This trip is a real Christmas cracker if you have a wee bit more time to see the magnificent Highlands covered in a blanket of snow. You'll take in some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in Europe and party with our legendary HAGGiS crew.
AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE STUNNING SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Our extended Christmas trip leaves Edinburgh on December 24th and includes all dorm accommodation and transport. You'll spend two nights at Carbisdale Castle, two nights by the banks of Loch Ness and experience a Christmas party that sets the standard for all other festive celebrations! Just make sure you pack the Mistletoe!
> Experience Christmas in the majestic Scottish Highlands
> Spend two nights in an awesome Highland Castle and two nights by Loch Ness
> Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Dancing
> Slap up Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
> Snowball fights and snowman building (weather permitting!)
INCLUDES
> All dorm accommodation and breakfasts
> Mulled wine on arrival at the Castle
> Christmas Eve supper and live band
> Christmas Day Buck's Fizz breakfast
> Traditional Christmas dinner and wine
> Evening Ceilidh band
> Packed lunches on Christmas and Boxing Day
(Special cancellation charges apply to this product - up to 22 days prior to departure 50% refund. Within 21 days - no refund)
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Day 1 - Christmas Eve
Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the Forth Bridges and drive through beautiful Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. We will stop in the stunning wee town Dunkeld to visit the beautiful Cathedral. We then head north to the Pass of Killicrankie and then the windswept moor of Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain. From here, we skirt Inverness and pass over Kessock Bridge with views of the Black Isle and Cromarty Firth as we head for our lavish evening accommodation in a haunted Highland castle set deep in the forest!
Day 2: Xmas Day
Christmas Day will never be the same again. The morning is for exploring! Depending on the unpredictable Highland winter weather we may head to a wee town on the coast called Dornoch and take in the fresh sea air to fight off any remaining hangovers. Then we’re headed inland in search of a site for a battle of our very own….with snowballs! A few fights and snowman building attempts* will set us up for the slap-up Christmas feast awaiting our return to the Castle. After loads of grub and wine you can grab a partner and work off some of your Christmas indulgencies with some traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing!
*Weather permitting
Day 3: Boxing Day
We travel west through Sutherland with stunning mountain views before arriving at the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. Then we continue south and stop off at the impressive Corrieshalloch George before heading off in search of a monster! We’ll drive along the banks of Loch Ness, stopping for a photo at Urquhart Castle, as we make our way to our home for the night, the fantastic Morag’s Lodge at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.
Day 4: 27th December
Today we head for the Isle of Skye! En-route, we enjoy some stunning scenery with the awesome Kintail Mountains, home to several Munros, as well as gorgeous Lochs and Castles, with probably the most stunning castle in Europe, Eilean Donan Castle. Then, finally, it's over the sea to the magical Isle of Skye! We spend most of the afternoon exploring its ruined castles, ancient history and spectacular scenery. We’ll see the jagged Black Cuillin Mountains, stunning coastlines, quaint villages and if we’re lucky, the odd hairy coo (or two). Immersed in Celtic myths and legend, you’ll be enchanted by Skye after hearing about selkies, mischievous faeries and learning the secret of eternal youth. Tonight we’re back on the mainland for our last night which calls for a big party back at Morag’s Lodge!
Day 5: 28th December
Our last day will take us down the Great Glen and more legendary monster filled Lochs. You’ll hear stories of ancient battles and clan feuds as we head for Fort William (home to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis) and then on to the majestic and haunting Glencoe – an area that formed the backdrop to the movies Braveheart and Harry Potter. Here, you’ll stop to discover the story of the infamous massacre which took place in 1692. Next we drive across the wilds of Rannoch Moor (watch out for Stags) and south past historic Stirling, arriving back in Edinburgh in the early evening.