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Scotland: Insider’s Experience

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Price: P.O.A. Make an Enquiry

Trip created by Kirsty Duncan
View Kirsty's Profile

Price: P.O.A.
Trip Type: Ready to Customise
Location: Scotland
Accommodation: Luxury
Difficulty: Your Own Pace

All you need to know about your client's next trip, this essential document is a must have for all up coming adventures.

Download Itinerary

This itinerary is designed so that the best elements of the journey are included for all travellers, but there are also several days when guests can choose how they would like to spend their time, personalising the itinerary to match their interests. 

It’s a journey through the Scottish Highlands which allows you to experience Scotland from the cold side of the window, getting out into nature and meeting real Scots – rather than just observing the scenery as it passes by. Stay in a castle, ride on a steam train and experience the majesty of Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. 

And in each location, choose the experiences which will make this the perfect trip for you. It’s our Scotland, experienced your way. 

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the real Scotland and travel with an expert guide, meeting local characters and enjoying unique activities which few will experience.
  • Create your own personal adventure, with activities customised exactly to your tastes and interests, with your private guide ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
  • Relax and feel pampered as you stay in carefully-selected 5 star accommodations, enjoying the very best of Scotland's warm hospitality and farm-to-table style dining.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – To the Highlands

Your private guide will collect you this morning as you head north towards the Highlands. Our first hotel is only a short drive from Edinburgh, but we’ll break the journey with a stop at either the impressive Doune Castle, or a local whisky distillery, including a dram to welcome you of course. From here, it’s a short transfer to the hotel, which is owned by Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray, who hails from this region. Tennis lessons are available on the Wimbledon-themed courts for anyone wishing to give it a go.

Overnight: 5 star | Cromlix Hotel | Stirling

Day 2 – Loch Lomond National Park

In the morning, a short transfer takes us into Loch Lomond National Park, where we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil waters of a stunningly scenic loch. Afterwards, make the day your own, assuming you can pull yourself away from the comfort of the hotel.

Click here to discover today’s options:

  • Private hiking with your expert guide. Anything from a gentle stroll to your first Highland summit (this is available as a full day option too).
  • Discover the unique tastes of wild Scotland on a foraging session with a local expert.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace as you visit key historic sites and learn about this crucial era in Scotland’s fight for independence.
  • Enjoy a connoisseur’s tour and tasting at a local whisky distillery.
  • Play a round of golf on one of the championship courses at nearby Gleneagles.

Overnight: 5 star | Cromlix Hotel | Stirling (B)

Day 3 – Glencoe/Highland Castle Stay

Heading north, we stop at the grave of the infamous outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, and enjoy a short hike to an ancient clan rallying point which offers superb views of the National Park. Later, we arrive in dramatic Glencoe, with its iconic mountain views and dark history. A short walk offers impressive views and a chance to appreciate the towering mountains and hear stories from your guide about a dark night in 1692…

Click here to discover today’s options:

  • Hear spellbinding myths and legends (and maybe a skirl of bagpipes) from a local storyteller as you relax with a drink in a traditional mountain inn.
  • Transfer directly to the castle hotel, enjoying an indulgent afternoon tea on arrival.

Arriving at the Relais & Châteaux castle, settle in and feel the history in every room. Opt for a fine dining experience in the Albert and Michel Roux Jr dining room, or head out to enjoy a simple meal in a favourite local inn.

Overnight: 5 star | Inverlochy Castle Hotel | Fort William (B)

Day 4 – Steam Trains and Wild Coastlines

The day begins with a steam train ride which is one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, passing mountain scenery and shimmering lochs following the route of the ‘Road To The Isles.’  Arriving at the coast, enjoy lunch and then choose how you’d like to spend the afternoon.

Click here to discover today’s options:

  • Explore the coastline by sea-kayaking, led by an expert local guide.
  • For a high-speed adventure, charter a zodiac for an afternoon trip seeking out the local marine life and enjoying the seascapes.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie as you explore the various historic sites in this region.
  • Take a gondola ride up the mountain to easily enjoy superb views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, and the surrounding rugged landscape.

Overnight: 5 star | Inverlochy Castle Hotel | Fort William (B)

Day 5 – Across the Highlands

Today you bid farewell to the west and head to the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Highlands. The transfer east is less than two hours, meaning that there is plenty of time to explore along the way. To personalise this day, most travellers enjoy experiencing two of the activities we recommend.

Click here to discover today’s options:

  • Detour to Loch Ness, where you can take a walk along the shoreline, a cruise on its dark waters, or even meet Scotland’s foremost Monster Hunter for a coffee and insights to his unorthodox career choice!
  • Explore the fascinating recreated historical buildings at the open-air Highland Folk Museum and see what life really used to be like for the local people.
  • Stretch your legs on a hike with your private guide. This could be anything from an easy valley or lochside stroll to hitting the high points on a summit hike.
  • For thrill-seekers, take on a 2km zip-line course in the forest, featuring 14 zip lines, one of which is almost half a mile long!

On arrival on the beautiful estate of Killiehuntly, settle into the exclusive-use 4-bedroom farmhouse which has a distinctive and stylish feel, influenced by its Scandinavian owner. Enjoy a delicious dinner created with local seasonal produce, much of which is organically grown on the estate itself.

Overnight: 5 star | Killiehuntly Farmhouse | Cairngorms National Park (B, D)

Day 6 – Exploring Cairngorms National Park

Today you have the whole day to make the most of this magnificent outdoor playground. For us, the perfect day would start with a (quick!) wild swim in the river to awaken the senses. Then we’d head into the estate on foot or by bike to explore, with a gourmet picnic lunch carried in by one of the estate ponies. Later, enjoy a private tour of a closed whisky distillery, with a tasting in the old mill room. In the evening, enjoy a private performance by local folk musicians at the farmhouse and then savour a relaxed farm-to-table meal. Or, take an early dinner and then head out to a local wildlife hide to see if you can spot nocturnal wildlife such as badgers, roe deer and pine martens.

Click here to discover today’s options:

Of course, every traveller has their own interests but, whether you follow our perfect day, or if travellers choose their own activities, we’re confident they will have a day to remember. There is so much to do here, that we’ve grouped our recommended activities into themes. Most guests choose two or three activities overall to enjoy in one day.

  • Wellness: Wild swimming, private yoga session, nature hike, wild yurt sauna.
  • Active: Hiking, road cycling, mountain biking (always tailored to the clients).
  • Culture and History: Land Rover safari, private whisky/gin distillery visit with tasting, pony picnic, folk musicians, wood carving.
  • Traditional activities: Salmon or trout fishing, archery, golf.
  • Wildlife: Bird-watching, hike with reindeer, evening wildlife hide.

Overnight: 5 star | Killiehuntly Farmhouse | Cairngorms National Park (B, D)

Day 7 – Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer 2.5 hours south to Edinburgh in time for your onward travel. (B)

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Scotland: Insider’s Experience

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Trip Details

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Accommodation Read More

Our luxury holidays feature a range of 5 star castles, country houses and luxury hotels in locations across the UK and Ireland. A warm welcome is assured and you can enjoy superior comfort and the finest service in these.

Accommodation is in double, twin or family bedrooms. Breakfast is included each morning.

Please note that alternative accommodations may be offered when you book if availability at any of these is limited.

Inclusions Read More

What’s Included:

  • 6 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel, a 5-star castle, and an exclusive 5-star farmhouse on a twin-share basis
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 x evening meals at Killiehuntly Farmhouse
  • Services of a qualified and experienced guide throughout
  • All transfers in a luxury SUV driven by our guide
  • D1 – Visit to Doune Castle and Deanston Distillery
  • D2 – Loch Katrine boat trip plus customised activities as chosen by the clients
  • D3 – Easy hike and Glencoe visit plus customised activities as chosen by the clients
  • D4 – Steam Train Journey – Fort William to Mallaig – First Class; plus customised activities as chosen by the clients
  • D5 – All customised activities as chosen by the clients
  • D6 – All customised activities as chosen by the clients
  • Welcome gift
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support

Exclusions:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

Upgrade Options (prices on request):

  • Room upgrades where available
  • Some activities are available as exclusive experiences with a private instructor or guide
  • Steam train journey – seat upgrade to private table for 2

 

Optional Extras (prices on request):

  • Pre and post nights in Edinburgh; as well as our insider options on request
  • Private musicians during pre-dinner drinks or at other ‘surprise’ locations
  • Full-day private cookery experience in the Cairngorm National Park

Make an Enquiry

Thank you for your interest in exploring our sample itineraries; please keep in mind that your request encompasses the entirety of the experience, not solely a particular accommodation. Our custom offerings extend beyond the featured experiences and accommodations, ensuring a tailored journey crafted with purpose.

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