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A Highland Adventure

The Quayle Family

Sunday 20^th July – Sunday 27^th July 2025

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

On a bespoke, meticulously crafted trip, enjoy a family adventure based in an enchanting castle in the heart of the Highlands. A your quintessential fairytale castle, the turrets of Aldourie are surrounded by beautiful gardens, old deciduous woodland and open wildflower meadows. Here, every aspect of your adventure is meticulously taken care of, from thrilling outdoor excursions guided by expert wilderness guides to serene moments of relaxation within the castle’s opulent interiors. With attentive staff ensuring your every need is met and bespoke dining experiences showcasing the finest Scottish cuisine, as well as fun and unique activities, your Wilderness Scotland adventure promises to be an unforgettable journey where luxury, adventure, and unparalleled hospitality converge to create cherished memories for the whole family.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Sunday 20^th July | Arrive at Aldourie Castle | Overnight: Loch Ness

Day 2 | Monday 21^st July | Explore Aldourie | Overnight: Loch Ness

Day 3 | Tuesday 22^nd July | Golf and the Cairngorms National Park | Overnight: Loch Ness

Day 4 | Wednesday 23^rd July | Jacobite Steam Train and the West Coast | Overnight: Loch Ness

Day 5 | Thursday 24^th July | Aldourie and Highland Games | Overnight: Loch Ness

Day 6 | Friday 25^th July | To Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 7 | Saturday 26^th July | Explore Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 8 | Sunday 27^th July | Depart

Highlights

Stay in a exclusive, 300 year old Baronial castle surrounded by stunning countryside.
Jump on the Jacobite Steam Train and visit the west coast.
Experaince a private boat trip on Loch Ness, witness the spectacle of a falconry display and learn to ceilidh dance.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 20^th July - Arrive at Aldourie Castle

Arriving in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, you’ll meet the Wilderness Team and transfer to Aldourie Castle, an exclusive destination on the southern shores of Loch Ness. Here, you’ll settle into the relaxed luxury of your fairytale castle. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to enjoy a spa treatment, make use of the floating sauna or take a wander around the garden and grounds.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Monday 21^st July - Explore Aldourie

After breakfast, choose how to spend your day. Guides will be on hand for those that want to hike, bike or paddle. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, spend the morning creating with a jewellery-making workshop, designing rings, pendants, earrings, or broaches as keepsakes to take home. This afternoon, some of the family may enjoy a spot of wild swimming, warming up afterwards in the floating sauna and stretching off with a private yoga session, sound bath and massage. Finish the day with archery on the castle lawns and an incredible falconry display. As the warm July sunshine glows gold above the trees, look forward to champagne and canapés on the lawn before settling down to an alfresco BBQ.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday 22^nd July - Golf and the Cairngorms National Park

After breakfast, some of the party may wish to tee off on Royal Dornoch Golf Course or take a helicopter to play in St Andrews. For others, the poignant Culloden Battlefield and centre, the Bronze Age burial cairn and the standing stones of Clava Cairns are well worth a visit. Later, Johnstons of Elgin will welcome you for a private tour of the mill and a 5* luxury shopping experience. After a fantastic day, return to Aldourie and take some time to relax. Festooned with fairy lights and tucked within the bounds of a beautiful walled garden, enjoy making botanical cocktails in the ornate greenhouse before sitting down to a lovely dinner in a magical setting. After dinner this evening, indulge in a guided whisky tasting, learning more about the golden tipple.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Wednesday 23^rd July - Jacobite Steam Train and the West Coast

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Glen to Fort William. Here, from beneath the looming peak of Ben Nevis, catch the Jacobite Steam Train – considered to be one of the greatest train journeys in the world. Cross the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films and disembark in the pretty working fishing port of Mallaig. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of sea-kayaking, heading out into a sheltered bay to explore the turquoise waters of Arisaig, spotting seals and seabirds. Or, play a round of golf on a short 9-hole course which offers incredible views to nearby islands. Return to Aldourie this evening for a relaxing dinner in the castle.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Thursday 24^th July - Aldourie and Highland Games

Today, choose to enjoy some fly-fishing or horse riding. For those who wish to stay at the castle, enjoy a morning bushcraft session and a wild foraging experience. An excellent activity for all ages, you’ll learn how to light a fire, build shelters and carve wood. Later this afternoon, the whole family will gather together to experience a tradition that has been part of Scotland’s history for hundreds of years: the Highland Games. Listen to the skirl of the bagpipes while competing in events such as welly-boot hurling, shot put and tug o’war. This evening, a celebratory gala dinner to bring your time in the Highlands to an end.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Friday 25^th July - To Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Aldourie and return to Edinburgh. On the way, stop at the Highland Folk Museum and walk back through the past from the 1950s to the 1700s, visiting different dwellings and seeing how ancient Highlanders lived. Arrive in Edinburgh this afternoon with time to settle in to your hotel. Later this evening enjoy a private tour of Mary Kings Close, heading down into the vaults of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 26^th July - Explore Edinburgh

This morning, head to Leith to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia and discover this incredible floating palace. Later, return to the city centre and spend the afternoon exploring the winding streets and cobbled closes. Take a tour of Edinburgh Castle, visiting the battlements, the Crown Jewels and the dungeon! Later, enjoy a final family dinner together before cosying up in your rooms for your last night in Scotland.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 27^th July - Depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
Meals as indicated above
Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 8
Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 8
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Personalised trip design and delivery
Snacks throughout the trip
24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team

Exclusions Read More