Durstling Scottish Winter Explorations
2 Pax, with 3rd Pax joining for last 3 nights in Edinburgh
Wednesday 20th March – Thursday 28th March 2024
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Wednesday 20th March – Thursday 28th March 2024
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. You will be met here by an expert city guide and head out together on a private walking tour to immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of the historic Old Town of Edinburgh. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city as you explore the ‘Royal Mile’, and all the hidden corners coming off it, and the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Twin Deluxe Old Town View
Meals Included: None
Your main guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and together you head north. Stop to explore the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today take to two wheels to explore the rugged and fascinating West coast on E-Bikes (as long as the weather agrees!). There are great options to suit all abilities and preferred levels of challenge, your guide will discuss the best options to plan the day with your support vehicle too. So many choices to choose from depending on energy levels, ferries and the weather. Keep your eye open for views of Castle Stalker as you head to Port Appin, or choose to cross over onto the quiet Ardnamurchan Peninsula for something completely different.
Depending on your route choices you can continue your bike adventures or choose to head to Oban this afternoon and explore this bustling harbour town. Maybe even pop into the distillery, which they will be proud to tell you is older than the town itself!
Note: Biking this day is dependant on the weather, and suitable attire. Your guide’s decision is final to ensure safety and maximum enjoyment. If biking is not possible then you can explore locally with your guide; Oban, or the ‘Road To The Isles’ for example.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Transfer East into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park today. There are plenty of options for explorations along the way, depending on how you feel. Break up the journey with a stop for some delectable chocolates at a local award-winning specialist and discover a few tasting secrets in a private workshop before you carry on. Your home for the next couple of nights is the unique 5* Fife Arms Hotel, created by acclaimed gallery owners Hauser & Wurth and full of unique artworks and antiques all around the opulent hotel.
Overnight: Cairngorms National Park - Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Twin Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You head out to explore the surrounding mountain glens on foot today and together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your energy levels for the day, and the weather! Enjoy an atmospheric exploration of forest trails to discover a waterfall and keep your eyes open for the winter wildlife out and about. No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights.
You may also choose to join the early afternoon distillery tour and tasting at the Royally approved local distillery. If the skies are clear tonight take the chance to head out with your guide to admire the incredible frozen skies, and just maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you are really lucky.
Overnight: Cairngorms National Park - Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Twin Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning it is time to head over the ‘snow roads’ and depart the Cairngorms National Park as you head back towards Edinburgh. Stop in the iconic St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife on route. Enjoy exploring this characterful university town, full of history and stories. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here. However St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and is full of golfing tales, especially associated with ‘The Old Course’. Your guide will drop you at your hotel where you will meet up with Alex for the last 3 nights of your trip in Edinburgh.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Twin Deluxe Old Town View & 1 x Deluxe Old Town View for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend a fascinating day with a private expert local city guide who will share with you the layers of literary history which are ingrained into the character of Edinburgh. Discover some unique independent bookshops, each with their quirky character, and dip into the past with a visit to the Writer’s Museum. Take a stroll on charming streets which have inspired eloquent words in times gone by and in the modern day and hear about the characters created there. This day is completely flexible and your guide will personalise your explorations to your interests.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Twin Deluxe Old Town View & 1 x Deluxe Old Town View for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax in your luxurious hotel as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Twin Deluxe Old Town View & 1 x Deluxe Old Town View for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Weather – March in Scotland can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 pax for the first 5 nights, & 3 pax for the final 3 nights, is;
Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.
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Please see our booking terms here.
Wednesday 20th March – Thursday 28th March 2024