Hynek Scottish Adventures - V3

Tuesday 10th September – Tuesday 17th September 2024

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

Overview

Get under the skin of Scotland exploring historic cities and remote glens with a private guide to share all the hidden gems and local’s favourites with you. Feel the stories of the past come alive as you explore beautiful wild areas and visit fascinating cultural sites which inspired the Outlander filming. Take a boat trip on Loch Ness and walk in the footsteps of history along crenellated castle walls before relaxing in the luxurious warmth of traditional Scottish hospitality at your top hotels.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 10th September - Welcome to Scotland & Exploring Edinburgh

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. Then head right out to 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. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. maybe take in the deep history in the National Museum, admire the world acclaimed galleries, or simply heaad back to your hotel to relax. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 11th September - Leith Foodie tour & The Royal Yacht Britannia

A local taxi will take you down to Leith this morning, where you will meet a local expert who is passionate about the wide variety of delicious tastes to be found here. Delight your tastebuds as you discover some local hidden gems, sampling some of Scotland’s wealth of local and international cuisine on this walking tour. From South American empanadas to locally brewed ale, you are sure to enjoy this journey of tastes. Once you are replete explore the elegant decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thursday 12th September - St Andrews & Outlander Connections

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north into the Kingdom of Fife. Step back in time as you discover several fascinating locations used in the filming of the ‘Outlander’ series. Walking the picturesque cobbled streets of the Royal Burgh of Culross, a once-bustling port with wonderful views out over the firth. 

Carry on your explorations as you visit Falkland Palace, a Royal pleasure palace beloved by Mary Queen Of Scots with fabulous tapestries and artworks that are hundreds of years old. See the oldest surviving real Tennis Court, walk in the beautiful grounds and explore the basement Apothecary, used in season 2. Then head onwards to St Andrews to explore this university town which is full of history and stories.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 13th September - North to Inverness

This morning your guide 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 visit the fascinating recreated historic buildings in Highland Folk Museum (a key Outlander filming location), before continuing to Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 14th September - Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns

This morning you take to the waters of 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. These walls played a key role during the Wars of Independence as this was once one of Scotland’s largest castles.

This afternoon visit the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a tour of the battlefield and the visitor centre before heading to the site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. This site is exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland dating back over 4,000 years. Your guide will take you to your luxurious hotel and leave you to enjoy a relaxed evening to finish the day.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 15th September - Transfer to Fife Arms & Whisky Distillery Tour

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’ with your guide. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape. Enjoy a proper Scottish welcome with a tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery this afternoon. Raise your glass and toast your adventures with the traditional Scottish ‘Slainte Mhath’, meaning good health. Your guide will then take you to settle into your unique and opulent hotel.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 16th September - Explore Royal Deeside

Take a fascinating stroll with your guide in the Balmoral Estate this morning, which has been one of the favourite retreats of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Wind your way through the woodland to visit some of the unique memorial cairns erected by the royals over the years, including a pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert. 

Explore more of the local area with your guide this afternoon, discovering more Royal connections or local artisans. Or you could choose a more challenging hike for the whole day if you prefer. Discuss the options with your guide to decide on the best choice for your final day in the Highlands.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 17th September - Depart - Farewell Scotland

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your guide takes 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.

Note that Drive time is approx 2.5 hours, so an afternoon flight time is required.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival day, includes Meet & Greet
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh with Expert Local Guide
    • Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
    • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Private Foodie tour of Leith
      • Includes
      • Local Taxi Transfer to start of tour
    • Entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia, includes audio tour
    • Entry to Culross
    • Entry to Falkland Palace
    • Entry to St Andrews Cathedral
    • Entry to Scone Palace
    • Donation Entry to Highland Folk Museum
    • Loch Ness Cruise, including entry to Urquhart Castle (approx 2.5hrs)
    • Entry to Culloden Battlefield & Vist to Clava Cairns
    • Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery
  • 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
  • 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.
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
    • Upgrading to Deluxe Castle View at The Balmoral would be an additional £516 per room
Pricing Read More

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 4 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £5,835 GBP per person

 

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.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.