Comprehensive Itinerary

Tuesday 20th July

Arrive in Scotland where the party will gather at Edinburgh airport at 11am & you will be warmly welcomed by your Drumscot Driver. You will be transferred to Inveraray, Argyll. Stay at The George Hotel for 1 night.

The George Hotel: Built in 1770, this hotel is steeped in history. Originally 2 private houses, the building was amalgamated in 1860 into the George Hotel by the Clark family, in whose possession the hotel still remains. Generation seven now resides in the hotel. The present owner, Donald Clark, has carefully and sensitively restored and enhanced the bedrooms, restaurants and bars to create a unique atmosphere. All bedrooms are large and elegantly furnished with antiques, oil portraits and paintings. Some have polished wooden floors below and wooden beams above. If you are looking for a real taste of Scotland then look no further!

Dinner at the George Hotel


Wednesday 21st July

After breakfast, your Driver will collect you from your hotel and take you on a spectacular drive along the West Coast of Scotland and up the beautiful shores of Loch Linnhe towards Mallaig where you will take the ferry to the Isle of Skye.

Stop enroute at Glenfinnan and Armadale Castle & Gardens on Skye.

The historical site of Glenfinnan marks the gathering of the clans for Bonnie Prince Charlie, where he first came ashore to Scotland.

Armadale Castle and Gardens: 40 acres of exotic trees, shrubs and flowers can be found in the Castle grounds, as well as the Museum of the Isles and Clan Donald Centre.

Stay at Eilean Iarmain Hotel, Isle of Skye for 2 nights.

Eilean Iarmain: This small, privately owned hotel is located in an idyllic setting with spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to the Knoydart Hills. It has managed to retain its old, traditional charm and you can expect a truly genuine Highland welcome from the moment you arrive.

Dinner at Eilean Iarmain


Thursday 22nd July

After breakfast, your Driver will take you on a tour of the Isle of Skye. This will encompass a circular route of the Isle, stopping at Dunvegan Castle and an optional visit to the Talisker Whisky Distillery.

Dunvegan Castle: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Originally designed to keep people out, this romantic and historic Castle was first opened to the public in 1933. The magnificent gardens follow paths through woodland glades, past shimmering pools and burns fed by a cascading waterfall.

Talisker Whisky Distillery: Take a VIP whisky tasting tour on the shores of Loch Harport, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Cuillins Mountain Range. Expect an in-depth tour of the distillery as well as a 5-sample nosing and tasting session of whiskies selected from the award winning Talisker range. You will also receive a limited edition Talisker Nosing Glass for you to take away!

Dinner at Eilean Iarmain


Friday 23rd July

After breakfast your Driver will take you to Nairn, visiting Eilean Donan Castle and Inverewe Gardens en-route.

Eilean Donan Castle: Sitting on a rocky island, this castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland and has even appeared in several films including Entrapment, Highlander and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough! A stronghold of the Clan Macrae for 500 years.

Inverewe Gardens: The Jewel in the Crown of Scottish Gardens. For many, visiting this beautiful, tranquil place is an unforgettable experience. Warm Atlantic currents have created a climate for a whole host of exotic plants and trees to grow.

Stay at Boath House, Nairn for 2 nights.

Boath House: An immaculately restored mansion. Owned by Don and Wendy Matheson and ably supported by award winning Chef Charlie Lockley. Excellent Spa, beautiful bedrooms and fantastic grounds - You're in for a memorable stay. Ideal for couples who appreciate fine food and drink.

Dinner at Boath House


Saturday 24th July

After breakfast, you will spend the day sightseeing in the Highlands, stopping for a boat trip on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, where you will go ashore and explore the romantic Urqhart Castle. Visit Culloden Battlefield on your way back to Nairn.

Loch Ness Boat Trip: Famed throughout the world for its monster, Nessie, this mysterious loch has been home to numerous monster sightings over many years. Nessie aside, the views from the loch are simply breathtaking and the imposing Urquhart Castle which sits on its rocky peninsula is well worth a visit!

Culloden Battlefield: The site of the last battle to be fought on British soil on 16 April 1746. It took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was not, as often portrayed, a battle between the Scots and the English: in reality the Scots on the Government side outnumbered those fighting for the Jacobites. Rather it was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the throne that had been under way since 1688.

Dinner at Boath House


Sunday 25th July

After breakfast, travel south to Edinburgh.

Visit to House of Bruar and Pitlochry enroute. Optional visit to Edradour Whisky Distillery.

House of Bruar: A roadside emporium and shopaholic honey-pot on the A9 north of Blair Atholl. General Harrods in the north feeling, and the food is good with a large number of Scottish cheeses, and Mackays ice cream available. Waterfalls nearby for more spiritual sustenance.

Pitlochry: This picturesque town in the heart of Scotland radiates real hospitality, clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, rich clan history, fine food, plenty of space and lots to see and do. The local people are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful as it has been a tourist destination for well over 150 years, counting Queen Victoria amongst its earlier visitors!

Edradour Whisky Distillery: claims to be the smallest in Scotland, producing single malts for blends as well as the House of Lords' own brand since 1825. There are guided tours of the charming cottage complex every 20 minutes.

Stay at Malmaison Hotel, Edinburgh for 2 nights.

Malmaison Hotel: a fashionable hotel in a vibrant part of the city called Leith which is a 7 minute taxi drive into the centre of the city. Many excellent restaurants are in walking distance of the hotel.


Monday 26th July

After breakfast, the day is at your leisure exploring our nation's Capital.


Holyroodhouse: The official residence of The Queen in Scotland. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots lived for 6 years, where she met John Knox, and where Rizzio was murdered. The building is full of old tapestries and paintings, most notably paintings of 80 Scottish monarchs

After a tour of the Palace, walk the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. This medieval thoroughfare is a bustling avenue of shops and eateries, secret wynds and closes. We can arrange a private, dramatised walking tour of the Mile, at the castle end of which is the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Enjoy a wee dram before visiting the Castle

Edinburgh Castle: One of the most famous castles in the world, this magnificent building is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Ancient Stone of Destiny. St Margaret's Chapel, dating from the Norman period, sits at the top of the battlements, and from here the views over the city are breathtaking. Here also is the Scottish National War Museum, dedicated to Britain's oldest army regiment, the Royal Scots.


Tuesday 27th July

Depart Homeward Bound from Edinburgh Airport

COST PER PERSON: £1775 UK pounds (approx $2928 USD based on £1 = $1.65 USD)
                                                                    (approx 2041 Euros based on £1 = 1.15 Euros)
                             
Tour includes:
- 7 nights bed and full Scottish Breakfast
- Dinner at your hotel for first 5 evenings
- Ferry crossing from Mallaig to Isle of Skye
- Admission to Dunvegan Castle
- Admission to Armadale Castle & Gardens
- Admission to Eilean Donan Castle & Inverewe Gardens
- Loch Ness Boat Trip to Urquhart Castle & Admission to Culloden Battlefield

Chauffeur Transportation for all applicable events

What is not included:
- Flights
- Airport transfer on day of departure
- Dinners on days 6 & 7
- Lunches
 

Castles and Whisky
7 Day Tour - £1,775.00 pp

Date:
20th - 27th July 2010

Music & The Wilds
5 Day Tour - £1,605.00 pp

Date:
6th - 11th August 2010

Boats, Trains & Automobiles
5 Day Tour - £1,345.00 pp
7 Day Tour - £2,995.00 pp

Date:
13th - 18th or 20th August 2010