Masinter Scotland & York Explorations - V2

Sunday 14th July – Monday 22nd July 2024

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

Get under the skin of the real Scotland and York exploring historic cities and Highland mountains. Feel the stories of the past come alive as you travel through this vibrant and unique landscape. Discover the wild beauty of the remote glens and enjoy the contrast of the sociable culture in our welcoming towns. Your expert private guides will not just take care of  logistics, but will add their expertise and local knowledge to share their favourite insiders secrets with you, creating memories to cherish for years to come.

Highlights

  • Experience the highlights of Scottish culture enjoy trying them out for yourselves
  • Immerse yourself in some of the best Scottish scenery hiking with your qualified and knowledgeable guide
  • Discover flavour depths and history as you savour a dram of the famous Scottish 'Uisge Beatha'
  • Relax and get pampered in your luxurious 5* accommodation

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 14th July - Welcome to Scotland!

Arrive into Edinburgh Airport where you will be met by a private chauffeur and transferred to your iconic city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to head out and explore the city a little or you can choose to relax in your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View Double & 1 x Classic Double (for solo occ)
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 15th July - Discovering Historic Edinburgh

Spend the morning exploring the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering some lesser known gems as you stroll the winding cobbled streets. At lunchtime, meet your driver guide who will be with you for the rest of your trip.

Your driver guide will be able to take you to hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat to enjoy the sweeping views out over the city from the top of this extinct volcano. Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath the city on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.  Head back to your luxurious hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening before continuing your explorations tomorrow.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View Double & 1 x Classic Double (for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 16th July - Explore St Andrews, Exclusive Distillery Tour & Transfer to Gleneagles

This morning you head into the Kingdom of Fife to explore the historic university town of St Andrews. Spend your morning on a fascinating walking tour with an expert local guide hearing the stories of this beautiful coastal town. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here but St Andrews is much better known for being the home of golf and the hallowed ‘Old Course’.

Finish your afternoon with a tour of the oldest working whisky distillery in Scotland, ending with a tasting flight of special drams. Toast your adventures with the traditional Scottish ‘Slainte Mhath’, meaning good health before your guide takes you onwards. Meet up with Sarah & settle into your luxurious hotel, home for the next few nights.  

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: 1 x Main House Estate Double & 1 x Country Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 17th July - Hiking Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park & Storyteller Experience

You have the full day to explore some of the beautiful mountains and glens of the National Park on foot today and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather. Maybe conquer a local summit for fabulous views, or enjoy a gentle atmospheric exploration to discover a waterfall or forest walk. No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights.

After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage to relax together and listen to a local storyteller sharing stories of the past and Scottish legends that have been handed down through families over hundreds of years. Maybe share your own stories of your trip and laugh about your new family memories.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: 1 x Main House Estate Double & 1 x Country Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 18th July - Paul Transfers To Glasgow

A private transfer will collect Paul from Gleneagles and take you to Glasgow to start your Open adventures. Waving farewell to Highland Perthshire for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations together.

Meanwhile Renee stays at Gleneagles to enjoy the luxurious facilities until the 20th.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: 1 x Main House Estate Double for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 19th July - Free Day At Gleneagles for Renee

Renee can enjoy today relaxing in this charming country estate. Perhaps recharge in the spa or take in the beautiful scenery with a walk amongst the fresh country air.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles
Room Type: 1 x Main House Estate Double for Solo Occ
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 20th July - Reunited Paul & Renee Head South by Train

A private transfer will collect Paul from Glasgow, taking you to be reunited with Renee at Gleneagles, before taking you both to catch your train in Edinburgh. Waving farewell to Scotland for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

A relaxing train journey south will give you time to enjoy the scenery you travel through. Upon your arrival into York you will be met by a private chauffeur and transferred to your hotel where you’ll settle into your lovely accommodation and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Ripon, Near York | Grantley Hall
Room Type: Executive Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 21st July - Highlights & History of York

After a relaxed breakfast, your private transfer will take you to meet your expert city guide to enjoy a day exploring York, one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. Ribbon your way through the snickelways on your private walking tour, admiring the stunning medieval architecture and magnificent Georgian townhouses.

Hear fascinating tales about the past inhabitants from your guide as you stroll down Shambles Street, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, and admire the breathtaking stained glass windows of York Minster Cathedral. Walk England’s longest city walls, where medieval stone tops earthen ramparts that mark much earlier defences. Sample some local cuisine in this foodie haven and follow your curiosity with advice from your expert guide. Later on, a private chauffeur will take you back to Grantley Hall.

Overnight: Ripon, Near York | Grantley Hall
Room Type: Executive Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Monday 22nd July - Train South to London

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to York train station for your onward connection. Enjoy your first class seats as you get closer to London, anticipating your city explorations ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
    • 3 Pax in 2 Rooms for first 2 nights in Edinburgh
    • 4th pax joining for 2 nights at Gleneagles
    • 1 pax for 2 nights at Gleneagles
    • 2 pax for 2 nights near York
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Scotland from the afternoon of Day 2 to the end of Day 4
  • Transfers & Transport as below;
    • Airport Arrival Transfer on day 1, including Meet & Greet
    • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days in Scotland
    • Private Transfer for Paul from Gleneagles to Western House Hotel in Ayr
    • Private Transfer from Western House Hotel to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station on 20th
      • This goes via Gleneagles to pick up Renee on route
    • First Class Train Tickets for 2 pax from Edinburgh to York
    • Private Transfer from York Train Station to Grantley Hall on 20th
    • Private Transfer To York from Grantley Hall & Back on 21st
    • Private Transfer from Grantley Hall to York Train Station on 22nd
    • First Class Train Tickets for 2 pax from York to London
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide in Edinburgh
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle & one other attraction as per interest
    • Private Tour of Underground Streets Experience
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide in St Andrews
      • Includes entry to 2 attractions as per interest
    • Private Tour & Tasting Flight at Glenturret Distillery
    • Private Storyteller Experience
    • Private Walking Tour of York with Expert Local City guide
      • Includes entry to York Minster & 2 other entry fees as per interest
  • 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.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.