The Stark's Explore Scotland

Joan Stark

Saturday 13th September – Monday 22nd September 2025

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

Overview

Version 3 – 23/05/25

Your Scottish journey begins with an intimate exploration of Edinburgh, taking in its iconic sights in a classically British car – a Mini Cooper. Your travels continue with a visit to a majestic castle steeped in Scottish history, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll then embark on a day trip to a beautiful island known for its dramatic scenery and wildlife, alongside some colourful houses! It is then time to delve into the ancient past, you’ll explore a significant historical area with an expert guide. Then experience the rugged Highlands with an off-road adventure and enjoy a serene time on a picturesque Scottish loch, before a final visit to a stunning palace, known for hosting state affairs ahead of your departure.

Highlights

  • A Private Mini Cooper Tour of Edinburgh
  • A Day Trip to the Beautiful Isle of Mull
  • Canoe on a Stunning Scottish Loch in Tranquil Settings
  • Head Off-Road and Explore Private Estate Tracks in Search of Wildlife

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 13th September - Welcome to Scotland

From Edinburgh Airport, a private driver will provide a seamless transfer to a city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time, choose to relax at the hotel or head out to explore the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 14th September - Exploring Edinburgh By Mini

Today, meet your experienced guides and hop into a classically British Mini Cooper for a tour around Edinburgh’s historic streets. You’ll explore some of the famous locations, alongside some of the cities hidden locations that are often missed, before lunch at one of Edinburgh’s best pubs! A short walk from the pub lies a stunning kilt outfitter, giving you the chance to see and learn a bit about how the famous Scottish apparel is made.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Room Type: 1x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 15th September - Journey to the Scottish West Coast

This morning, chat with your hotel concierge to arrange a taxi to collect your hire car, before making your way out of the city. On the way stop off for a leg stretch and a private tour at Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. This impressive castle and it’s location dates as far back as the 1400’s, although it’s current appearance was inspired from a drawing in the 1700’s, and construction began in 1746. Spend some time exploring the castle and gardens exploring the artifacts that span generations of the Campbell Clan that call the location home.

From here, continue on for Oban, nestled on the stunning Scottish west coast and your accommodation for the next few nights.

*Cost of the taxi not included in trip pricing.

Overnight: Oban | No. 17 The Promenade
Room Type: 1x Opulent Sea View King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Tuesday 16th September - A Visit to the Isle of Mull

After a hearty Scottish breakfast on the west coast, board your ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull. Upon arrival onto the island you will have some time to explore this beautiful island. You could opt to head out to the famous Tobermory with it’s colourful houses, or head for the most wild area’s of the island for a gentle walk. The day is yours to explore as much of the island as possible before your return ferry to mainland.

*Ferry times will be confirmed upon booking.

Overnight: Oban | No. 17 The Promenade
Room Type: 1x Opulent Sea View King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Wednesday 17th September - Kilmartin Museum

It is time to explore a historic site, home to many archaeological artifacts, in the form of Kilmartin Museum. Spend some time exploring the museum before joining a guided walk of the area. You will be joined by a knowledgable local guide who will take you around some of the key sites in the area. This 3 hour walk follows mostly paths with some grass field walking, so appropriate footwear and clothing will be required.*

*Please note, the guided walk is only available on Wednesday’s

Overnight: Oban | No. 17 The Promenade
Room Type: 1x Opulent Sea View King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 18th September - Transfer Inland to Pitlochry

After a leisurely morning it is time to check out and make your way inland to the final destination of your trip. Enjoy a leisure drive through some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery, with plenty of options for a stop off and a chance to stretch the legs or head out for a short walk.

Upon arrival into the charming town of Pitlochry, located in Highland Perthshire, spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or head out and explore some of the village.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Knockendarrach
Room Type: 1x Garden Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Friday 19th September - Morning Private 4x4 Safari & Afternoon Explorations

This morning you head out on a fun private Landrover safari with a kilted Ranger. Exploring private estate tracks 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.

The afternoon is then yours to do with as you please. You could opt for a low level walk in the area, with plenty of river side or forest walks on offer, or simply spend some time in Pitlochry enjoying the cafes and shops.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Knockendarrach
Room Type: 1x Garden Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Saturday 20th September - Canoeing

Spend some time on a serene Scottish loch, surrounded by stunning scenery. Glide across calm waters, accompanied by an expert paddling guide, who will share insights into the area’s natural history and wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the shore before continuing the paddle through the peaceful surroundings. This is a great way to cap off your Scottish adventure with a sense of tranquillity, having experienced the loch’s beauty from a unique perspective.

Today you could also choose to visit the Pitlochry Market where locals show off their craft skills – pay particular attention to Moulin Yarns, a local small batch yarn dyer, based here in Pitlochry. If you miss them at the Market, you could visit their studio nearby, which is open Thursday through Sunday in September.

*In the event of inclement weather, we could look into a pottery class in a near by village, or we could recommend a nearby artisanal Chocolatier experience – of course both would be subject to availability on the day.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Knockendarrach
Room Type: 1x Garden Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Sunday 21st September - Return to the Capital

Today you bid farewell to Pitlochry and head south. A stop at the impressive Scone Palace for a private tour of the Castle is a must. Learn about the location and the many grand ceremony and affairs of the state that have taken place here. It is a location steeped in history and one well worth the visit.

Continue on for your accommodation on the outskirts of Edinburgh and spend the evening relaxing at the hotel ahead of your onward travel.

Overnight: Newbridge | Norton House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 1x Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Monday 22nd September - Depart

This morning make the short drive to Edinburgh airport and return your rental car before making your onward connections, waving farewell to your time in Scotland.

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
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Car rental from day 3 to day 10 inclusive, including:
    • GPS, Damage Waiver, & Roadside protection
  • 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 – A private tour of Edinburgh with a local city guide in a Mini Cooper
      • Includes Lunch
    • Day 3 – Private tour of Inveraray Castle
    • Day 5 – Entry into KilMartin Museum
      • Includes a guided walk at 1pm (only available Wednesdays)
    • Day 7 – A private 2.5hr off-road safari
    • Day 8 – A private 2.5hr guided Canoe trip on a local Scottish Loch
    • Day 9 – Private tour of Scone Palace
  • 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.