Premium Scotland

SUMMARY

Head to the Highlands on this eight-day adventure through Scotland’s most picturesque spots. Start your Premium journey at a whisky distillery and warm your heart (and belly), ready for the brisk beauty of the rolling hills, expansive lochs and high peaks of the Scottish Highlands. Drive through scenic landscapes, try to spot the famed monster on a cruise on Loch Ness, explore castles, meet local characters, visit a wildlife reserve, wander through the quiet of islands Seil and Easdale and stay in an amazing historic mansion for your Feature Stay, where you can spend an afternoon exploring the lush private grounds. End it all in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Harry Potter and many other literature acclaims, and explore the Old Town, overlooked by the medieval castle perched high on the hill.

TOTAL DURATION : 8 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 12

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Edinburgh

END : Edinburgh

COUNTRIES VISITED : United Kingdom

Validity : 01 JAN 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Dunkeld

Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Edinburgh – the birthplace of Harry Potter, overlooked by the famed Edinburgh Castle. You’ll meet at the airport at 1.30 pm, then take a private transfer up into the rolling Highlands – grab a window seat if you can, the scenery is stunning! Head to a local distillery for a whisky tasting – the perfect setting to break the ice with your new fellow travellers. Then, when you’re all warmed up from the whisky, head to your hotel. When you’ve checked in, you’ll have a welcome meeting with your leader. Tonight, sit down for a welcome dinner with your group and get to know eachother.

Day :2

Location : Dunkeld

Today is all about waterfalls and wildlife. After breakfast, enjoy an easy early morning stroll (easy, 60-90 mins) through a forest of towering Douglas Firs - some of the tallest trees in Britain - until you reach a small building nestled among the trees, overlooking the cascading 'Black Linn' waterfall. Built in 1757, Ossian's Hall is a good place to try to spot leaping salmon here as they return upstream to spawn late summer. After lunch, visit a wildlife reserve that’s known for its red squirrels, woodpeckers, and ospreys, which nest here in the spring and summer. A hide provides the perfect vantage point to watch the ospreys soar above the loch as they look for salmon to catch. Back in Dunkeld, you’ll have a free evening, so maybe ask your leader for the best local restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy dinner and a pint of locally brewed beer. The Taybank, located on the edge of the river, is a local's favourite for food and drinks.

Day :3

Location : Inverness

This morning after breakfast, head to a local Highland castle, once known for having a private army, then continue north towards Cairngorms National Park. You’ll spend the afternoon at an outdoor folk museum here, which illustrates Highland history with a unique collection of buildings through the centuries (if you’re a fan of Outlander, this place might look familiar! The popular TV series filmed several episodes here). Next, head to Inverness – the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, known for its gorgeous scenery, 18th and 19th architecture and Victorian Market. After an afternoon of exploring, you’ll head to dinner with your group.

Day :4

Location : Argyll

This morning after breakfast, make your way to Loch Ness – the site of the famed beast (who you might just be able to spot if you squint out into the distance). When you arrive, head out on a leisurely boat cruise and marvel at the huge freshwater loch. Then, you’ll visit the world’s first rewilding centre and learn about the 250-year project that a conservation charity is currently undertaking to restore the lost forests of the Highlands. Learn about how they improve the landscape for humans and wildlife, and then head on to the west coast, near Argyll, where you’ll spend the night.

Day :5

Location : Argyll

This morning, enjoy a spot of breakfast and then take the short drive to the Bridge Over the Atlantic – an arched bridge from the 18th century that connects the mainland to the Isle of Seil. From the isle, jump on a ferry to Easdale – with a population of just 50, this Hebridean island has the smallest permanent population in the area! This is home to the World Stone Skimming Championships, so after you try your hand at some stone skimming, you’ll explore both small islands, soak in the serenity of the almost-untouched landscape and then head back to the mainland, where you’re free for dinner.

Day :6

Location : Edinburgh

This morning, fuel up with some breakfast and then head to Kilmartin Glen – one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the country. You’ll have a private guide to take you around the site and teach you about the fascinating stories and history of this collection of tombs, cairns and standing stones. After, head south through Loch Lomond National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery of high peaks, expansive lochs, green hills and a vast horizon – look out for Highland cows! Arrive at your Feature Stay just outside of Edinburgh – a historic castle from 1480 on 40 acres of sprawling gardens and lush private grounds with ponds, pathways and green lawns. Tonight is free to wander around the grounds and maybe grab dinner at the onsite bistro.

Day :7

Location : Edinburgh

This morning, return to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. When you arrive, go on an insightful tour of the city with a private local guide – this company of tour guides supports people who were once homeless, providing them with job opportunities. When you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the day is free to spend how you wish. Maybe continue exploring the winding streets and narrow alleyways on foot, searching for hidden bars and iconic landmarks. Maybe hit the designer stores along George Street or venture into Edinburgh Castle. Tonight, return to your Feature Stay and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day :8

Location : Edinburgh

This morning after breakfast, there are no activities planned. A transfer to Edinburgh city centre or Waverley Station is included. If you’d like to extend your stay and take a Harry Potter-themed walking tour or just explore the Old Town further, just speak to your booking agent.