Iconic Scotland in Luxury

Itinerary

• Scotland

  Scotland is known for its expansive spaces, majestic and rugged highlands and whisky distilleries.  The country however, has much more to offer the curious of mind. From austere castles, to bucolic landscapes and picture perfect towns and villages, bussling cities and stunning coastlines, Scotland has much to offer the traveller.

• Appin

  Appin is a remote coastal district of the Scottish West Highlands.  The scenery of the coast is extremely beautiful, and inland the country is rugged and mountainous.

• Dunblane

  The historical part of Dunblane (from "fort of Blane") retains a number of historic buildings in addition to the cathedral, including the 17th-century Leighton Library, the oldest private library in Scotland open to the public (on selected days in summer). A well-preserved late medieval town-house nearby houses a local history museum.

• Inverness

  Inverness is promoted as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. Important buildings in the city include Inverness Castle, Inverness College and various churches. It is a hub for visits to the nearby Highlands, and is situated on the famous Lock Ness.

• Perthshire

  Perthshire was traditionally known as the "big county" and had a wide variety of landscapes, from the rich agricultural straths in the east, to the high mountains of the southern Highlands.

• • Glasgow
  • Glasgow
  • Kinloch House Hotel

  Day 1: Glasgow - Perthshire

  You will have a Driver-Guide with you for the duration of your multi-day Scottish adventure. Our Driver-Guides are all experienced drivers, are very personable, and extremely knowledgeable about the general history and culture of Scotland. Our Driver Guides tend to have 10 to 30 years experience conducting tours around Scotland. They are knowledgeable about the country and can provide plenty of suggestions for visits in your programme and including where to stop for lunches etc. Please note that they are not Certifiied Blue Badge Guides - where necessary an additional Guide will be incuded in your program for a specific cultural site. They are exceptionally personable and intuitive and much more than just a driver so you can rest assured that you are in great hands!

  Consider a panoramic city tour of Glasgow to see all of the main sitesof the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this to your itineray. Places of interst on the panoramic tour include Kelvingrove Museum, Charing Cross, Willow Tearooms, Glasgow Cathedral, St Andrews Square and Merchant Square.

  You’ll be greeted on arrival at Glasgow Airport by your private driver-guide for the duration of your time in Scotland. You’ll be taken to your luxurious private vehicle for the drive to Perthshire, not much more than an hour's journey north of Edinburgh or Glasgow but a world away in terms of scenery with its beautiful lochs and glens and charming towns and villages. Arrive at your hotel and settle into your room.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kinloch House Hotel (5*)

  Kinloch House Hotel is a 5 star accomodation located in the heartland of some of Scotlands richest argiculture acres. With 18 luxurious bedrooms, guests can enjoy modern amenities in an individually decorated room. The hotel offers a fantastic restaurant, where guests can dine on the freshest of foods in a dining room with gentle ambiance.

• • Glamis Castle
  • Gleneagles

  Day 2: Perthshire - Gleneagles

  Enjoy a full day's guided touring around the stunning Perthshire area. You will visit Glamis Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years and a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality. Then take in a visit to Scone Palace and Glenturret Distillery. Scone Palace, a breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny - is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland. The Glenturret Distillery, located on the banks of the Turret River and hidden in a secluded valley, is Scotland’s oldest and most visited distillery boasting an award winning visitor centre offering an incredibly warm Scottish welcome to visitors from around the world.

  Why not consider taking in a few activities in the sumpyuous surrounds of the Gleneagles property...Consider trying your hand at clay pigeon shooting, partake in a falconry session where you can see these marvellous birds of prey at close quarters, or take a land rover excursion into the countryside./ Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these activities are of interest.

  Accommodation: Kinloch House Hotel (5*)
• • Inverness
  • House of Bruar
  • Pool House Exterior

  Day 3: Perthshire - Loch Ness - Inverness

  Today you will leave Perthshire and head north towards Inverness before travelling through some of Scotland's most magnificent scenery towards the breathtaking west coast. En route you will stop off at the House of Bruar, known as the 'Harrods of the North', and a gem of a place for stocking up on presents and Scottish made clothes, food and much, much more. Before stopping off in Inverness for lunch you will also visit the historic site of Culloden Battlefield. The Battle of Culloden - April 16th 1746 - marked the fall of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, which sought to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne. In barely 40 minutes of fighting, the massed army of Bonnie Prince Charlie had been slaughtered by government troops (which also contained Scottish clans) led by Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland.

  Experience the infamous Loch Ness at close quarters as you embark on a private motor boat excursion into the lake. Motor along the loch and see the famous Urquhart Castle Ruins and the recently renovated Aldourie Castle - the only habitable castle on Loch Ness -always keeping one eye on the loch just in case the Loch Ness Monster makes an appearance! Sit back and admire the beautiful scenery and relax onboard as you settle in to a gourmet picnic.

  Accommodation: Pool House Guest House (5*)

  The Pool House Guest House is a 5 star accomodation located in the centre of the last Great Wilderness in Western Europe. It is only one and a half hours drive from the Highland Capital of Inverness through some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. There are five suites, an intimate “Boathouse” hideaway and a luxurious single room which can be connected to the suite next door to create a two bedroom, two bathroom suite with patio area at the water’s edge. Each suite is different, but all are lavishly decorated, with sea or river views. Guests will enjoy the dining experience, as it is the heart of this Guest House, as well as the fishing and local outdoor activities.

• • Torridon Area
  • Gorge Scrambling

  Day 4: Inverness

  Today you'll enjoy a classic day exploring the majestic north west coast of Scotland which boasts some of the most spectacular and rugged scenery in the whole of Scotland. You’ll take a magical boat trip around the stunning shores of Loch Torridon (a sea loch) run by a local family who offer a wonderful insight into the incredible natural beauty of this part of the world. Continue on to Inverewe Gardens, built on a craggy hillside with a majestic setting on the water’s edge of Loch Ewe and home to an incredible selection of exotic plants which flourish in this remote spot thanks to the gulf stream. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. (includes boat trip and entrance fees to garden).

  Consider being extra active today and going Gorge Scrambling, Kayaking or making your own perfume at Armoa Sciences. Gorge Scrambling is the most exciting thing you can do whilst being wet. Fitted out with wet suits, helmets and buoyancy aids you will plunge into a world where there will be waterfalls to climb through, rock slides and pools to plunge into and all with our highly trained instructors. Kayak Touring - See Loch Torridon as you’ve never seen it before with our fully qualified kayak instructor. These trips will take you out onto the lochs in the area where you will see the mountains towering above you and the wildlife swimming around you. Perfumery - Spend half a day privately creating your very own perfume with a master perfumer in Scotland. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you are interested in any of these optional activities.

  Accommodation: Pool House Guest House (5*)
• • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Glencoe: Ice Climbing
  • Airds Hotel

  Day 5: Inverness - Glencoe - Fort William - Appin

  After breakfast today you will drive south along the dramatic roads of the north west coast. Your first visit will be to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton, located in the sheltered bay of Loch Carron and surrounded by a bowl of hills. This peaceful Highland community was once based on fishing and crofting and now draws artists and photographers from all over the world. From Plockton, your next stop will be the iconic ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, immortalised in so many images of Scotland, it’s mighty ruins set on the craggy rocks on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by  majestic scenery. Continue south towards Oban stopping for afternoon tea at the luxurious Inverlochy Castle Hotel just north of Fort William.

  Consider stopping off to explore the impressive site of the ruins of the 13th century Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. The site of two battles, the castle remains largely unchanged since its construction. The castle is unusual because it has remained unaltered since it was built in the reign of King Alexander III. It is sited on the south bank of the River Lochy, at the strategically important entrance to the Great Glen, a key passage through the Scottish Highlands.

  Accommodation: Airds Hotel (4*)

  The Airds Hotel is a 4 star luxurious accomodation, located in Appin, a half hour drive from the scenic town of Oban. The hotel features 11 beautifully designed rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, flat screen televisions, and frette linen. The Airds is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association, where luxury in a beautiful setting and top level cuisine is required.

• • Isle of Mull
  • Cromlix House Hotel

  Day 6: Appin - Dunblane

  Take a scenic ferry journey from Oban to the magical Isle of Mull, the second largest of the Inner Hebrides and the fourth largest Scottish island. Once on Mull you will visit Tobermory, originally built as a fishing port in the 18th century and now the main village on Mull. Tobermory is a picture-postcard of a place with brightly painted buildings along the main street and high wooded hills surrounding the bay. The village has a good variety of shops and restaurants as well as being the administrative centre for the island and the charming harbour is always busy with fishing boats and yachts. You’ll also visit the dramatic castle of Duart. Standing proudly on a clifftop guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart enjoys one of the most spectacular and unique positions on the West Coast of Scotland and for over 400 years this has been the base of the Clan Maclean's sea-borne power. Still privately owned, a visit to Duart is a real treat and a chance to see inside a majestic family home. Then stop off at Rob Roy's grave on your way to Dunblane. Rob Roy is often thought of as Scotland's Robin Hood and has heroic staus amongst the locals. (includes ferry & entrance fees).

  Consider an optional private boat ride around the bay once you arrive on the isle of Mull. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this into your day's adventure.

  Accommodation: Cromlix House Hotel (5*)

  Cromlix House Hotel is a 5 star luxurious accomodation, situated on a beautiful 2000 acre estate. The house boasts standard bedrooms to master suites which offer comfort and luxury with luxurious toiletries, cosy Cromlix bathrobes, tranquil decor, TV with satellite channels and free broadband access. Guests will love the gourmet foods in the Scottish restaurant, as well as the multiple outdoor activities offered.

• • Stirling Castle

  Day 7: Dunblane

  After breakfast depart your hotel for your departure airport in Glasgow. Enroute, pay a final visit to one of Scotland's most magnificent castles - Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Kinloch House Hotel

  Kinloch House Hotel (5*)

  Kinloch House Hotel is a 5 star accomodation located in the heartland of some of Scotlands richest argiculture acres. With 18 luxurious bedrooms, guests can enjoy modern amenities in an individually decorated room. The hotel offers a fantastic restaurant, where guests can dine on the freshest of foods in a dining room with gentle ambiance.

  • More information
• • Pool House Exterior

  Pool House Guest House (5*)

  The Pool House Guest House is a 5 star accomodation located in the centre of the last Great Wilderness in Western Europe. It is only one and a half hours drive from the Highland Capital of Inverness through some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. There are five suites, an intimate “Boathouse” hideaway and a luxurious single room which can be connected to the suite next door to create a two bedroom, two bathroom suite with patio area at the water’s edge. Each suite is different, but all are lavishly decorated, with sea or river views. Guests will enjoy the dining experience, as it is the heart of this Guest House, as well as the fishing and local outdoor activities.

  • More information
• • Airds Hotel

  Airds Hotel (4*)

  The Airds Hotel is a 4 star luxurious accomodation, located in Appin, a half hour drive from the scenic town of Oban. The hotel features 11 beautifully designed rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, flat screen televisions, and frette linen. The Airds is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association, where luxury in a beautiful setting and top level cuisine is required.

  • More information
• • Cromlix House Hotel

  Cromlix House Hotel (5*)

  Cromlix House Hotel is a 5 star luxurious accomodation, situated on a beautiful 2000 acre estate. The house boasts standard bedrooms to master suites which offer comfort and luxury with luxurious toiletries, cosy Cromlix bathrobes, tranquil decor, TV with satellite channels and free broadband access. Guests will love the gourmet foods in the Scottish restaurant, as well as the multiple outdoor activities offered.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Experienced Driver-Guide for all touring days - Specialised and personalised services - Entrance fees as per itinerary.

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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