Scotland
& Iceland

Welcome to Scotland. Everyone is arriving on different flights, so please arrange your own private driver from Edinburgh Airport to The Hoxton. The drive into the city is roughly 25 minutes.

The evening is simply about getting in, checking in, and dinner to follow for those who can make it. A separate list of the restaurants we will be dining at will follow closer to the trip.

Breakfast at the hotel, then a self guided morning exploring the Royal Mile and a few other Edinburgh highlights at your own pace. Plan to meet in the lobby around 10am. At 1:30pm we meet our tour guides, who will be with us for the rest of the Highland journey, and set off.

• Stirling Castle. One of Scotland's grandest fortresses, set atop a volcanic crag, with restored royal apartments and sweeping views. (About 1 hour drive from Edinburgh.)
• Drive to Loch Lomond. Westward through scenic landscapes to Scotland's largest loch. (About 1 hour from Stirling.)

A day of fresh air, local traditions and classic Scottish flavours.

• Ardardan Estate. A working farm near Cardross with a hands on Highland Coo with a View experience, friendly animals, gardens and a tearoom. Lovely for the children. (About 30 minutes from Cameron House.)
• Lunch back near Loch Lomond.
• Glengoyne Distillery. One of Scotland's most picturesque distilleries, founded in 1833, with a guided tour and tasting of its slow distilled Highland single malts. (About 35 minutes from Ardardan, then 30 minutes back to the hotel.)

The most scenic driving day of the trip, ending at your private castle on Loch Ness.

• Trossachs National Park. Rolling hills, lochs and forests on the road north.
• Glencoe Visitor Centre. Viewpoints, a giant 3D map and exhibits on the glen's volcanic origins and history. (About 1 hour 45 minutes from Cameron House.)
• Fort William. Lunch at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. (About 30 minutes from Glencoe.)
• Loch Ness Cruise. Boarding at Fort Augustus for a cruise along the Great Glen, with live sonar and an eye out for Nessie. (About 45 minutes from Fort William.)
• On to Aldourie. (About 45 minutes from Fort Augustus.)

An early start and a long, spectacular full day touring the Misty Isle, returning to Aldourie around 8pm.

• Eilean Donan Castle. The famous island castle where three sea lochs meet. (About 1 hour 30 minutes from Aldourie.)
• Skye Bridge & Sligachan. Crossing onto Skye, with the crystal clear waters beneath Sligachan Bridge and the Cuillin mountains.
• Portree. Lunch and a stroll around the colourful harbour of Skye's capital. (About 1 hour 15 minutes from Eilean Donan.)
• Trotternish Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, and the dramatic Quiraing.
• Uig & Kyleakin. Coastal views, the ruins of Castle Moil, and a farewell to Skye over the bridge. (About 2 hours 30 minutes back to Aldourie.)

South through the mountains toward the home of golf.

• Highland Wildlife Park. A drive through reserve and walking areas in the Cairngorms, home to wildcats, bison, snow leopards, polar bears and more. A favourite with the children. (About 45 minutes from Aldourie.)
• Pitlochry. A late lunch and free time in this charming Perthshire town. (About 1 hour from the wildlife park.)
• St Andrews. Arriving late afternoon at the historic home of golf. (About 1 hour 30 minutes from Pitlochry.)

After breakfast at Rusacks, a private transfer to Glasgow Airport for the early afternoon flight to Iceland. (About 1 hour 30 minutes from St Andrews.)

• Icelandair FI431. Glasgow (GLA) 2:20pm to Keflavik (KEF) 3:45pm.
• On arrival, collect vehicles and begin the drive toward your first night in Iceland.

Landing at Keflavik in the afternoon, with an overnight near Reykjavik before the longer drive to the glacier lagoon the following day.

A scenic drive along the south coast to the glacier lagoon region and check in at your base for the next three nights. Sights along this route to be finalised together.

Two full days to explore the glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, waterfalls and the wider south coast. Day plans and any guided activities to be built out next.

The drive back west to the capital, with stops along the way, and a final night in the city.

Most of the group departs around 10:30am, though individual flights vary, so please confirm your own departure and allow plenty of time to reach Keflavik for check in.