Scotland’s Whisky and Wilderness – NC500 & The Highlands

Landing into Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, collect your vehicle and journey the short distance to the biggest land loch in Scotland; Loch Lomond. This is where you will get your first flavour of Scotland’s natural beauty and of course the famous Scottish hospitality. Relax around the loch, take one of the many walks around the waters or for something more exciting perhaps try water sports and speed boats awaiting on the shimmering waters. End the day with a champagne cruise to watch the sun set fire to the skies over the tree topped hills in style.

Overnight: Loch Lomond

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today continue along the banks of Loch Lomond and through the scenery of the Trossachs National Park before crossing the desolate and awe-inspiring Rannoch Moor. Arriving in the West of Scotland, head through Scotland’s most famous Glen - Glencoe - walking along the natural scenery which provided the backdrop to movies including "Skyfall" and "Braveheart". Make a potential stop at the Glencoe visitor centre which marks the place of the infamous clan battle.

Overnight: Glencoe

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, continue to the foothills of Ben Nevis and take the "Road to the Isles" pausing to see the Glenfinnan Monument dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct, with the Hogwarts Express gliding over the top. Take the ferry to the stunning Isle of Skye; you may choose to stop at Armadale Castle and the Clan Donald Centre in the South of the island before passing the beautiful peaks of the Cuillin Hills on route to the island main town at Portree, and its bustling harbour of pastel fisherman's cottages.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included.

Dedicate today to exploring the raw natural beauty of this peaceful ancient island; from the quaint port town of Portree, tour the north of the island and the Trotternish Peninsula with its natural features such as “Kilt Rock” and “the Old Man of Storr” or visit the famous Fairy Pools. Wildlife is in abundance, in the coastal waters you can spot seabirds, dolphins and seals. Possible cultural visits include Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan, the Museum of Island Life and nearby Flora Macdonald's Grave or the distillery of famed malt whisky Talisker.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included.

Cross back to the mainland via Skye Bridge and visit one of Scotland’s icons at Eilean Donan Castle which stands at the point where three lochs meet. From here head north and begin your ascent on the NC500 where a land of breath-taking landscapes, secluded hill lochs, mist shrouded mountain peaks and untouched beaches await you. Visit the ‘tropical’ Plockton where you can see palm trees growing in the sheltered bay before venturing to the unspoiled Applecross Peninsula, a world away from the noise and bustle of modern life and believed to be the earliest settlement in Scotland. Arrive at your incredible destination for the evening and let your taste buds dance with you included fine dining meal.

Overnight: Torridon

Meals: Breakfast included.

Continuing your journey on the NC500, today you’ll explore some of Europe’s oldest and most dramatic landscapes in the far northwest Highlands. Beginning in the Torridon Hills, perhaps pause at the village of Gairloch to be taken back in time in the heritage centre or visit the elegant Inverewe Estate and Gardens. Next on the agenda are the soaring Mountains of Assynt, to visit the reputedly haunted 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle or the remote Calda House, built in the 17th century by the 3rd Earl of Seaforth. The brave can round off their day with a short hike to the limestone Inchnadamph Bone Caves, where some amazing discoveries have been made.

Overnight: Lochinver

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, begin your journey with a drive over the Kylesku bridge, floating over the mist shrouded waters at the bottom of the soaring mountains. Reaching the Northern Coast you will find the unique sea and air wildlife playing around the cliffs. Visit the tiny village of Durness to walk the ancient path to Smoo Cave a uniquely formed sea cave shrouded in mystery and myth – a true hidden gem. You can enjoy a wee clamber to Castle Varrich, once the seat of Clan Mackay, built on top of an existing Norse fort, where you’ll gain beautiful vistas across the Kyle of Tongue unchanged since the days of the Vikings. Later continue to the Norse settlement of Thurso.

Overnight: Thurso

Meals: Breakfast included.

Begin your journey back south through the remote region of Caithness, a large area of unspoilt and dramatic coastal scenery with high cliffs and offshore stacks. Visit a mystery of the North and witness a ‘mini Stonehenge’ in the form of the Hill O’Many Stanes, dozens of foot-high prehistoric stones set in rows. On the North East Coast you may choose to stop at the elegant Dunrobin Castle, home to the Dukes of Sutherland since the 1400s, it resembles a glorious French chateau. Arrive at Glenmorangie House nestled between the sea and their distillery. Here enjoy a meal with the residents as well as a tasting of their spectacular whiskys.

Overnight: Tain

Meals: Breakfast included.

Your loop today begins with a drive through Glen Affric, often described as Scotland’s most beautiful Glen. You’ll find a magical mix of dense woodlands, glistening lochs and eldritch moorland. Perhaps wander amongst the pine trees accompanied by the chirpy calls of woodland birds. Take a picnic with a view of ospreys, secretive otters or red- and black-throated divers. Head back along the windswept banks of the eerie Loch Ness. Perhaps take a boat ride on the loch to uncover the mysteries of the waters or make a visit to the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched overlooking the loch it offers the perfect look-out.

Overnight: Tain

Meals: Breakfast included.

Head across the Kessock Bridge into Inverness; the capital of the highlands. Make a stop here to stroll along the river Ness and marvel at St Andrew’s Cathedral before arriving at the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava - A hugely significant and exceptionally well preserved prehistoric site, Clava Cairns is a fantastic example of the distant history of Highland Scotland, dating back about 4,000 years. Walk the grounds of Culloden battlefield and visit the visitor centre to experience the powerful emotions of the harrowing final rising. Continuing once again into the countryside of Moray Firth where you will rest.

Overnight: Forres

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today be collected from your hotel by a private drive guide and whisked out the stunning Scottish countryside of Speyside which makes up for more than half of Scotland's Whisky production. Your local expert will introduce you into the world of Whisky and take you to a few local distilleries with the likes of McCallan, Aberlour and even the smaller family run distilleries such as Benromach on your doorstep. Delve into the methods that come to make the National drink and of course have a few drams along the way - you're not driving after all!

Overnight: Forres

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today pass south in to the heart of Scotland and through the hills and woodland of the Cairngorm National Park, a haven for walkers and wildlife lovers. You may choose to ride on the Cairngorm Mountain railway or visit the Speyside Heather Centre, but enjoy the unique experience of being in the middle of a herd of reindeer at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Get up close and personal with the majestic beasts of the hills and walk with them in their natural habitat. At the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry you can visit the magnificent Blair Castle before making your way back to your castle for the evening.

Overnight: Stirling

Meals: Breakfast included.

Begin today in the historic cobbled town of Stirling and climb to the Castle which rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty - with beautiful gardens to unwind in, costumed performers who bring history to life and welcoming staff, the award-winning Stirling Castle is a must-see. Make your way to the capital city and enjoy possible stops at Falkirk home of engineering masterpiece the Falkirk Wheel or the magnificent sculpture of the Kelpies on the way. Return your vehicle and explore the winding streets of Edinburgh by foot and public transport. Head to Leith docks to find the famous Royal Yacht Britannia and some world class restaurants.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

The final day of your trip can be spent discovering the magnificent city of Edinburgh. From the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New town, Edinburgh holds a unique atmosphere. Visit Royal sites such as the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Mile connecting it to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. This city is like another world and it is easy to see the influence they have held over poets and authors such as J.K Rowling. Perhaps step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history at ‘Mary Kings Close’ and learn how the rich and poor lived during the black plague here. Round off your stay with a traditional Scottish dinner show full of music, dancing and traditional food. The perfect end to a prefect vacation.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included.