The Balmoral, Edinburgh
The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address. A landmark in the centre of the city, the historic buildin... Read more
Embracing the northernmost part of the British Isles, Scotland is wild and untamed. Its spectacular landscape of lochs and heathery glens, famous battle sites and fast-flowing rivers provide a dramatic backdrop to historic castles, whisky distilleries and ancient ruins. Edinburgh, Scotland’s charming capital city, boasts an impressive range of attractions including the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town.
Journey Highlights
Arrive at the Scottish capital and transfer to your hotel.
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, you are welcomed to Scotland by your Guardian Angel and transferred to your hotel where you are assisted with check-in procedures.
The Balmoral
Uncover the rich history of Edinburgh on a walking tour, starting with Edinburgh Castle. Housing the oldest set of Crown Jewels in Europe, admire panoramic views of the city before heading down the Royal Mile through the Old Town to St. Giles Cathedral. In the afternoon, you may like to enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court in your hotel or take part in a whiskey-tasting experience, piping demonstration and dinner.
The Balmoral | Meals: B
Today, venture outside Edinburgh to visit the historic and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Situated in the little village of Roslin, this ornately decorated chapel was built in the 1400s and took over 40 years to complete. Practically every surface of the building is covered in intricate carvings depicting bible stories and local history including that of the Holy Grail. Your guide will explain the theories, myths and meanings behind the carvings.
Alternatively, enjoy a day out exploring the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside — a picturesque area of rolling hills and farmland lying between Edinburgh and the boundary between Scotland and England. Although a peaceful region today, it was long fought over between England and Scotland in the late Middle Ages. Explore Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland and discover the history of the famous Bear Gates, which closed indefinitely behind Bonnie Prince Charlie as he rode away in 1745. Visit Abbotsford, the enchanting house of Scotland's national novelist Sir Walter Scott, with its colourful gardens which provided him with much inspiration. Before heading back to Edinburgh, see the beautiful ruins of Melrose Abbey, burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
The Balmoral | Meals: B
The stunning scenery through the heart of central Scotland is steeped in legend, folklore and history. Today, visit Stirling, where the armies of Sir William Wallace defeated the invading forces from England at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. See the majestic Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Continue west to explore the Trossachs — a delightful scenic area of mountains, forests and lochs, often referred to as Rob Roy country. Sail across Loch Katrine on a historic ship and see Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce expelled the English armies. Transfer to your beautiful hotel set on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Cameron House | Meals: B
Today, embark on a scenic sea plane flight over Loch Lomond and the spectacular west coast of Scotland. Fly towards the Kyles of Bute and Loch Fyne, over the Kintyre peninsula towards The Sound of Jura before returning to Loch Lomond. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Cameron House | Meals: B
The landscapes of Argyll are some of the gentlest areas of the Scottish Highlands, yet still represent the grandeur of the region. Journey to Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, and explore the impressive interior with a private guide. Travel along the shores of Loch Fyne towards Oban and onto Fort William, overshadowed by the slopes of Ben Nevis — the United Kingdom’s highest mountain. Arrive at your accommodation at Inverlochy Castle, set amongst the scenic glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands.
Inverlochy Castle | Meals: B
Today, journey along the Great Glen — a valley that bisects the Scottish Highlands. Caused by a geological fault, it is one of the most noted topographical features in Scotland. Travel to the banks of Loch Ness, looking out for ‘Nessie’ as you walk around the ruins of Urquhart Castle which dominate the central part of the loch. You may like to cruise across the loch to the castle aboard your own private luxury cruiser with a local skipper-guide (additional cost). Arrive in Inverness, a small but charming city considered the capital of the highlands.
Visit one of the most important historic sites in Scotland — the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops. At this poignant spot, learn how these events changed the way of life in Scotland dramatically. If you have personal connections to the battle, you can learn where your ancestral clansmen stood and visit the Hall of Names before returning to Fort William (additional cost).
Inverlochy Castle| Meals: B
Today, enroute to Gleneagles, visit beautiful Blair Castle in the Perthshire countryside. Home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl, the stately castle with its sumptuous interior is set in a magnificent walled garden, surrounded by the picturesque Highlands.
Home to three famous championship golf courses, Gleneagles Hotel has hosted several professional tournaments. You can enjoy horseback riding, off-roading, shooting, fishing or relaxing in the many spa and wellness spaces (additional costs may apply).
Gleneagles | Meals: B
Enjoy a day at your leisure. You may wish to book a round of golf at one of the hotel’s championship golf courses, take part in a falconry lesson (additional cost) or simply enjoy a walk in the beautiful countryside.
Gleneagles | Meals: B
Transfer to Glasgow airport for your departure flight.
Meals: B
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address. A landmark in the centre of the city, the historic buildin... Read more
Cameron House is a majestic 17th-century Baronial mansion which sits amidst 400 acres of countryside on the shores of Loch Lomond. Follow... Read more
A member of Relais & Châteaux, this atmospheric country house hotel is uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of Sco... Read more
Since throwing open its doors in 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s premier hotels and sporting estates. With a sprawling 850 ac... Read more
From $18,970 per person twin share (low season) and from $22,990 per person twin share (high season). Solo travellers on request.
As this Tailor Made Journey can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking. Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800, send us a booking enquiry to book this journey or contact your travel advisor.
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