A Family Wedding & A Highland Adventure (V4) - Final information

Davis

Wednesday 11th June – Saturday 21st June 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

On Trip

While we hope things run smoothly for the duration of your stay, we know that unforeseen circumstances do happen and there are times when you may need to contact us for assistance. Please see below for ways to get in touch while on the trip;

Please note that on days with your main driver-guides, please ask your guide for assistance in the first instance. As they are best placed to answer any queries directly & in a timely manner.

Email: If you have a general question please feel free to email your Sales Consultant or Agent. Note – Emails are monitored during office hours only.

Call us directly on the appropriate country’s office number – see the useful phone numbers at the bottom of the document in the drop down section.

Please note: Office hours are Mon- Fri 9:00 – 5:00.  Out of Office Numbers: for use after 5:30pm and at the weekends.Note: If you require immediate assistance for an issue, problem or emergency, please call, message or Whatsapp the Out of Office Hours Number for the appropriate country

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Wednesday 11th June | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Thursday 12th June | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Friday 13th June | Private transfer into the Heart of Perthshire | Overnight: Crieff

Day 4 | Saturday 14th June | Family Wedding - SELF ARRANGED | Overnight: Crieff

Day 5 | Sunday 15th June | Journey to the Highlands | Overnight: By Dingwall

Day 6 | Monday 16th June | A Royal Golf Course | Overnight: By Dingwall

Day 7 | Tuesday 17th June | Exploring Cairngorm National Park | Overnight: Ballater

Day 8 | Wednesday 18th June | Hidden Gems & Royal Landscapes | Overnight: Ballater

Day 9 | Thursday 19th June | Transfer to St Andrews | Overnight: St Andrews

Day 10 | Friday 20th June | Exploring historic St Andrews & the East Neuk | Overnight: St Andrews

Day 11 | Saturday 21st June | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 11th June - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel.  You are free to settle in and relax or head out to start exploring this historic city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta | Flight Number: 0208
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Arrival Time: 09:20

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2715091
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 09:20
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 2 - Thursday 12th June - Exploring Edinburgh

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 city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way 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 explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Half Day Guided Tour Read More +

Activity: Half Day Guided Tour
Mary Birch:
Start Location: The Bonham | Start Time: 09:00
Phone: +44(0)7711 517 508

Your expert local guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel and will have everything you need for your morning explorations.

Day 3 - Friday 13th June - Private transfer into the Heart of Perthshire

A private transfer will meet you at your hotel and whisk you into the heart of Perthshire to your self arranged accommodation.

Overnight: Crieff | Crieff Hydro Hotel
Room Type: SELF ARRANGED
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2715092
Pick Up Location: The Bonham Hotel | Pick Up Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 4 - Saturday 14th June - Family Wedding - SELF ARRANGED

Overnight: Crieff | Crieff Hydro Hotel
Room Type: SELF ARRANGED
Meals Included: None

Day 5 - Sunday 15th June - Journey to the Highlands

Meet your main guide (who will also be your driver) today and make your way to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.  As you head North, you will stop at Blair Castle; home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries.  The family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture.

Passing through the beautiful Cairngorm National Park, you will notice the ancient pine forests of Perthshire fade into the mist, being replaced by the rugged heather clad mountains of this beautiful area.  Your next stop will be to one Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, nestled in a remote village between two mountain ranges, this distillery boasts some of Scotland’s smoothest whiskies despite being located in one of the coldest areas in the UK.  As you sip your smooth whisky, you will enjoy the added luxury of pairing it with the Highland Chocolatiers famous chocolate truffles – a surprisingly delicious combination!

This evening arrive at your luxury accommodation where you can settle in and relax for the evening.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: Fraser Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Guide Details - Paul McCaffrey Read More +

Name: Paul McCaffrey
Contact Number: +44 (0)7838 241700
Meeting Place: Crieff Hydro | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your main guide Paul will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 6 - Monday 16th June - A Royal Golf Course

After a relaxed breakfast, spend the morning exploring the costal town of Dornoch.  With its lovely cathedral, hidden coffee shops and spectacular beach, there is plenty to explore in this historic Town.   After lunch, make your way to Royal Dornoch to enjoy a round at one of the most northerly championship golf courses in Scotland.  The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1886 and now, almost 150 years later, it is still hailed as one of the finest courses in the world.  Spend the afternoon taking on the challenging fairways as you enjoy incredible views out over the sea.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: Fraser Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Round of Golf Read More +

Activity: Round of Golf
Royal Dornoch:
Start Location: Royal Dornoch Golf Club | Start Time: 15:45
Booking Reference: 868864 Davis
Phone: 01862 810216

Day 7 - Tuesday 17th June - Exploring Cairngorm National Park

Journeying back into the heart of the Cairngorms, you have so many options to stop and explore. From mountain peaks, to hidden glens and tranquil lochs, you are sure to find a place where you can enjoy a quiet stroll as you listen to nothing but bird song and the sound of wind rustling through the trees, a true place of peace and tranquility.  Your guide will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and your preferred level of challenge.

Arriving at your hotel, your evening is free to either rest and relax or perhaps head out and explore the historic town of Ballater, nestled in the heart of the Highlands.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 18th June - Hidden Gems & Royal Landscapes

Enjoy a full day hiking and exploring the mountains and rivers of beautiful Deeside area with your expert guide, who will tailor the day to your preference. Maybe explore the woodland trails and pyramids of the beautiful Balmoral Estate, the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Or choose to hike up into the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 19th June - Transfer to St Andrews

Leaving the mountains of the Cairngorms behind, you will make your way down the coast to the historic town of St Andrews.  There are plenty of places to stop on the way, perhaps journey into the past as you stop at beautiful Glamis Castle.  This castle has famously hosted Mary Queen of Scots, and is also thought to have inspired one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth.

Continuing your journey South, you will arrive in St Andrews.  You are free to settle in to your relaxing hotel or head out to start exploring this unique town.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: Gatehouse Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 20th June - Exploring historic St Andrews & the East Neuk

Explore the hidden gems of this historic university town with your guide.  Wander the cobbled streets and walled gardens to really get a feel for the history of this seaside town.  See where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used to take their morning coffee, visit the cathedral and take a walk along the East Sands where the opening sequence of the famous film Chariots of Fire was filmed.

Later, if you have some energy why not discover the traditional fishing villages of the East Neuk area, now popular with artists and writers. Sampling traditional fish and chips here is a must!

Your guide will bid you farewell this evening and you can enjoy your final night in Scotland.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: Gatehouse Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Saturday 21st June - Depart

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

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2715093
Pick Up Location: Rufflets, St Andrews | Pick Up Time: 23:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta | Flight Number: 0209
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Departure Time: 02:05

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 5 to Day 10 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private transfer from your hotel in Edinburgh to Crieff for your self arranged stay
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Half day guided explorations of Edinburgh, including;
      • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Entrance Fee – Blair Castle & Gardens
    • Distillery tour & tasting with chocolate pairing
    • One game of golf, including club hire and trolley hire
    • Entrance Fee – Glamis Castle & Gardens
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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
  • Activities are only private if specifically stated

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – June 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.

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof over-pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (sneakers or tennis shoes are not suitable for any hiking in Scotland)
  • Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Warm layers
  • Warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners

Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.

Tipping Guidelines

For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

Luggage Notes

Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 888 351 5707

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.

Accommodation

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: +44(0)131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com

Crieff Hydro Hotel

Strathearn House | Crieff |
PH7 3LQ | Phone: 01764 655555
Web: crieffhydro.com

Newhall Mains

Balblair | By Dingwall | Highland |
IV7 8LQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1381 632 032
Web: newhall-mains.com

The Balmoral Arms

13-15 Victoria Road | Ballater |
AB35 5RA | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 755413
Web: crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms

Rufflets

Strathkinness Low Rd | St Andrews | Fife |
KY16 9TX | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1334 472594
Web: rufflets.co.uk

Meet Your Guide

Paul McCaffrey

Contact Number: +44 (0)7838 241700

Mini Bio

I am a motivated and enthusiastic outdoor practitioner. I have always hated the idea of a mundane job and at university I even started my own business as a means of escaping this fate.  A perfect day for me, is one where I am having adventures with other like-minded people, in beautiful wild places.

Place to play

Torridon or Outer Hebrides are amazing and contain some really special memories.

Most people don’t know this about me

I could fly an aircraft on my own before I could drive on my own.

Virtuoso

A Family Wedding & A Highland Adventure (V4) – Final information

Wednesday 11th June – Saturday 21st June 2025