Alchemist Travel - Scottish Explorations
Taylor
Saturday 6th July – Saturday 13th July 2024
Day by Day
Day 1 - Saturday 6th July - Arrive in Scotland and travel to the Cairngorms
Your driver guide will meet you at the Station to begin your journey north. There are many options of places to stop off as you travel through the rolling hills and towering mountains of Perthshire and the Cairngorms National Park. You may wish to enjoy a gentle walk through the towering pine trees, or wander around a pretty riverside town. After starting to get under the skin of this ancient land you will arrive at your boutique hotel in the heart of the quaint highland village of Braemar.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: None
Day 2 - Sunday 7th July - Hike in the Cairngorms and warm up with a Scottish dram at a nearby Distillery
This morning, head out with your guide for a stunning hike on one of the beautiful trails nearby. Walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, listening for the white-water rush of a river and the bright sing-song call of a blackbird. Whether you fancy a mellow circular walk or a more demanding hike, your guide will be able to suggest the perfect option for you. After lunch, enjoy a private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued with a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Learn about the history of Scotland’s most famous tipple while also having the chance to indulge in a tasting.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 - Monday 8th July - Royal Residences
Today you will visit the beautiful Balmoral Estate. This has been the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Experience a private tour of the Castle and the bountiful grounds. Later, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel or perhaps take an afternoon stroll by the river.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Scottish Culture Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 - Tuesday 9th July - Transfer to Edinburgh - Genealogist Experience
This morning leave the Highlands behind as you travel to the big city with your guide. Arriving in Edinburgh, meet a local genealogist who will help you uncover some of your ancestry that is linked with this ancient land. Enjoy learning more about where you have come from and delve deeper into your family tree. Spend this evening as you choose, in the comfort of your hotel or head out to explore the city lights.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 - Wednesday 10th July - Edinburgh Exploring
After breakfast, meet your guide in the foyer of your hotel, be immersed in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local 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 a top castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Thursday 11th July - Culture and History
This morning visit the National Gallery of Scotland, meet your art expert to lead you around the captivating displays. This private tour will be tailored to your interests. Appreciate the masterpieces of many artists, before an afternoon to immerse yourself in an area of your curiosity (options to be confirmed).
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Friday 12th July - Self Guided Jazz and Blues Festival
Today is free for you to explore the sounds and sights of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. Feel the infectious energy take over the streets as you journey to visit the characterful venues, to watch performers kick start the first day of this years festival.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Saturday 13th July - Depart
A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning to take you to Edinburgh airport in time for your departing flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
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- 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 4
- All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
- Departure Airport Transfer
- All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Distillery Tour and Tasting
- Admission – Balmoral Castle
- Private Genealogist Session
- Private Edinburgh City Tour
- Private Tour of the National Gallery
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
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- 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
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- 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
- Terms & Conditions
-
Please see our booking terms here.