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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrival day
Arrive in Edinburgh today where you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your exquisite, country house hotel set in acres of private parkland. The attractions of the city centre are just a short drive away, however the hotel's restaurant and gardens are some of the finest in Edinburgh, so you may not wish to venture too far today.
Overnight: Prestonfield House
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Day 2 Discover Edinburgh
After breakfast at Prestonfield, your private guide will meet you for a comprehensive full-day tour of Edinburgh's many highlights and hidden gems. Discover iconic Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile, and take in the contrasts of the city's atmospheric Old Town and elegant 18th century New Town. You will also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, home of Mary Queen of Scots and the present-day base of the British monarchy when on official engagements in Scotland.
Option: experience Edinburgh Castle without the crowds on a private pre or post-opening tour.
Overnight: Prestonfield House
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Day 3 The Royal Yacht Britannia
Further regal connections in Edinburgh await today as you travel out to the port district of Leith and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. The much-loved royal yacht of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a veritable floating palace that hosted many of the world's greatest leaders and businessmen, and covered over a million miles across the globe. After ample time to explore the yacht at your own pace, the balance of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the facilities of your hotel or to delve into Edinburgh's world-class shopping and dining scene.
Option: tour the Royal Yacht Britannia on an exclusive basis with a private pre or post-opening tour.
Overnight: Prestonfield House
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Day 4 Scone Palace and the Highlands
Depart Edinburgh today for your journey north into the Highlands. Make a stop at the magnificent Scone Palace, where your private guide will explain its key importance as the crowning place of Scotland's Kings and Queens until the union of the Crowns in 1603. Continue your scenic journey into the Highlands and enjoy some time to take in the spectacular natural landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. The accompaniment of an expert driver-guide allows you take in the most iconic viewpoints and make leisurely stops of your own choosing. Conclude your journey in the highland village of Braemar and your memorable base at the Fife Arms, which delights lovers of fine food, outdoor pursuits, art and Scottish heritage in equal measure.
Overnight: The Fife Arms
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Day 5 Explore some of the Highlands’ most beloved castles
Today you will set out for a full-day's immersion into the enchanting scenery of the Highlands and the region's most significant castles. The candy pink turrets of Craigievar make a dazzling impression against the emerald green surroundings, and the castle's Jacobite-era panelling dates back to the 1500s. Your private guide will recount the rich history of Craigievar as you tour the fascinating interiors and serene grounds. The afternoon takes you to Drum Castle, the oldest of Scotland's tower houses, which boasts glorious historic rose gardens and extensive rolling grounds lined with ancient oaks.
Overnight: The Fife Arms
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Day 6 Explore Royal Deeside
Continue your explorations of the northern Highlands today with your knowledgeable private guide. A visit to Balmoral Castle, beloved home of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, will be included if its opening schedule permits. You will also be able to gain a fascinating immersion into the culture of the region with visits to Ballater and Braemar - two towns with strong links to the royal families, and home to many businesses bearing royal warrants due to the superlative quality of their goods and produce. Returning to Braemar, conclude your day with a visit to Braemar Castle itself. This classically turreted castle provides the backdrop for hundreds of years of colourful history, and its interiors display a fabulous collection of art and antique furniture.
Overnight: The Fife Arms
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Day 7 Travel to the western Highlands
Bidding farewell to Braemar you will take a scenic journey through the Cairngorms to the western Highlands, with some highly enjoyable stops along the way. At Blair Castle, discover the historic seat of the Dukes of Atholl where over 700 years of intriguing history have played out. The castle's picturesque gardens are also a delight to explore. Having worked up appetite for lunch, the House of Bruar - known as the 'Harrods of the North' - provides the perfect venue for a leisurely meal in the light-filled conservatory, sampling some of the finest Scottish produce from land and sea. This is also one of the region's best venues for high quality shopping, and you can enjoy ample free time to pick up some beautiful souvenirs of your trip. At the end of today's touring you will check in to one of the country's most outstanding hotels, Inverlochy Castle.
Overnight: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
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Day 8 Explore Inverness and Loch Ness
Your final day in the Highlands takes you first to the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the most strategically important sites of the Jacobite Uprising. Your guide will recount the dramatic history of the castle as you stroll around its storied remains and absorb its hypnotic setting looking out over Loch Ness. Follow your visit by taking to the waters of the loch on a leisurely cruise, keeping a lookout out all times for Nessie, its most famous resident. Travelling north, spend some time exploring the attractions of Inverness and meandering along the shores of the River Ness. Round off your day in the Inverness region with a visit to Culloden Battlefield to uncover the facts of the deciding battle of the Jacobite Uprising that defined the course of British regal history.
Overnight: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
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Day 9 Departure day
Enjoy a final breakfast at Inverlochy Castle. A private transfer to Inverness airport or station is included, scheduled in plenty of time for your onward arrangements.
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Depart
