2025 Papachristou Family Scottish Adventure

Aspasia, Christos, Evgenia, Ioanna

Monday 18th August – Monday 25th August 2025

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Create treasured family memories together as you explore the twisting cobbled streets of Edinburgh and the beautiful scenery and rich history of the Highlands. Discover fascinating stories and visit some of the iconic locations that inspired the magical world of Harry Potter. You will experience the best of Scotland through adventures in the hills, on the water and in the depths of the ancient forests as you explore this charming country. Your private guide will not just take care of all the logistics and driving, but will add their expertise and local knowledge to share their favourite insiders secrets with you as you go. You are sure to all be smiling about moments on this trip for years to come.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 18th August | Journey to the Valley of Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 2 | Tuesday 19th August | Steam Train & Lunch by the Sea | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 3 | Wednesday 20th August | Journey to Perthshire | Overnight: Gleneagles

Day 4 | Thursday 21st August | Landrover Safari & Wildlife Experience | Overnight: Gleneagles

Day 5 | Friday 22nd August | Indulge at Gleneagles | Overnight: Gleneagles

Day 6 | Saturday 23rd August | Arrive in Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 7 | Sunday 24th August | A Magical Tour of the Capital City | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 8 | Monday 25th August | Depart Edinburgh

Highlights

  • Relax and enjoy the very best of 5* Scottish Hospitality in your luxury hotels
  • Visit some iconic locations that inspired the magical world of Harry Potter, including the scenic steam train trip over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Head into the hills on a private 4x4 Landrover Safari with a Kilted Ranger
  • Enjoy discovering the local hidden gems with your expert and knowledgeable guide

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 18th August - Journey to the Valley of Glencoe

Your private guide, who will also be your driver for your onward travels, will meet you at Edinburgh Airport and you will set off for the west coast. On the way you will visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location. Take a tour of the castle, followed by lunch in a local cafe. Continuing your scenic drive, stop off for a leg stretch at some beautiful scenic spots along the way, before arriving in the dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe which have featured as the backdrop in many films, check into your luxury accommodation with views of the surrounding summits and lochs.

 

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 19th August - Steam Train & Lunch by the Sea

Ready your wands this morning as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical journey to the coast in the train that featured in the Harry Potter films. A journey that begins in Fort William and leads you through glorious mountain scenes and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a truly immersive experience with plenty magic, hopefully with no flying cars though! On arrival at Mallaig your guide will show you around the pretty coastal village, there will be time for lunch and ice cream by the sea, you may even spot the resident seal. In the afternoon, you have the choice to make your way back to Fort William by train or drive along the coast with your guide stopping to gain a different perspective on your train journey and for a walk on the beautiful white sands of Arisaig beach before returning to your hotel.

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

Day 3 - Wednesday 20th August - Journey to Perthshire

Today, you will leave the atmospheric valley of Glencoe behind as you travel south to Perthshire. Seeing the scenery change as you drive and stopping along the way to explore and enjoy some lunch on route, there are so many options you will be spoilt for choice. Your journey will take you on to the shores of Loch Lomond where you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the tranquil mountain loch and hear local stories from your guide. Once you are back on shore you head to your luxurious resort to settle in.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Gleneagles
Room Type: Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 21st August - Landrover Safari & Wildlife Experience

Today will be a change of pace as you arm yourselves with cameras and head north into the enchanting glen. Prepare to delve deeper into the wilderness on a private landrover 4×4 safari with a kilted Ranger. As you explore, look out for the russet red coats of red deer and the soaring silhouettes of golden eagles. Listen out for the chattering disapproval of grouse as they flap comically above the heath, chatting to your guide about the land’s topography. Returning to the valley to meet some Red Deer up close and try your hand panning for glittering gold. Your guide will be able to share some of the local hidden gems with you as you explore this afternoon, after which they will drop you back at Gleneagles and bid you farewell. Enjoy an evening of rest and relaxation.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Gleneagles
Room Type: Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 22nd August - Indulge at Gleneagles

Today, you will stay local and indulge in all that Gleneagles has to offer. After breakfast, make your way through the hotel to the tranquility of the spa or take some time out for a little retail therapy in the beautiful arcade situated inside the hotel. If you are feeling adventurous, there are many experiences you can pre-book from tennis to falconry, archery or bike hire. Not forgetting the numerous dining options from casual lunch options to fine Scottish fare, you will be spoilt for choice. Today is your day to explore the wonders of a place that truly demonstrates the best Scotland has to offer.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Gleneagles
Room Type: Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 23rd August - Arrive in Edinburgh

It’s time to head back to where it all started, Edinburgh. You will be collected by a private driver and driven to your luxurious and iconic hotel in the city centre. You will drop off your bags, take a moment for some refreshments and then be met by your private city guide to  head out into the bustling city. Follow your curiosity as you discover the twisting cobbled alleyways and hidden courtyards of the ‘old town’ and hear the tales of the people who lived there from your expert guide as you make your way up to the ancient castle with fabulous views atop a volcanic rock and admire the oldest crown jewels in Europe. Your guide will leave you to finish your day with a tour of the castle at your own pace before heading back to your hotel to settle in. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Two Bedroom Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 24th August - A Magical Tour of the Capital City

After breakfast, your private city guide will meet you in the foyer of your hotel and you will head out to join a private lively walking tour that celebrates all things Harry Potter. Wind your way through the streets that inspired JK Rowling’s famous books, testing your wizarding knowledge as you visit Tom Riddle’s grave and the real-life Diagon Alley. After lunch enjoy some free time exploring, perhaps nosing into some of the independent shops that jostle for space on the colourful streets. Spend the evening indulging in some fine Scottish cuisine, celebrating your adventures together, before departing in the morning.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Two Bedroom Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 25th August - Depart Edinburgh

This morning, a private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to Edinburgh 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

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 4 (plus a Private City Guide for two half days in Edinburgh)
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Departure Transfer from Gleneagles to Edinburgh
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • 2 Half Day Private City Walking Tours
      Edinburgh Castle Entry
    • Harry Potter Trail Private Tour
    • Stirling Castle Entry
    • Jacobite Steam Train First Class Compartment or First Class Seating (due to availability at time of booking)
    • Public Loch Lomond Cruise
    • Private 4×4 Safari
    • Red Deer Experience
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team

Note: Jacobite Steam Train is currently planned to run on the specified schedule, however, the railway has highlighted possible track issues, therefore scheduled trains are not guaranteed. If the booking does not go ahead, we will refund the ticket cost in full.

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
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Virtuoso

2025 Papachristou Family Scottish Adventure

Monday 18th August – Monday 25th August 2025