Hogmanay & Highlands 27 Dec

Itinerary

Day 1: 27th December We leave Scotland's capital and head past the capital of Stirling, home to legends such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and scene of many of Scotland’s most famous and bloody battles in the Wars of Independence. Our route north takes us through dramatic Glencoe, the ‘Weeping Glen’ and site of the massacre of 1692 before reviving our spirits in a whiskey distillery in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Travelling through the Great Glen fault line we then skirt the coast, see Eilean Donan Castle perched on the shores of Loch Duich before crossing the bridge to Eilean A’ Cheo (the Isle of Skye). Day 2: 28th December Today we explore the ‘Winged Isle’ or ‘Isle of Mist’ with its fishing villages, awesome scenery and home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans. Immersed in Celtic myths and Viking legends, tales abound with faeries and the selkies while we explore the windswept landscape and brooding Red and Black Cuillin Mountain ranges. There is also the chance for a hike through this stunning environment before we return to the mainland on to Fort Augustus by the shores of mighty Loch Ness. Day 3: 29th December We follow the entire length of Loch Ness, searching for a glimpse of the legendary beast and past Urquhart castle dramatically poised on its shores. Journeying on through Inverness, capital of the Highlands, we head for the sweeping and eerie Culloden Moor, sight of the defeat of Bonne Prince Charlie’s Jacobite uprising. Heading south we make our way to Dunkeld with its mighty Cathedral and through Macbeth country before crossing the Forth Road Bridge and our return to Edinburgh. Day 4: 30th December Explore the Capital starting off with The Royal Mile which runs from the Castle right down to the Palace of Holyrood House and the Parliament. If you need some tips on where to go and what to see, pop into the HAGGiS HQ where the crew there will be more than happy to help out. Tonight you can join us and carry a torch in the Torchlight Procession, the opening event for the festivities. Then it’s on to our legendary HAGGiS ceilidh for a night of traditional Scottish dancing! Day 5: New Year’s Eve 2012 - Hogmanay! Visit some of Edinburgh’s top attractions or alternatively go underground to the vaults beneath the medieval city… Check out the winter festival in Princes Street Gardens, including the traditional festive markets. Make sure you grab your Street Party ticket before heading to the best New Year celebration in the world to party the night away! Day 6: New Year’s Day 2013 Why not fight that hangover and breathe in some of that great Scottish air with a climb of Arthur's Seat, a distinct volcano. It’s a bit of a hike but rewards you with amazing views over the city and on a clear day you can see the Forth Bridges and Highlands. Once the cobwebs have been cleared, there’s the farewell party to help you break all those New Year resolutions.  Day 7: 2nd January Check out of your hostel in the morning. Before you leave, appreciate our magnificent city for one last time before heading off on your travels.