A Wild Adventure In The Highlands

After our pick ups we start our journey north, making suitable comfort stops en route arriving at our overnight hotel.

Today, after breakfast, we continue north making a stop at the Falkirk Wheel. As the world’s only rotating boat lift, it has become a popular tourist attraction since opening in 2002. The wheel lifts boats 115 feet into the air between Scotland’s Forth and Clyde and Union canals, and visitors can experience it in action on a 60-minute journey across both waterways. Later we continue our journey to our well positioned hotel in Kingussie.

After breakfast today we enjoy a scenic drive along the total length of the Whisky Trail. It is the most recognised region in the world for whisky production with 9 working distilleries. Time free in Nairn, renowned for its white sandy beaches, before continuing along the Moray Firth, to join “The Spirit” for a cruise into the Firth for an effortless voyage around picturesque Inverness and Beauly Firth. Experience the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands from a new perspective. Venture under the Kessock Bridge into the Inverness Firth, and get those binoculars ready as you head towards popular dolphin watching spots.

Today we enjoy a slow-paced morning before heading to the foot of the Cairngorm mountains to enjoy a breathtaking trip on Scotland’s only funicular railway, the highest in the UK, reaching the Ptarmigan building at over 1,097m above sea level. A light lunch has been arranged whilst enjoying the breathtaking scenery, followed by a wildlife talk with one of the centre's experienced rangers. Afterwards, we head to Boat of Garten to spot some of the area’s most famous birds, the Ospreys. A wildlife ranger will provide an update on the Ospreys' activity. There’s every chance of watching the birds feed their young from either a webcam or viewing the Osprey nest through provided binoculars. The centre is in an ancient pine forest with signed level forest walks with plenty of other birdlife and red squirrels to see.

Today we leave our coach behind and travel on the local train for a day in Inverness, known as the "Capital of the Highlands", offering a rich blend of history, stunning landscapes, and unique shopping and attractions, making it a must-visit destination in Scotland.

Today we offer an optional excursion, where we explore one of the most popular and well known products in Scotland. We start the day with a visit to Dean's Shortbread Factory, Dean’s is a five-star tourist attraction that includes a fabulous Gift Shop and Bistro with an area to view the factory. Later we continue to Stonehaven. Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour is lined with cafés, seafood restaurants and ice cream parlours, offering a perfect spot to soak up local culture and coastal charm. Set along Aberdeenshire’s stunning coastline, Stonehaven blends dramatic history, vibrant harbour life and a scenic coastline. £25

Saving the best day until last, we make the short journey to Rothiemurchus. Situated at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we present a unique blend of stunning landscapes, Scottish wildlife, and locally sourced Scottish crafts. Firstly, meet the estate's resident Highland cows whilst enjoying a detailed commentary by an expert ranger. Feed the local deer and tour the estate on board our coach before disembarking for a fabulous included hearty highland lunch. The day is completed with a thrilling and in-depth 90-minute falconry display with expert handlers. Finish the day browsing the local produce in the farm shop before leaving this unique estate.

After breakfast today we start to retrace our steps South. En route we make a stop at the Kelpies. These magnificent equine sculptures, standing proudly at 30 metres tall, embody the power and grace of Scotland's rich heritage. Discover the intricate details, the marvellous feat of engineering and the symbolism that lies within. Marvel at the sheer size and majestic presence of these iconic landmarks, standing as guardians of the land. After some free time to explore and purchase lunch we continue to our overnight hotel in Gretna Green.

After breakfast, we make a stop at the Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop for those last minute souvenirs before continuing our journey towards home, arriving back in Dorset early evening.

Gretna Hall is part of a local, fourth-generation family business, which has been at the heart of Gretna Green weddings since 1886. Originally built in 1710 as a private manor house, Gretna Hall is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens; offering all the character of a substantial historical building, with all the comfort you would expect from a contemporary hotel. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, telephone, hairdryer, ironing and tea /coffee making facilities.

The Duke of Gordon Hotel is situated in the town of Kingussie in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. The hotel is a traditional style Highland Hotel offering the comfort of a country house but with modern amenities. The hotel was used as a filming location for the BBC Series 'Monarch of the Glen' from 2000 to 2005. All the ensuite bedrooms have a free WiFi, telephone, TV, hairdryer, ironing and tea/coffee making facilities.