Whisky & The Flavour of Scotland

Day 1:

On arrival at the airport you will be met by your driver guide who will take you to your hotel. If your arrival time permits you will then enjoy a short orientation sightseeing tour with your driver guide in Edinburgh, famous for its Castle, Princes’ Street  and its shops and St Giles' Cathedral with its famed crown spire as well as many fine Scottish pubs and restaurants. This evening you may wish to sample dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, located in a sixteenth-century building by the gates of Edinburgh Castle, a spectacular dining venue. Specialities include Scottish lobster, rock oysters, hot smoked salmon and Angus beef fillet.
Overnight in central Edinburgh.

Day 2:

Travel west for a short visit to Glasgow with the opportunity of lunch at The Two Fat Ladies restaurant – featuring a seafood menu showcasing the best of local produce. Then head north along  Loch Lomond  and  through stunningly beautiful Glen Coe and the Nevis mountain range, home to the UK's highest mountain Ben Nevis. Dinner will be at Ballachulish House, a 17th-century loch-side country house where great views, good taste & a sense of relaxation combine with a luxuriously comfortable feel.
Overnight in the Fort William area.

This morning travel to Mallaig  for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. We’ll explore all that this unique mountainous island has to offer. Not least there will be a visit to the Talisker Whisky Distillery and a meal at the famous Three Chimneys Restaurant. Travel back passing by Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world and a truly wonderful sight.  Dinner will be at the outstanding Inverlochy Castle. Overnight in the Invergarry area.

Day 4:

Journey along the banks of Loch Ness, with a visit to Urquhart Castle and a boat cruise on the Loch. Then head east through the Spey Valley, so famous for its 'Whisky Trail', to enjoy visits to two well known distilleries - Glen Moray and Glen Grant. Join the locals this evening with dinner in a pub/restaurant, the best way of understanding the authentic regional flavour.
Overnight in the Grampian area.

Day 5:

Continue on the 'Whisky Trail', visiting the Speyside Cooperage,where for over 60 years the Taylor family has been producing fine oak casks used to mature the whisky. Drive on  through the majesty of the Eastern Highlands to the Royal Lochnagar distillery. This distillery started as in illicit producer, but later supplied the Queen with a dram or two, hence the Royal in its name!  Next there’s a visit to Balmoral Castle. Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish Home of the British Royal Family ever since. Then arrive in Perthshire for a VIP tour around the oldest of Scottish distilleries – Glenturret, producers off The Famous Grouse.  Dinner can be arranged at Yann's at Glenearn House with a family atmosphere or at Gleneagles, one of the most famous 5* Scottish hotels.  
Overnight in the Crieff area.

Day 6:

In the morning, en route to Edinburgh,  visit  Stirling Castle - one of Scotland's grandest castles with its impressive architecture towering over some of the most important battlefields in Scotland, including Stirling Bridge, the site of ‘Braveheart’ William Wallace's victory over the English in 1297.  This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Edinbrugh to see the most famous sights of the city – The Castle, Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past and now the official residence of the Royal Family when in Scotland. For your farewell dinner we invite you to Loch Fyne Oysters and Seafood Restaurant, located on Newhaven harbour in the old fish market dating back to the 1890s. There is still an active fishing community on the doorstep.
Overnight in central Edinburgh.

Transfer to Edinburgh airport.