Description
A Unique Fishing & Touring holiday in Scotland
The Hidden Gems of Scotland tour mixes fishing with non-fishing activities, it is one of the best fishing holidays in Scotland, and ideal for couples that have one angling enthusiast and one non angler. This is a chance to see the real Scotland and fish the very best of Alba Game Fishing’s varied angling portfolio. The tour is ideal for couples that want the best of both worlds. For example, add in unmissable activities like Outlander Film Locations, Stunning Landscape, Ancestry, Visits to Castles and Sightseeing some of Scotland’s real Hidden Gems. This unique tour has been fine-tuned since 2004, and based on over 40 years of knowledge, we have created a truly memorable and unique, bespoke fishing and multi touring holiday experience.
Scotland is a country of inventors and innovators. The people have great humour and warmth, and guests from North America can enjoy a safe, inspiring and relaxing vacation. This tour gives you the opportunity to see Scotland as the locals see it, and escape the tourist traps and bus parties.
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city
Starting in Historic Edinburgh, after transfer to your hotel a chance to acclimatise and enjoy up the beauty of one of the world’s best cities. Edinburgh is blessed with stunning architecture, and steeped in history. The few days spent in Edinburgh, soaking up city culture include a tour of the city and less obvious attractions such as historic old pubs for lunch, a visit to a gothic school (the inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter) and a tour highlighting the sinister side of Edinburgh. Fantastic restaurants and lodging in a renovated Townhouse with stunning Georgian architecture. The Bonham.
After a few days on one of the world’s best cultural cities, it’s time to head North to the Scottish Highlands. A drive through majestic landscapes and a stop off at Dunkeld, en route to Glencoe and the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands.
Driving north the next day and a brief stop at the stunning Cathedral town of Dunkeld on the River Tay, before a delightful walk through an ancient forest under the canopy of 200ft Douglas Fir trees and on to a huge waterfall and viewing platform. Built as a garden for the mistress of the Duke of Atholl, this is a garden paradise. From here you cross over to the West Coast, the landscape changes, dramatic hills rise up into the clouds and it seems everywhere you go, there are stunning views and landscapes. Lodging is in the stunning Glencoe House, a luxury mansion overlooking the Glencoe mountains and Loch Leven.
Glencoe, one of the iconic Scottish landscapes
The following day you will tour one of the worlds iconic landscapes. Used in movies such as Highlander and Braveheart as well as the James Bond movie Skyfall. This is Scotland at is best and you will enjoy a fantastic seafood lunch in a unique waterside restaurant, boasting the freshest seafood in Scotland.
A visit to Scotland would not be complete without indulging in some of the best shore fishing in Europe, fly fishing and spin-casting for a fearsome predator, the Pollock. These fish are the hardest fighting in British waters. The venue for this will be the Isle of Skye, and you will spend a few days here soaking up the Tolkien like landscapes and scenery. Lodging in Kinloch Lodge, with astonishing scenery and incredible sea and mountain views, this is also one of the finest restaurants in Scotland, Chef Marcello Tulley and his team delivering the very best Scottish produce in imaginative dishes.
Included in this wonderful vacation is a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a classic scene from Scottish history and movies set in Scotland. From the castle a drive North along the shores of Loch Ness, where you can try and spot the monster as you pass by Urquhart Castle and on to Inverness for the final night. You will lodge in a deluxe room overlooking the River Ness.
Mixed fishing and Touring – Typical Itinerary (can be customised)
Day One Arrive in Edinburgh
Pick up at Edinburgh Airport by chauffeur in Mercedes People Carrier, or Volvo XC90, transfer to Bonham hotel.
We then have a short meeting with our guests, enjoy a coffee and a quick chat through the itinerary, fine tune and add any bespoke requirements. The rest of this day would be yours to relax, settle in and get acclimatized.
Overnight The Bonham Hotel Junior Suite room, bed and breakfast. Recommended restaurant, the New Chapter a 10 minute taxi ride from the Bonham.
Day Two – Hidden Gems tour of Edinburgh
A unique and entertaining tour of Edinburgh, delivered by STGA tour guide Ken (wearing the kilt). Choose from many attractions, Holyroodhouse, old town, ghost tours, botanic gardens, the gothic school that inspired Hogwarts of Harry Potter, lunch in the Canny Mans pub, the best old pub in Edinburgh (not know to tourists) Roslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle. Learn the history of this ancient old town. Transport in a Mercedes People carrier, refreshments and snacks provided.
Overnight The Bonham Hotel Junior Suite room, bed and breakfast.
Recommended restaurant Dine Murrayfield 10 minute walk through the New Town Georgian part of Edinburgh
Day Three – Predator fishing on a private loch
Predator fishing on a private exclusive loch near Edinburgh. Fly-fishing or spin casting from shore or boat. We will provide a delicious lunch, in a fishing cabin overlooking the loch. Stunning scenery big pike and plenty of fish. Option for non angler to enjoy a tour of the Scottish Borders, horse back riding, golf or tour of woollen mills.
Overnight The Bonham Hotel Junior Suite room, bed and breakfast.
Day Four Depart for tour of the Highlands
Starting in Dunkeld, which is the gateway to the Highlands. A short easy walk to a romantic waterfall, and lunch by the majestic River Tay and visit to an 11th century Cathedral, before the beautiful drive over to the West coast of Scotland and a tour of one of Scotland’s most majestic landscapes, Glencoe.
Overnight Glencoe House in a spacious suite.
Day Five Walking and photography tour of Glencoe
Lunch in Loch Leven seafood cafe. This is a hidden gem, serving the freshest of seafood almost straight out of the sea into the kitchen, under the shadow of Glencoe.
Overnight Glencoe House spacious Suite.
Day Six Depart for Skye. Tour of Eileen Donan castle
A fully restored 13th Century castle. Breathe in some of the most majestic scenery and landscapes, numerous opportunities for photographs. Breathtaking scenery. Expect to see Red Deer stags and iconic landscapes. If you are peckish, do not miss traditional fish and chips in newspaper in Kyle of Lochalsh. The freshest Haddock you will taste in Scotland.
Overnight Skeabost Hotel, Skye, located in the North of Skye and right beside the famous Snizort river.
Day Seven shore fishing in Skye for Pollack or salmon fishing on the River Snizort
Pollack are the hardest fighting fish in Scottish waters – we’ll take you to a secret spot in Skye, where you can enjoy shore fishing in a stunning setting. In the afternoon, you can enjoy some more touring and a visit to the Old Man of Storr, soak up Tolkien like epic scenery and Overnight Skeabost Hotel, Skye.
Day Eight Scenic drive back to Glencoe
Numerous opportunities for photo stops and short walks and your guide can explain the deep and tragic history of Glencoe. Overnight Glencoe House – Spacious Suite.
Day Nine Depart for 2.5 hour transfer to Edinburgh –
The A9 is the main artery through the centre of Scotland and is a straight easy and safe road back to Edinburgh, a chance to see magnificent scenery en route. If time permits, a stop at House of Bruar, a magnificent Highland themed shop in the highlands = sometimes called “The Harrods of the Highlands”.
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Guideline price – Please contact us with your individual requirements
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Included in this vacation
- All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in some of Scotland’s finest hotels
- Airport transfers
- Personal guide with Mercedes People carrier – Highly Spec’d Volvo XC90 (depending on group size)
- Delicious cooked river/ loch side lunches on the fishing days
- Pro-photography of the whole trip (link to dropbox at end of trip with high resolution TIFFS and JPEGS)
- Premium Fishing tackle, clothing, and waders
- Entrance to castles and other attractions in itinerary
- Hire and Reward insurance, for safe transportation of guests
- Public Liability insurance to £5 million
- Concierge service for Scotland leading up to your trip
- Meticulous planning of hotel reservations. We are a one-stop shop and will take care of all the hassle
Not Included
- Airfares
- Evening meals or hotel extras such as bar bill and telephone calls
- Airport/ City centre drop off in Tesla S 75 Electric car – £75 *
- Lunch on non-fishing days
- Stobo Castle Health Spa fees
- Gratuities
* All transfers include a meet and greet by your chauffeur, an unbranded welcome sign (for airport pick-ups), complimentary in-vehicle bottled mineral water, complimentary use of in-vehicle USB charging ports.
