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Special Experiences: Special Places to stay

Itinerary VSP-7: Scotland in Style from GBP 680 per person for 5nts

This holiday combines three of the best places to stay in Scotland, each with very individual attention to detail. Travelling between them will take you through the haunted grandeur of Glencoe and past the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. We'll include a few hidden gem suggestions to enjoy en route too.

Day One - Glasgow

You start with a night in Scotland's self-proclaimed "style capital", and as its also our home city, we would very much support that!

Your Hotel

The discreet welcome and attentive personal service reflect why this is the hotel of choice for the rich and famous when visiting Glasgow. A leafy terrace of imposing Victorian townhouses transformed into five star boutique luxury means original architectural features abound: wide sweeping staircases, dramatic stained glass windows and intricate cornice work. The incredibly high ceilings lend a feeling of airiness and grandeur throughout, yet the ambience is relaxed, and you are encouraged to indulge your passions, whether for fine dining, wine-tasting (do visit the cellars), whisky savouring (over 400 on offer in the snug bar) or bathing in style in your sumptuously furnished room.

The fashionable West End of Glasgow is on the doorstep: walk through the elegant Victorian backstreets to gain a true flavour of the city’s style before reaching Byres Road and Ashton Lane. Here you will find an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants – the traditional and the trendy nestling side-by-side.

What to see and do

Cosmopolitan Glasgow boasts many stylish cafes and eateries, as well as some very traditional Scottish pubs....the architecture of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson ...the wonderfully eclectic Burrell Collection in Pollock Park   or Charles Rennie Mackintosh's subversive 'House for an Art Lover'.... have afternoon tea at the Mackintosh designed Willow Tea rooms... and head for the street stalls of the Barras or the People's Palace museum on Glasgow Green. Then there's the stylish shops of the Italian Centre, just round the corner from the colourful markets of the "Barras". Whatever your preference, your time in Glasgow is sure to be unforgettable.

Day Two - a Private island

Cross the rickety bridge from the west coast mainland to this idyllic hideaway and you enter a different world - a world of luxury, seclusion - and not a little eccentricity! Run by the effusive Beppo and his charming family, this delightful island retreat offers intriguing contrasts and pleasant surprises at every turn.

The hotel building itself is a sprawling mansion, with a comfortable country house feel; whilst the relatively new leisure facilities at the Stables Spa are a testament to streamlined modernity, with a 17 metre indoor heated swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy and reflexology suite - plus a rooftop terrace for leisurely lunches. There's even an "emerging" golf course, with six holes completed so far. But what really makes this place special is the child-like pleasure of wandering along secret woodland pathways and discovering rocky coves where you're unlikely to meet another soul save for a few playful otters.

What to see and do

Your stay includes free use of the golf course and driving range, gym, sauna, steam-room and swimming pool. Massage and beauty treatments are available subject to an extra charge. If you can bear to drag yourself away from your island retreat, the bustling harbour town of Oban, gateway to the islands, is less than half an hour away, with easy day trips possible to Mull and Iona, amongst others.

You are also perfectly located to visit a number of gardens, including Kinlochlaich House, with its nursery, Ardchattan Priory and Barguillean Angus Garden, or a little further south the National Trust garden of Arduaine. There are also numerous castles to visit nearby, including Dunstaffnage, as well as the infamous, and quite stunning valley of Glencoe.

Day Four - the Northwest Highlands - Torridon

Nestled in the remote West Highlands, this historic, lochside hotel combines a traditional, warm country house welcome with a modern and very stylish interior to create a harmonious and luxuriant haven. Visitors here get to enjoy the spectacular scenery twice as the surrounding mountains are perfectly reflected in the beautiful waters of the adjacent sea loch, producing an idyllic aura of peace and tranquillity. This mood of serenity pervades the hotel where the owners take great care of their guests. Nothing seems to be too much trouble, which is probably why they have so many repeat visitors. This, and the excellent collection of single malts in the bar, of course. Award – winning meals are served using the freshest local produce, and afterwards guests can relax in the impressive library or Zodiac crested drawing room in front of a roaring fire. The bedrooms are a sumptuous treat with lots of little extras to make a stay here very special.

What to see and do

This area is right off the beaten track and completely unspoilt. It is perfectly possible to walk all day without seeing another soul, should you so wish. Photographic opportunities are limitless. The mild climate in this part of Scotland is due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream and this encourages a wide diversity of plant and wildlife. Scots Pines are a real feature and are extremely important for national and international conservation. Whilst you are here you may be lucky enough to spot a Pine Marten, or a Golden Eagle, or maybe even a Peregrine Falcon. Walkers will enjoy the many opportunities available at the nearby Benn Eighe Nature Reserve, and its visitor centre offers many woodland walks and mountain trails. Nearby, the circular drive to Applecross is the highest pass in the country and one of the most spectacular in Europe. Similar to an Alpine pass, it comes complete with hairpin bends, single track road, and breathtaking views at every turn. Recover your senses at a great place for lunch at the end of the road.

Day Six - Return Home

Your route could take you past Inverness and Loch Ness and south through the highlands.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged all year round from February to November.

The price is £680 per person for February, March, November, £695 per person for April & October, £770 per person for May to September , based on 2 people sharing a room for 5 nights, three on a bed & breakfast basis, the final two including dinner.

All touring holidays include a map of Scotland, 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 £8 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.