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This exciting and spectacular tour will explore the areas of the Scottish Highlands that were involved in the filming of The Water Horse, (Sony Pictures) release December 2007. We will focus on myths and legends linked to The Water Horse and Celtic Folklore. On paths less travelled, we will take you to the Highland capital of Inverness, the New Cullodden and Glencoe Visitor Centres and some of Scotland’s mystical & magical castles. Folklore will also be incorporated into the tour with some of the other myths and legends linked to the Water Horse and Celtic folklore:
Ceud Mìle Fàilte – one hundred thousand welcomes – to Scotland.
DAY ONE: Perthshire, Highland Folk Museum and Cairngorm National Park
Morning: Drive North East from Edinburgh over the Forth Road Bridge with spectacular views of the famous Forth Rail Bridge.
Late Morning: Skirting Perth, our 1st stop for the day is in the Perthshire Village of Pitlochry
Lunch: Kingussie
Afternoon: We explore the world of the Highlander when we visit the award winning Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore. Here, whole buildings and their environment have been lovingly and painstakingly reconstructed, according to the authentic skills and technology of each period. You will actually enter the World of the Highlander and experience walking through a number of 'time windows' dating from the early 18th century Highland township to the mid-20th century working croft. This site encapsulates human endeavour and development in Highland life.
Late Afternoon: Visit CairnGorm Mountain, in the heart of the National Park and take a trip on the spectacular funicular railway. This exciting journey really is a wonderful experience, winter or summer. The views from the top are superb (weather permitting). You can enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee in the highest restaurant in the land! Experience the stunning views of the magnificent Highlands from the top station.
Dinner and Overnight: Suggestion - Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
DAY TWO: Culloden Visitor Centre & Inverness
Morning: After breakfast, depart for the north and visit Culloden Battlefield - near Inverness.
This is the site of the famous 1746 battle, which signaled the breakdown ofthe Highland clan system and the beginning of large-scale emigration from the Highlands. Culloden Battlefield is an iconic and emotive site. It was the last pitched battle to be fought on British soil.
Even today, so many years after the Jacobite army faced the Government troop, the events of that day remain deeply ingrained and significant in the consciousness of the Scottish people. Acknowledging this, The National Trust for Scotland has redeveloped the site to include an exciting and innovative new visitor centre and a reworking of the battlefield interpretation.
The New Culloden Visitor Centre is being positioned to minimise its impact on the battlefield and replaces the original centre, which sits on part of the government line. The battlefield has been returned it to its original state on the eve of the battle. Archaeologists have been working with a research team to redefine the Government and Jacobite lines.
The exhibition at the new centre is presented in anengaging way and takes the visitor on a character-based journey through the story. The visitor will hear voices from the past, interact with living history, touch the past through artefacts and take an emotionally charged journey.
Late Morning: Visit nearby Clava Cairns. A well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairn and standing stones in a beautiful setting.
Afternoon: Free time to explore Inverness – your guide can take you on a city walking tour as well.
Dinner and Overnight: Suggestion - Rocpool Reserve
Evening: Perhaps visit Hootananny, a Scottish Ceilidh Café Bar.
Your guide can take you to a few local pubs too!
DAY THREE: Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and Cruise
Morning: Depart after breakfast and head down to Loch Ness.
Visit Urquhart Castle. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen.
Saint Columba was a Christian Saint living in around 500 A.D., who was credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. The Saint was said to have made the first recorded sighting of the famous Loch Ness Monster, in 565 A.D. As the story goes, he was in the Loch Ness area teaching Christianity to his followers when he saw the Niseag (Celtic name for Ness, or Nessie) 'rise out of the water'.
Late Morning: Sail on Loch Ness on the Jacobite Legend, departing Urquhart Castle and arriving at the Clansman Hotel Harbour at 12hr00.
Lunch: In the Highland Village of Drumnadrochit
Afternoon: Visit the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre. The exhibition was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It takes visitors through seven themed areas on a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. Using a highly effective mix of lasers, digital projection and special effects Loch Ness 2000 charts the history of the monster by exploring Scotland's geological past, its folklore and the various research projects carried out on the loch. It also reveals the discoveries of some of that research including the environmental fingerprints left in the loch's layers by both nature and mankind.
Late Afternoon: Head for your hotel in Fort Augustus at the south end of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus is a delight to explore – perhaps go for a walk alongside the Caledonian Canal and watch the pleasure craft as they negotiate the system of locks. You also get good views of the loch from here – maybe do a spot of monster hunting before dinner!
Dinner & Overnight: Suggestion - Overnight Lovat Arms Hotel, Fort Augustus
DAY FOUR: Fort William, Glencoe and Loch Tay
Morning: Breakfast at your leisure. Depart Fort Augustus and head south...perhaps stop at Commando Monument if the weather is good. There are amazing mountain views, especially of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain at 4406 ft. The memorial is dedicated to the officers and men of the commandos who died in World War II and who trained in this area.
Late Morning: Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre – to learn the history (about the morning Massacre), Geology and wildlife of this famous glen.
Lunch: In Glencoe at Clachaig Inn
Afternoon : Visit The Breadalbane Folklore Centre - overlooking the beautiful Falls of Dochart, the centre gives a fascinating insight into the legends of Breadalbane. Learn of the magical deeds of St Fillan and hear tales of mystical giants, traditional folklore and clan history.
Dinner & Overnight: Suggestion - The Ardeonaig Hotel & Restaurant, South Loch Tay Side - By Killin
Ardeonaig Hotel has been awarded the GOOD HOTEL GUIDE'S "INN of the Year for Great Britain and Ireland 2007". The hotel is set within 10 acres of its own private gardens, bordered by Finglen Burn to the East and Loch Tay to the north, the hotel enjoys magnificent uninterrupted views across Loch Tay to the summit of Ben Lawers.
DAY FIVE: Ardkinglas House, Loch Lomond & Glasgow
Morning: Depart hotel and visit Ardkinglas House – the main Scottish location for The Water Horse.
Ardkinglas nestles at the head of Loch Fyne in Argyll, possibly the most beautiful loch in Scotland. Set amidst stunning scenery Ardkinglas has been used as the setting for TV dramas and films whilst continuing the traditional highland estate activities of farming and stalking. Although not open to the public, guided tours to interested groups can be arranged.
Late Morning: Depart for Glasgow and drive south via the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
Afternoon: Arrive Glasgow – check into hotel. Free time to explore Glasgow – guide can take anyone who wishes on a city walking tour. seeglasgow.com
Overnight: Glasgow: Suggestion - SAS Radisson
END
Transfers
Transfers to Airport in Glasgow / Edinburgh can be arranged if required at an additional cost.
Costs
Minimum Number Required: 8
Price: On Application
Costs will vary depending on type of accommodation booked, time of year and number of people in the group
Please contact Craig Irving for a personalised quotation for your group.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Forth Railway Bridge
- Kingussie
- Cairngorms National Park
- Culloden Battlefield
- Inverness, the capital of the Highlands
- Loch Ness with optional boat cruise
- Glen Nevis
- Glencoe
- Rannoch Moor
- Loch Tay
- Loch Lomond
- Glasgow