Thursday 27th June – Friday 5th July 2024
2 Guides in Scotland to allow maximum flexibility for activities and cater to the differing priorities and interests of the group (as well as plenty of space for passengers and luggage in the vehicles)
On arrival in Inverness Airport you will be met by your private Guides, who will also act as your drivers for your time together. Immerse yourselves into some key Scottish history right away as you explore atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. This site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746 was a key turning point in Scottish history. You may also wish to visit the nearby site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. This site is exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland dating back over 4,000 years. Then head onwards to your welcoming hotel in the heart of Speyside.
Overnight: Speyside | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Executive Club Double & 2 x Club Twin
Meals Included: None
Today you head to the mountain town of Aviemore and have a full day of hiking with your qualified hiking guides in the Cairngorm National Park. There are many different options to choose from and your guides will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and what you want to explore. This mountain range boasts 5 out of 6 of the highest peaks in the UK, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens. Your guides will discuss the best options to suit your energy levels, the weather and your preferred level of challenge!
Overnight: Speyside | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Executive Club Double & 2 x Club Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating. Then continue on over the ‘snow roads’ to your welcoming hotel in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
Overnight: Ballater in the Cairngorms national Park | Darroch Learg
Room Type: 2 x Superior Double & 2 x Master Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Leave the mountains of the Cairngorms behind and head to the windswept coast of the Kingdom of Fife – the home of your ancestors. The keen golfers will arrive in time to enjoy an afternoon round on a classic links course (on the same coastline as the ‘birthplace of golf’). For the rest of the party, if the tides and winds are in your favour then enjoy a thrilling ride along the beach at St Andrews as you try Land Yachting. Alternatively you will stop in Dundee to test yourselves against the floating inflatable assault course. At the end of the day when you all meet back up you will have great tales to share.
Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks
Room Type: 4 x Rusacks King/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning you transfer to the unique capital city of Edinburgh, full of tiny winding streets and layers of history. Discover some of the hidden corners and stories as you explore on a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover some local foodie delicacies, discover the highlights of the ‘Royal Mile’ and delve into 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 local characters of times past.
Overnight: Edinburgh | KImpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: 2 x King Premium & 2 x Twin Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning you head to the enigma that is Rosslyn Chapel, made even more famous by the book ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Dan Brown called this chapel “the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth” and there are certainly lots of unanswered questions about this unique building. Originally founded in 1446, the chapel features intricate carvings and decorations which have prompted many different theories connected with the Knights Templar and the Freemasons amongst others.
Then your guides will take you south into the lush Scottish Borders, to Galashiels. This mill town has many historic links with the textile and fashion world, making it the perfect location to home The Great Tapestry Of Scotland. At 143 metres long, this hand stitched tapestry depicts the story of Scotland and is one of the biggest community arts projects in the world. Then soak in the inspiration of nearby Abbotsford House, the beautiful home of Sir Walter Scott, or vist the elegant ruins of Melrose Abbey. There are also some lovely gentle scenic walks in the area if you would prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: 2 x King Premium & 2 x Twin Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel today and take you to Edinburgh airport in time for your onwards flight to London, taking with you many special memories of your family explorations in Scotland. On arrival in London you will be met by a private driver to transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags before heading to enjoy a completely different and creative take on the streets of London as you set out to explore the (legal) murals that embellish so many buildings in this vibrant area of the city.
Hear the tales of their creation from local experts or maybe even the artists themselves, and then enjoy some hands-on experience making your own works of street art. Your workshop leader will share some tips and tricks on how to turn your tour inspiration into fabulous fun art to be admired.
Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a sumptuous food and drink journey in one of London’s most famous markets with an expert private guide. Spend your morning savouring some of the finest artisanal delicacies and gastronomic delights from exquisite truffles to delectable cheeses, while enjoying the unique setting and vibrant atmosphere.
After having delighted your taste buds and enchanted your senses, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. Maybe take the free afternoon to relax at your hotel, pick up those last souvenirs, or visit one of the world-renowned galleries or quirky museums in town.
Overnight: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Heathrow Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special family memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 8 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution 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.
Thursday 27th June – Friday 5th July 2024
Last updated: Wednesday 7th February - 16:43