FamilyEscape

This 7 day self-drive itinerary is the ultimate Scottish Escape for the family

Your family holiday begins in the majestic capital of Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. From here it will take you to the west-coast and the popular holiday town of Oban, the unofficial ‘Gateway to the Isles’, where you will enjoy trips to the Isle of Mull and an exhilarating wildlife and whale watch cruise. Then journey deep into the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park where you can enjoy visits to Loch Ness, Landmark Forest Park and endless watersports on Lochs Insch and Morlich.

Capital it will take you to the west-coast, to the popular holiday town of Oban and the unofficial ‘Gateway to the Isles’

Your holiday will begin with a City Sightseeing Bus Tour of Edinburgh - explore the city’s many sights including St Giles’s Cathedral, the National Gallery and the Royal Mile. Enjoy a visit to Edinburgh Castle and from the battlements marvel at a wonderful panoramic view of the city laid out before you.

On Day 2 take a thrilling journey back in time to discover how our planet was created at one of the city’s newest and most exciting attractions – Our Dynamic Earth. The Palace of Holyrood and the site of the new Scottish Parliament are located next door and are well worth a visit.

While in Edinburgh your choice of activities is endless. Visit Deep Sea World, a vast underwater safari, or the Royal Yacht Britannia which for over forty years served the Royal Family and is now permanently moored on the Firth of Forth. Or if you’re after one of the most spectacular views of any city in the world just take a walk up Arthur’s Seat.

Travel to the West Coast via the historic city of Stirling, with its impressive medieval castle and Victorian monument to Sir William Wallace - the 67 metre tower can be climbed to give excellent views of the surrounding countryside and many historic battlegrounds.

Proceeding to the west-coast, your destination for the next 2 nights is Oban, a popular seaside family resort, overlooking a beautiful sheltered bay.

Your introduction to the area will begin with a memorable ferry ride from Oban to the Island of Mull and to picturesque Tobermory. This Island village was made famous by the Children's T.V programme ‘Balamory’ and has a stunning location as well as a row of unusual multi-coloured houses.

Perhaps the highlight of many people's holiday will be a wildlife cruise. You will spend 3 hours at sea experiencing the whales and marine life of the West Coast of Scotland. This area is exceptional for wildlife and a hot spot for porpoise, dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks. Bird watching highlights include sea eagles, golden eagles, and puffins and you may be lucky enough to see otters, seals, and deer along the shore.

You will also cruise through the infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool and take in the stunning panorama of the Inner Hebrides before returning to shore.

Complimentary hot drinks, biscuits and binoculars are provided, along with commentary by the enthusiastic crewmen.

On returning to shore visit the Seal Life Sanctuary located on beautiful Loch Creran, pay a visit to the Oban Rare Breeds Farm or hire some bikes and take the ferry across the short stretch of water to the Isle of Kerrera which makes for an exhilarating few hours in the fresh air and offers some great views back to Oban and the surrounding hills.

Leaving Oban behind, continue north to Fort William, nestled at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Visit the Nevis Range, one of the premier tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands, and accessed by taking a trip on Britain's only mountain gondola system. This journey provides breathtaking views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis.

Your journey will now travel deep into the Scottish Highlands. Aviemore lies right at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, a true wilderness experience, and it's the perfect place for an active outdoor holiday. There are mountains to climb, forests to explore, rivers and lochs to navigate, kayak and canoe. Go rafting in the nearby white waters, quad bike on a Highland Estate or enjoy the endless, unbelievably beautiful walks almost everywhere you go.

Begin Day 6 with a visit to Landmark Forest Activity Centre in nearby Carrbridge. Where else in the UK can you rock climb, flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees and learn all the secrets of Scotland's ancient Pine Forest. This is easily a whole day's entertainment - and very educational for the children.

Alternatively, you could visit the Rothiemurchus Estate which lies at the heart of the Cairngorm mountains and where you are welcome to enjoy its 50km footpath network, tours and amazing activities in heart-stoppingly beautiful surroundings. Alternatively, you may rather go in search of ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster and visit Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition at Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness.

On your final day in Aviemore travel south to the shores of scenic Loch Insch. Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and the recently launched Wildlife Passenger Boat for those who do not want to get their feet wet!! There are children's classes, 2 hr taster sessions and holiday courses and the lagoon and bay areas offer safe, sheltered waters, perfect for the introduction of beginners or children. There are 3 adventure play areas with zip wires, assault nets and plenty more.

Enjoy a final night in Aviemore before returning home, invigorated by the fresh Highland air and warmed by the hospitality of the people.

This is based on 7 nights’ Bed and Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12) sharing a standard family en-suite room in a hotel or Guest House. All accommodation will have a minimum quality rating of 3*.

A Family Pass for Our Dynamic Earth
4 Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
Tickets for a Whale and Wildlife Cruise
A Family Ticket for the Nevis Range Gondola
Entry to Landmark Forest Park
A Return Ferry Crossing from Oban to Mull

We would be delighted to arrange any of the following additional activities for your holiday:

• Entry to Edinburgh Castle	• Entry to Oban Rare Breeds Farm
• Entry to Deep Sea World	• Entry to the Seal Life Sanctuary
• Entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia	• A cruise on Loch Ness
• Watersports on Loch Insch	• Bottle-nose Dolphin Eco-cruise

If you would rather be based in one location for your holiday in Scotland you could change your accommodation for a self-catering Highland cottage, chalet or lodge - just let us know in your enquiry.

We can also arrange hire cars from any Scottish city or airport if you do not plan to travel with your own car.

And remember, every package is tailored to your family’s specific requirements

Absolute Escapes Ltd, 27/10 Maxwell Street, Edinburgh, EH10 5HT
tel / fax: + 44 (0)131 447 2570