Ultimate 10 Day Luxury Scottish Tour

Chance to Relax & Explore Edinburgh, Spa Facilities
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur
Luxury Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (3 Nights)

You will arrive at Edinburgh Airport and be welcomed by one of our representatives. They will assist you with any bags and luggage and take you into the historic capital, where you will begin your exciting Scottish adventure.

Today is all about relaxation. You will have the time to wind down from your travels and fully immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s beautiful historic sites. Your 5 Star Hotel for the first 3 Nights, The Balmoral Hotel, provides guests with exceptional spa facilities that we recommend you take full advantage of.

In the evening you will 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.

Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh
Luxury Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

After a luxurious breakfast at your hotel, you can look forward to a day of touring and uncover much of the rich history that Edinburgh has to offer. You will be met by a personal guide who will take you on a walking tour of the capital’s most famous landmarks, such as The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Scott Monument.

One of the city’s most revered assets is the Old Town, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a step back through the centuries and lose yourself in the labyrinth of closes and wynds with their bloody and haunting tales.

After a great day touring the old town, 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. The food is to die for, with the menu including a seafood platter, Isle of Mull scallops, Balmoral Estate partridge, and Glenfeshie venison.

Stirling Castle, Afternoon Tea at The Cromlix Hotel, Bannockburn.
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

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.

From Stirling Castle you will be heading to the Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane which is owned by none other than Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray and is a refurbished Victorian mansion sitting in glorious countryside and woodlands. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.

After lunch you will travel to Bannockburn, the site of a famous battle between Scottish and English armies in 1314. The Scots, numbering around 6,000 and lead by Robert the Bruce, managed to defeat the English army which had 25,000 soldiers and 2,000 horses, in the most celebrated Scottish victory in history. You will hear all about the battle and the implications it had for Scottish and English history.

In the evening you will have a dinner reservation at Monteiths Kitchen and Cocktail Bar where they have a great relationship with their local suppliers, ensuring fresh local produce is delivered from farm to plate in as little time as possible. Their menu changes regularly to accommodate seasonal foods, but you can expect to find such treats as roast monkfish, braised ox cheek, and, of course, haggis.

You will then return to The Balmoral for the evening.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Lunch at Loch Fyne Oysters, Inveraray, Eriska.
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Benderloch/Near Oban (2 Nights)

On this morning you will travel westwards and into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. While exploring this wonderful national park, you will stop for some refreshments at Loch Fyne Ales, who produce a mouth watering range of beer, from traditional Scottish amber to rich dark ales.

Loch Fyne will continue to provide the goods as your next stop is for lunch at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, which offers fresh local seafood and uses an in-house smokery to make sure the food is of the highest quality. Of course, it’s only natural to try the oysters, which are world-beating, but there are plenty other delicacies on offer, such as salmon, crab arancini, and Tarbert lobster.

Your driver will then take you on a wonderful scenic drive to the town of Inveraray on the Western Shore of the stunningly still waters of Loch Fyne. Whilst here you will have the chance to explore and soak up the atmosphere of this endlessly charming little town. You could pay a visit to the old jail, which is now a museum, or the charming Inverary Bell Tower. There is also the beautiful Inveraray Castle. Set on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is an embodiment of Scottish stately homes.

From Inveraray you will travel to Eriska via Lochawe and have the chance to explore the picturesque and tranquil little island. Here you will find the Isle of Eriska Hotel, your accommodation for the next two nights, 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.

Oban, Corryvreckan Wildlife Cruise, Lunch at Ee-Usk, Oban Distillery Tour
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Benderloch/Near Oban

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.

Lunch today will be at Ee-Usk, which is a seafood lovers paradise offering the very best in fresh Scottish produce. They have lobsters and crabs from Luing, scallops from Mull, and langoustines, mussels, and oysters from Loch Linnhe. There is also a huge selection of freshly caught fish, such as monkfish, squid, and halibut. Just imagine tucking into that while enjoying unspoiled views over Oban Bay to the islands beyond.

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.

You will then enjoy another relaxing evening in the luxurious surroundings of Isle of Eriska Hotel. This evening, you will enjoy a fine dining experience in the Hotel’s restaurant, ‘The Deck’. Spoiled with marvellous views over the golf course and Loch Linnhe, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the wide selection of mouth-watering dishes on offer.

Castle Stalker Viewpoint, Glen Etive, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument, Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, Old Sligachan Bridge, Portree
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: Marmalade Hotel, Portree, Isle of Skye (2 Nights)

Your first stop of the day will be at The Castle Stalker Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the incredible Castle Stalker, Mull, and Loch Linnhe.

As you approach the iconic mountain of Buchaille Etive Mor, standing in all its glory, you will be taken on a little de-tour along Glen Etive. A single track road to the head of Loch Etive is a vision to behold.  Those familiar with the 007 James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ may recognise this idyllic setting.

You will then head to 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.

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.

Your next stop of the day will be 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.

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. One of the highlights is the brightly coloured, cottage lined harbour.

Having explored the charming town of Portree you will make your way to your accommodation, Marmalade Hotel. This stunning hotel is in a perfect location, just five minutes from the centre of Portree but far enough away and up high enough to enjoy a world of seclusion, with views looking over Portree, the coast below, and the Cuillin Mountains beyond.

For dinner this evening you will dine in the hotel’s Chargrill Restaurant. Enjoy fantastic views over a dinner of fresh seafood or premium Scottish beef cooked to perfection on the grill. There are also options to have grilled tofu or watermelon if you fancy something a bit different.

Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, The Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Lunch at The Oyster Shed, Talisker Distillery Tour
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: Marmalade Hotel, Portree, Isle of Skye

Get ready for some famous walks and jaw dropping scenery as your driver takes you on a mesmerising drive around the Skye’s most famous landmarks.

You will first stop at 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 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.

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.

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 just incredible. Be sure to keep a look out as legend has it that fairies live deep within this magical Glen…

You lunch for today is will be a quick bite at the simply unique Oyster Shed. This special spot in the village of Carbost is the ideal place to enjoy a seafood lunch, with crab, scallop, salmon, and so much more on offer. All as fresh as can be.

You will then visit Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on Skye, also located in the picturesque village of Carbost on the shores of Loch Harport. You will enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the casks in their warehouse, see their 5 copper pot stills that give Talisker its unique taste. And, of course, enjoy a dram of their full-bodied whisky and the only Single Malt Whisky from Skye.

After your day of exploring, you will head back to the Marmalade Hotel to relax and freshen up before heading to dinner at the Scorrybreac Restaurant. “Scorrybreac” means “speckled rock”, a tribute to the cliffs close to the restaurant. Combining Scottish produce with French influence, the team here produce food which may just blow your mind.

Fairy Pools, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Lunch at The Shores, Drive through Torridon
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: The Torridon Hotel, Wester Ross (1 Night)

After a delicious breakfast it is onwards to 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.

After that you will depart Skye by passing over the delightfully curved Skye Bridge, a true engineering masterpiece.

Not far along the road after the Skye bridge 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 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”. A peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron, will certainly hit the spot.

While in Plockton you will have lunch at The Shores Seafood Restaurant. If you’re a lover of seafood, you’re in for a special treat today. The menu offers such treats as a langoustine and mussel combo, mussels and scallops, however the standout meal is the king scallops served on Stornoway black pudding with fried lemon.

You will then have the privilege to drive through one of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring places in the UK, Torridon. It really does feel like time has stood still in this area of Scotland; there is something about the immensity and vastness of the mountains which just fills you with a revitalising energy. In fact, we suspect visiting these places may just inspire you to plan your next trip to Scotland.

Your accommodation for this evening is the 5 Star Torridon Hotel in Wester Ross. Located at the tip of a beautiful sea loch, this hotel was formerly a shooting lodge, but is now one of the best hotels in Scotland and has a 3 AA Rosette restaurant to its name. Indeed, you will dine at their stunning 1887 Restaurant, enjoying exquisite dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an incredible selection of wines and whiskies.

Kinlochewe and Garve, Rogie Falls, Glen Ord Distillery, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Inverness
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur.
Luxury Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night)

This morning your driver will start by taking you through the delightful villages of Kinlochewe and Garve, with Garve sitting on the impressive Black Water River.

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.

The Glen Ord Distillery is next on the agenda. With roots stretching back hundreds of years, and the modern-day distillery founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery has a rich history. You can learn all about this history on a whisky tour, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You can also sample some of the whisky and if you like what you taste there’s a gift shop to buy for yourself, or as a gift for friends and family perhaps.

You will then make a quick pitstop at café eighty2 in Drumnadrochit for a bit of lunch and a cake and coffee before continuing on your adventure.

Next up is a real treat. You will be taken to 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 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.

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 the city of 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.

Departure – Transfer to Inverness Airport
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (or similar) with Private Chauffeur Transfer

And so now is the time when your magical journey across Scotland sadly must come to an end. Your driver will collect you at the Ness Walk Hotel and transport you to Inverness Airport. On behalf of the Private Chauffeur Scotland team, we wish you a safe journey home, where you can reflect on an experience that will live long in the memory.