Choose our unique twin centre for a truly romantic escape.

Day One

Depart for the Trossachs (the Scottish lakeland) and your first hotel - a wonderfully hidden hotel framed by magnificent Trossachs scenery.

Your first destination is a welcoming 18th century farmhouse, a gastronomic masterpiece in the heart of Rob Roy's glen. Cooking is Tom's passion - his menu changes daily depending on what he can source directly (his Scrabster squid is sublime!) and he's entirely self-taught - look out for the shelves lined with cookbooks in the conservatory restaurant. With magnificent views over Loch Voil and Loch Doine, this is the perfect place to soak up the peace and tranquility of a sprawling highland estate, where red deer and grouse roam through dramatic walking country and red squirrels scurry across your path before darting back into the undergrowth.

As well as many scenic roads through the Trossachs and around Ben Lawers, this is excellent walking country, with several routes from the hotel, on which you won't see another soul. The area is also famous for its connections with Rob Roy MacGregor, the outlaw, whose grave is in nearby Balquhidder churchyard. Further afield take the boat to Inchmahome Priory, with its romantic setting on the Lake of Menteith.

Day Three

Depart the hotel for a drive through Scotland's most beautiful high passes and glens, with our recommended route taking you through Crianlarich and then on to the stunningly attractive west coast village of Inveraray. Here you follow a main road into the Cowal peninsula, passing one of the best views in Scotland, of the Kyles of Bute, before arriving at your second centre, Tighnabruaich. Allow 2 hr 30 minutes driving for this route- but you are sure to want to stop on the way!

Enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Bute, your next hotel is an imposing Victorian establishment dominating the rocky shore. Look out for the exquisite mosaic floor in the entrance – laid by Italian prisoners of war. Attention is paid to the tiniest of details here, from the complimentary whisky liqueur from a secret family recipe in your room to the dramatic display of local art in the public areas. During your stay you will learn all about the local lady who dives for the scallops, the seasoned stalker who sources the venison and the rugged fisherman who lands the langoustine – you may even chance to meet them. For more casual dining, the popular Shinty Bar offers simpler snacks and is crammed with memorabilia, aptly enough, from the local shinty team – if you’re lucky you might even catch a game during your stay!

What to see and do
The hotel offers beauty treatments and cookery demonstrations, which we can pre-book for you. The village is perfectly placed to explore the many treasures of the Cowal peninsula, from the nearby white sands of Kilbride Bay to the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne and the myriad rhododendron species of the Benmore Botanic Garden. Or take a ferry to Bute and soak up the Victorian splendour of Rothesay and Mount Stuart’s Gothic masterpiece (venue for the celebrity wedding of Stella McCartney!)

Day Five

You will have a choice of return routes - retrace your steps towards Inveraray, over the aptly named "Rest and be Thankful" pass, then past Loch Lomond. Alternatively you might want to drive 40 minutes from Tighnabruaich to Dunoon for the short ferry ride to the coast west of Glasgow.

From £289 per person , based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Price based on holiday departures between November 2007 and March 2008. The period from 15th December to 14th February excluded.

From £299 per person from April - October 2008.

Superior rooms are available at both hotels for that special occasion - ask for details. Upgrades cost from £25 per person per night.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.