Classic Scottish Honeymoon

Your first hotel is situated just a stone’s throw from the main attractions, surrounded by the magical backdrop of this magnificent Scottish capital city.

Your Hotel in Edinburgh

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

An 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 in the cobbled backstreets of the New Town, doing a bit of shopping along elegant George Street, or joining the throngs on the Royal Mile. Take a hand-in-hand walk up Calton 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. 

After breakfast, you’ll be met by one of the city’s best guides and taken on a fascinating private walking tour through the medieval closes and winds of the capital’s medieval Old Town. Topped off with the famous castle, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the endless intrigue, brought to vivid life today by an engaging local expert.

Today you will head away from the capital, taking one of our favourite driving routes through the ‘Lake Land’ of the Trossachs, across wild Rannoch Moor and in to the intimidating valley of Glen Coe. Make sure you stop and drink it all in before you reach the coast of Argyllshire and your hotel by the still water of Loch Linnhe.

Your Hotel

Long-established in this most peaceful location, your hotel on the west coast dates back to the 19th century, when it was originally home to the pier master in this tiny Highland community. Hidden away from modern bustle, surrounded by intense natural beauty, there are few more romantic UK locations. Just 12 en-suite rooms promise no danger of overcrowding, while the acclaimed in-house restaurant serves only the finest, freshest produce from the vast local larder.

What to See and Do

Your hotel is just 20 minutes’ drive from the classic coastal fishing port of Oban, gateway to the Outer Hebrides and home to one of the oldest whisky distilleries. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the picture windows of your hotel’s restaurant, then walk a few short steps to the jetty at Appin and board the tiny ferry for the 10-minute crossing to Point on the northern tip of the Isle of Lismore. Here, you’ll be met by an engaging local guide in a fully equipped 4×4 and taken on a private tour of this most fascinating jewel of an island. Meaning ‘Garden Island’ in Gaelic, 10-mile-long Lismore is home to some 170 souls, fascinating wildlife and a rich history both ancient and more recent. Your guide will help bring all of this to life and also provide a delicious, home-made picnic lunch.

Today’s route takes you north along the shores of shimmering Loch Linnhe to Fort William. Here, turn left in the shadow of Ben Nevis, on to the Road to the Isles, past the glorious sandy beaches of Arisaig made famous by Local Hero, arriving at the port of Mallaig to catch the ferry to the Isle of 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!

A distinct holiday highlight today: tide-permitting you’ll be met your hotel’s private jetty (otherwise meet a short drive away at Armadale) by our specially chosen boat-trip partner, who will take you on an exhilarating RiB (Rigid inflatable Boat) trip in the waters around Skye. You’ll go seal spotting around some of the many skerries and experience unbeatable views of the Skye Bridge and the ‘Small Isles’ of Muck, Eigg and Rum.

There are few more diverse places in the whole of the UK and we never tire of returning to Skye. We’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your free time.

Today you will return home, reaching the mainland by way of the dramatic Skye Bridge, heading south through Glen Garry. Wherever you’re going, we’ll provide a tailor-made route to get you there with the minimum of fuss.