Castles and Wildlife of Scotland

We meet at our hotel in the distinguished city of Edinburgh where we spend the night.

We join the Scot Rail service to Inverness, where we're met by a coach that transports us to the quayside for a wonderful wildlife spotting cruise along the Moray Firth. After an hour or so at sea, we continue by coach further into the Highlands to Tulloch Castle, our unique accommodation for the next two nights. On arrival, we receive a warm welcome as well as a talk and guided tour of this historic property.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We visit Eilean Donan Castle today. We start with a journey from Inverness on the acclaimed Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways. One notable stop enroute is Achanalt, where the marshlands surrounding Loch Achanalt provide a habitat for rare and interesting plant and bird species. We disembark and transfer to Eilean Donan Castle, perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. Originally built in the 13th century, the fortress was destroyed 400 years later during the Jacobite rebellions. We learn more about the castle's fascinating past during a guided tour.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We travel by coach to the utopian Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Along the way we stop at Dunrobin Castle, a turreted stately home set in rolling landscaped gardens. We continue to Alladale, our beautiful Highland retreat. Surrounded by rugged terrain, woodland dells and heather-tinged valleys, Alladale offers remote, rural experiences in a breathtaking landscape. We are welcomed with tea and cakes followed by a walk around the lodge and into Glen Alladale. This evening we enjoy dinner - prepared from fresh ingredients grown on site where possible - cooked by our own private chef, who specialises in traditional Scottish cuisine with a twist.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We're taken by expert rangers on a 4x4 adventure through the wonderful reserve, to spot wildlife. You may see red deer roaming the lush terrain or eagles catching a ride on the thermal currents above. We return to the lodge where you could tour the aquaponics garden. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may be happy to simply relax in the lovely wilderness setting of the estate, or could book one of the activities on offer such as hiking, fishing, a visit to a whisky distillery or an enjoyable local lunch.

• Breakfast

After a leisurely start, we return to Edinburgh - by rail via Inverness - where we spend our last night. We enjoy a final dinner at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our holiday ends after breakfast this morning.

• Breakfast