Final Information - Johnson's Scottish Adventure
Tuesday 13th August – Thursday 29th August 2024
Tuesday 13th August – Thursday 29th August 2024
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
Once you have checked in you can either choose to relax at the hotel after your travels or head out to start exploring the city. Perhaps head to the famous Royal Mile which will be a hive of activity with the famous fringe festival in full swing and stop to take in some of the wonderful street performers. Or you may wish to head away from the crowds and grab a cab to Leith to visit the late Queen’s favourite residence – The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Tonight you can dine out at one of the local eateries and then perhaps head to a local pub to enjoy some live music or one of the many performances that take place all over the city during this month of celebration of the arts.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: None
Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1448
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Arrival Time: 16:30
Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Pick Up Time: 16:30
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private transfer driver will meet you at Arrivals and have a sign showing your name.
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.
Restaurant: The Scran & Scallie | Location: 1 Comely Bank Road, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1DT
Reservation Time: 19:30
Phone: +44 (0) 131 332 6281
Please note this is a dinner reservation only. Please pay directly.
The streets are alive this month with the vibrant festival that takes place across the city. Head out with your expert guide to explore some more of the festival and learn why this has become such an international event.
Of course, if you would prefer to get out of the city, there will be the option to head to Rosslyn Chapel – a stunning example of majestic stonework by master craftsmen. Famously used in the film adaption of “The Da Vinci Code” discover the story behind the Apprentice Pillar as well as heading down to the cellars perhaps to find some hidden wonders.
Whatever you decide to do, tonight a grand spectacle awaits. Enjoy a pre show dinner at a local restaurant where you will be entertained by members of the cast before heading to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle where you will take your seats to witness and truly unique event where music and dancers from all over the world perform with military precision. Get washed away by the stories that are created before your very eyes before the sky lights up with fireworks to signal the end of the show. What a way to start your Scottish adventure.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Name:
Rob Bushby
Contact Number: +44 (0)7789 222463
Meeting Place: The Balmoral | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel and spend the day with you, showing you the delights of the Fringe.
Your guide will take you to the Edinburgh Tattoo before leaving you to enjoy this spectacular event.
Activity: Edinburgh Tattoo Experience
Edinburgh Tattoo:
Start Location: Edinburgh Castle | Start Time: 19:00
Booking Reference: 2502467
Phone: +44(0)131 225 1188
Your guide will have your Tattoo tickets – please take them with you to the event as you need them for entry.
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar sits at the top of Castlehill, just before the Tattoo stands. Proceed through the Tattoo ticket barriers and find Cannonball House on your left before you arrive at the Tattoo stands. Your hosts will expect you up to 15 minutes before your arrival time.
Dress Code: Smart. Avoid short trousers and sport shoes. As you are sitting in an outdoor area for the Tattoo performance, a warm top layer or coat is recommended.
Restaurant: Cannonball Restaurant & Bar | Location: 256 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: 2502467
Phone: +44(0) 131 225 1550
Your Tattoo package includes an unforgettable dining experience at the Cannonball Restaurant.
It is time to leave the bright lights of the city today and head off into the wilderness to really get under the skin of the country. Your first stop this morning will be at Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in the country. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty as you explore the castle, stepping back in time to a different time and learning more about the way life was back then.
Later on, you will journey through the first national park in the UK, stopping off as you see fit to explore some of the area with your guide – perhaps take a leg stretch under the towering Scots Pines or just simply enjoy watching the ever changing scenery pass by as you travel to the west coast through the jagged mountains and across the remote moorlands before arriving on your private island retreat for the next two nights.
Drive time from The Balmoral, Edinburgh to the Isle of Eriska is around 3hrs 20 mins depending on traffic and without stops.
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Tower Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
David Russell
Contact Number: +44 (0)7711 026 123
Meeting Place: The Balmoral Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your main guide/driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Restaurant: Isle of Eriska | Location: Benderloch, Argyll
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 720 371
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Scotland has over 900 islands off her coastline and only a few of them are inhabited by humans although most of them are home to some of the wonderful birds and wildlife of the Highlands of Scotland. A real treat is in store for you today as you board a private boat and head out to explore some of these islands.
See the coastline of the country from a different angle as you glide along the waves with your guide pointing out places of interest such as the colourful harbour of Tobermory, the brochs of Lismore and the incredible cliffs of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Sit back and relax as the tide takes you on a journey and you may even spot the friendly seal colony who may pop their heads up to say hello or the basking sharks breaching the surface for some food whipped up by your wake. A fantastic way to see some more of this ancient land.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Tower Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Isle of Eriska Hotel | Location: Benderloch, Argyll, PA37 1SD
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 720 371
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Continuing on your island adventure, you will leave the main land and make your way to the ‘Misty Isle’ along one of the most scenic roads in the whole country. On the way you will stop in Glen Coe which is steeped in history and you can visit some of the places that changed the fate of Scotland. From the rock where the signal was given to start the Glencoe Massacre to the place where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard, your guide will regale you with tales of myths, legends and massacre which are woven into the very fabric of life in this ancient land.
Should the timings be right you may also be able to watch the famous Harry Potter Steam Train charge across the Glenfinnan viaduct as it journey’s from the mountains to the sea – don’t forget to look out for any flying cars as well!
In the late afternoon, you will board the ferry and land on the island before making your way to your boutique hotel in the remote countryside.
Drive time from the Isle of Eriska to the Duisdale Hotel is around 3hrs 15 mins depending on traffic and without stops.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Duisdale House Hotel | Location: Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV43 8QW
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: 01471 833202
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Skye – an island of mystic stories where the fairies come out to play and the mountain ridge echos with tales of the past. Let your guide lead you today as you set off to explore the island and get off the beaten path to places undiscovered. From the grave of Flora Macdonald who helped Bonny Prince Charlie escape after his defeat to the remote headland of Glendale where the ancient art of sheep fleece dying is making a comeback, there are so many places to discover that you will be spoilt for choice.
Whatever you decide, you will end the day at Dunvegan Castle for a private out of hours tour where you can explore the castle without anyone else and take a behind the ropes tour of the seat of the Macleod Clan. The home of the Lord of the Isles for over 700 years, you will learn more about the battles between the clans and the legend of the fairy flag and how its magic could still be used today. A fantastic way to end your time on the island.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Eilean Larmain | Location: Sleat, Skye
Reservation Time: 20:00
Phone: +44 (0)1471 833 332
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
The towering peaks of the Torridon Massif have dominated the horizon while you have been on Skye and today they become a reality as you head back to the mainland to your next destination.
Before you depart Skye, you can stop off to see one of the most photographed castles in the whole country which sits on the edge of three sea lochs and was once a main defence of the country from invading troops.
The drive to Torridon is very picturesque as the dramatic scenery changes from vast moorlands to jagged mountains that shoot up into the sky. Take your time to stop off and admire the views or to catch a glimpse of a Golden Eagle or the elusive Red Deer that may be proudly standing on the ridge-line before arriving at your incredible hotel on the shores of Loch Torridon.
Drive time from the Duisdale Hotel to The Torridon is around 1hr 45 mins depending on traffic and without stops.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Bo & Muc | Location: By Achnasheen, Wester Ross, IV22 2EY
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1445 791 242
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
From your base in the heart of the mountains you can set off today to explore a little bit of the famous NC500. Head north towards Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle which was once a stronghold of the MacLeods and Mackenzies and offers incredible views back across this stunning part of Scotland. Explore the ruins of this castle as your guide tells you stories of the Clans and the wars that were waged to lay claim to the lands.
As you go along, your guide will tell you stories of this famous route, the impact it has had on the local areas and also stop off so you can explore some of the lesser known paths and capture some more incredible photographs which will be the envy of your friends back home. Today is all about taking in your surroundings and learning more about life in Scotland, both in the modern day and the past which still has a strong hold on how the locals live and work to this day.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Bo & Muc | Location: By Auchnasheen, Wester Ross, IV22 2EY
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1445 791 242
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
After spending the last few days exploring the western side of the country, it is time to start heading east for the next leg of your journey. Take your time as there are plenty of places to stop off such as the Fairy Glen where the local children used to dress the well to scare away the demons, or Channory Point where you can watch the playful dolphins put on a show for you. There are also options to enjoy a short walk to a local loch or along one of the beaches of the east coast that stretch for miles and off unparalleled views along the coast line. Your guide will help you make the most out of the day as you continue exploring more of the beautiful country.
Drive time from The Torridon to Glenmorangie House is around 2hrs depending on traffic and without stops.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: The Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Platform 1864 | Location: Station Road, Tain
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0)1862 894181
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Today you have the option to head north to drive along some more of the classic NC500 route with the wonderful coastal views or head inland to the moorlands of Lairg which were once ruled by the Duke of Sutherland who was responsible for the tragic Highland Clearance that uprooted hundreds of Highlanders from their homes.
Another option for today is to visit Dornoch with it’s Royal Golf Course or perhaps a bit further north to Brora which is known for it’s wonderful beach and friendly locals.
Take time to enjoy sitting back with a coffee in a local cafe, meeting some locals and getting a real feel for the buzzing life of the Highlands before ending the day back at the hotel for a tour and tasting of the famous whisky which your hotel is named after.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: The Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Inver Inn | Location: 1 Shop St, Tain, IV20 1SE
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0)1862 871 399
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Head south this morning to indulge in a day searching for the elusive monster and enjoying hearing more about how this creature of the deep has become such a legend. Board a boat to enjoy a scenic cruise across the deepest loch in Scotland, keeping your eyes peeled for the tell tale sign of bubbles or the swish of a tail as the curious beast dives back down to the depths.
After an enjoyable time seeing if you can spot Nessie, you can spend some time exploring the most besieged castle in Scotland and hearing how it was blown up at the end of the Jacobite uprising in order to stop anyone else using it as a stronghold. Discover over 1000 years of history and glimpses into medieval times and the lives of it’s noble residents before heading back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Arriving back at the hotel, you will meet up with a local storyteller who will weave their magic with stories of days gone past, of the legends that are woven into the very fabric of life in this ancient land and the myths that swirl all around the country. Sit back and relax and relish in the stories that bring the places you have seen so far to life and a promise of more stories yet to visit.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: The Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Glenmorangie House | Location: Fearn by Tain, IV20 1XP
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1862 871671
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Leaving the north it is time to start you journey south into the Cairngorms National Park. First though, your guide will take you to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a private tour of the battlefield with one of their guides imagining what it must have been like for Bonny Prince Charlie on that fateful April day where his troops lost the last ever pitched battle to be fought on this soil.
You’ll continue on this afternoon into the heart of the Cairngorms with options to stop off for a leg stretch or perhaps to grab a coffee in one of the local villages before arriving at your luxury hotel base for the next two nights. On arrival, if there is time, you can take a tour of the incredible art that this hotel is proud to showcase or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment after a long few days exploring.
Drive time from Glenmorangie House to The Fife Arms is around 2hrs 45 mins depending on traffic and without stops.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Clachan Grill | Location: 5 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QJ
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0) 1339 755999
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
The next highlight of the trip has arrived today and you will set out to explore the Balmoral Estate. With the Royal Family in residence, you will be unable to enter the castle but some of the walks on the estate offer incredible views of the late Queen’s favourite residence.
One of the most unique walks on the estate is to the see Cairns that have been erected to members of the Royal Family. From the huge pyramid in honour of Prince Albert to the smaller cairns in memory of the children Queen Victoria lost – there are stories behind each one and a real insight into the lives of the Royal Family over the last hundred years.
After your estate ramblings, you will have time to admire Crathie Kirk, the church where the Royal’s worship when they are in residence and the little village of Easter Balmoral where most of the estate workers live before returning to the hotel for the night.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Farquharson's Bar & Kitchen | Location: 2-4 Invercauld Road, Braemar AB35 5YP
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0) 1339 741955
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Head deep into the glen today as you head off to meet an incredible foodie writer for a culinary experience. Hear stories of her incredible life and how she raised her family in this remote part of Scotland as you create some fantastic dishes together blending together local produce with some of her signature spices. After enjoying the fruits of your labour, you can sit on her terrace with only the sound of the birds in the sky and the wind rustling through the grass for company and truly feel that you are in the very heart of this ancient land.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Osteria, The Fife Arms | Location: Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YN
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1339 720200
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Sadly, your time around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is coming to a close as you leave the jagged peaks and remote glens of the largest national park in the UK and head to Scotland’s second city for your last couple of nights.
However, before you start to step back into reality there is one more amazing experience to savour. Head into the hills for a delicious lunch in a remote bothy where you will meet the family who’s lived and worked on this land for generations. Hear stories of the lives of their forefathers and take a tour of the family home before continuing on your journey south and your luxury hotel in the heart of Glasgow.
Drive time from The Fife Arms to Kimpton Blythswood is around 2hrs 45 mins, depending on traffic and without stops.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Oran Mor | Location: Top of Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +44 (0) 141 357 6200
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
Your local city guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and you’ll set off to see the lesser known parts of this famous city (as well as the iconic parts of course!). From the mystical Necropolis Cemetery to the tranquil Botanic Gardens and from the incredible street art that adorns the sides of many buildings to the vibrant West End, there are so many places to see and so many stories to learn that you’ll wonder how to fit it all in!
There will be time this afternoon to do some last minute souvenir shopping should you wish or to take advantage of the spa facilities at your hotel before your flight home tomorrow.
Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.
Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Expert City Guide
Kerstin Devine:
Start Location: Kimpton Blythswood | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)770 372 1949
Your expert local guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Restaurant: The Ubiquitous Chip | Location: 12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0) 141 334 5007
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
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
Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Pick Up Location: Kimpton Blythswood Square | Pick Up Time: 08:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private transfer driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
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.
Travel Date: August 29, 2024 | Airline: Air France | Flight Number: AF 1687
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Departure Time: 11:20
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – August 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
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).
UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 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.
Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
1 Princes Street |
Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel
Benderloch |
Near Oban |
PA37 1SD |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1631 720 371
Web: eriska-hotel.co.uk
Sleat, Isle of Skye |
Isle of Skye |
IV43 8QW |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1470 373737
Web: sonascollection.com/our-hotels/duisdale
by Achnasheen |
Wester Ross |
IV22 2EY |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1445 791 242
Web: thetorridon.com
Glenmorangie House |
Tain |
IV20 1XP |
Scotland
Phone: +44(0)1862 871671
Web: glenmorangie.com/pages
Mar Rd |
Braemar |
Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com
11 Blythswood Square |
Glasgow |
G2 4AD |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 248 8888
Web: kimptonblythswoodsquare.com
Contact Number: +44 (0)7711 026 123
I have been involved in the outdoors for the entirety of my professional working life so far. I became involved in mountain and water sports at university and decided after graduating that a city life was not for me! I moved to the Highlands, trained as an outdoor instructor and settled down in the Cairngorms National Park. In 2011 I gained the Mountain Leader qualification. I began leading trips with Wilderness Scotland in 2012, and have guided on walking and paddling trips since then, but have always specialised as a photography guide. In 2014 I took a full time role in the Wilderness Scotland office team but still head up the guiding for many of our photography trips.
My own work features mainly mountain and forest images, and I love sharing these special places with our travellers and helping them get the most out of their experience and their camera. In my own time I still get out regularly on the hills and lochs with my camera and especially love making more committing trips into wild places such as the Cairngorm mountains, camping overnight to be in the right place for spectacular sunrises. A few of my shots have enjoyed some modest successes in competitions and various publications
I firmly believe that you don’t need anything special in terms of camera equipment to get the best out of Scotland’s beauty. What you do need is a reverential love of wild places, a great deal of patience and a willingness to listen to what nature tells you. With this attitude you’ll have the chance to see some truly amazing sights.