Join our small Group Clan Tour, 3 – 10 September 2010

It's about understanding our clan heritage and enjoying the Highlands. We take you from The Braemar Gathering on 'Royal Deeside' to Culloden Battlefield, then out to the beautiful Isle of Skye, through Glencoe and down to Argyll.

It's a small group tour, and so a maximum of 24 people. But plenty people for the Scottish Dancing, Haggis Eating and Whisky Tasting which is all a (voluntary) part of the experience.

Day One

Meet in Edinburgh at 10:00 on Friday 3 September.

Heading north, you’ll pass Loch Leven, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned, then up to the fairytale castle of Glamis, childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Then it's up the coast to Dunnottar Castle, ancient home of the Keiths.

That evening we host a little 'Welcome Drinks' at your traditional four star Aberdeen city centre hotel.

Dunnottar Castle

Day Two

Today it's 'Royal Deeside': the lovely glen that enchanted Queen Victoria. You see Ballater and Crathie Kirk, where the Royal Family worship, then visit The Braemar Gathering, attended by HM The Queen for traditional Highland Games.

Then you’ll go over the hills (with the heather in full bloom), to your riverside hotel in Inverness (with swimming pool and spa).

Day Three

The new hi-tech Culloden Battlefield visitor attraction provides a unique new insight into the last stand of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s clansmen. A visit to the bronze age graves known as the 'Clava Cairns' and a tour of the lovely Cawdor Castle complete the day.

The late afternoon is free for shopping in Inverness. In the evening there will be the opportunity to enjoy some traditional music in a local hostelry.

Cawdor Castle

Day Four

Castle Urquhart by Loch Ness was once the most powerful castle in the Highlands. It has been a ruin for 300 years but is still evocative and the old tower is a prime place for spotting Nessie. You then pass through the lands of Clan Grant of Glenmoriston, heading for the Isle of Skye, but before then the Eilean Donan experience: probably the most photographed castle in Scotland and this ancient MacRae stronghold has some fascinating stories.

Tonight you are at the very fine Cuillin Hills Hotel, in Portree, capital of Skye.

Day Five

Your road winds past numerous sea lochs and old Celtic sites to Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan Macleod since the 13th century. In the afternoon you will visit Flora MacDonald's grave, see 'Kilt Rock' and see the extraordinary landscape of the Quirang.

Again you are at the Cuillin Hills hotel.

Day Six

Before leaving Skye there is time to enjoy the ‘Museum of the Isles’, created by Clan Donald and certainly the best explanation in the world of the clan system, its origins and decline. Next stop after the ferry is Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, also home to the ‘Harry Potter Viaduct’. The road then leads through Fort William, past Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, to gloomy Glencoe, scene of the massacre. The day ends by Loch Fyne in Argyll in a lovely waterside hotel with swimming pool and spa.

Glenfinnan

Day Seven

First stop is Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. Then the road goes by Loch Lomond’s bonnie banks to Stirling and its wonderful castle. In the distance you’ll see the monument to Sir William Wallace, Scotland's 'Braveheart'.

That evening you say good-bye to your guide at the Edinburgh Airport Hotel where you are booked in for bed and breakfast.

Pricing and Arrangements

The price of GBP 1030 (about USD 1549 in March 2010) per person includes six nights' dinner, bed and breakfast in double or twin rooms in three or four star hotels and one night bed and breakfast only at the Hilton Edinburgh Airport. Single supplement is GBP 225 (About USD 354).

If you would like to know, more about the trip then send an email to me, Alastair Cunningham.

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