Details
Day One – Edinburgh
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.
Day Two – Private Guided Walk in Edinburgh’s Medieval Old Town
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 wynds 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.
Day Three – Road Trip to the West Coast
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.
Day Four – a Private Guided Day Out on the enigmatic Isle of Lismore
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.
Day Five – Over the sea to Skye
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!
Day Six – An Exciting Argocat Safari
An exhilarating private tour today, as you set off in the company of your own ghillie, on an eight-wheel drive Argocat, in to the expansive wilderness that surrounds the hotel. This is just about the only way to travel in this landscape, a place where standard 4x4s can’t manage the terrain, and a unique opportunity to hear about its history and geology, and perhaps to catch sight of some thrilling wildlife.
Day Seven – A Day to Explore Skye at Leisure
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.
Day Eight – Return home
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.
Pricing
£1225 per person for March, April & October, £1385 for May to July & September and £1495 per person in August
Prices are based on two adults sharing a double / twin room for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis. A private walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town is included, as well as a private guided tour and lunch on the Isle of Lismore, and a private guided Argocat safari on Skye. A ferry crossing for car and passengers from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye is also included.
For that extra special touch, room upgrades are available at all hotels from around £30 per person per night.
Car rental is not included, but available from around £25 per day – do just let us know.
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 holidays and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
This holiday can be fully tailor-made to create your perfect, personalised honeymoon – just get in touch and we would be delighted to help.
