Day 1: CITY OF ORIGIN - GLASGOW
Departure from the different cities. It is possible to go directly to Glasgow airport or to Edinburgh airport, as there is transport from there to Glasgow (not included). Depending on the arrival time of the participants, a walking tour of the city may be possible. Dinner on your own.
Day 2: STIRLING - WILLIAM WALLACE - KILLIN - KILCHURN CASTLE - OBAN
Stirling Castle:
Stirling is the most historically important city in Scotland. S rling has seen some of the greatest chapters of Scottish history written. Running through the city, the River Forth flows between its two hills. On one side the imposing Stirling Castle. On the other side, the William Wallace Memorial Tower.
Stirling Castle presides over the city that lies at its feet and is undoubtedly the most significant fortress in Scotland's history over the centuries. Standing on the ancient chimney of an extinct volcano, it is the city's most visited tourist attraction. It was an exceptional witness to the battles for independence between the Scots and the English, as well as a golden an?trion for numerous historical figures. William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart were among those who walked its halls.
William Wallace Monument Tower:
After visiting the house, we moved to the north side of the River Forth to Abbey Craig Hill to meet the national hero William Wallace and review an important period of history known as the "Wars of Independence" between the Scots and the English. Standing 59 metres high on Abbey Craig Hill, nothing pays greater tribute to the national hero than the monument tower that bears his name. A lovely walk will take you to the top where you will find the best views of the city. Once there, we can contemplate the battlefield before our feet and review in situ the strategy carried out by William Wallace to defeat the English.
Killin:
A wonderful place to take a break and sample the variety of cuisine that the area has to offer. The waterfalls of Dochart in Killin, make this village a very attractive visit for any traveller as well as, the ideal place to recharge your batteries along the way.
Kilchurn Castle:
This is undoubtedly one of the castles that best represents the essence of Scotland, not only for its history but also for its location. Its ruins are part of the classic Highland landscape. Next to Loch Awe and with Ben Cruachan in the background, this place offers a landscape worthy of the best postcards of Scotland. We will stop to visit it and try to take the best photo for the memory and with a bit of luck we will meet the Highland cows!
Oban:
Oban is one of the best known towns on the west coast. We will arrive at our hotel in the middle of the afternoon and have some free time to wander around and get to know the town of Oban with all its history and culture. Seafood is the star product of the town and there is a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
DAY 3: OBAN DISTILLERY - GLEN COE - FORT WILLIAM - GLENFINNAN - FORT AUGUSTUS - PLOCKTON
Oban Distillery:
Fully integrated into the town centre, the Oban distillery produces one of the most sought-after whiskies in the Single Malt range. Matured for 14 years in oak casks, the distillery's product attracts thousands of visitors every year making it one of the most visited distilleries in Scotland. We will visit and taste their 14 year old Single Malt whisky.
GlenCoe:
This is probably the most beautiful valley you can drive through. We can admire its breathtaking beauty from two different points in the valley. At the entrance to the valley by the lake and at the top of the valley by the Three Sisters. Not only known for its natural beauty, the history that surrounds this enclave makes the Glen Coe Valley a special place on the journey. The wind rushing through its mountains whispers of a grey and mysterious past with tales worth telling. Enjoy its history with the explanation of our guide. Meet the rebellious clan of the MacDonalds, immortalise the moment with your camera and be part of this irrepe ble scenery, watch your back and be careful who you ally yourself with, you are in Glen Coe!
Glenfinnan Viaduct:
The viaduct is perfectly integrated into the highland landscape and surrounding environment. Perhaps its biggest attraction is the train known as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film. However, the viaduct itself is a tourist attraction worth visiting either for the spectacular or scenic beauty.
Fort William:
Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands in terms of population. Its strategic position has made it a protagonist in many chapters of history. Situated at the entrance to the Great Glen and at the foot of Ben Nevis, this will be the place to sample its gastronomy.
Fort Augustus:
Located on the southern shore of Loch Ness, this charming little town shares with its tourists all its charm and a couple of essential tourist attractions for the traveller: the famous "Loch Ness" sign where we will have the opportunity to get the photo pursued by many visitors and the incredible "Caledonian Canal", a marvel of Scottish engineering carried out by the Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1822 and which leaves amazed locals and strangers.
Plockton:
Undoubtedly, this small fishing village set in a hidden bay is one of the jewels of the Highlands. Recognised by many as the most beautiful place in Scotland, it will be our place to stay for two nights, so don't be surprised if you never want to leave!
DAY 4: OLD MAN OF STORR - KILT ROCK - FAIRY VALLEY - QUIRAING - PORTREE
Old Man of Storr:
Without a doubt, this is a highlight of the trip that will not disappoint anyone. We present ourselves at the foot of the mountain. On its slope, some well-known pinnacles point to the sky and face the sea. This is perhaps one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Highlands. A path twists upwards to take in the spectacular scenery. At the top, the ultimate reward awaits. An image that is likely to linger in the retina and memory of every traveller. Many travellers consider this experience to be the most beautiful memory of their trip to Scotland, and no wonder! Enveloped in the wild nature of the island along with the contrast of its landscapes we are convinced that this trail will not leave you indifferent.
Kilt Rock:
We visited these basalt formations that create tremendous cliffs forming the rocky coast of Skye. From between them, a waterfall flows to plunge straight into the sea.
Quiraing:
Known as the balcony of Skye, a narrow road will help you cross the Troernish mountain range. Just above, from its highest point, we'll turn around to take in one of the most breathtaking views you can get. batteries charged!
Uig:
At the most northerly point of the Isle of Skye we stop in the village of Uig to recharge our batteries with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Fairy Valley:
This is another must on the list of the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye. Due to their rock formations on the ground, these natural silhouettes have always attracted humans to this small valley. Already in the early centuries, the Pict tribes who settled here from the Celtic culture practised their religious rituals at this magical spot in Skye's geography. We also want to feel the mysticism and mythology of the place and we will explore this valley to continue discovering the irregular formations that are found here.
Portree:
This small town has the largest population on the island and is considered the capital of Skye. Portree is noted for its harbour and the picturesque colourful houses that adorn it. We will have the opportunity to stroll through its streets full of shops and small shops with local products. The guide will show you where to go to take the perfect picture of Portree with the bay and harbour as the main protagonist.
DAY 5: NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE - TALISKER DISTILLERY - FAIRY POOLS - SLIGACHAN - PLOCKTON
Neist Point Lighthouse:
At the most westerly point of the island and facing the Isles of Lewis & Harris we find this magical corner of the Isle of Skye. Sought after and loved by many travellers, we will have the opportunity to appreciate the magic of the place and lose our gaze in the immensity of the ocean with the lighthouse as a witness. A unique moment. This place certainly conveys the peace and tranquillity that can also be found in the wild nature of Skye. For more than an hour, we can discover this corner made up of mountains, waterfalls, beaches, cliffs, islands, etc. An incomparable beauty. The wildlife is part of the experience, and who knows, with a bit of luck, we may even be surprised by dolphins!
Talisker Distillery:
Talisker Distillery is one of Scotland's best known distilleries, not only for its 10 year old Single Malt but also because it is the only one on the Isle of Skye. Its Single Malt has a smoky peaty flavour from the west coast of the country which gives it an unmistakable character that appeals to a wide range of palates. We will visit the distillery to discover how it is made and get to know the inner rooms and the heart of the distillery. We will take the opportunity to have lunch in the area and taste the local produce of Carbost Bay. We will try to observe the marine fauna that can be seen from this side of the island.
Fairy Pools:
At the foot of the Cuillins mountain range, waterfalls bring crystal clear water from the top of the mountains. It is a very popular place to visit because of the spectacular scenery surrounding the waterfalls. The more daring come here to bathe in its transparent waters. Small pools form at the foot of the mountain known as "the fairy pools".
We will walk for 30 minutes enjoying the scenery until the end of the trail (classified as easy) where we will have the opportunity to contemplate this gift of nature.
Sligachan:
Completely immersed in the nature of Skye we find a dramatic landscape created by the Cuillins mountain range that always gives us some wonderful snapshots to remember. We will stop by the old bridge at Sligachan to be impressed.
Plockton:
We are back in Plockton and very happy about it. It has been a spectacular two days getting to know the amazing Isle of Skye. Now it's time for a hot shower and a good dinner in the restaurants that Plockton has to offer before going to rest. But if you prefer, you can enjoy live music in one of the pubs in the village.
DAY 6: EILEAN DONAN CASTLE - LOCH NESS CRUISE AND URQUHART CASTLE - INVERNESS
Eilean Donan Castle:
The Isle of Donan, so called because of the presence of a small chapel established in the 7th century by the Irish saint Donnan of Eigg, is today the home of one of Scotland's most famous castles. Situated at the intersection of three sea lochs, the house is featured in numerous films such as The Trap and The Immortals, as well as being one of the country's most visited tourist attractions. Chosen as an image on postcards, calendars, travel magazines and much more, you will undoubtedly be awestruck by the beauty it exudes and the enclave in which it is located. With a fascinating history over the centuries, where the Spaniards themselves were the protagonists at the beginning of the 18th century, you won't want to miss a single detail of what its walls contain.
Loch Ness Cruise:
This is probably one of the most famous lochs in the world thanks to its mascot Nessie. Steeped in legend and reality, Loch Ness is the second deepest loch in the UK. At 37km long, we will walk along its shores until we reach the jetty where a cruise will take us on an unforgettable journey to the ruins of the castle that guards the loch. On this trip, we will have the opportunity to learn a little more about the loch, and who knows, maybe even meet Nessie!
Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle:
We arrive at its gates after a boat trip along the loch. There, on the western shore, one of the most important castles in the history of this country, dating back to the 13th century, awaits us imposingly. Under its ruins lie many chapters of history with protagonists such as Robert the Bruce or Mary Stuart. It is also undoubtedly the most beautiful place on the lake. Take out your camera and take home a unique souvenir, let's visit it!
Inverness:
Known as the capital of the Highlands, it is the most northerly city in the United Kingdom. We will arrive there today to discover its culture and get lost in its streets where it is worth mingling with its people. We will spend the afternoon exploring the city on our own. While exploring the city, it is essential to walk along the River Ness and get lost along its banks. We can also visit Inverness Cathedral, which is always open to the public. In its centre, next to Falcon Square, is the Victorian market, a building dating from 1870, which will not leave anyone indifferent. Just a little further on, you can visit Leakey's 18th century bookshop, which we would definitely recommend you to visit. It is considered the best second-hand bookshop in the UK. Inverness, full of shops, pubs and restaurants, has a great offer for tourists in terms of gastronomy. We encourage you to experience the gastronomic tourism of the Highlands.
DAY 7: HERMIT WOOD - DISTILLERY - DUNKELD - FORTH BRIDGES - CULROSS - KELPIES-EDINBURGH
Hermit's Wood:
Back into the heart of the Highlands to get to know the heart of the Highlands. We stop at the Hermit's Wood to walk along the Braan River which will take us to its beautiful waterfalls. We will walk among the tallest trees in the UK along a trail, perfect for a first taste of Highland nature.
Pitlochry:
This beautiful village of Victorian architecture is the place where we will stop for a coffee break, use the toilet and stroll through the streets.
Blair Athol Distillery:
After refuelling, we will discover the whisky culture in one of the oldest and most beautiful distilleries in Scotland. Since 1798, this distillery is almost an obligatory stop for any traveller. Together with our guide we will learn about the origins of whisky, its production and its significance in the Scottish industry today. The visit is free although there is the possibility of paying to enter to see the fermentation and distillation rooms.
Dunkeld:
Undoubtedly one of the most charming little towns in the heart of Scotland, and one with an important place in history! Dunkeld is considered to be the first capital of Scotland in the 9th century. Today, its main attraction is the ruins of its cathedral, as well as the charm of its streets that lie on the banks of the River Tay.
Forth Bridges:
Along the Firth of Forth lie these three engineering masterpieces: the Forth Bridges. Three colossal bridges linking the two banks of the Firth of Forth and are a sight for sore eyes. Among them, the Railway Bridge stands out. An icon of the country since 1890 and now a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Culross:
Perhaps one of the most picturesque villages in the Lowlands. On our way back to Edinburgh we will not miss this place and we will stop to get lost in its streets and transport us back to the past. Its colourful little houses make this village a place worth visiting.
The Kelpies:
Although many people are unaware of their existence, these two 30-metre-high sculptures will amaze both locals and visitors alike. The Kelpies are fantastical creatures reincarnated as two modern-day horses made of stainless steel that merge with the mythology of the past.
Edinburgh:
After a week full of emotions wrapped in nature, culture and history, we arrive in the capital of Scotland.
DAY 8: EDINBURGH
After a well-deserved rest and breakfast at the hotel, we are ready to face another day in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. During the day we will do the programmed activities but with different options for the group. In the morning we will walk with our guide to discover some essential areas of the city such as the New Town, Dean Village, the Water of Leith and Stockbridge. After the morning we will take a break to recharge our batteries and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. The last activity scheduled (optional) for the last hour is the Ghosts Tour which, without a doubt, is another classic tour of the city and a fundamental piece to know the dark side of Edinburgh and how its inhabitants lived in the most incredible stories ever told, the underground city and the haunted places. We will tell you true facts, unique in their paranormal nature and much more! Afterwards we propose to attend an optional folk dinner together.
DAY 9: EDINBURGH - SPAIN
Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight home. END OF THE TRIP AND OUR SERVICES
Scheduled flight times (check other cities):
MADRID-GLASGOW 07.35-13.40
EDINBURGH-MADRID 12.00-16.00
BARCELONA-GLASGOW 07.10-13.40
EDIMBURGO-BARCELONA 15.15-19.05
