5 Nov 2014 - McKinlay Kidd are taking the stress out of Christmas shopping by creating ultimate tailor-made gift experiences for the most important people in your life.

Tour operator takes the stress out of Christmas shopping with extra special tailor-made gift experiences

As Christmas shopping regularly features in polls of life’s top stressful events, specialist tour operator, McKinlay Kidd, has revealed a list of ultimate tailor-made experiences that will make shopping for an extra special Christmas gift much more enjoyable.

From an Aston Martin 007 weekend or a journey by Ferrari to stay in a Scottish castle, to experiencing the outstanding natural beauty of the Highlands by steam train or enjoying Ireland’s renowned music scene in an idyllic destination, McKinlay Kidd can help to create the perfect Christmas gifts for the most important people in your life.

Robert Kidd, Director of McKinlay Kidd explains: “From transport to accommodation to finding the country’s most unique hidden gems, we pride ourselves in taking the stress out of planning extra special tailor made holidays and short breaks in Scotland and Ireland. It seems only natural therefore that we also make these special holiday experiences available to buy as gifts and help to take some of the stress out of Christmas shopping.”

Examples of some of the exclusive McKinlay Kidd breaks that can be purchased as Christmas gifts include:

Aston Martin 007 Weekend
• Who will this appeal to: With the new James Bond film due for release in 2015, this break is ideal for those who want to live like the famous spy or who simply long to be swept off their feet by him.
• Brief description: The holiday captures all the style and glamour of 007, and if you buy this for your loved ones, they will enjoy the thrills of driving a convertible Aston Martin around some key locations featured in the films – from the naval base featured in The Spy who Loved Me to a loch which appears in the From Russia with Love boat chase. They will also stay in a five star luxury hotel situated on its own private island learning to make Martinis as well as experience an exclusive speedboat trip to Duart Castle, family seat of the real-life inspiration for 007. And who could resist powering through Glencoe, setting for the dramatic finale of Skyfall?
• Cost: Prices from £1285 per person based on 2 adults sharing a deluxe double room for two nights at the five star hotel on dinner, bed & breakfast basis and including 3 days’ hire of a convertible Aston Martin.

Ferrari and Scottish Castle Short Break
• Who will this appeal to: This three day short break is perfect for fans of Top Gear or those who love the idea of luxury romance.
• Brief Description: It combines the hire of a stunning Ferrari 360 Spider with a choice of luxurious five star Highland castle hotels. After collecting the car in Edinburgh, those who receive this gift can then head north to the decadent Fonab Castle in the heart of Pitlochry, or go west via Glencoe or Loch Ness to the ultimate in luxury at Inverlochy Castle. If the choice of castle is too difficult, McKinlay Kidd can help you create the perfect tailor-made combination for your gift.
• Cost: Prices from £895 per person for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis, including three days’ hire of Ferrari 360 Spider.

West Highland Line Steam Train Experience
• Who will this appeal to: This holiday is a great gift for a family celebrating a landmark Christmas or Grandparents looking forward to a special anniversary.
• Brief Description: The West Highland Railway Line is renowned world over for its engineering and glorious scenery, with a route that was voted the World's best rail journey, by readers of the travel Magazine "Wanderlust". McKinlay Kidd’s unique holiday combines a fabulous day trip in first class on the Jacobite Express steam train that runs on the final section of the line, from Fort William to Mallaig, with two nights at a small, family-run hotel in the highland village of Spean Bridge.
• Cost: Prices from £275 per person based on two people sharing a double/twin room ensuite for two nights on a dinner bed & breakfast basis, including first class rail fare on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Classic Car Weekend in Scotland
• Who will this appeal to: This is an ideal weekend for the classy people in your life.
• Brief Description: Nothing beats the thrill of the open road and Scotland undoubtedly has some of the most scenic and spectacular, as well as the least congested roads around. What better way for someone you love to enjoy them than behind the wheel (or in the passenger seat) of a classic or sports car?
• Cost: Prices from £465 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room ensuite for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis, including three days hire of a 1974 MGB roadster, on an unlimited mileage basis. Other classic car options are available from a 1962 Jaguar to a 1972 Triumph Stag or a 1990 Morgan 4/4.

Classic Car Tour of Ireland
• Who will this appeal to: This is the ultimate present for those who love relaxation on the road.
• Brief description: Your gift would provide five blissful days touring Ireland's country roads, with accommodation in small, high quality and individual hotels - all from behind the wheel of a classic vehicle. Select from a sleek MGB roadster, stylish Alfa Romeo Spider, beautiful Mercedes 350SL or charming Morris Minor.
• Cost: Prices from £695 per person based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for four nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and five days' hire of a 1974 MGB roadster, or 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.

Irish Music Break
• Who will this appeal to: This would be a lovely gift for music lovers who long to experience the authentic Irish music experience.
• Brief description: A short break based in the northwest county of Donegal, and a small seaside village which has become a regular destination for some of the best Irish and international musicians. You will stay in an idyllic brightly coloured Irish village pub/hotel, surrounded by beautiful countryside and glorious beaches. They will be welcomed as one of the family, treated to home-cooked food and the perfect pint of Guinness. Live music could include a local jamming session in a bar and/or an intimate concert by some famous Irish names in the atmospheric venue.
• Cost: Prices from £229 based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for three nights on a bed & breakfast basis, with dinner included on two nights. Price also includes tickets to one live concert in the hotel's venue, as well as live music in the bar on one other night.

Each of these holiday experiences can also be tailor-made to make an exclusive gift just for your loved one. For more information (including full terms and conditions) as well as other holiday ideas visit www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk and www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk.

Holidays featured can be found using the following links:

www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/luxury-aston-martin-weekend/
www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/ferrari-scottish-castle-short-break/
www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/west-highland-line-experience/
www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/classic-car-weekend/
www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk/classic-car-tour-of-ireland/
www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk/irish-music-break/

For more media information contact Kirsty Innes, Tel: 07790 910 646, Email kirsty@kirstyinnespr.com

Notes to Editors
• McKinlay Kidd specialises in arranging independent holidays throughout Scotland and Ireland.
• In 2013, for the third year running, McKinlay Kidd was awarded the "Best Small Tour Operator" in the highly respected Guardian & Observer Travel Awards, as voted by readers
• The company was established in 2003 by Robert Kidd & Heather McKinlay, who each have over 20 years experience working for some of the biggest names in the UK travel industry.
• Every single recommendation in based on personal experience, and their golden rule is simple: "we wouldn't send you anywhere that we haven't been ourselves."
• Members of Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
• For more information see www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk

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Ultimate Christmas gift experiences