Amy Raats Travel- Highland Explorations

Tuesday 2nd July – Monday 8th July 2024

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

From the ancient Caledonian pine forest of the Cairngorms to the jagged peaks of the west coast – immerse yourself in the culture and history of this mythical land.  With an experienced guide with you, get off the beaten path to experience the hidden gems only known to the locals.  Follow in the footsteps of Royalty as you explore the palaces and castles that they called home before ending your trip with an exclusive out of hours tour on the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia.

Highlights

  • Forage for tasty treats to make your very own cocktail
  • Get under the skin of Scotland with a local storyteller
  • Take gentle walks in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 2nd July - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at Edinburgh you will be met by your private driver guide and you’ll set off on your Highland adventure.  Leaving the city you’ll head north into the Cairngorms National Park, stopping off for a leg stretch or some scenic views on the way.

Your home for the next few nights is the unique 5* Fife Arms Hotel, created by acclaimed gallery owners Hauser & Wurth. Once you are settled into your room, take a tour of the numerous artworks and antiques around the hotel.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Victoriana Suite as a Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 3rd July - Castles and Cocktails

This morning you will set out to explore the Balmoral Estate, the favourite home of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Embrace the stillness as you walk along, with just the sounds of the birdsong and perhaps the babbling brooks for company.  Later on, enjoy a private tour of the famous Castle with one of their expert guides – hearing stories of the Royals and their summers here.

Back at the hotel you will meet a local forager and enjoy a few hours creating cocktails from the plethora of wonderful edible treats that are found the in hedgerows and undergrowth.  A truly unique experience to enjoy – Slainte!

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Victoriana Suite as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 4th July - To Glencoe

Spend the morning enjoying some more of the beautiful countryside with your guide – perhaps enjoying one last hike under the canopy of the towering pine trees as the squirrels jump from branch to branch above your heads.  Heading west you will stop off in the pretty town of Pitlochry to enjoy some lunch and perhaps a wander around the boutique shops before continuing on towards the highest mountain range in the UK.  Pass underneath the impressive site of Ben Nevis before arriving at the former home of Lord Strathcona that overlooks the lochs and the mountains beyond.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x Two Bedroom Suite

Day 4 - Friday 5th July - Jacobite Steam Train

After a relaxed breakfast, head out to hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. Warm drink in hand, sit back and relax as it chugs through some of the most stunning scenery of the Highlands. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. Arrive in Mallaig, where your guide will meet you off the train and you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch of fresh local produce before returning to your hotel by road so you can see the train thundering along back to the mountains.

Tonight, you will meet a local storyteller at a traditional walkers tavern – here sit back with a warming drink and let the myths and legends of days gone by wash over you before returning to your hotel for the night.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 6th July - To Edinburgh

It is time to leave the jagged mountains and echoing valleys as you set off to the bright lights of Edinburgh.   On the way, you will stop off at Scone Palace – the crowning place of the Kings and Queens of Scotland.  Enjoy a private tour with an expert guide through the hallways and across the grounds that were trodden by royalty of the past.

After lunch continue on the journey to Edinburgh where you will check into the iconic Balmoral Hotel with impressive views of the Castle.  Tonight, you can set off to start exploring the city and some of the delicious delicacies in one of the many restaurants, or simply relax at the hotel and reflect on the wonderful memories the last few days have given you.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View Room as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 7th July - Exploring Edinburgh

Head out of the city today to visit one the breathtaking Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by 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.

The afternoon is free to perhaps indulge in some spa treatments at the hotel or enjoy wandering through Princes’ Street Gardens before you head out to Leith for your private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia.  Step behind the ropes of this iconic floating palace

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View Room as a Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 8th July - On to your next adventure

Your guide will collect you this morning and take you to the Old Course hotel to meet up with the rest of your group for the next part of the adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 7
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
    – First class train tickets from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh
    – Assistance with luggage both on and off the train
    – Private transfers from your accommodation in London to the train station
    – Tour with an expert private guide at Balmoral Castle
    – Cocktail and Foraging Session at the Fife Arms
    – First class seats on the Jacobite Steam Train
    – Session with a local storyteller
    – Tour of Scone Palace with a private guide and then a tour of the gardens with the Head Gardener
    – Entry to Rosslyn Chapel
    – After hours private ‘behind the ropes’ tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision

Amy Raats Travel- Highland Explorations

Tuesday 2nd July – Monday 8th July 2024