Highlights of Scotland & Golf

Rioux

Saturday 22nd June – Friday 5th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 22nd June - Arrive in Edinburgh - Welcome to Scotland

Arrive into Edinburgh airport and take a private transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time there is the opportunity to explore the city or just relax and enjoy the facilities at your luxurious and individual accommodation.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 23rd June - Edinburgh Explorations

Spend today exploring the unique city of Edinburgh with an experienced local guide who will take you on a walking tour to visit some of the famous historic attractions, wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture and this tour will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city.  Late afternoon you will discover yet another side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on a private underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.  Head back to your luxurious hotel to rest and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Deluxe Castle View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 24th June - Foraging & the Isle of Eriska

This morning you will meet your guide/driver and journey to the beautiful hidden island of Eriska.  As you pass through the rolling hills of the Perthshire countryside you will spend a wonderful morning foraging for local edibles with an expert forager.  Enjoy an exquisite lunch made from beautiful local ingredients and some of the delicious foods from your morning foraging along with a delightful wine pairing.  After lunch, continue your journey perhaps stopping on route to enjoy a short hike or incredible viewpoints.  Your guide will be on hand to make sure you enjoy the best of these hidden gems.  Arrive at your spectacular hotel, located on a private island hidden from the bustle of tourists.  Enjoy the evening in this incredible place, perhaps explore the surrounding area or enjoy the beautiful spa facilities.

Overnight: Isle of Eriska | Isle of Eriska Hotel
Room Type: Tower Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 25th June - Hiking - Isle of Kerrara

Today you will head to the the beautiful island of Kerrera.  You will enjoy a short boat ride across the strait to this small island, which has about 100 residents.  There are superb hiking options depending on the weather and your preferred level of challenge, perhaps taking the circular route that covers the southern half of the island.  Your guide will be on hand to help you make the most out of your experience.  You will pass the ruined outpost of Gylen Castle, once a stronghold for clan MacDougall and worth a stop for the incredible views.     Return to your beautiful hotel for a warming dram by the fireplace.

Overnight: Isle of Eriska | Isle of Eriska Hotel
Room Type: Tower Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 26th June - Transfer to Perthshire, hiking & Gin

Today you will transfer to your beautiful castle accommodation in the Perthshire countryside. On the way you will pass through the dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe, featured as a backdrop in many films.  You can have some time exploring this famous valley with you guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge.  Another option is to enjoy a gin tasting workshop at a Scottish gin and rum distillery set in the scenic grounds of Loch Leven in the West Highlands.  Hear about the complex botanicals that build these delicious beverages and try your hand creating your own recipes and distilling your own gin or rum using the spices and botanicals of your choice to flavour your bespoke spirit.

You will arrive at your castle hotel in the late afternoon which offers stunning views across Loch Faskally and to the mountains beyond.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Castle Signature View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 27th June - A cultural day in Perthshire

Head out on a fun private Landrover safari with a kilted ranger this morning,  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 before enjoying a delicious lunch of local seasonal produce up in a mountain bothy. Later on, there will be an option to visit a local chocolatier and try some of his world-famous truffles, a delectable delight and lovely way to end your day of exploring.

Overnight: Perthshire | Fonab Castle
Room Type: Castle Signature View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 28th June - Transfer to Dornoch & The Cairngorms

En-route to Dornoch you have the opportunity to stop in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park.  Perhaps enjoy a very special experience, meeting the local reindeer herd!  You can choose to walk to their summer grazing grounds, where you are right in walking amongst the herd and can even hand feed them.  Or perhaps hike around the Uath Lochans, a pretty woodland area with an easy trail around the lochans or a longer option with a route up to a beautiful view over Strathspey.  Continue to your next iconic accommodation where you will meet your son for the golfing part of your trip.

Your son arrives today and will travel by private transfer to meet you in Dornoch ready for your golfing adventure.

Overnight: Dornoch | Royal Golf Dornoch Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 29th June - Royal Dornoch Golf

Enjoy a day navigating heather covered slopes and fast sloping greens as you play one of Scotland’s iconic courses, The Royal Dornoch.  Spend your evening relaxing and enjoying your lovely hotel or explore the streets of Dornoch town.

Overnight: Dornoch | Royal Golf Dornoch Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 30th June - Castle Stuart Golf

Travel South to the iconic golf course, Castle Stuart.  Located on the shores of the Moray Firth, the course offers a modern and visually stunning golfing experience, with panoramic views, strategically designed holes and a dynamic layout that will challenge players of all skill levels.  Enjoy a warming drink before you head North to relax in your hotel for your final evening in Dornoch.

Overnight: Dornoch | Royal Golf Dornoch Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Monday 1st July - Transfer to St Andrews

Today you all transfer to the home of Golf, St Andrews.  There are plenty of stops along the way, perhaps stop at the historic Blair Castle.  Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneur’s, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interior’s and Scottish baronial architecture, in 30 rooms.  Or perhaps take a short hike, your guide will be on hand to help you select options available based on the weather and time.  Once you arrive in St Andrews you can choose to rest and relax at your luxurious accommodation or explore this historic university town.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets Hotel
Room Type: Superior Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Tuesday 2nd July - Golfing St Andrews & Coastal villages

This morning you Tee off on a fabulous links course on the same coastline as ‘the birthplace of golf’. Enjoy the history and coastal views of a superb round of golf and chat to the local players. This afternoon enjoy exploring the charming and picturesque fishing villages along the Fife Coastal Trail with your guide. These harbour houses are now popular with artists and writers but the sea still has a heavy influence on everyday life for most people in the local communities. Sampling traditional fish and chips here is a must before your guide takes you back to your hotel!

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets Hotel
Room Type: Superior Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Wednesday 3rd July - Kingsbarns Golf

Enjoy a memorable round of traditional Scottish links golf on this stunning course a short drive from St Andrews.  Set along the picturesque North Sea coastline, you will experience some of the best golf in the world surrounded by the sites and sounds of the sea.  Head back to your hotel and share memories of your incredible day of golf.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets Hotel
Room Type: Superior Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Thursday 4th July - Carnoustie Golf

Travel to the world leading golf destination, Carnoustie.  Offering a mix of links and parkland golf this course offers a unique test of golf to test your skills and enjoy.  Head back to your hotel to relax and enjoy your final evening in Scotland.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: Superior Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Friday 5th July - Depart Edinburgh - Farewell Scotland

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh Airport in time to make your onward connections, bringing with you wonderful memories made.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 14
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 3 to Day 13
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 13
  • Private airport transfer on arrival and departure (additional transfer for son arriving on D7)
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Activities, specifically:
    • Blue badge guide – full day Edinburgh
    • Private tour – Mary King’s Close
    • Foraging experience with lunch
    • Ferry to Kerrera
    • Gin making experience
    • Entrance fee – the Crannog Centre
    • Chocolate tasting – The Highland Chocolatier
    • Private Safari Experience
    • Reindeer Experience
    • Golf green fees and equipment hire (D8-D13)
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour 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