Immerse Yourselves in The Highlights of The Scottish Highlands

Patterson

Monday 30th September – Monday 7th October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Discover the true flavours of Scotland with insights from your expert guide and create special memories together. Explore history in atmospheric glens and meet the local characters sharing their love of this unique location. Raise a glass to celebrate with a wee dram packed full of the flavours of Scotland. From the city streets to the wild Highlands, you are sure to fall in love with every inch of this character packed country. In between mini adventures, your luxurious hotel surroundings will ensure that you feel completely relaxed and pampered by the end of your trip

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 30th September - Welcome To Scotland. Meet Your Guide & Head North

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you on arrival at Edinburgh Airport and together you will head north towards the Highlands. 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 explore the historic university town of St Andrews or visit the splendours of elegant Scone Palace before you continue North. You may want to take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot with your guide, or save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before settling into your unique Highland hotel.

Note: Lunch and activities depend on arrival time. Drive Time is approx 2.5 hours without additional explorations.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Royal Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 1st October - 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. This is a truly special and immersive experience allowing you to slow down and soak in the remote location and the flavours of the moment.

Note: Drive time is approx 1 hr each way through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Royal Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 2nd October - Local Explorations & Relaxation

Head out with your guide for local explorations this morning, discovering one of Queen Victoria’s favourite beauty spots just a few minutes drive from the hotel. A traditional stone bridge takes you up above the turbulent waters to explore Caledonian Pine Forest, your guide will share the local tales and some of their favourite hidden gems with you. This afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the uniquely decorated spaces in your hotel. (Although your guide will be available if you do wish to continue exploring)

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Royal Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 3rd October - Transfer West via Distillery Tour

Today you head towards the rugged west coast with your guide. On route you will stop at the famous House of Bruar. You can also choose to take a gentle hike to admire the spectacular Black Linn Falls from the folly of Ossian’s Hall. Afterwards you will continue west, stopping at Dalwhinnie Distillery on the way to your accommodation. This is the highest distillery in Scotland which prides itself on producing gently warming spirits in the coldest and harshest of conditions. Take a tour of this picturesque distillery and raise a glass to toast your Scottish adventures before you continue to your welcoming hotel.

Note: Drive time today is approx 3 hrs.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Walled Garden Suite (NOT in main castle, in the grounds)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 4th October - The 'Road To The Isles'

Today you will enjoy superb views as your guide takes you 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. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history. You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles and Skye before heading back to your hotel.

Note: Drive time today is approx 1 hr each way. The day is completely flexible and the clients could choose to stay relaxing in the hotel if they wish.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Walled Garden Suite (NOT in main castle, in the grounds)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 5th October - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

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 stroll 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. Your guide will then take you onwards to the luxurious resort of Gleneagles where they will depart, leaving you to enjoy your stay and the varied facilities.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Estate Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 6th October - Free Day At Gleneagles

Today you have a full free day at Gleneagles to relax. Maybe choose to explore some of the beautiful grounds, or take full advantage of the varied facilities on offer. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Estate Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 7th October - Depart

A private transfer 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
  • 7 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 your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day – Gleneagles to Edinburgh Airport
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • 2 x Entrance Fees on D1 as per interest (Eg. Scone Palace or Falkland Palace in Fife)
    • Private Foodie Workshop in Remote Chef’s Kitchen, with whisky pairings
    • Distillery Tour & Tasting
    • 2 x Entrance Fees on D5 as per interest if required (Eg. Glenfinnan Monument)
    • Private Storyteller Experience in Glencoe
  • 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
  • Activities at Gleneagles
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.
  • Private Foraging Workshop in Cairngorms (approx 2 hrs) = £750 Total Cost
Pricing Read More

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

  • £13,495 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.