Final Information - Trip to Scotland

The Browns

Saturday 28th September – Sunday 6th October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

From the cobblestone streets of the capital city to the rolling hills of Perthshire this nine day adventure will get you under the skin of this ancient land and take you off the beaten path to discover the true Scotland.  From hiking in the hills with just the sound of playful squirrels in the trees for company to the incredible murals adorning the buildings in Glasgow, this trip will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Explore the hidden gems of Edinburgh with a true local
  • Discover the wildlife of beautiful Highland Perthshire
  • Sample the famous Uisge Beatha at a local distillery

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 28th September - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival in Glasgow, you will be met by your private transfer driver and whisked into the heart of the city and your boutique hotel base for the next two nights. After freshening up, the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the city, from the Gothic and Victorian streets to the botanic gardens. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: Premium Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: September 28, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1484
Departure Airport: London Heathrow (LHR) | Departure Time: 14:00
Arrival Airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Arrival Time: 15:25

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709441
Pick Up Location: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Pick Up Time: 15:25 | Approx Duration: 20 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you at arrivals and have a sign showing your name.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 2 - Sunday 29th September - Free Day in Glasgow

Discover the diverse and dynamic offerings of Glasgow, as you weave through a day of exploration. Begin your morning at a prominent cultural institution like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of art and history. Alternatively, find solace in the lush greenery of Kelvingrove Park or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming cafes along Ashton Lane. There are so many options ranging from exploring the striking Riverside Museum on the River Clyde’s banks to engaging with interactive exhibits at the Glasgow Science Centre that you will be spoilt for choice. As night falls, meander through the bustling streets of the Merchant City, where a plethora of dining options and a lively atmosphere beckon. The day is yours to curate, offering a myriad of possibilities for exploration and enjoyment in the heart of Glasgow

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: Premium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 30th September - To the Highlands

It is time to leave the city and head to the rolling hills of Perthshire. Stop off to explore some of Loch Lomond, the natural gateway separating the lowlands and the rugged mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Continuing on, Adventure awaits. Board a boat on Loch Tay to explore this famous loch and hear stories of history, myths and folklore before arriving in Grandtully at your home in the Scottish countryside for the next few nights.

Overnight: Grandtully | Grandtully Hotel
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Alison Motion Read More +

Name: Alison Motion
Contact Number: +44 (0)7906 667 355
Meeting Place: Kimpton Blythswood Square | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your main guide/driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 4 - Tuesday 1st October - Wildlife, Whisky and Weaving Tales of Scotland

Imagine standing on a remote hilltop with golden eagles circling in the skies above your head, with a ranger in full Highland dress at your side – this is your reality this morning!  Climb into a Land Rover and head high up into the hills to see for yourselves the incredible variety of wildlife that call this part of Scotland their home.  Scour the ridgelines for sites of the majestic Red Deer, listen for the rustle of leaves as the birds play in the trees and keep your eyes peeled for a sign of mountain hares running through the undergrowth.  Your trip to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to a local distillery to sample a warming dram and learn more about how this famous export is made before ending your day meeting with a local storyteller who will weave tales of days gone by while you sit back and raise a glass to your Highland adventure.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Grandtully | Grandtully Hotel
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 2nd October - Free Day To Explore The Local Area At Your Own Pace

You have a full free day to relax, enjoy the serene countryside and maybe explore the local area. We would certainly recommend that you head to the award-winning chocolatier in the village, your tastebuds will thank you! Your guide will be available for you today so that you can head a bit further afield as well. Or head for a hike if you prefer.  Maybe head into the charming town of Pitlochry to investigate the local shops or even head up the hill to taste the local beers at the Moulin Pub. The choice is yours!

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Grandtully | Grandtully Hotel
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 3rd October - To Edinburgh

Set off on your journey South to the city of Edinburgh. Your first stop will be at Stirling Castle, where you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty as you wander through the imposing rooms imagining the future king and queens running through the palace playing hide and seek!  Continuing on after lunch, you will stop off at the oldest lending library in the country where the Keeper of the Books will show you some of the first editions they keep here.  Arriving in Edinburgh, you will find your accommodation nestled in the city, surrounded by Georgian architecture. The choice is yours for the evening and you could even end the day enjoying a wee dram at the rooftop bar of the Johnnie Walker experience and watch the sunset over the iconic skyline.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Johnnie Walker Experience Read More +

Activity: Johnnie Walker Experience
Pre Dinner Drinks:
Start Location: 145 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL | Start Time: 18:30
Booking Reference: B7E2236394028745
Website: https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb

Day 7 - Friday 4th October - Exploring Edinburgh

The ancient streets of Edinburgh are famous for their links to boy wizards, secret spies and ancient royalty but today you will see the city from a different perspective.  With a true local at the wheel, whizz through the streets in a Mini Cooper visiting the lesser known places with incredible stories of life in the city.  From the narrow closes of the Old Town to the water of Leith, you will be captivated by the stories and places you visit.  After lunch in a local pub the afternoon is free to continue exploring or simply relax at your hotel after a busy couple of days.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Mini Cooper Tour Read More +

Activity: Mini Cooper Tour
Mini Mack Tours:
Start Location: The Bonham | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 7 hrs
Phone: +44(0) 7739 060 400

Your Mini Cooper guide/driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 8 - Saturday 5th October - Free Day In Edinburgh

Today is totally free to enjoy being in the city.  Perhaps take a tour of the Castle or head to Leith and wander round the floating palace Britannia, seeing where the late Queen used to relax as she travelled the world on her favourite royal residence.  Or you might want to head out of the city and visit the pretty town of North Berwick and take a trip to Bass Rock to see the incredible Gannet Colony that calls this rock its home.  There are so many options that you are spoilt for choice!

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Sunday 6th October - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and take you to the airport in time for your flight home, taking a small part of Scotland with you and a longing to return.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709442
Pick Up Location: The Bonham | Pick Up Time: 04:00 | Approx Duration: 25 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on 0141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: October 6, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1435
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Departure Time: 07:40

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 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 4 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private transfer to and from the airport on arrival and departure
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Morning tour in a mini cooper
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Meeting with the Keeper of the Books at the oldest lending library in Scotland
    • Mountain Safari with a kilted ranger (not private)
    • Distillery tour and tasting (not private)
    • Session with a local storyteller
    • Boat trip on Loch Tay (not private)
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support form 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.
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Make the experience such as mountain safari and boat trip private
    • Prices available on request
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Kimpton Blythswood Square

11 Blythswood Square | Glasgow |
G2 4AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 248 8888
Web: kimptonblythswoodsquare.com

Grandtully Hotel

Ballintaggart | Grandtully | Perthshire |
PH9 0PX | Phone: +44 (0) 1887 447000
Web: ballintaggart.com

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: 0131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com


Meet Your Guide

Alison Motion

Contact Number: +44 (0)7906 667 355

Its always been about the outdoors. As a teacher, I was forever taking my class outside to learn. This led to being involved in food and farming education, taking teachers and pupils out to learn about our great Scottish food, and our farmers and crofters. Working as part of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) meant I got involved with fabulous people from all over the farming world.

From there I moved to promoting, encouraging and embedding outdoor learning via my role with Grounds for Learning/Learning through Landscapes. I jumped ship when I realised I was spending more time encouraging others to get out from behind the desk rather than getting out there myself. I became a STGA Blue badge (accredited tourist guide in Scotland) and am having a complete blast doing that. Taking people out and about in Scotland doesn’t feel like a job, and I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.

My favourite thing is hillwalking, with over 70 munros under my belt, but I also sea kayak in fair seas, and I am a sometime MTB trails cyclist, and a gardener. I love being in forests, on rivers and coasts. The health and wellbeing aspect of being outdoors is also my bag. For me, it’s not always about the big hills and the long paths, but more about the smaller routes, the history and interesting stuff to look at along the way. I’m also keenly interested in the land use debates ongoing in Scotland just now – its present iteration and its historical roots.