Luxury Edinburgh, Hogwarts Express and the Loch Ness Monster View Full Screen Itinerary

Today you arrive in Scotland, at Edinburgh Airport. At the airport you will be met at the 'Arrivals' gate by your driver and guide. They will make sure you have all your luggage before providing you with a private road transfer into the city centre. You will be checking into the world famous Balmoral Hotel which is situated in the very heart of beautiful Edinburgh. We have arranged that your luxury suite and room overlooks the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This is a special hotel view indeed! You will be staying here for the next two nights whilst exploring this magical city. 

This afternoon we have arranged for you a brief meeting with your driver and French speaking guide. They will discuss with you the coming week's itinerary and you can enjoy this meeting whilst taking Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral. Once you feel settled-in you have a free afternoon to explore the shops and local streets around the magnificent hotel before returning for dinner. 

Dinner can be arranged at the hotel should you wish?

Accommodation: Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh. Castle View Suite with inter-connecting Deluxe Room. Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Today you will be waking up in one of the world's most beautiful cities. The Edinburgh skyline is unmistakable and from your luxury suite and rooms you will have one of the city's best views. After a classic Scottish breakfast in the comfortable Hadrian's Brasserie we recommend that you head on up to Edinburgh Castle for a castle tour. In getting here you will enjoy the famous Royal Mile, a beautiful cobbled street that leads up through the heart of the Old Town to the castle gates. On your way you will pass by the Camera Obscura which you will be visiting later, after lunch perhaps? Today you have the use of your French speaking guide should you wish, although you may prefer to enjoy wondering the myriad of fascinating old streets alone as a family, taking in the culture and sights. 

This afternoon, at 5:30pm, we have arranged for you a private, exclusive visit to the undergrand vaults beneath the very city you walk in. These chambers are the old city, dating back hundreds of years and are said to be haunted. You will have a French speaking local guide who will expertly bring to life the tales from the past!

After your vaults tour, it will be time for dinner before returning to The Balmoral for your second night overlooking the city. 

Accommodation: The Balmoral, Edinburgh. Castle View Suite with inter-connecting Deluxe Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Waking up in Edinburgh, we say farewell to the capital city this morning. After a filling traditional breakfast, your private car complete with driver and personal French speaking guide will be waiting outside for you. Hop in and hit the road! Today you will be heading north to the Scottish Highlands. You will travel via Stirling, (look out for Scotland's second biggest castle as you pass the city) on the way north. On your way to the West Coast of Scotland, you will have the opportunity to stop at various points. Taking in sites and attractions and making the most of of your driver and guide to learn as much as you can about the area. 

Before you reach the West Coast you will pass through what is one of the most famous places in Scotland, Glen Coe. Glen Coe has a bloody and brutal history but it is also one of the most dramatic and stunning glens in Scotland. The mountains here rise up towards the heavens and hide fascinating stories from bygone years. Crane your necks high and you may even pick out the mythical Ossian's cave! If you are lucky, a tartan clad bagpiper will be playing at the viewpoint here with whom you can pose with for photos. 

After you have passed through the glen you will drop down to the stunning coast. Here you will meader your way via a lunch stop to your luxury hotel. The Isle of Eriska Hotel is a beautiful castle, situated in an paradise location on a private island. Once here, settle in and enjoy your surroundings. Guests are welcome to enjoy the amazing array of fascilities on site or a stunning walk around the island. If you wish your driver guide can take you to Oban for the evening? You may prefer to sample a traditional Scottish 'Fish & Chips' by the sea tonight instead of eating at the hotel?

Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel, 2-Deluxe Rooms (side by side). Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. 

This morning you will be waking up in what we believe to be a true Scottish paradise. The West Coast of Scotland is a prestine natural environment where wildlife thrives. Look out for an array of birdlife on the shore and even marine mammals such as seals in the sea. 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before an early departure towards Fort William with your driver and personal French speaking guide. Today, as a family of four you will enjoy the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig via the world famous (thanks to Harry Potter) Glenfinnan Viaduct. This train is the same train that featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwart's Express! A magical journey that all the family are sure to love and never forget. 

On arrival at Fort William you will board the train before steaming out through the mountains north west. You will be travelling along what is widely regarded as one of the world's most stunning railway lines. At Mallaig you will alight and have time to take a wonder and find a cosy restaurant for lunch. Your return train departs at 1415hrs and will take you back to Fort William where your driver and guide will be waiting for you to take you back to the luxury Isle of Eriksa Hotel. 

Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel: 2-Deluxe Rooms on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. 

After a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the wild west coast scenery from the Isle of Eriska Hotel, it will be time to join your driver and guide once more as you head north east today through The Great Glen. The Great Glen runs from Fort William to Inverness and includes within it the world famous Loch Ness, Scotland's longest loch and of course, home to the Loch Ness Monster or 'Nessie'.

Along the shores of Loch Ness, today you will stop at various points of interest and you will also have a tour visit at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. This will give you a fascinating insight into the history of sightings of 'Nessie' the monster, as well as many of the amazing expeditions that have been launched on the loch in search of 'Nessie'. 

If we have time it is possible to arrange today a tour on the loch however you will be able to tailor today to your liking based on time and preference. 

This evening you will be checking into a hotel with a hugely interesting history. Built on the site of the Battle of Culloden, where the last great battle between the Jacobites and the British Redcoat Army took place. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated. Spelling an end to the traditional clan way of life across the Scottish Highlands. 

Accommodation: Culloden House Hotel, Deluxe Suite (adapted for family). Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. 

This morning your driver and guide will meet up with you after a final 'Highland' breakfast at the beautiful Culloden House Hotel. You will be heading south today back to the hustle and bustle of the capital, but not before a real exploration of the highlands. Driving south you will pass through the UK's largest national park, the Cairngorm National Park is a protected area of natural Scottish beauty. Filled with incredible mountains and of course, sensational wildlife. Along the way, keep your eyes out for herds of Red Deer, the UK's largest mammal. You can often see them on the hills close to the roadside. 

Today you will have the opportunity to stop at the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery should you wish to learn more about the whisky industry or pick up a bottle for home. After Dalwhinnie you will soon reach the incredible Blair Atholl Castle. A huge, ancient and very important castle rich in history and captivating stories. Your driver and guide will drop you off here for a visit through the amazing castle where you can self tour, learning everything about this special place. 

On leaving Blair Atholl Castle, you will be taken to The House of Bruar a few mile along the road south. The House of Bruar is known as 'the home of country clothing', but these days offers visitors and guests a luxury shopping experience includling everything from great mens and ladies clothing to Scottish homeware, souvenirs and delicous local foods. We recommend enjoying lunch here before the drive back into Edinburgh. 

Along the way you will pass over the brand new state-of-the-art Queensferry Crossing bridge which was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2017. From here you will be able to see the iconic Forth Railway Bridge and if you like your driver will stop for photos of all three bridges which cross the river Forth. 

On entering Edinburgh you will be dropped off back at The Balmoral, which you know well by now. Here your driver and guide will say goodbye, until tomorrow when you will be taken to the airport for your return flight home. 

Accommodation: The Balmoral, Edinburgh. Castle View Suite with inter-connecting Deluxe Room. Bed & Breakfast basis. 

 With thanks to VisitScotland for use of some of the photos above. 

This morning is your last in Scotland so enjoy a great final breakfast at Hadrian's Brasserie in The Balmoral Hotel before stepping out into city.

The Balmoral Hotel is situated right in the heart of the city and from here you will be able grab any last minute souvenirs before your private transfer out to Edinburgh Airport. 

Thank you for choosing to visit Scotland, it has been a pleasure to have you in our country. 

Perhaps you will visit next in August for the famous Edinburgh Tattoo!?