You will then visit 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.

You will then stop and 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.

In the evening you will again dine in the Kinloch Lodge Restaurant before enjoying a well earned peaceful nights sleep ahead of another day of exploring.

Day 7

Armadale to Mallaig Ferry, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument, Fort William, Mountain Gondola, Glencoe, Castle Stalker

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Isle of Eriska, Near Oban.  Dinner: Isle of Eriska Fine Dining Restaurant

Today your first expedition will be a short ferry trip from Armadale to Mallaig, before 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.

Your next stop will be in 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 Seafood Restaurant, a pretty, red-roofed seafood restaurant serving fresh seafood and allowing 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 returning down the mountain, your driver will take you to Glencoe which really defies adequate description. 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.

You will make one final stop to see the stunning 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!

Your driver will then take you to the five star 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.

Day 8

Oban, Corryvreckan Wildlife Boat Tour, McCaigs Tower, Loch Lomond

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Cameron House, Loch Lomond. Dinner: Cameron Grill Restaurant

After breakfast it’s 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.

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 journey will continue until you reach Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Your driver will take you around the loch where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and some of the most stunning, lush scenery Scotland has to offer. It’s no wonder Loch Lomond has inspired to many romantic poems and love songs.

Eventually you will wind your way to the five star Cameron House Hotel, which sits right on the shores of Loch Lomond, your accommodation for the evening. The second you step foot in Cameron House you know you’re in a luxurious spot. Indeed, Cameron House is the destination of choice for celebrities when they visit Scotland, from sports stars to musicians. Taking huge pride in offering the very best in Scottish hospitality, the team here will ensure you enjoy a fantastic stay to remember.

In the evening you will be dining in Cameron House’s Grill Restaurant. This cosy setting with glorious views offers the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the delicacies on offer such as west coast crab bisque, whole grilled Scottish lobster, Highland roe deer, and, of course, a range of premium cuts from the grill.

Day 9

Stirling Castle, Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour Tour

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver
Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Edinburgh (1 Night). Dinner: The Dome

After breakfast, you will head to Stirling Castle, a remarkable site perched on the top of Castle Hill, a huge crag. As defensive castles go, this has to be one of the best as it is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides. Any approaching army would have been filled with dread at the thought of trying to capture Stirling Castle. Though it did not only excel as a defensive structure, it was also a highly luxurious residence for many Scottish kings and queens, who used it as a palace. The famous Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned here. You will get to learn all about the history of the castle while looking out over the commanding views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside.

For lunch today you will be dining in the Allanwater Café in Bridge of Allan for a traditional Scottish experience. This chip shop offers a range of deep fried delights including haddock, smoked sausage, white and black pudding, king rib, haggis, and veggie burger.

From there you will be taken to Edinburgh where you will embark on a fantastic tour of Johnnie Walker Princes Street.  Experience a world of different flavours with a full sensory tour with tutored whisky tastings. This is a whisky tour like no other, using lights, music, and special effects to transport you on a fun-filled flavour journey.

In the evening you will have dinner reservations at The Dome in Edinburgh. Located on Edinburgh’s prestigious George Street, The Dome, which has previously been a bank and a physicians hall, now specialises in wowing everyone who steps foot inside. You will dine in the grill room where you can expect first class service and first class food, such as pan fried Balavil Wood Pigeon breast, seafood risotto, Glenfeshie Estate venison haunch, and smoked ham shank.

From there you will return to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to spend one more night in blissful sleep before heading home in the morning.

Day 10

Transfer To Edinburgh Airport

Your amazing Scottish journey may have drawn to a close, but we hope you thoroughly enjoyed exploring Scotland and hope to see you again. Your private driver will escort you to Edinburgh airport and bid you a fond farewell.