Wolfe Family Scottish Adventure V4

Pam, Lindsay, Katie, Jon, Rick, Jack

Sunday 27th July – Friday 8th August 2025

Number of Travellers: 6
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Highlights

  • You will be hosted by am expert guide and driver with in-depth local knowledge. They take care of every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your adventure.
  • A private tour of Culloden Battlefield with a specialist guide offers a deeply immersive experience.
  • Private Curators Tour of the National Portrait Gallery with Art Expert offering unique insights into the gallery’s collections, focusing on Scotland’s rich artistic heritage.
  • Private cookery class with 'food anthropologist’ and chef Ghillie Basan in her remote Scottish home and kitchen.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 27th July - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at Edinburgh airport you will be met by your private guide who will also be your driver and host throughout your trip until Day 12.

Your guide is one of best in Scotland, ensuring your trip through Scotland is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. They expertly manage all logistics, from travel to accommodations and activities, so you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this magical country. With their in-depth local knowledge of Scotland and commitment to providing exceptional experiences, they take care of every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your adventure.

Your guide will transfer you to you to Inverness, in the heart of the highlands. Enjoy this scenic drive with a stop along the way for some lunch and to stretch your legs. Arriving at your luxurious hotel to rest and relax after a long journey. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to enjoy the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

*Please note this is a 3.5 hour journey

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Oak King & 1 x Cedar Twin
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Monday 28th July - Culloden Battlefield & Cawdor Castle

Start your first full day in Scotland with a deep dive into history with a private tour of Culloden Battlefield with a specialist tour guide. This intimate and deeply immersive experience of one of Scotland’s most significant historical sites will lead you through the battlefield, vividly recounting the events of the brutal 1746 clash between the Jacobite forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the British army. As you walk the land where history unfolded, the guide provides fascinating insights into the strategies, key figures, and lasting impacts of the battle. This personalised tour allows for in-depth discussions, giving you a profound understanding of the battle’s significance in Scottish history.

After an engaging morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the enchanting Cawdor Castle for a public tour with your main guide. Known for its connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and its beautiful gardens, Cawdor Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s noble past.

After your tours, return to Inverness for a relaxing evening.

*Highlight: Private and bespoke tour of the battlefield with expert and specialist tour guide.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Oak King & 1 x Cedar Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 29th July - Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Today, you’ll experience one of Scotland’s most iconic locations, Loch Ness. In the morning, embark on a boat tour of this legendary loch, famous worldwide for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. As you glide across the mysterious waters, take in the stunning natural beauty surrounding you.

Today’s tour continues with a visit to Urquhart Castle with your main guide, a dramatic ruin perched on the edge of Loch Ness. Here, you can explore the castle grounds with your guide and imagine what life was like during its heyday.

Following this adventure, return to Inverness for a peaceful afternoon and evening, perhaps sampling some traditional Scottish cuisine for dinner.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Oak King & 1 x Cedar Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 30th July - Balmoral Tour & Cairns Hike

This morning, you’ll leave Inverness and journey through the beautiful Scottish countryside to Braemar. Upon arrival, you’ll visit Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. A tour of the grounds and exhibition with your main guide will give you unique insights into its royal connections and its place in British history.

In the afternoon, your main guide will lead you on a hike to the Balmoral Cairns, a series of stone monuments erected by Queen Victoria in memory of her loved ones. This hike not only offers a historical journey but also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, you’ll settle into your accommodation in Braemar for a restful evening.

*Please note tours of Balmoral are subject to availability depending on when the Royal Family are in residence.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2 x Scottish Culture & Nature and Poetry Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 31st July - Unique Foodie & Whisky Workshop

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.

*Highlight: Private cookery class with ‘food anthropologist’ and chef Ghillie Basan in her remote Scottish kitchen and home.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2 x Scottish Culture & Nature and Poetry Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 1st August - Exploring Linn O’Dee

Join your main guide this morning for a walk through the intriguing and beautiful landscape of the Highlands. Hike along the banks of the River Dee, which rises from a spring on the Braeriach plateau in the Cairngorms and empties into the dark waters of the North Sea. Stop to admire Linn O’Dee, where the river cascades through a narrow chasm, overlooked by an old stone bridge. Visit the waterfall further up the glen, winding your way through old pinewoods that tang with sunshine and resin.

This afternoon, your guide will take you on an insightful and engaging exploration of the region’s culture and history, offering perspectives that are often missed by visitors.

After a day of discovery, you’ll have the evening free to enjoy the Fife Arms at your own pace, perhaps visiting the cozy bar or simply relaxing amidst the scenic surroundings.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2 x Scottish Culture & Nature and Poetry Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 2nd August - Transfer to Gleneagles & Hidden Hut Picnic

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Braemar and make your way to the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel. Stopping along the way near Pitlochry to embark on a stunning remote picnic at a hidden hut nestled in the hills of the Cairngorm National Park. Choose between a scenic hour’s walk or a thrilling thirty-minute off-road drive in a Land Rover to reach this remote gem. Upon arrival, your well-earned picnic awaits, allowing you to savour delicious treats amidst nature’s tranquility. The memories made here will linger long after the day’s adventures have ended.

The day concludes with a return to Gleneagles, where you can enjoy the hotel’s world-class amenities and dine at one of its restaurants.

*Highlight: Luxury private hidden hut picnic on Straloch Estate, accessed by foot or 4×4. A rare and exclusive experience amongst the beautiful Scottish hills.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Manor Double & Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 3rd August - Glamis Castle

Today, you’ll venture out to Glamis Castle, one of Scotland’s most storied and picturesque castles. Tour the castle and ground with your main guide. Explore the castle’s opulent rooms and expansive grounds, delving into its history as the childhood home of the Queen Mother and its connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The tour provides a rich narrative of Scottish nobility and architecture.

After returning to Gleneagles, you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and perhaps explore more of what the hotel has to offer.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Manor Double & Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 4th August - Indulge at Gleneagles

After several days of exploration, today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Gleneagles offers a wide range of activities to suit every interest. Whether you prefer a round of golf on one of its renowned courses, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or an exciting falconry or horseback riding session, the choice is yours. Take this day to unwind and indulge in the luxurious offerings of this prestigious hotel, ensuring you feel refreshed and relaxed for the days ahead. Your guide will be on hand should you wish to go further afield and explore.

*Activities to be confirmed

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Manor Double & Two Bedroom Whisky Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 5th August - Private Whisky Tour & Tasting and Stirling Explorations

This morning, you’ll embark on your journey to Edinburgh, with a few stops along the way. Your first stop is at Glenturret Distillery, where you’ll enjoy a private tour and whisky tasting experience with an expert guide. Learn about the distillery’s storied history and the craftsmanship behind Scotland’s most famous export.

Continuing your journey, you’ll visit Stirling Castle with your main guide, one of Scotland’s grandest castles, steeped in history and offering stunning views over the surrounding landscape.

After this day of exploration, you’ll arrive in Edinburgh, where you’ll check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

*Highlight: Private Tour & Tasting at Glenturret Distillery with an expert guide.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Exec View Double & 1 Exec View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 6th August - Edinburgh Art & City Tour

Your exploration of Edinburgh begins with a morning visit to the National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll enjoy a private tour guided by an art expert. This curator-led tour will provide unique insights into the gallery’s collections, focusing on Scotland’s rich artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the colourful and vibrant streets of Edinburgh with a half-day city tour. An expert local guide will lead you through key landmarks and hidden gems, offering a well-rounded introduction to the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, all set against the lively backdrop of the festival in full swing.

After a day full of exploration, you’ll have the evening free to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Scotland’s capital city.

*Highlight: Private Curators Tour of the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland with an art expert.

*Highlight: Half private day tour of the city with local expert private guide.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Exec View Double & 1 Exec View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Thursday 7th August - Edinburgh Exploration & Royal Yacht Britannia

This morning if yours to explore the city, immerse yourself in the busy streets and perhaps enjoy some of Edinburgh’s vibrant festival that runs throughout August.

In the afternoon, your expert local guide will join you again to lead you on a half-day tour, you’ll enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea aboard the Fingal, a unique ship moored in Leith. This elegant experience provides a perfect break in your day of sightseeing. To finish your day enjoy a public tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia with your guide, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea and concludes your day on a regal note.

Spend your final night in Edinburgh, enjoying a memorable farewell dinner.

*Highlight: Half private day tour of the city with local expert private guide.

*Highlight: Afternoon Tea onboard the Fingal.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Exec View Double & 1 Exec View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Friday 8th August - Depart

On your final day, you’ll check out from your hotel and transfer with your guide to the airport for your departure. As you leave Scotland behind, you’ll take with you memories of an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most historic and beautiful landscapes and the experiences you shared with each other.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 12 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 12 inclusive
  • 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
  • Luggage Transfers
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Tour of Culloden Battlefield with Expert Guide
    • Cawdor Castle Entry
    • Boat Tour of Loch Ness
    • Urquhart Castle Entry
    • Tour of Balmoral Exhibition
    • Private Cooking and Whisky Workshop with Ghillie Basan
    • Luxury Hidden Hut Picnic Experience
    • Glamis Castle Entry
    • Private Tour & Tasing at Glenturret Distillery
    • Stirling Castle Entry
    • Private Curators Tour of the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland with Art Expert
    • Edinburgh Castle Entry
    • Fingal Afternoon Tea
    • 2 x Half Day City Tours with Expert Local Guide
    • Tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • 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.