A Unique Journey through the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh

Celebrate with friends or family on this magical tailor made programme through the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh. Stay in private castles, visit private estates and explore parts of the country that most people do not visit – Only Dream Escape provides the creativity and inside access to make these amazing programmes possible.

Day One: Inverness - The gateway to the Highlands Arrive into Inverness International Airport where you’ll be welcomed by both your chauffeur and expert curator who will accompany you for the duration of your time in Scotland. It’s a short drive to your private castle where you’ll be looked after as if you were at home.

Settle into your new surroundings and enjoy dinner in the dining room this evening, prepared by one of our experienced Scottish chefs, followed by a drink or two by the open fire.

Day Two: Explore Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Board a private boat from the castle and enjoy a cruise along Scotland’s most famous stretch of water. Visit 13th Century Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. Once Scotland’s mightiest stronghold, it is now atmospheric ruins overlooking the dark waters of the loch.

Your knowledgeable skipper will tell you about the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster whilst you enjoy a gourmet lunch and a glass of wine. Children of all ages are encouraged to take a turn at the wheel! You’ll finish at the top of Loch Ness where your driver will take you into Inverness for a leisurely wander and some shopping before you return to your Castle for the evening.

Day Three: The Jacobite Steam Train This morning drive west along the Great Glen, a huge geological fault running 73 miles, which also forms the Caledonian Canal - the waterway that connects the east and west coasts of Scotland.

Experience one of the “world’s great train journeys” as you take your first class seats on the Jacobite Steam Train made famous in the Harry Potter Films. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and travel along a beautiful stretch of coastline, fringed with rocky coves and white sand beaches known as the Silver Sands of Morar. On a clear day the small isles of Eigg, Rhum and Muck and the Isle of Skye can be seen in the distance.

Board a private boat and cross the sea to the Isle of Skye to arrive directly at a wonderful Michelin Starred restaurant for lunch.

Return to your castle by road this afternoon and settle in for the last evening before you move onto the next chapter of your programme tomorrow.

Day Four: A Magical Highland Estate After a leisurely breakfast this morning you’ll make your way south to an incredible 57,000 acre private estate. Venture into this hidden area of Scotland and enjoy the feeling of remoteness and pure wilderness.

Arrive at your private lodge for the next few days where you will be welcomed by the lodge staff and shown to your rooms – each with amazing views directly along a 3-mile loch. Perhaps take a walk around the grounds and the loch before you enjoy drinks and dinner in complete privacy and luxurious comfort in the Scottish Highlands.

Day Five: Explore your Highland Estate You’ll be joined today by one of the estate rangers who will take you on a journey through a day on a highland estate. Learn about the birds of prey that are present in the area including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, harriers, hawks and owls. Then venture into the hills on foot or by Argo-cat to capture the best possible pictures of your surroundings as well as searching for deer and other wildlife. You can also try your hand at fishing for wild trout and pike – which could form the basis of your dinner this evening if successful! If you feel that you need more exercise you could take to the water on a kayak or enjoy a mountain bike ride around the wonderful Loch.

This evening you’ll be entertained by a local musician while you are treated to a traditional Scottish dinner together with some rare local whisky to help you on your way.

Day Six: Perthshire and Edinburgh This morning you’ll leave the estate via the private drive to the nearest main road. It’s then a drive through wonderful scenery to a Perthshire distillery for a memorable private tour and tasting together with a relaxing lunch. After stocking up with gifts for your friends you’ll carry on driving south to Edinburgh.

Settle into your hotel on arrival and there will be time to freshen up. Your curator will take you on a short walk around the New Town before you head for one of our hidden local restaurants for a wonderful meal away from the crowds. Stroll back to your hotel this evening and perhaps visit one or other of the oldest bars in Edinburgh for a night-cap.

Day Seven: The City of Edinburgh This morning, together with your curator, you’ll head up the cobbled streets of the Old Town to Edinburgh Castle for a private tour. Walk at your leisure around the city’s most famous landmark, towering over the city from its volcanic rock. Stroll down the Royal Mile, one of the most famous streets in the world, and perhaps visit one of the many world-class galleries in Edinburgh. Alternatively you could visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse or perhaps the Royal Botanic Gardens.

There are a huge range of options in and around Edinburgh so this day can be kept flexible to suit a range of interests.

We would recommend dinner this evening at one of the many fine dining restaurants in Scotland’s capital city.

Day Eight: Departure Check out of your hotel this morning and your chauffeur and curator will ensure you are at Edinburgh Airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

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