Mega Highland Christmas

Itinerary

Day 1: 23 December We leave Scotland's capital and head to 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. Continuing north to the Great Glen and under the shadow of Ben Nevis we arrive at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness Day 2: Christmas Eve Today's first stop is the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. We then explore the 'winged isle' or 'Isle of Mist' with its ruined castles, awesome scenery. Immersed in Celtic myths and Viking legends, 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 and head to our magnificent accommodation in a plush Highland Hotel in Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. Once frequented by Royalty, the hotel can boast Queen Victoria as a past guest. Tonight it's time to party! Day 3: Christmas Day Christmas Day will never be the same again. 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 or head inland in search of a site for a battle of our very own....with snowballs! A few snow-angel and snowman building attempts will set us up for the slap-up Christmas feast awaiting our return to the hotel. After loads of grub and wine you can grab a partner and work off some of your Christmas indulgencies with traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing in 'The Wallace Ballroom' with its classic furnishings, antique portraits, works of art and glorious crystal chandeliers. Day 4: 26 December We head for the sweeping and eerie Culloden Moor, sight of the defeat of Bonne Prince Charlie's Jacobite uprising then 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 passing Urquhart Castle as we make our way to our home for the night, back to the fantastic Morag's Lodge in Fort Augustus. Day 5: 27 December 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. Time to say goodbye after an awesome festive season together in the stunning Highlands!