Scottish Highland Castles & Lochs Elite

Enjoy the morning visiting the stunning Edinburgh Castle, before regular opening hours. Start your tour at 08.30am and have an hour exploring this world famous Castle with one its very own stewards before the crowds arrive. While there, you will also see the celebrated Crown Jewels. Entrance fee and guide services at Edinburgh Castle are included. (No transportation included).

Enjoy a full day private excursion taking in a Panoramic tour of Edinburgh- Scotland's capital city, including the classical Georgian New Town and the medieval Old Town, both world heritage sites with possible visits to Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace- the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Drive through Holyrood Park to enjoy spectacular views over the city also known as Athens of the North. In the afternoon enjoy the very special and traditional ceremony of afternoon tea at historic Prestonfield House in Edinburgh, situated in its own private grounds in the shadow of Arthurs Seat, famous Edinburgh landmark. Afternoon tea is a luxurious Prestonfield tradition and a memorable occasion, whether served by the side of a roaring log fire or, in summer, in the rose-filled gardens or the whimsical gothic tea house.

Leave Edinburgh today and make your way leisurely to Glasgow, stopping off at various places of interest en route. Enjoy the rural views as you are driven through what is known as "the Border country" - famous for its stately homes and medieval abbeys. Enjoy a visit of the charming town of Melrose and the romantic ruins of its medieval abbey combined with a visit to Abbotsford, the home of Scotland's most famous writer; Sir Walter Scott. From here, continue to the metropolitan city of Glasgow- Scotland's largest city. (Entrances to sites are not included).

Enjoy a panoramic tour visiting this monumental Victorian merchant city and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in a magnificent historical castle-like structure, the museum is the latest museum in Scotland and showcases many different aspects of art and includes such things as a multimedia Object Cinema, the History Discovery Centre, and the Study Centre, a Mini Museum for under 5' s. The Art Discovery Centre and the Environment Discovery Centre feature hands-on displays. Galleries feature Creatures of the Past, Ancient Egypt, Glasgow Stories, Scotland’s Wildlife, Scottish Art, Expression, Looking at Art, Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style, and Looking at Design. Your driver will give you an orientation tour and leave you to explore the museum at leisure. Continue with a visit of the medieval Glasgow cathedral and the imposing university of Glasgow founded in the 15th century before being returned to your hotel.

Enjoy a seaplane trip over Loch Lomond. See the stunning views as you climb higher over the lake and hills...

From Glasgow you will be following the shore of the beautiful and romantic Loch Lomond to Crianlarich and haunting Glencoe, scene of the massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells. Then continue on to Fort William where it is possible to take a ride on the mountain cable car on Aonoch Moor by Ben Nevis (highest mountain in Great Britain) with spectacular views over the region. Continue the drive via lochs, forests and the Caledonian canal to Fort Augustus and world famous Loch Ness. Stop at Urquhart Castle for haunting views over the Loch before continuing to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Enjoy a day excursion taking in Strathpeffer- a charming and picturesque Victorian Spa, a visit of the city of Inverness and nearby Speyside which is the heart of whisky country. Because of its location in the heart of the Highlands, Strathpeffer is a popular tourist attraction. The Strathpeffer and District Pipe Band and local Highland dancers perform in the square every Saturday from end May to September, while the annual Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, one of the longest-established Highland Games in Scotland, takes place in the grounds of Castle Leod every August. Visit the city of Inverness, the most northerly city in the British Isles. Must see sites include Inverness Castle - a relatively new castle built in 1847 to replace a medieval castle blown up by the Jacobites. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery in Castle Wynd (located at the base of Inverness Castle) has a collection of Pictish stones and wildlife dioramas, as well as historic weapons. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2006, and now contains many artifacts on loan from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Old High Church is the oldest church in Inverness. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a malt whisky distillery, perhaps Aberlour, with a tour and whisky tasting. At the end of the day, you will be brought back to your hotel.

It takes approximately 4 hours from Inverness to Glenagles including approx 30 min stop en route. If you are interested, a stop can be made at te House of Bruar by Blair Athol which is like a Harrods in the Highlands! This is truly a wonderful shopping experience with high quality goods and very delicious food. Continue onwards to Gleneagles.

Choose from a wide variety of activities all available on site at the Gleneagles luxury hotel. Options include:

• The world famous Shooting School

• The Equestrian School – one of the most impressive riding centres in Europe

• The British School of Falconry

• The Gundog School – the first of its kind in the world

• Off-road 4x4 driving on two specially developed courses

• The Club, with two swimming pools, outdoor hot pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, cycle hire and walking/running tracks.

• The multi award winning spa (named favourite ScottishHotel Spa by COnde Nasts Travelers Reader Spa awards 2009 & 2010).

Of course, what the Gleneagles is really famous for is its golf. Choose to play a round of golf at any (or all!) of the three 3 courses.

• The PGA Centenary Course – venue for the 40th Ryder Cup Matches in 2014.

• The famous King’s Course

• The secluded Queen’s Course

• The nine-hole Wee Course is perfect for a warm-up round or for golfers just starting out.

Enjoy a private airport transfer to Edinburgh.