The Classic Scotland Familiarisation Tour

Meet at Heathrow Terminal 5 at 06.00 (AM)

07.55 (AM) Flight from London Heathrow to Edinburgh - 1hr 25 minutes.

Guided tour: Linlithgow lay on Edinburgh's old main road to Stirling, Perth, and Inverness. Just 15 miles from Edinburgh, it is an ancient town that has retained much of its medieval layout, with many historical buildings lining the High Street. 

The town's major attraction is Linlithgow Palace, which stands on top of a mound between the town and a lovely loch of the same name. Adjacent to the Palace is St Michael's Church, one of Scotland's finest churches. Its oldest bell was cast around 1490. The bell tolled for the Scots' defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Linlithgow Palace is has strong links in Scotland's long and bloody history. If you enjoy the tales and ancient buildings involved in Scotland's story, you will love Linlithgow.

Lunch location: TBC

Guided tour: Scotland and Stirling Castle are two historic 'peas in a pod', with the castle at the epicentre of some of the most iconic and dramatic events in the country's history, from Mary Queen of Scots' crowning to key battles for Scottish independence.

A majestic sight, the castle sits proudly atop a cliff of volcanic rock, watching over the sites of two key battlefields, Bannockburn (1314) and Stirling Bridge (1297). Later, King James IV created this decadent renaissance palace, within and protected by the medieval walls.

Dinner details: TBC

Overnight: Gleneagles Hotel

After breakfast we have tour of the Gleneagles Estate and enjoy the activities on-site in the afternoon.

• Air Rifle Shooting
• Archery
• Clay Shooting
• Cycling
• Falconry
• Fishing
• Game Shooting
• Guided Hill Walking
• Gundogs
• Horse Riding
• Lawn Games
• Off-Roading
• Salmon Fishing
• Tennis
• Trail Rides
• Zip Wiring

Overnight: Gleneagles Hotel

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, north of Glasgow, is the Scottish Highlands in miniature. There are lochs, mountains, stunning scenery and wildlife only a short drive from Glasgow and slightly further from Edinburgh.

The park covers 720 sq miles and includes 21 Munros (over 3,000 ft). Take a steamboat on Loch Lomond, hike or go mountain biking. Why not 'Bag' a Munro (to climb); the reward will be stunning views and sublime landscapes that have inspired poetry.

Lunch: In our case, we will drive the Trossachs and stop for a special Scottish lunch.

Sea Safari Trip: Search for minke whale, bottlenose dolphin and sea eagles. Experience the strait of Corryvreckan, a cauldron of conflicting tides amplified by and under water hole and pinnacle. The whirlpool created by the rare underwater geology and tidal currents is one of the largest in the world.

The wildlife boat trip passes the incredible coastal landscapes of Jura and Scarba. Visits to grey seal colonies, one of Britain’s largest marine mammals, reaching up to  2.6m (9 ft) in length and males weighing up to 350 kg or nearly 800 lbs.  It is likely to see Britain’s largest bird of prey in action, the sea eagle. This ferocious eagle has a wingspan of 2.5m (8ft). It is a powerful fish-eating hunter, a close relative of the bald eagle. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Fonab Castle

The Western highlands are a mix of Lochs, inlets, rugged mountains, old forts and misty islands. This is fabulous road trip territory and perfect for the driver-guiding touring style.

The Highland Folk Museum remarkably brings to life earlier Highland peoples' domestic and working conditions.

It is a true living history. It is easy to understand that it was used as a film set for the enormously popular drama Outlander. The site is a mile-long piece of land occupied by live actors. Have a go at an activity or craft, sing songs and go inside a crofter house. Immerse yourselves in the past.

Late Lunch: Enjoy a special highland feast. 

Overnight: The Fife Arms

Blair Castle has been a residence of the Atholl family for 700 years. Situated in the dramatic Highland Perthshire landscape has, for centuries, been a strategic stronghold at the Gateway to the Grampians and the route to Inverness.

Blair Castle is not only a historic Scottish castle, but it is also a vast estate. Activities include; Off-Road Safaris, Hiking, Biking (cycling) and fishing. With 140,000 acres of varied terrains to explore, the Blair estate can be a full-day experience. 

Guided tour of the Castle.

Lunch in St Andrew's

We tour the St Andrew's and visit a couple of hotels and golf courses before heading to Edinburgh. Time permitting via the fishing villages of Fife.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh, Hotel TBC.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, ranks among the top 30 cities globally. The town exudes a confident, cosmopolitan air, combining rich medieval charm and attractive Georgian splendour.

Edinburgh falls into two main areas: the medieval Old Town with its charming alleys, Edinburgh Castle, narrow closes, and atmospheric buildings, and north of Castle Rock, the New Town - formed after 1767 when wealthy merchants expanded the city beyond its walls that restricted it for so long.

Running between the two is the famous Princes Street, Edinburgh's main shopping street, with fabulous shops and restaurants. Most of the city's most famous sights are concentrated in the Old Town and seen in a day. However, ideally, you need to allow at least two to experience Edinburgh in any detail.

Afternoon: We start a mini hotel road show fitting in three or four hotels before we transfer to the airport.

Transfer to the airport 

17.45 flight to LHR - If you are not joining the London add-on, please ask us for advise regarding exploring England.

Fam trip ends.