Miller's Scotland Explorations - v3

Friday 2nd May – Sunday 11th May 2025

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

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 2nd May - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by your private guide (who will also be your driver for your time together) who will transfer you to your iconic city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can enjoy lunch together and choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city with an informal introductory stroll with your guide. Perhaps bustling Leith, with it’s vibrant food selection and home of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Note: As requested your room will be ready for you to check into on arrival this morning by booking it for the evening of the 1st.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Grand Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Saturday 3rd May - Historic Edinburgh

Today you immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local city 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.

After lunch you head to the enigma that is Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by The Da Vinci Code. Dan Brown called this chapel “the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth” and there are certainly lots of unanswered questions about this unique building. Originally founded in 1446, the chapel features intricate carvings and decorations which have prompted many different theories connected with the Knights Templar and the Freemasons amongst others.

Your guide will then take you back to your hotel. You could maybe enjoy a dinner reservation at one of the celebrated eateries in Leith, to give you a flavour of another aspect of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Grand Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 4th May - North To The Highlands

This morning you will head north towards the Highlands with your guide. Stop to visit the splendours of elegant Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue North.

There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot, or save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before settling into your unique Highland hotel.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 5th May - Exploring The Cairngorms National Park

You have the full day to explore the surrounding mountains and glens 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 small 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.

Then toast your explorations in true Scottish manner with a tour and tasting of the local royally approved distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. ‘Slainte Mhath!’, or good health, to you.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 6th May - West via Blair Castle & Whisky

Today the rugged West coast is calling you, and your guide will share some of the fascinating stops and stories along the way. Stop at Blair Atholl to walk the hallways and gardens of a castle that has been inhabited by the Dukes of Atholl for over seven centuries and boasts some fine 18th century interiors within its Scottish baronial architecture. There are also many superb options for scenic leg stretches as you admire the scenery becoming more mountainous.

And it would be hard to pass up an opportunity to explore the warming spirits created by the highest distillery in Scotland, as your route takes you right past the scenic front door! Savour the flavours and history of distilling in such a challenging environment before your guide takes you onwards to your unique and luxurious accommodation.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 7th May - Admiring Ben Nevis & Exploring Surrounding Area

You have the full day to explore the local area with your guide, and there are plenty of options! Maybe discover the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland. Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!

Or drive west along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan viaduct, whose graceful arches featured in several of the Harry Potter films. Stroll on the beautiful white sand beaches of Arisaig and gaze out to Skye & the Small Isles before your guide takes you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 8th May - Legends of Glencoe & Onwards to Your Island Hotel

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

You will then transfer down the coast to your hotel, located on it’s very own island.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Spa Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 9th May - Full day Private Zodiac Trip to visit Fingal's Cave & Isle of Iona

Take some of the weight off your legs today as you head out onto the waves in a private zodiac to get a completely different perspective on this beautiful area. The experienced skipper will share some of the best hidden gems of the local coastline as you head around Mull to visit Staffa & the unique Isle of Iona. Then visit a remote new distillery creating fabulous organic spirits before returning to your accommodation.

*Note: The route & itinerary for today will be flexible as it is weather dependent, Skipper’s decision is final.
Start & Finish Location = Your Hotel’s Private Jetty. 

  • Planned Route – Head to Tobermory on Mull and then round to Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave & the lovely little Isle of Iona to visit the Abbey.

(Wildlife sightings are obviously not guaranteed, but there will certainly be a wide variety of wildlife around).

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Spa Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 10th May - South to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Today you head south, taking the scenic route to visit Kilmartin Glen and Inveraray Castle. This is one of the most significant archaeological landscapes on mainland Scotland. A short hike with your guide will take you to standing stones and burial cairns and you may wish to climb to the hill fort of Dunadd, said to be the birthplace of Scotland it was where ancient kings were crowned. Peruse the huge collection of Neolithic and Bronze age artefacts in the museum before continuing on your journey towards Inveraray Castle.

Enjoy superb scenery on the way to visit the iconic Inveraray Castle, with its fairytale turrets and beautiful gardens. Hear about the family history and pride in this building, which is the home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Your guide will drop you at your hotel and depart, leaving you to enjoy a relaxed final night in Scotland.

Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: Loch View One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 11th May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Glasgow 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
    • Including Pre-Night booked at The Balmoral to ensure early check-in on the 2nd
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 9 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • D2 – Private Walking Tour in Edinburgh with Expert City Guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle & another entry fee (or donation) as per interest
    • D3 – Entry to Scone Palace
    • D4 – Tour & Tasting of Royal Lochnagar Distillery
    • D5 – Entry to Blair Castle
    • D5 – Tour & Tasting of Dalwhinnie Distillery
    • D7 – Private Storytelling Experience
    • D8 – Full Day Private Zodiac Trip with Experienced Skipper
      • Boat has covered cabin & on-board toilet facilities
      • Includes entry to Iona Abbey
      • Private Tour & Tasting of Nc’Nean Distillery
    • D9 – Enty to Kilmartin Museum
    • D9 – Entry to Inveraray 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
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £14,130 GBP per person

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations 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.