Scotland Family Adventure: Castles, Wildlife & Legends

The Daskalopoulou Family

Monday 9th June – Friday 13th June 2025

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

Scotland is a land of wild beauty, ancient history, and magical stories—a place where adventure awaits around every corner. This carefully curated self-drive journey invites your family to immerse yourselves in Highland landscapes, hands-on history, and incredible wildlife encounters. From spotting polar bears in the mountains to steering a mini Land Rover, and from island castle explorations to mythical horse sculptures, this trip blends fun, discovery, and luxury. Enjoy stays in handpicked accommodations, where comfort meets adventure, and spend your days exploring Scotland at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Step into Scotland’s ancient past at the Scottish Crannog Centre.
  • Embark on a wildlife safari by boat, spotting otters, ospreys, and red deer.
  • Explore the great castles of Scotland, bringing history to life for all ages.
  • Relax in handpicked accommodation famed for Highland hospitality.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 9th June - Arrive in Edinburgh & Travel to Pitlochry

Your Scottish family adventure begins as you arrive in Edinburgh and collect your hire car. Heading north, your first stop is Jupiter Artland, a unique outdoor sculpture park that blends creativity and nature—the perfect playground for little explorers. Continue into the Highlands, arriving in the charming town of Pitlochry. Check into Fonab Castle, your luxury retreat for the next two nights. If time allows, enjoy a gentle lochside walk or wander through the town, soaking up the relaxed Highland atmosphere.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Pine Trees Hotel
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 10th June - Exploring Highland Perthshire

Begin the day with an exhilarating boat safari on Loch Tay, gliding across the water as you keep an eye out for ospreys, deer, and other native wildlife. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories of the loch’s past and present. Next, step back in time at the Scottish Crannog Centre, where you’ll discover how people lived thousands of years ago. Try your hand at ancient crafts—weaving, fire-making, and woodwork—and imagine life in Scotland’s distant past. Enjoy lunch in the nearby village of Aberfeldy, home to charming shops and cafés, before heading to the Red Deer Centre. Follow the discovery trail, get up close to Scotland’s iconic red deer, meet a friendly barn owl, and let your little adventurer drive their own mini Land Rover—a truly unforgettable experience! Before returning to your hotel this evening, stop at the Highland Chocolatier, where you can sample award-winning handmade chocolates—the perfect sweet ending to your day.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Pine Trees Hotel
Room Type: Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 11th June - Meeting Highland Wildlife

Bid farewell to Pitlochry and journey to the Highland Wildlife Park, where Scotland’s native and exotic creatures roam the rolling landscape. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with polar bears, snow leopards, wildcats, wolves, and more. After a morning of animal encounters, continue west to Nevis Range, where you’ll take the gondola up the mountain for spectacular Highland views. If your little explorer has energy to burn, there are short scenic trails at the top, or you can simply relax with a hot chocolate overlooking the mountains. By late afternoon, arrive in Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. Your home for the night is Glencoe House, where luxury meets wild glens and lochs.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 12th June - Castles and legends of Glencoe

This morning, take a private boat trip to Castle Stalker, one of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote strongholds. Meet the castle’s owner, hear its fascinating history, and explore this fairytale fortress on its own tiny island. After lunch, head back to Glencoe and visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits bring the valley’s dramatic history to life. Learn about the Jacobite era, clan battles, and the tragic massacre of Glencoe. The take a short walk to a Turf House where you can explore a reconstruction of a traditional Highland croft. Enjoy your final evening in Glencoe, soaking up the peaceful Highland surroundings.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: Two Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 13th June - History, Horses & Return to Edinburgh

This morning, journey south through the ever-changing Highland scenery, making your way to Stirling Castle. Perched high on a volcanic rock, this historic fortress is a fantastic place for families, with costumed guides, hands-on exhibits, and grand halls to explore. Continuing towards Edinburgh, stop at The Kelpies, Scotland’s iconic 30-metre-tall steel horse sculptures. Visit the exhibition centre to learn about these mythical creatures and let your little adventurer run wild in the adventure zone. Your journey ends in Edinburgh, where you’ll return your hire car and settle into your final hotel, reflecting on a magical Scottish adventure filled with history, nature, and unforgettable experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 4 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 days luxury car hire
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Jupiter Artland
    • Safari boat trip
    • Entry to the Scottish Crannog Centre
    • Red deer discovery experience
    • Mini Landrover experience
    • Entry to the Highland Wildlife Park
    • Tickets to the Nevis Range Gondola
    • Private boat trip to Castle Stalker with the owner
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Entry to the Kelpies Experience
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the on the ground team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Parking charges
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% 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.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Pine Trees Hotel

Strathview Terrace | Pitlochry |
PH16 5QR | Phone: 01796 472 121
Web: pinetreeshotel.co.uk

Glencoe House

Glencoe | West Highlands |
PH49 4HT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 811 179
Web: glencoe-house.com