Lochs, Castles, & Wildlife - The Best of Scotland

Monday 14th July – Sunday 20th July 2025

Number of Travellers: 5
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

V2 – 16/4/25

Head out on a voyage through Scotland as you visit some of the most beautiful locations the country has to offer. Step aboard boats as you head off in search of wildlife and history on the beautiful west coast of Scotland, before you visit a famous Harry Potter filming location, giving life to the magic of the series. It is then time to dive into one of Scotland’s most famous legends as you go hunting for Nessie in Scotland’s most famous Loch. Meet Britains only free roaming herd of Reindeer as you learn about their quirky behaviours, before heading off into the hills on an off-road safari in search of wildlife.

This action packed adventure provides fun for all the family and the chance to truly experience Scotland and the best it has to offer. From the blue waters of the west coast, to the hills of highland Perthshire, this trip will offer amazing experiences for all.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 14th July | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 2 | Tuesday 15th July | Morning Private 4x4 Safari & Afternoon Explorations | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 3 | Wednesday 16th July | Free Roaming Reindeer | Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 4 | Thursday 17th July | In Search of The Loch Ness Monster | Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 5 | Friday 18th July | A Famous Train and The West Coast | Overnight: Oban

Day 6 | Saturday 19th July | West Coast Waters | Overnight: Oban

Day 7 | Sunday 20th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 14th July - Welcome to Scotland

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your experienced driver guide who will accompany you throughout your time in Scotland. Together you will all leave the city and head for a famous Scottish Battlefield, Bannockburn. This immersive experience is sure to captivate and will be a great way to start your journey through Scotland.

It’s then time to head for your accommodation in the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry. Upon arrival take some time to relax after a fun filled day of explorations.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Atholl Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1x Triple Room & 1x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 15th July - 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. After enjoying some refreshments in a mountain bothy you will head back down into the valley.

The afternoon is then yours to do with as you please. There are lots of great walks in the area, or you could explore the shops and cafes of Pitlochry. Chat with your guide about you preferences and they will be able to help with a plan.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Atholl Palace Hotel
Room Type: 1x Triple Room & 1x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 16th July - Free Roaming Reindeer

Today you will head north into the Cairngorms National Park. It’s time to meet the only free roaming reindeer in the UK. You’ll head out onto the mountains that they roam and in search of the herd, and the chance to see them up close. Learn about how they live on the hills and the unique ways they interact with each other.

Continue on, and divert off around the most famous body of water in Scotland, Loch Ness. Enjoy a scenic drive along the shores until you reach the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Spend some time exploring the grounds and learning about it’s role in Scotland’s past.

It is then time to head for the next destination of the trip, on the south shore of the famous Loch Ness, Fort Augustus. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you soak up the beauty of the location.

Overnight: Fort Augustus | The Lovat Hotel
Room Type: 1x Grand Master - twinned with extra bed, 1x Garden Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 17th July - In Search of The Loch Ness Monster

Today is all about one of Scotland’s most famous legends and the stories that have gone before. Head out at speed as you board a RIB in search of the monster that lurks in the loch. Know affectionately as “Nessie” hear about the sightings that have taken place over the years, the continual searches Nessies den, and how this legend has grown over the years.

Overnight: Fort Augustus | The Lovat Hotel
Room Type: 1x Grand Master - twinned with extra bed, 1x Garden Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 18th July - A Famous Train and The West Coast

After breakfast, meet your guide and bid farewell to Fort Augustus as you work your way south. On route, stop off at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, well known for its role in the Harry Potter franchise. Depending on your arrival time, you might even see the famous train making it’s daily journey to Hogwarts! You will also get the chance to climb the stairs of the monument that over looks the lock, giving you the same iconic view as the soldier immortalised atop.

From here, continue on for the beautiful Scottish west coast and Oban. Upon arrival take some time to relax after a long travel day.

Overnight: Oban | Oban Bay Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Classic Twin - One with an extra bed
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 19th July - West Coast Waters

Today you head to explore the beautiful waters off the west coast of Scotland. Famed for their striking beauty, you will head out in search of some of the wildlife and history that frequents this area. If you are lucky you may encounter Eagles, Porpoise, and Seabirds!

Upon arriving back to dry land, take some time explore Oban itself with your guide, visiting the local shops in search of souvenirs to help remember your trip.

Overnight: Oban | Oban Bay Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Classic Twin - One with an extra bed
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 20th July - Depart

Your guide 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
  • 6 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 1 to Day 6 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 guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 1 – Entry in Bannockburn Visitor Centre
    • Day 2 – A guided off-road safari
    • Day 3 – A guided walk to meet the Cairngorm Reindeer
    • Day 3 – Entry into Urquhart Castle
    • Day 4 – Tickets for a boat tour on Loch Ness
    • Day 5 – Entry into Glenfinnan Monument
    • Day 6 – Tickets for a wildlife and history boat trip
  • 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 NET price for this itinerary, based on 5 clients on a triple and twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £2,890 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.

Virtuoso

Lochs, Castles, & Wildlife – The Best of Scotland

Monday 14th July – Sunday 20th July 2025