Details
Day One – Edinburgh
Your first hotel is situated just a stone’s throw away from the main attractions, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of this magnificent Scottish capital city.
Your Hotel
On a classic Victorian Edinburgh terrace just a few minutes’ walk from the West End of Princes Street, you’ll find this elegant four-star hotel formed from two grandly appointed houses. Newly refurbished rooms present a cosy and comfortable haven away from the bustle, while the stylish bar is the ideal spot in which to enjoy coffee or a dram while you plan your day or reflect on your evening out.
The in-house restaurant serves a tempting menu of classics utilising the very best local and seasonal produce, and you might enjoy a light lunch in the grand lobby area, while admiring the view from its vast bay windows.
What to see and do
The open top bus tour offers the perfect way to gain a quick overview of this great city. After that, we recommend exploring on foot, whether that’s in the cobbled backstreets of the New Town, doing a bit of shopping along elegant George Street, joining the throngs on the Royal Mile or escaping them by ducking off into the Old Town’s medieval closes. Take a hand-in-hand walk up Carlton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. Or learn about our Scottish water of life at the Scotch Whisky Experience. We are ideally placed to give you plenty of suggestions, including the more unusual, off-the-beaten-track hidden gems that only a local would know. We can also arrange a private walking guide if you really want to get under the skin of the city’s history, myths and legends.
Day Three – The Scottish Lakeland
Today you will head north to the Trossachs (the Scottish lakeland) and your second hotel – a wonderfully romantic retreat framed by magnificent Trossachs scenery.
Your Hotel
One of our favourite destinations for nearly twenty years: it still gets better every time we visit. Look out for red squirrels darting amind the gnarled trees as you drive the last few miles along a dead-end single-track road right by the side of the loch. The pink-washed farmhouse and courtyard steading will surprise and delight you at every turn, with its fascinating, yet subtle, mix of old and new, rustic and chic. The restaurant, under the guidance of owner Tom, has gained an excellent reputation both locally and further afield, with an ever-changing menu based on locally-sourced produce and Tom’s imagination. The hotel’s organic garden provides a regular supply of herbs and vegetables, whilst the breakfast scrambled eggs come courtesy of the chickens in the yard – hence their deep orange colour. Nestled between mountains and lochs, this is the perfect place to soak up the peace and tranquillity of a sprawling highland estate, where red deer and grouse roam through dramatic walking country.
What to see and do
As well as many scenic roads through the Trossachs and around Ben Lawers, this is excellent walking country. The area is also famous for its connections with Rob Roy MacGregor, the outlaw, whose his grave is in nearby Balquhidder churchyard. A little further afield, you can explore Stirling and its dramatic Castle and old centre; or take a boat trip on the beautiful Lake of Menteith (the only “lake” in Scotland!) and visit the island of Inchmahome Priory, once a hiding place for the young Mary Queen of Scots. Or simply soak up the rural atmosphere on romantic walks into the surrounding hills.
Day Four – a Private Day Out with our Specially Chosen Driver/Guide
What better way to experience the best this wonderful location has to offer than in the company of one our favourite guides? You’ll be collected at your hotel after breakfast, in a comfortable, well-presented 4×4 vehicle, ready to enjoy a fun and fascinating tour in ebullient company. Experience the ‘big ticket’ sights and many hidden nooks often seen only by a fortunate few, with photo opportunities around every corner. You will be able to enjoy a champagne picnic, before heading back to your hotel, perhaps for a dram before dinner.
Day Six – Over the sea to Skye
Today’s route takes you first through the dramatic and imposing Glencoe valley, then past the glorious sandy beaches of Arisaig and by ferry to Skye.
Your Hotel
Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the Garden of Skye thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers. The hotel is very much the heart of a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests – often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. Bedrooms are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay.
Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate’s culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu.
What to see and do
On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of ‘The Gaelic Whiskies’, where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop. The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and drinking in the magnificent sea views. Don’t miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits! On the way down to the Point of Sleat, it’s worth stopping off at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, with its fine arboretum and lovely garden. Further afield, in the north of the island, you’ll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the bustling island capital. A day trip by boat to the beautifully unspoilt neighbouring island of Raasay is well worth considering for those who enjoy walking in the wilds!
Day Eight – Return home
Today you will return home, back over the Skye Bridge.
Pricing
£1095 per person for February & November, £1195 per person for March, April & October, £1355 for May to July & September and £1475 per person in August, based on two people sharing a double room for seven nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Your holiday also includes:
- private guided day tour, exploring off the beaten track, with our expert local guide, together with a champagne picnic.
- Single ferry crossing to Skye for a car and two adult passengers.
Various room upgrades are possible on this holiday – ask us for a quotation. This combination can easily be tailor-made to suit.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to ensure you get the most from your honeymoon.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
