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Scotland
May 2021 (Exact Dates TBD)
15 Days / 16 Nights
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| Day 1 (May) Welcome to Scotland |
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Arrive in Edinburg and private group transfer to city center accomodation. Free afternoon in Edinburgh.
Overnight: Edinburgh Apex Grassmarket,
https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/edinburgh/apex-grassmarket-hotel/
Meal inclusions: None
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| Day 2: (May) Edinburgh |
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Morning entry to Edinburgh castle. Visiting Edinburgh Castle is self-guided. There are audio tours and interpretive staff on hand as well.
Free afternoon to explore Edinburgh
Overnight: Edinburgh Apex Grassmarket
https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/edinburgh/apex-grassmarket-hotel/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast |
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| Day 3: (May) Into the Highlands |
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This morning you are met by your main driver/guides and you transfer to the Loch Lomond National Park in the West Highlands. Our journey takes us past the city of Glasgow, on the outskirts of the city we visit The Hill House, a masterpiece of the famed Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, and accomplished artist, Margaret Macdonald. Walk the corridors and rooms of a building that brought Mackintosh and Macdonald’s ambitious artistic vision in to a domestic home setting a heady mix of Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Scottish Baronial influences (dependent on restoration) Stirling Castle maybe the substitute in this case. Later we arrive at our charming accommodation in a small village on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Overnight: Luss Loch Lomond Arms Hotel
www.lochlomondarmshotel.com
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx 3 hours |
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| Day 4: (May) Hiking the Arrochar Alps |
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Today we hike one the most prominent peaks the region known as ‘The Cobbler’. This is a typical Scottish hill walk with rough paths and steep rocky sections but the views from the tops are well worth the effort. The hill is exposed so if the weather is not favorable, your guides will suggest a low-level alternative to suit the conditions. This is a bit of a shake down hike. Those that are able will summit, the saddle is a fine alternative with gorgeous views.
Overnight: Luss Loch Lomand Arms Hotel
www.lochlomondarmshotel.com
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx 40 mins |
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| Day 5: (May) Inveraray Castle and Oban Distillery |
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On our journey further west to the coast we stop in the village of Inveraray to visit Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Clan Chief of
the Campbell Clan. The imposing castle dating back to the 1400s stands on the shores of Loch Fyne surrounded by beautiful gardens. Making our way to the busy harbor town of Oban, we have a tour at the local whisky distillery and sample a few warming drams of the uisge beatha - ‘the water of life’.
Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine
https:/www.lochmelfort.co.uk/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: 2 hours |
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| Day 6: (May) Ancient Sites of Kilmartin Glen |
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Kilmartin Glen has the highest concentration of Neolithic artifacts in the whole of Europe. Today we step back in time in this fascinating corner of Argyll to ponder over why some many people flocked here thousands of years ago. A series of short hikes will be a journey of discovery to ancient burial mounds, imposing standing stones and mysterious stone cup and ring carvings.
Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine
https:/www.lochmelfort.co.uk/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx 2 hours
Hike Distance; 5-7 km/Duration 2.5 hours/height 30m |
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| Day 7: (May) The Green Isle of Kerrera |
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This morning we take the wee foot passenger ferry out the unspoiled lush island of Kerrera, inhabited by around 50 people. The island’s 540 million-year-old Dalradian rocks makes it a geologist’s dream. On our circular hike we also discover the ruins of Gylen Castle and stop for homemade soup, scones and a pot of tea in the island’s quirky tearoom. Alternative hike to castle, remaining day in Oban.
Overnight: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine
https:/www.lochmelfort.co.uk/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Hike Distance: 11 km or 5 km/ Duration: 5.5hr / Height: 275m |
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| Day 8: (May) The Lost Valley of Glencoe |
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Transfer to Fort William. We stop in dramatic Glencoe to hike into a hidden glaciated hanging valley. The Lost Valley is famous in local folklore as it is said the local, and rather infamous, MacDonald Clan would hide their rustled cattle here. In the amphitheater of the valley your guide tells stories of the bloody
history Glencoe and the MacDonalds.
Overnight: Fort William, Nevis Bank Inn
https://www.nevisbankinn.co.uk
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx 1 hour, 20 mins |
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| Day 9: (May) Hiking CIC Hut or Glen Nevis |
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Hiking CIC Hut or dependent on the weather Glen Nevis to see the Steall Falls. Both hikes are fantastic and other gorgeous views.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Steall Falls hike distance: 3.5km / Duration: 2 hr / Heights: 220m
CIC Hut hike distance: 11.5km / Duration: 5.5 hours / Heights: 2000m gradual, stunning views. |
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| Day 10: (May) Sea Kayaking or Hiking in Arisaig |
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Choose either a full day sea kayaking in the beautiful Sound of Arisaig with pristine white sand beaches, hidden coves and a friendly seal colony, or a coastal hike to a bothy (hikers/kayakers refuge) and the remnants of an old village that was abandoned during the Highland Clearances.
Note: We would ask that the clients specify if they want to take part in sea kayaking at the time of booking. Final numbers for sea kayakers to be confirmed 12 weeks out. Transfer to the Isle of Skye via the ferry from Mallaig.
Overnight: Loch Eyre House, Isle of Skye
http://isleofskye.net/loch-eyre-house/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx 2.5 hours
Hike distance: 11km / Duration: 4hr / Height 386m
Previous kayaking experience required if this option is chosen. |
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| Day 11: (May) South Skye - The Clearance Villages of Skye |
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| Our coastal hike today takes us to the haunting villages of Boreraig and Suisnish that were abandoned during one of the harshest periods of the history of the Highlands, known as the Highland Clearances, taking place in the 1700s and 1800s.One of the main catalysts for this mass relocation and emigration of the population was due to the landlords of the time favoring more profitable sheep farming over the small holdings of their tenant farmers, although some historians suggest other more sinister factors also played a part. Many of the evicted tenants were forced to less fertile land and thousands emigrated to Canada, the States, Australia and New Zealand on what would have been long and perilous journeys at the time. Walk between the ruined homes and fields of Boreraig and Suisnish and imagine how the people would have lived and worked here, and in glens and throughout islands across Scotland.
Overrnight: Loch Eyre House, Isle of Skye
http://isleofskye.net/loch-eyre-house/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: approx. 2 hours
Hike Distance: 16.5km /Duration: 3 hr / Height 350m |
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| Day 12: (May 22) North Skye - Trotternish |
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The Trotternish Peninsula in the north east of the island has become famous for its dramatic and unique landscape which has featured in many TV and film productions. Start the day with a hike to the Quirang where the strange, crumpled landscapes are most visible, on a good day we will be rewarded with views across to the islands of the mainland. Alternative is to visit a preserved village museum near the Quirang. Later in the day sample some homemade
cake and admire the work of local artists at a bakery and art gallery near the main town of Portree.
Overnight: Loch Eyre House, Isle of Skye
http://isleofskye.net/loch-eyre-house/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: Approx 1 .5 hours
Hike Distance: 6.5km/ Duration: 4 hr / Height: 374m
Alternative to this hike will be offered for those that wish more of a walk than a hike with step drop offs. |
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| Day 13: (May) Inverness via Loch Ness |
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Our journey takes us along the banks of Loch Ness where we can visit the ruins of Castle Urquhart that stand crumbling but still proud on the shores of the dark Loch. The castle is one of the most
historically important in Scotland serving as a fortress for many different clans and armies over the centuries, it was eventually destroyed to prevent local clans re-inhabiting it to use as a stronghold.
Overnight: Inverness, Kingsmills Hotel
https://www.kingsmillshotel.com
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: Approx. 3 hours |
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| Day 14: (May) Culloden and Cawdor and the Clava Cairns |
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The battle of Culloden was the last pitched battle fought on UK soil and our visit to the battlefield is a stark reminder of the final bloody defeat the Jacobite’s faced against the might of the government forces. Later we visit Cawdor Castle, dating back to the 14th century the castle was built as a private
fortress. The castle is still owned by the Cawdor family and boosts of vast collection of artwork and artifacts that have accumulated over 600 years.
Amazing gardens.
Overnight: Inverness, Kingsmills Hotel
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch
Total drive time: Approx. 1.5 hours |
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| Day 15: (May) Depart from Inverness Return to Edinburgh |
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This morning we head back to Edinburgh. On the way we can stop in the pretty village of Dunkeld for lunch and a wander along the riverside to the cathedral, or perhaps enjoy a short hike to the hermitage along the wooded banks of the River Braan. Once you are safely at your hotel the guides will depart and you have a free final evening to celebrate your Scottish adventure.
Overnight: Apex Hotel, Grassmarket, Edinburgh
https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/edinburgh/apex-grassmarket-hotel/
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Total drive time: Approx 3.5 hours |
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| Day 16: (May) Depart |
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Make your way to the airport or train station to make your onward connections (transfers can be arranged on request).
Meal inclusions: Breakfast
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| Pricing |
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| The price is as follows, based on 2 people sharing a room: Current exchange rate of 1$ = .82GBP. Pricing may differ dependent on the exchange rate. (Pricing is approximate at this time)
8 clients - $6860 per person
9 clients - $6560 per person
10 clients - $6300 per person I’d like to keep the group at a maximum of 12 including Aaron and I.
Single room supplement - $950 per person
Inclusions:
15 nights accommodation in 3/4 star inns and hotels
Meals as specified in the above itinerary. The inns we will be staying, and the villages have nice pubs etc., for our dinners.
Services of a Scottish Guide on Days 3-15 (1 guide for 8 clients or less, 2
guides for 9 clients or more)
Ground transportation Days 3-15 (9-seater van(s) driven by our guide(s)
Ferry crossings as per the itinerary
All hikes as per the itinerary, led by Scottish guides.
Day2 - Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Day3 - Entry to the Hill House
Day5 - Entry to Inveraray Castle
Day5 - Tour and tasting at Oban Distillery
Day6 - Entry to Kilmartin Glen Museum
Day10 - Private guided Sea Kayaking, full day
Day13 - Entry to Castle Urquhart
Day14 - Entry to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
Day14 - Entry to Cawdor Castle |
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| Athletic Ability Level |
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| You must be in good physical condition to do the hike. These activities require good physical fitness. |
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| Included in Tour |
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- All domestic land transportation.
- Guides.
- All entrance fees and conservation fees included in itinerary.
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| Not Included in Tour |
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- Airport Transfers.
- Travel Insurance.
- Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
- Evening meals, and any other meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Tips for guides, porters etc.
- TWS requires all guests to purchase travel insurance.
- Personal expenditure such as laundry and alcohol and telephone.
- Beverages such as mineral water, soda. Tips.
- Travel insurance you must have this. Please purchase through TravelEx Travel Insurance. www.travelexinsurance.com location code 12 -0020 for our group coding rate. I will receive a copy automatically.
- Travel with Salome requires emergency medical and evacuation insurance, you may choose to upgrade and include cancellation and interruption insurance.
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| Deposits |
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| Payment of a 50% deposit due at the time of booking to reserve your place. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. A maximum number of 12 guests will go on this tour. All accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking. |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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All cancellations must be made in writing and be received by email within the outlined time frames listed.
- More than 90 days before departure of the trip: 50% cancellation fee over the deposit.
- Less than 90 days before departure: no refunds can be guaranteed. TWS will try to get as much refunded as possible to the client upon negotiation with the local travel suppliers.
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| Suggestions |
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Arriving a day or so before a tour begins is a great way of starting out well rested. We can accommodate early arrivals and make the arrangements for you.
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