Friday 18th July – Monday 28th July 2025
v2 – 1st April 2025
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your iconic luxury city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Classic Twin x 1, Classic Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: None
This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Classic Twin x 1, Classic Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. Stop to visit the splendours of elegant Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue North. There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot, or save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before settling into your unique Highland hotel.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature & Poetry Twin x 1, Nature & Poetry Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a fun off road landrover exploration with one of your hotel’s ghillie team. Exploring private estate tracks and moorland to see what traditional gillies and estate managers drive every day. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Eagles that are all to be found here.
This afternoon continue your local explorations with your guide, discover the charming local villages or take a scenic stroll. No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights. Then toast your explorations in true Scottish manner with a tour and tasting of the local royally approved distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848.
‘Slainte Mhath!’, or good health, to you.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature & Poetry Twin x 1, Nature & Poetry Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today the north is calling you, and your guide will share some of the fascinating stops and stories as you head over the ‘snow roads’. Your next explorations are the medieval castle of Cawdor, which was made infamous by Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Legend says that the Thane of Cawdor chose this spot as a safe place for his family to live after an oracle spoke to him in a dream, it must have been a true oracle because the Cawdor family still live there today!
Before heading to your welcoming hotel in Inverness, stop to immerse yourselves in atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746 with many tales to tell. You could also choose to visit the nearby Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns (said to be the inspiration behind the standing stone in the Outlander series).
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Retreat King Twin x 1, Retreat King Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will travel around Speyside with your guide on a journey through the history of Scottish whisky, discovering just why Speyside whiskys are known around the world. Beginning the day with the chance to observe the ancient art of coopering, which is the skilled art of creating the all-important barrels that spirits rest in. With Whisky on the mind it will then be time to follow in the footsteps on the Whisky Smugglers Trail, through the hidden glens of Speyside.
After your hike through the Whisky country it seems only right that you quench your thirst with a tasting of the local produce with a tour and tasting in one of the characterful Speyside distilleries. The perfect way to round off your day’s exploration before your guide returns you to your hotel.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: Retreat King Twin x 1, Retreat King Double x 2 (one for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today your route takes you to an iconic Scottish location, the secretive waters of Loch Ness. Cruise down the loch searching for Nessie before alighting at the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, where your guide will rejoin you. These walls played a key role during the Wars of Independence as this was once one of Scotland’s largest castles.
Once your guide rejoins you at the Castle, head to the beautiful wild forest regeneration project at the ancient royal hunting grounds of nearby Dundreggan. Discover the ancient Caledonian Pines which used to flourish so much more widely in this Great Glen Fault line, which almost splits Scotland in two.
Overnight: Near Spean Bridge | Whispering Pine Lodge
Room Type: 3 Bedroom Cabin with Living Area (Breakfast in main hotel building)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will enjoy superb views as you drive west along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history. Stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, built as a tribute to the Highlanders who fought in the Jacobite rebellion, and climb up to see the lone Highlander statue at the top.
If you are lucky then you may be able to time your visit to spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. This afternoon take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles. The turquoise waters here look like they could belong in the tropics, and keep your eyes peeled for the local seal population can often be spotted relaxing in the area.
Overnight: Near Spean Bridge | Whispering Pine Lodge
Room Type: 3 Bedroom Cabin with Living Area (Breakfast in main hotel building)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you wave farewell to the Highlands, but not before visiting the infamous valley of Glencoe. The dramatic mountains and ridges here have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Maybe take a short hike to explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. Then your guide will take you onwards, south through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park to your cosy hotel in Glasgow, where they will depart.
Overnight: Glasgow | One Devonshire Gardens
Room Type: Deluxe Room Twin x 1, Deluxe Room Double x 2 (One as Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today make your way to meet a fun local guide who will share some of their favourite flavours of Scotland’s ‘friendliest city’, along with snippets of history and interest as you explore together on a foodie walking tour. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace, maybe discovering some of the many artistic influences in the city architecture and the many street murals which pop up all over the city. No matter what you choose you are sure to be inspired.
Overnight: Glasgow | One Devonshire Gardens
Room Type: Deluxe Room Twin x 1, Deluxe Room Double x 2 (One as 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
The pricing for this itinerary, based on 5 clients rooming as per the itinerary 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 in which we operate. If you would like to opt out, just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
Friday 18th July – Monday 28th July 2025