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Scottish Gems in July by Land Rover Discovery View Full Screen Itinerary

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS, EDINBURGH'S BALMORAL HOTEL, PRIVATE CASTLES ON ISLANDS, MARINE SAFARIS AND TOURS, SCOTLAND'S WEST COAST BEACHES, GLENFINNAN VIADUCT, THE FIFE ARMS, CAIRNGORMS & GRAMPION MOUNTAINS WITH LAND ROVER'S ALL-NEW DISCOVERY 5

This very special journey will take you to some of Scotland's most magical places and includes stays at some of the country's most coverted hotels. Travelling in style and comfort in the All-New Discovery 5 by Land Rover, your journeying through the endless stunning Scottish landscapes will be punctuated by fantastic local experinces, from visiting world-famous whisky distilleries in pictureque locations, to thrilling adventures on the water with local legendary characters. 

Your trip encompasses a rich variety of all things Scottish, from history, to culture, to wildlife and nature as well as mouth-watering local cuisine and warm hospitality from local guides and experts. We expect you to leave Scotland totally bowled-over by our amazing country and we are quite sure with this fantastic itinerary you will do just that!  

Dates: 23rd July to 30th July 2019

In association with:

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh 
  • Underground Ghost Tour of Edinburgh's lost city vaults & streets
  • Castle Hotel stay on private West Coast island
  • Whisky Distillery Visit and Tasting Tour
  • Action packed Marine Safari on fast-boat RIB - natural whirlpool, wildlife & more.
  • Full-Day Sea Loch / Hebridian Sea Adventure with local legend inc gourmet lunch in paradise setting. Herds of wild-ponies, Red Deer viewing, Sea Eagles, Seals, Dolphins and more! 
  • See the Glenfinnan Viaduct (world-famous Harry Potter bridge)
  • Prestine West Coast beaches - explore magical beaches barefoot. 
  • The Fife Arms - Scotland's most exciting new hotel - unique luxury hotel by HM The Queen's Balmoral Castle. 
  • Land Rover's All-New Disocovery (Disco 5)
  • 24-hr on the ground assistance should you require from Scottish based team
Day 1

Day 1: Arrival into Edinburgh

Today you will arrive at Edinburgh Airport where you will be met by a team member of Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions. They will make sure you have all your luggage and then direct you to your private transfer vehicle waiting outside the airport. A short 30-minute drive into...

Today you will arrive at Edinburgh Airport where you will be met by a team member of Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions. They will make sure you have all your luggage and then direct you to your private transfer vehicle waiting outside the airport. A short 30-minute drive into the city will see you dropped off at the world famous Balmoral Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. 

After a quick check-in, you'll be able to have a coffee with the Sandgrouse travel designer who planned your trip - this is a chance for you to go over the itinerary for the coming days together and make sure you are 100% happy and armed with recommendations and top tips!

That evening you are free with no dinner reservations however should you wish Sandgrouse Travel to book something for you please let us know as far in advance as possible. For example, The Number One (a michelin starred restaurant at The Balmoral Hotel) is booked up well in advance so to avoid any disappointment please let us know on booking your trip. 

Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh. Old Town View Room on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

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Day 2

Day 2: Exploration of Edinburgh - Scotland's Capital

Today you will wake up in the historic Balmoral Hotel, overlooking the Old Town and North Bridge. After a great Scottish breakfast, you day is free for you to explore the remarkable city. Discover the Georgian built 'New Town' before venturing across via Prince's Street Gardens to the...

Today you will wake up in the historic Balmoral Hotel, overlooking the Old Town and North Bridge. After a great Scottish breakfast, you day is free for you to explore the remarkable city. Discover the Georgian built 'New Town' before venturing across via Prince's Street Gardens to the captivating and bustling 'Old Town'. This is the original part of Edinburgh, and a warren of narrow alleyways and encharted cobbled streets. Your Sandgrouse travel planner will have given you a host of great recommendations for today but you may wish to just enjoy mooching about soaking up the electric and exciting atmosphere that is so indicative of Edinburgh in July and August. 

Today at 7pm, we have booked you on to a shared Underground Ghosts and Ghouls tour which sees you venture down under the street level of the city's Old Town. Below the cobbled streets, amazingly enought are a myriad of old alleyways and buldings that were built on top of centuries ago. You will explore this subterrainian world hearing the stories from this time in Edinburgh, along with some hair-raising tales before enjoying a dram of whisky when the tour finishes. 

Tonight, we have reserved a dinner table for you at The Witchery By The Castle, one of Edinburgh's most quirky restaurants situated only a stone's throw from the castle at the top of the cobbled Royal Mile. This restaurant has a great atmosphere and is rather Harry Potter in feel!

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Day 3

Day 3: The High Road to Oban

Today is your final morning in Edinburgh. Enjoy a great Scottish breakfast before heading down to the entrance foyer of the hotel. Here you will be met by a Sandgrouse travel representative who will hand you the keys of your Land Rover Discovery 5. After a brief show-round...

Today is your final morning in Edinburgh. Enjoy a great Scottish breakfast before heading down to the entrance foyer of the hotel. Here you will be met by a Sandgrouse travel representative who will hand you the keys of your Land Rover Discovery 5. After a brief show-round of the vehicle you are free to hit the road. Again following the directions and recommendations you have been given, we have created a routing for you that will hopefully be a fabulous day! 

Today you will be heading north west, ultimately to the West Coast but the routing we suggest takes you past the ancient and interesting town of Stirling (look out for Stirling Castle standing high above the Forth valley (Stirling Castle is Scotland's second largest castle and continues to play an important role in Scotland today as it has done for centuries). Next to Stirling Castle you will also take a glimpes of the Wallace Monument - an amazing victorian built monument dedicated to that Scottish hero, Sir William Wallace (Braveheart!). After the town of Stirling, you really enter 'The Highlands'. You'll start to see the landscape changing and mountains springing up in increasing height. The road you are taking leads over one of the most remote parts of the UK, Rannoch Moor (once owned by Ian Fleming's family - author of James Bond). This road eventually drops down and through what is possibly Scotland's most famous and dramatic glen, Glen Coe. 

Here we recommened you take the time to stop and have a wee stretch of the legs. Within a few minutes of leaving the car in a layby and following a well-trodden track, you have find great elevation and take some fantastic photos of this historic and incredibly impressive glen! Glen Coe has some incredible stories and secrets to research if you are interested...

Pushing on from Glen Coe you soon reach the coast, here you will need to head south west to Oban following along side a sea loch. Once in Oban this afernoon you will be able to enjoy a seafood lunch on the quait harbour, whilst watching the boats and ferrys come in and out - before walking into Oban Distillery where we have arranged a tour and tasting of the distillery for you. Oban Distillery is the reason why the town of Oban exists and you will hear about this fascinating history on the tour. This is one of our favourite, small distilleries in Scotland. 

Leaving Oban, you will head 15-minutes back up the road towards Glen Coe, to your luxury hotel. The Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa is located on a private island. In fact, the hotel itself is a victorian built private castle, which has since been converted. The castle sites on it's own 300 acre island accessed by a small bridge. Enjoy a great meal here in the impressive dining rooms. 

Accommodation: Isle of Eriska (Relais & Chateaux) Hotel & Spa - Classic Room in main house on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Glen Coe in Autumn. 

 

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Day 4

Day 4: Marine Safari & The Road to the Isles

Today you wake up on Scotland's famed West Coast. Even better than that, you wake up in a Scottish castle with a Land Rover parked outside and a amazing day ahead of you! After a fantastic breakfast, you'll be checking out of the Isle of Eriska Hotel and...

Today you wake up on Scotland's famed West Coast. Even better than that, you wake up in a Scottish castle with a Land Rover parked outside and a amazing day ahead of you! After a fantastic breakfast, you'll be checking out of the Isle of Eriska Hotel and driving the short 30-minutes or so south of Oban to the tiny village of Easdale. Here you will be embarking on a fantastic 2.5 hour marine safari with local legend Tony Hill's boat company. Tony has set up a company that is renowned in the area, taking clients out on fast boat RIBs through the maze of fantastic islands exploring the coastline from an alternative perspective. If the tides are right, today you'll head to see the world's largest natural whirlpool but even if they aren't you will highly likely see some amazing wildlife. From marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals - even otters to birds such as Golden and Sea Eagles. The crew of the boat are experts too in local history and will bring to life this amazing area. 

Once the boat trip is over, you can grab some lunch in the local restaurant or head back up the road to Oban. In Oban there's a great seafood place called The Seafood Shack on the harbour which you might want to check out! Fresh lobster and chips anyone!?

Heading on you will zero in for Fort William, one of the major towns on Scotland's west coast (major meaning one of the only real towns - it is very small still comparably). If the weather is good, make sure you crane your necks to see Ben Nevis looming behind the town. Ben Nevis reaches a height of 4406ft above sea-level and is Britain's highest mountain. Your Sandgrouse travel planner will have given you some further tips to consider whilst here but the routing pushes on from Fort William to Mallaig. 

Following what is often described as the world's most beautiful railway route. You will drive along side the Jacobite Steam train route (The Hogwarts Express). This road is possibly our absolute favourite in Scotland. The mountainous landscapes are dramatic and leave you gobsmacked. Before long you will pass by the world famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as featured in the Harry Potter films. Once past this iconic structure, the road drops down to the coast and you will be passing by some amazing sea lochs and have views far out to the Hebridean islands. 

Accommodation: Arisaig House Hotel - Superior Double Room on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

 

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Day 5

Day 5: Private Tour with Local Legend - Exploration of Scotland's West

Standby for a day you will never forget! Today you will be exploring the magical West Coast of Scotland with a local legend. Billy will be meeting you in Mallaig down by the quay before taking you our for a private full-day exploration of the incredible local waters....

Standby for a day you will never forget! Today you will be exploring the magical West Coast of Scotland with a local legend. Billy will be meeting you in Mallaig down by the quay before taking you our for a private full-day exploration of the incredible local waters. Depending on the weather conditions you may head out towards the 'Small Isles' of Rum, Eigg and Muck. These are the iconic islands that you see from the Arisaig beaches looking west. Islands famous for their raw beauty and prestine nature. On Rum, there is a famous castle to be seen, Kinloch Castle, and herds of wild Red Deer and semi-wild Highland Ponies that live out in the open all year round. Here it is not uncommon to see the Sea Eagles fishing, hanging like huge gliders in the skies above! On the trip today you wll be able to get off the boat and explore on foot the coast line, even walking up into the hills to a hill loch (lake in a glacial corrie) or just enjoy some time on a remote Scottish beach. Billy your guide and local expert (having fished these waters for years) will be preparing for you a fantastic, freshly caught sea-food lunch. Local languistines, scallops, lobster, crabs, salmon, venision - it's all likely to make an apparance with a lunch put on by Billy. 

If the weather is a little more choppy, then you will likely head around the bay from Mallaig on departure and explore the magical and remote sea loch called Loch Nevis. This area is a paradise for wildlife, and is truly, one of the most remote places in the UK, and indeed Europe. The villages surrounding the loch have no roads into them and are serviced only by visiting boats such as Billy's! Again, you'll be stopping if this is your routing for the day, put ashore to explore the remote headlands with a good walk, perhaps finishing at the UK's most remote pub for a wee dram. Next it'll be a lunch to die for either aboard the boat or on the beach. Billy will return to Mallaig today for around 4pm but ultimately the day is flexible and up to you have you use it. If you are adventurous and feel like a good walk whilst on shore, your day may finish up closer to 5pm. It's up to yourselves. 

Tonight you are back at the comfortably Arisaig House Hotel. We recommend that after dinner you head back out to the beaches (Camusdarach beach) and watch the sun slip over the horizon out west! 

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Day 6

Day 6: West Coast to Braemar via Cairngorm Mountains

Today sees you leaving the beautiful West Coast of Scotland, having had a few days to really experience and get to grips with this magical part of the world. We hope you've had a special time and will savour the memories of this experience for years to come. 

Today sees you leaving the beautiful West Coast of Scotland, having had a few days to really experience and get to grips with this magical part of the world. We hope you've had a special time and will savour the memories of this experience for years to come. 

Leaving Arisaig House Hotel, today you have the full day to make your way across country. Your destination tonight is The Fife Arms, in Braemar - an old Victorian coaching-inn which has recently been refurbished and is now surely, Scotland's most incredible hotel experience. The hotel is now owned by the world's largest and most successful private art dealers, and as a result is truly unique - a celebration of all things Scottish with a salute to the traditional! We love it and think you will do to. 

Following the road back alongside the steam train route, you should keep your eyes-peeled for the puffs of white steam as the locamotive makes its way out towards Mallaig. Once you are back at Fort William, we recommend you pop into have a look (free of charge) at the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle - these are easy to find and a fascinating 10-minutes of your time today. Back in the Land Rover it'll be time to head east, inland away from the coastal air. You'll be heading toward Laggan and Loch Laggan. Across the loch on the south side of the loch you may catch a glimpes of Ardverekie Castle, the first choice for private residence in Scotland for Queen Victoria, until she was attacked by a swarm of infamous Scottish midges!

Heading through Newtonmore, Kingussie and Aviemore, you will pass by Cairngorm Ski Station, of of Scotland's ski resorts - the peaks in this area are all above 4,000ft and constitute the only Arctic habitat in the UK - we, believe it or not, even have a herd of around 150 wild reindeer living up there!

Your routing today takes you past Glenlivet distillery which is worth visiting before heading a little south to Braemar. Here you can check-in to your hotel and enjoy an amazing Scottish vibe. Braemar is a charming highland village that seems little changed since the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Consort Albert. We recommend you visit the Braemar Highland Gathering Visitors centre whilst here, as well as Braemar Castle. Unfortunately, Balmoral Castle itself if closed in July, as this is the time time th Royal Family are often on holiday in Scotland. 

Accommodation; The Fife Arms, Scottish Culture room x2 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

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Day 7

Day 7: Explore Speyside, Royal Deeside or the Grampian Mountains

Today is yours to explore and discover the area. Not far from Braemar is a number of the world's most famous whisky distilleries in Speyside. A short drive down the A93 through Glenshee you will pass by one of Scotland other famous ski stations, here you can park up the...

Today is yours to explore and discover the area. Not far from Braemar is a number of the world's most famous whisky distilleries in Speyside. A short drive down the A93 through Glenshee you will pass by one of Scotland other famous ski stations, here you can park up the Land Rover and head off for a fantastic tramp in the hills with a lunch picnic prepared for you by the kitchens at The Fife Arms. 

An alternative would be to drive to Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, here you can visit Blair Castle - one of Scotland's most impressive castles to visit and pop in at The House of Bruar - the home of country clothing and possibly the perfect place to pick up some Scottish gifts before returning home. 

This evening you will be dining at The Fife Arms - a fitting final farewell to the grand Scottish Highlands! 

Acccommodation: The Fife Arms, Scottish Culture Room Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Possible visit to Blair Castle today in Highland Perthshire?

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Day 8

Day 8: Farewell to Scotland

Today you will enjoy your final Scottish breakfast on this trip and at the fantastic Fife Arms Hotel. Checking-out of your memorable rooms, you will follow the A93 road south winding its way through Glenshee. From here its onto the city of Perth and down the M90 to...

Today you will enjoy your final Scottish breakfast on this trip and at the fantastic Fife Arms Hotel. Checking-out of your memorable rooms, you will follow the A93 road south winding its way through Glenshee. From here its onto the city of Perth and down the M90 to Edinburgh. Before you reach Edinburgh you wll cross the brand-new state-of-the-art Queensferry Crossing bridge, which straddles the Firth of Forth (mouth of the Forth River). The bridge is now one of three to cross the firth, alongside the famous 1960's built Forth Road Bridge, and the iconic Victorian engineering marvel, The Forth Bridge (the red canter-lever bridge is famous the world over!). If you have time you can take a detour off the motorway here and visit the charming town of South Queensferry - inspiration for so many scenes in Robert Louis Stevenson books! 

On returning to Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a Sandgrouse Travel representative who will take your Land Rover from you and make sure you're all set for your return flight home. 

Thank you so much for booking with Sandgrouse Travel, we hope you have truly had an amazing trip in Scotland and we look forward to seeing you again soon. 

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The Balmoral Hotel

LUXURY AT THE HEART OF EDINBURGH For over a century, The Balmoral has found a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address,...

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Isle of Eriska

5-STAR RELAIS & CHATEAUX LUXURY - A GATEWAY TO THE ISLES Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is set...

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Arisaig House Hotel

ROAD TO THE ISLES BLISS Allow yourself a moment of peace and true contentment in this utterly stunning West Highland Country House...

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The Fife Arms

A ROMANTIC VISION OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS This hotel is a true salute to the traditional Scotland all too quickly cast...

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What's Included:

VIP Meet & Greet

Private Transfer into Edinburgh city centre with luxury Land Rover Defender 110

Breifing with Sandgrouse Travel itinerary planner at hotel

The Balmoral Hotel x2 nights in Old Town View Room on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

x2 Tickets to Underground City Tour

Dinner reservations at The Witchery By The Castle 24rd July

Land Rover All-New Discovery 5 hire including delivery to Balmoral Hotel and Airport Collection. 

Suggested Glen Coe visit and Walk

Oban Distillery Tasting and Tour pre-booked and paid for. 

Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa x1 night in Classic room on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

2.5hr shared Marine Safari on Fast Boat RIB with local experts pre-booked and paid for. 

Suggested visit to Old Inverlochy Castle

Arisaig House Hotel x2 nights in Superior Double (Seaview Room) on Bed & Breakfast basis

Full-Day private boat trip with local ex-fisherman and legend Billy on his converted fishing vessell. Explore the islands, sea lochs and more including luxury seafood lunch (fresh produce caught from Billy's own pots!). 

The Fife Arms Hotel x2 nights in Scottish Culture Rooms on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

24-hr on the ground assistance from Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions, including direct whatsapp channel with your travel planner for any questions or on the go tips! 

 

 

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