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9 Day itinerary in United Kingdom, Europe

Golden Circle Experience

Many visitors seek out the rugged heights of the highlands as their main focal point of their dream Scottish vacation, however there is beauty to be beheld throughout this wee land from the Borders and Dumfriesshire in the south all the way to the isolated Shetland Isles in the north. This is why we... Read More

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Ross

By Ross

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Edinburgh

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Beach & Sea

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Enjoy staying in castles, horse & carriage rides & luxury spa days

2

Travel around the North Coast 500 as part of the most romantic getaways of Scotland

3

Embark on a romantic horse & carriage ride around the grounds of Glenapp Castle

4

Visit Oban Distillery for a tour & tasting, before you head for lunch in the beautiful Port Appin

Itinerary

Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival in Edinburgh | Recuperation day

Starting in the historic capital city of Edinburgh and staying within the grandeur of The Balmoral Hotel, located in the heart of the city and within a short distance of the magical Royal Mile of the Old Town. It is a true landmark in the historic city, providing guests with stunning views and warm Scottish hospitality. You will enjoy a fabulous reception to the country by the team.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: The Balmoral
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: The Balmoral
Day 2

place Castle’s Woodlands | Dinner at fine dining Restaurant

Traveling north, your next stop will be Fonab Castle, nestled in the valleys of Perthshire the castle marries a captivating past with a luxurious present. Enjoy breathtaking scenery while enjoying five star luxury and perhaps a trip to the castle’s woodlands spa, described as a haven of tranquility. You will enjoy an evening in the Sandeman’s fine dining restaurant which was awarded 3 AA Rosette’s in the stunning atmospheric surroundings.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Fonab Castle Hotel & Woodland Spa
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Fonab Castle Hotel & Woodland Spa
Day 3

place Travel through Cairngorms National Park

Leaving the rolling hills and woodlands of Perthshire you will travel through the Cairngorms National Park with only a short detour taking you along the famed banks of Loch Ness before arriving at the Regency, Boath House. Based on the northern Scottish coast in Alderearn near Nairn, Boath House boasts its own Michelin Starred restaurant, which only serves the residents of the boutique hotel's 8 bedrooms. With the opportunity to roam the beautifully designed gardens or take a stroll along the nearby coastline, Boath House is a perfect match for your Golden Circle tour.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Boath House Hotel
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Boath House Hotel
Day 4

place Travel Through Inverness | Travel Through Dornoch

Travelling west through Inverness; the capital of the Highlands before driving north over the Moray Firth, through the medieval town of Dornoch before arriving at Links House Hotel. Staying in the hotel’s luxury suite (named after an iconic Highland salmon river) impeccably appointed around a unique vibrant Highland tweed. Your luxury suite is traditionally styled, adorned with period antiques and artwork, expansive seating areas, writing desks and spacious en-suite bathrooms.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Links House at Royal Dornoch
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Links House at Royal Dornoch
Day 5

place Travel Around North Coast 500

Travelling around the North Coast 500 as part of the most romantic getaways Scotland has to offer, you will pass through the towns of John O’ Groats, Smoo, Loch Inver and finally to your destination for night number five,Torridon Hotel. The Torridon Hotel is one of the foremost retreat hotels in the UK, with the luxurious hotel boasting its own three AA rosette restaurants along with its own private Boat House and Inn accommodation within the hotel’s 58 acres. If whisky or gin are your poisons, then the on site whisky bar holds 365 whiskies and 100+ different gins.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: The Torridon
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: The Torridon
Day 6

place Travel Through Skye | Travel Through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park | Lunch by water’s edge

Continuing south you will pass the popular island of Skye through the towns of Kyle Lochalsh and Fort William before venturing through the towering peaks of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most spectacular sites and destination of many movie scenes such as in James Bond: Skyfall. The evening will be spent at Glencoe House a magnificent mansion situated in the famous Glencoe Glen in the Highlands. It offers luxury, 5-star accommodation in the Scottish Highlands and will be an ideal location in your romantic getaway. The next morning you will travel through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. You will have the opportunity to have a romantic lunch by the water’s edge, take in the wild scenery and visit the top romantic spots.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Glencoe House
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Glencoe House
Day 7

place Explore Oban | McCaig’s Tower | Oban Distillery

On Day seven, you will visit the resort town of Oban, exploring the harbour and the thriving little town itself. Taking a walk-up McCaig’s Tower and enjoying the great views across Oban and the Inner Hebrides. A trip to Oban Distillery for a tour & tasting will then follow, before you head for lunch in the beautiful Port Appin. Here you will dine at the esteemed Airds Restaurant, an Award Winning Gourmet and Seafood Restaurant with break taking views. Then you will arrive at your accommodation for the evening. Located on its own private island, is Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa boasts stunning surrounding landscapes with views over Loch Linnhe and the dramatic Morvern mountains. The hotel is set amongst 300 acres. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy The Stables Spa, which uses natural products to create refreshing treatments for total relaxation and serenity. You will also enjoy the Hotel’s leisure centre with indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. The perfect way to relax and unwind. Afterwards, you will enjoy a gourmet experience in their fine dining restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf
Day 8

place Glasgow | Botanic Gardens | Travel South to Ballantrae

Driving south once more, you will continue along the rugged Ayrshire Coast to the south of the county, where you will find the small town of Ballantrae. Located on the outskirts of Ballantrae you will find the majestic Glenapp Castle, a luxury, award-winning five-star hotel providing an intimate level of service with genuine attention to detail. It has great beauty in its period furnishings and interiors as well as through the breathtaking gardens, forest, and the seascapes that surround that castle. You will embark on a romantic horse & carriage ride around the grounds of the castle, enjoy 5 star cocktail and dining within the stunning interior of the castle, then spend the night in the penthouse suite within the turret of the castle.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Accommodation - Private Driver: Glenapp Castle
  • Luxury Accommodation - Luxury Hire Vehicle: Glenapp Castle
Day 9

place Return to Edinburgh

Returning to the capital city of Edinburgh for your final evening once more in the Balmoral Hotel. Allow yourself to watch the sunset on Calton Hill overlooking the city and a visit to one of the number of Michelin Starred Restaurants on the waterfront of the Firth of Forth before your departure the next day.

Meals: Dinner

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • The Torridon
  • Glencoe House
  • Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf
  • Glenapp Castle
  • The Balmoral
  • Fonab Castle Hotel & Woodland Spa
  • Boath House Hotel
  • Links House at Royal Dornoch
  • Links House at Royal Dornoch
  • The Torridon
  • Glencoe House
  • Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf
  • Glenapp Castle
  • The Balmoral
  • Fonab Castle Hotel & Woodland Spa
  • Boath House Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Dinner (9)

Transport expand_less

  • All transfers as per itinerary with private driver throughout or luxury hire vehicle

Activities expand_less

  • As per itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • Personal Expenses

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$11,192.00 USD