Scottish Island Hogmanay View Full Screen Itinerary

Today you will arrive into Edinburgh Int Airport where you will be met at arrivals by your driver who will take you via private car to the Caledonian Hotel in central Edinburgh. Here you will check-in to one of the city's oldest and grandest hotels with a room complete with Edinburgh Castle views. 

This afternoon we recommend you explore the Old Town, it's myriad of narrow cobbled allyways and lantern lit streets hark back to a historic era that is both magical and special. Discover encharted shops and cosy pubs. Visit the city's free entry museums and soak up the festive atmosphere at the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens. 

Tonight we have arranged for you to have dinner at the renowned Witchery By The Castle restaurant, just a stones throw from the portcullis of Edinburgh Castle itself. Enjoy the unique atmosphere here in this Harry Potter-esque environment before a night cap in the Ensign Ewart pub playing traditional live Scottish folk music each night. 

Accommodation: The Caledonian Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh. Castle View King Premier Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions complimentary Champagne on arrival.

Today you will wake up in the majestic heart of Edinburgh city, Scotland's vibrant capital. You will pull back the curtains of your room and have one of the most sought after views in Scotland with Edinburgh Castle looming high above you. After a fantastic traditional Scottish breakfast in the brilliant Caledonian breakfast room you will be checking-out of the hotel and collecting your Land Rover Defender 110 which will be delivered to the doors of the hotel. 

After a quick briefing over this iconic British vehicle, it'll be time to program your GPS and head west towards Kinnacraig where you will board your car-ferry to the island of Islay. Today will be an adventure in itself, truddling along in your trusty Land Rover Defender you will journey through some of Scotland's dramatic landscapes and scenery as you head west. The ferry will take you right out to the majestic and historic island of Islay, once a Viking stronghold, now one of the world's most famous whisky making regions. 

This afternoon or evening you will be checking into your island hotel. The recently refurbished Machrie Hotel & Golf resort. This is a modern gem on the island which is surrounded by prestine nature, wild windswept beaches and of course a superb golf links. 

Accommodation: The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, Bed & Breakfast basis in Islay Suite. 

Today you will wake up on the island of Islay. After a delicous full Scottish breakfast, it'll be time to hit the road and explore this fantastic island. Today we have arranged for you a whisky tasting session at the world-famous Islay distillery of Laphroiag which has opened up especially for the few hardcore whisky enthusiasts who wish to have a Hogmanay tasting! Once you have enjoyed your time at the distillery, we recommend heading out to one of the windswept beaches for a bracing and probably quite exhilerating wintery walk! 

This evening why not dine out in the nearby village and head to one of the lively local pubs for a bit of an island life insight! 

Today you will be rising early for an early departure back to the mainland. Your ferry sailing time is early today so as to arrive back into Edinburgh in good time for a memorable evening of Scottish celebrations! 

Enjoy the drive across country before checking back into The Caledonian Hotel. Here you will be taking a similar room to your first night in Scotland, a view with a castle view which will, if you have a low-key New Year, provide a wonderful view of the New Year fireworks later on...

We have however, supplied you with x2 tickets to the world famous Edinburgh Street Party. Hit the streets and head out arm in arm and soak up this incredible atmosphere with some incredible live bands and much more playing in the run up to New Year and the fireworks infront of Edinburgh Castle. 

Accommodation: The Caledonian Hotel, Waldorf Astoria - Bed & Breakfast basis in a Castle View King Premier Room. 

Today you will have to yourselves to enjoy soaking up the city vibe in beautiful, historic Edinburgh. Checking-out of the Caledonian Hotel you will need to drive back to Edinburgh Airport where you will meet a representative of Sandgrouse Travel and drop off your Land Rover Defender vehicle.