Scotland Uncovered: Castles, History, & Adventure

Jason McDannold

Friday 11th July – Sunday 20th July 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

V3 – 28/4/25

Head out on a journey of discover through Scotland as you explore this magical country. Begin by taking in a truly unique Scottish experience as you watch the strongest people from across the country take on the legendary highland games, joining in with the traditional Scottish Ceilidh to celebrate. From here, head for the magical Isle of Skye, and spend time exploring the “misty isle” and all it’s stunning landscapes. Return to mainland, and head out on the sea’s in kayaks, before working your way down river in a thrilling canyoning experience. Along the way visit significant family heritage locations as you dive into the history of your ancestors and their life in Scotland. The final stop of this adventure takes you to Edinburgh, with time for self exploration of the city and stop at the magnificent castle to cap a truly amazing journey.

Highlights

  • Watch the Strongest People from Across Scotland Battle it out in the Highland Games
  • Explore the Famous Isle of Skye and it's Stunning Landscapes
  • Head out in Sea Kayak's along the West Coast of Scotland
  • Jump, Swim, Slide, & Zip-line Down a Scottish Waterfall

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 11th July - Welcome to Scotland

Upon arrival into the capital of the highlands, Inverness, a private transfer will take you seamlessly to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you could head out and explore the city or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Inverness | Inverness Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1x Standard double - twinned
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 12th July - A True Highland Games Experience

Today you experience a truly Scottish experience as you head to the Inverness Highland Games. Watch in awe as the strongest and fittest people from around the country compete in the classic events of a highland games.

The fun doesn’t stop here though, as you will head to the evening celebrations, as you join the famous Scottish Ceilidh as a mark of celebration after the completion of the games.

*Taxi transfers can be arranged at your request – extra fees will apply – alternatively speak with your hotel concierge to arrange these yourself

Overnight: Inverness | Inverness Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1x Standard double - twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 13th July - Loch Ness & The Isle of Skye

This morning meet your experienced driver guide and begin your journey towards the Isle of Skye. On route an stop and the most famous body of water in Scotland is a must. Board your cruise as you head out onto the waters of Loch Ness and learn about the legend that is said to live in the depths. Known affectionately as “Nessie” the legend and myth around this creature dates far back. Hear stories and decide for yourself if you believe in the legend.

You will then continue on past ruined castles, glistening lochs, and dense forest, as you wind your way towards the famed Isle of Skye. Cross the famous bridge connecting the island to mainland and follow the coast to Portree, the islands capital.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1x Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 14th July - Armadale Castle and Some Family Heritage

Today you will head to the less visited south part of the island for a visit to your ancestral family home in the way of Armadale castle. Enjoy some time exploring this beautiful location as you wander the gardens and learn what you can about your family history. From here, you will journey back towards Portree, with plenty of great locations to stop off and explore – you could head for a walk in the stunning Sligachan with the Black Cuillin offering a truly memorable scenic back drop.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1x Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 15th July - Return to Mainland & The Road to the Isles

This morning head for the ferry town of Armadale in the south of Skye, and catch a ferry back to mainland Scotland. Upon arrival into Mallaig you will meet up with a kayaking instructor near by for an adventure out on the famous west coast waters. Head out in sea kayaks in search of stunning views and maybe even some of the aquatic wildlife that calls the area home.

You will then continue on along arguably the most stunning road in Scotland – dubbed “The Road to the Isles” this route winds its way through stunning scenery, passing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, known for it’s role in the Harry Potter franchise. If you time it right you may see the iconic train crossing on it’s way to “Hogwarts”. Continue on into Glencoe and your home for the next couple of nights.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: 1x Guest double - Twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 16th July - Canyoning in Scotland's Glens

Make sure you have a hefty breakfast, as you fuel up for an exhilarating adventure in one of Scotland’s glens. You will join an experienced instructor and head out on a canyoning experience. You will be fully kitted out, and will follow expert advise as you work your way down river, tackling waterfall descents, plunge pools, and even a zip-line.

The rest of the day is then yours to explore the area. Chat with your guide about some of the walks that are available in the area, with plenty of hidden history within Glencoe to be discovered – One such walk takes you to the infamous site, where as the story goes, the signal for the massacre of Glencoe to begin was given.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Room Type: 1x Guest double - Twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 17th July - The Capital of Scotland

Today, you head south towards the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Sit back and relax as you make your way through yet more stunning landscapes, chatting with your guide about the best spots to stop off for a leg stretch or a walk along the way.

Upon arrival into Edinburgh, your guide will drop you at your city centre accommodation, before bidding their farewells and departing. You then have the rest of the day to begin exploring this amazing city, or simple relax at your accommodation.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Executive room - twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 18th July - Exploring Edinburgh

Today you have a free day to explore the wonderful city of Edinburgh. Wander the famous streets of Old Town and spend some time inside 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.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Executive Room - twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Saturday 19th July - Edinburgh at Leisure

Today, enjoy exploring Edinburgh, visiting beautiful places like Dean Village and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art showcases an impressive collection, while the cobbled streets of Stockbridge are lined with independent shops and inviting cafés. A peaceful walk along the Water of Leith weaves through wooded paths and past historic buildings, and for a panoramic view, there is no better vantage point than the summit of Arthur’s Seat, overlooking the city and beyond.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Executive Room - twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Sunday 20th July - 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

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 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 3 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 2 – Tickets to Inverness Highland Games
    • Day 2 – Tickets to the Inverness Highland Games Ceilidh
    • Day 3 – Tickets for a boat cruise on Loch Ness
    • Day 4 – Entry to Armadale Castle grounds
    • Day 5 – Guided sea kayaking session
    • Day 6 – Guided Canyoning session
    • Day 8 – Entry into Edinburgh Castle
  • 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The pricing for this itinerary, based on 2 clients rooming as per the itinerary and including a £12 per person conservation contribution, is:

  • £9,170 GBP Per Person

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.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.