Thompson Family Adventure in Wales and Scotland

Tuesday 16th July – Thursday 25th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

From the hanging valleys of Wales to the high peaks of the Cairngorms, this ten day itinerary explores the heart of these Celtic countries and will create memories that will linger long after you leave these shores.  Feel your heart race as you hurtle down one of the fastest zip lines in the world, your skin tingle as you swim in cool mountain rivers and your tastebuds explode as you create cocktails from foraged goodies.  Your expert guides will get you off the beaten path and under the skin of this ancient land to create a trip you will never forget.

Highlights

  • Explore castles and medieval towns in Scotland and Wales
  • Hike up mountains in the Cairngorms National Park
  • Get up close to wildlife on a private boat trip on the Menai straights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 16th July - Arrival in England

As you step off the plane at London Heathrow, prepare to start your adventure through England and Wales. Your private guide will be waiting in the arrivals hall, ready to escort you on an unforgettable journey. The first leg of your expedition begins with a scenic drive to the historic town of Oxford. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of cobblestone streets and iconic architecture, exploring the city’s renowned university and its rich cultural heritage. After a delightful tour, you’ll venture into the Welsh mountains, where the landscape unfolds in breathtaking vistas. Your destination is Menai Bridge, nestled in the heart of Wales, providing a picturesque home base for the duration of your Welsh sojourn. Get ready for a fusion of history, natural beauty, and cultural immersion as you embark on this enchanting voyage through England and Wales.

Overnight: Wales | Chateau Rhianfa
Room Type: Gate Lodge Cottage
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 17th July - Exploration of Conwy

In the heart of Wales, your day unfolds in the charming town of Conwy, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Begin your morning with a visit to the majestic Conwy Castle, an imposing fortress that stands proudly against the backdrop of the town. Explore its medieval towers and ramparts, soaking in the rich tales of bygone eras. Next, immerse yourself in the architectural splendour of Plas Mawr, a beautifully preserved Elizabethan townhouse that whispers secrets of the past. As lunchtime arrives, indulge in the flavours of local Welsh cuisine at one of Conwy’s quaint eateries, savouring dishes that showcase the region’s culinary heritage. With the echoes of medieval history and the taste of Welsh delicacies lingering, spend the afternoon strolling through Conwy’s charming streets, embracing the warm hospitality and unique culture of this enchanting town.

Overnight: Wales | Chateau Rhianfa
Room Type: Gate Lodge Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 18th July - Welsh Adventures

Gear up for an exhilarating morning at Zip World, where adventure beckons in the form of the Velocity zip line and Aero Explorer. Your heart races as you soar through the Welsh skies on the Velocity, experiencing the adrenaline rush of being one of the fastest zip lines in the world. The Aero Explorer, a unique zip line and coaster hybrid, adds an extra layer of excitement as you navigate the twists and turns above the stunning landscape. After a morning of high-flying thrills, transition to the tranquillity of the water for an afternoon of private e-foil lessons. Glide gracefully over the waves, mastering the art of e-foiling under the guidance of expert instructors. It’s a day of contrasts, blending the excitement of adventure with the serenity of water, promising an unforgettable Welsh experience at the intersection of thrill and skill.

Overnight: Wales | Chateau Rhianfa
Room Type: Gate Lodge Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 19th July - A Taste of Wales

Prepare for maritime adventure as you step onto a private RIB to cruise along the enchanting Menai Strait.  Feel the wind in your hair as the boat dances over the waves and the seabirds swirl above your head, creating an exhilarating experience. After this seabird spectacle, return to the charming town for a private tour of artisan suppliers. Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of local creators, whether it’s traditional crafts, artisanal foods, or unique souvenirs. The culmination of your day is a culinary exploration, savouring the taste of Wales through a curated selection of local delicacies. Spend the afternoon in the mountains exploring the land on foot. From land to sea, and from nature to culture, this day promises an immersive and delightful Welsh experience.

Overnight: Wales | Chateau Rhianfa
Room Type: Gate Lodge Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 20th July - To Scotland

A private transfer will take you to the airport this morning in time for your flight to Inverness.  On arrival in the capital of the Highlands you will be met by your Scottish driver guide where, depending on your time of arrival, there may be time to stop off to explore the site of the bloodiest battle in Scottish history – where Bonny Prince Charlie’s men were defeated in a mere 90 minutes by the English Army.  Tonight you will rest your heads at your luxury accommodation in the heart of the Cairngorms ready for your Scottish adventure to start tomorrow.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Sunday 21st July - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Spend the day connecting to nature as you head off the beaten path with your guide.  Feel the crunch of the earth beneath your feet and the whisper of the wind through the trees as you walk through ancient pine forests or across windswept ridges.  There are so many options to chose from today that you will be spoilt for choice and your guide will discuss all the options with you so that you make the best out of your day.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 22nd July - Wild Swimming and Cocktails

An invigorating start of the day today, as you head to a secluded spot deep in the heart of the forest for a refreshing dip in a local stream.  Under the watchful eye of your experienced instructor, feel your skin tingle as you dip into the refreshing water before warming up on dry land with a wee dram.

This afternoon, you will meet up with a local forager and spend time burrowing in the undergrowth for ingredients to make your own cocktails!  From fir needles to pine cones, you’ll be surprised what you can concoct with tasty treats found in the forest.  A fantastic way to end your time in the Highlands.

Overnight: Cairngorms | Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 23rd July - To Perthshire

Leaving the jagged peaks of Royal Deeside behind, you will head south this morning to the rolling hills of Perthshire.  On the way you will stop off to visit Blair Castle, which is home to the only private army in the UK.  Meet the Archivist in the exclusive library for a talk about how Queen Victoria was guarded by this army during her stay here before taking a tour of the castle.  Continue onto your castle hotel where you can take a late afternoon stroll around the loch before indulging in a sumptuous dinner this evening

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

Day 9 - Wednesday 24th July - Hiking in Perthshire

Spend your final day in Scotland exploring the hills that surround the pretty town of Pitlochry.  Lace up your boots and breathe in the crisp highland air as you head into the hills one last time.  Scan the skies above your head for birds of prey circling looking for their next meal, search the ridge lines for the silhouette of the majestic red deer or simply enjoy the silence as you stand taking in the incredible vistas that the climb to the top of these mountains provide.

Back at the hotel for your last night, you will meet with a local storyteller who will regale you with tales of days gone by as you sit back and raise a glass to your Celtic adventure.

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

Day 10 - Thursday 25th July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 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 9
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private airport transfer on Day 10
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Entry to Conwy Castle
    • Entry to Plas Mawr
    • Entry to Zipworld – Velocity
    • Entry to Zipworld – Aero Explorer
    • Private E-foil Lessons
    • Private RIB
    • Entry to Culloden Battlefield
    • Private Wild Swimming experience
    • Private foraging and cocktail experience
    • Tour of Blair Castle
    • Private session with a local storyteller
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
Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at London Heathrow at on the first day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.

Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.