V3 MacDonell's Family Adventure to Scotland

John, Hayes, Connor, Tina & Frank

Thursday 3rd October – Sunday 13th October 2024

Number of Travellers:  5
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 3rd October - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at Edinburgh airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Kings
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 4th October - 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: 2 x Deluxe Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 5th October - Hidden Streets of Edinburgh & Hibs vs Motherwell Soccer Match

Today you will explore more of Edinburgh at your pace, stopping for a fascinating tour of Mary King’s Close, revealing the hidden history and tales from beneath Edinburgh’s streets.

In the afternoon, you will meet your experienced private guide, who will also be your driver for your onward adventures through Scotland. After a quick chat about your trip over lunch, they will take you to a thrilling soccer game where Hibernian FC will take on Motherwell. Feel the excitement of a live match and immerse yourselves in the local sporting culture.

After the game your guide will take you back to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in this magical city.

Note: The match location is approx 1hr drive out of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Sunday 6th October - Journey North to Glengarry

This morning, your private guide collect you from your hotel and together you will travel north to Glengarry, the home of your ancestors. Enjoy the scenic drive, stopping for a special picnic in a picturesque spot along the way. Your guide will make the journey informative and full of story as you pass some historic and beautiful landmarks.

Checking into your quaint and charming hotel, Rokeby Manor. Spend the afternoon relaxing and taking in the beautiful countryside views. Dinner will be at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring locally sourced ingredients.

*Drive time is 3 – 4 hours between Edinburgh and Glengarry.

Overnight: Glengarry | Rokeby Manor
Room Type: 1 x Rhododendron Suite & 1 x Deluxe Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 7th October - Discover the MacDonnell Lineage & Fishing

Today will be dedicated to exploring your family history in the Glengarry area. Visit historical sites and landmarks significant to the MacDonnell lineage, guided by your expert guide.

Whilst Tina and Frank enjoy an afternoon continuing the explorations with the guide. John, Hayes and Connor will join an expert Ghillie to experience loch fishing for a few hours.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner back at Rokeby Manor, sharing stories of the day’s discoveries.

Overnight: Glengarry | Rokeby Manor
Room Type: 1 x Rhododendron Suite & 1 x Deluxe Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 8th October - The Road to the Isles & Sea Kayaking

Embark on the scenic “Road to the Isles,” experiencing the stunning landscapes and coastal views. Passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies.

Stop at the beautiful white sands of Arasaig for a guided sea kayaking adventure.

After your sea kayaking explorations, board the ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye, this amazing journey to the island is a trip highlight.

Settle into your island hotel in the coastal town of Portree, your base for the next 3 nights.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Family Room 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 9th October - Explore the Misty Isle

Today will is all about exploring this amazing island and its coastline. Experience the beauty of sea cliffs and wildlife on a boat trip this morning. See Skye’s most stunning spots, where you can see marine wildlife and take in the dramatic coastal scenery.

After lunch, your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour, visiting hidden gems and famous landmarks that showcase the island’s unique charm.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Family Room 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 10th October - Fairy Pools & Jurassic Dinosaur Footprints

Today discover the historic Dunvegan Castle and its beautiful gardens in the morning.

After lunch, explore the mystical Fairy Pools, where crystal-clear waters cascade in a series of waterfalls and finally, visit An Corran to see the fascinating Jurassic dinosaur footprints, a treat for all ages as you walk in the steps of ancient creatures.

Heading back to Portree, enjoy your final evening on this beautiful island with a delicious meal.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Family Room 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 11th October - Head South to the Cairngorm National Park

This morning you will leave Skye and travel south to the Cairngorms National Park. Stopping along the way at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle for a dose of history and picturesque views. Visit Lochcarron Weavers to see your family tartan, a unique opportunity to connect with your Scottish roots and pick up souvenirs.

Arriving in the Cairngorms and settle into your accommodation in the heart of Aviemore.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: 1 x Family Room 1 x Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Saturday 12th October - Watersports & Reindeer

Enjoy a day of adventure and nature in the Cairngorms with your guide. Choose between kayaking or paddle boarding on the serene waters of Loch an Eilein or Loch Morlich.

Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to see the magnificent reindeer in their natural habitat, a magical experience for the entire family.

Wrap up your trip with unforgettable memories of Scotland’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: 1 x Family Room 1 x Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Sunday 13th October - Farewell to Scotland

This morning a private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Edinburgh airport for your onward connections. Bidding farewell to Scotland but taking with you all the special memories of your time together.

*Afternoon or evening flight as journey is 3.5 hours.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 lunch on Day 3 to the end of Day 10
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day (Aviemore to Edinburgh Airport)
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • All ferry journeys as stated in the itinerary
  • MacDonnell Family History Research Prior to Your Arrival
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Morning Walking Tour with Expert City Guide
      • Includes Edinburgh Castle Entry
    • Mary Kings Close Tour
    • Picnic Experience
    • Private Sea Kayaking Experience for 3 pax with a Qualified Kayaking Guide
      • Includes all equipment hire
    • Private Fishing Experience for 3 pax with Ghillie
      • Includes all equipment hire
    • Wildlife Boat Trip from Isle of Skye
    • Dunvegan Castle Entry
    • Eilean Donan Castle Entry
    • Cairngorm Reindeer Hill Trip Experience
    • Cairngorms Watersports Experience (Padleboard or Canoe on mountain loch)
  • 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
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.