V3 - Johnson's Scottish Adventure

Tuesday 13th August – Thursday 29th August 2024

Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 13th August - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

Once you have checked in you can either choose to relax at the hotel after your travels or head out to start exploring the city.  Perhaps head to the famous Royal Mile which will be a hive of activity with the famous fringe festival in full swing and stop to take in some of the wonderful street performers.  Or you may wish to head away from the crowds and grab a cab to Leith to visit the late Queen’s favourite residence – The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Tonight you can dine out at one of the local eateries and then perhaps head to a local pub to enjoy some live music or one of the many performances that take place all over the city during this month of celebration of the arts.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 14th August - Fringe Festival and the Royal Military Tattoo

The streets are alive this month with the vibrant festival that takes place across the city.  Head out with your expert guide to explore some more of the festival and learn why this has become such an international event.

Of course, if you would prefer to get out of the city, there will be the option to head to Rosslyn Chapel – a stunning example of majestic stonework by master craftsmen.  Famously used in the film adaption of “The Da Vinci Code” discover the story behind the Apprentice Pillar as well as heading down to the cellars perhaps to find some hidden wonders.

Whatever you decide to do, tonight a grand spectacle awaits.  Enjoy a pre show dinner at a local restaurant where you will be entertained by members of the cast before heading to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle where you will take your seats to witness and truly unique event where music and dancers from all over the world perform with military precision.  Get washed away by the stories that are created before your very eyes before the sky lights up with fireworks to signal the end of the show.  What a way to start your Scottish adventure.

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

Day 3 - Thursday 15th August - To the West Coast

It is time to leave the bright lights of the city today and head off into the wilderness to really get under the skin of the country.  Your first stop this morning will be at Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in the country.  Follow in the footsteps of Royalty as you explore the castle, stepping back in time to a different time and learning more about the way life was back then.

Later on, you will journey through the first national park in the UK, stopping off as you see fit to explore some of the area with your guide – perhaps take a leg stretch under the towering Scots Pines or just simply enjoy watching the ever changing scenery pass by as you travel to the west coast through the jagged mountains and across the remote moorlands before arriving on your private island retreat for the next two nights.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Tower Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 16th August - Islands of the West Coast

Scotland has over 900 islands off her coastline and only a few of them are inhabited by humans although most of them are home to some of the wonderful birds and wildlife of the Highlands of Scotland.  A real treat is in store for you today as you board a private boat and head out to explore some of these islands.

See the coastline of the country from a different angle as you glide along the waves with your guide pointing out places of interest such as the colourful harbour of Tobermory, the brochs of Lismore and the incredible cliffs of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.  Sit back and relax as the tide takes you on a journey and you may even spot the friendly seal colony who may pop their heads up to say hello or the basking sharks breaching the surface for some food whipped up by your wake.   A fantastic way to see some more of this ancient land.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: Deluxe Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 17th August - The fabled Isle of Skye

Continuing on your island adventure, you will leave the main land and make your way to the ‘Misty Isle’ along one of the most scenic roads in the whole country.  On the way you will stop in Glen Coe which is steeped in history and you can visit some of the places that changed the fate of Scotland.  From the rock where the signal was given to start the Glencoe Massacre to the place where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard, your guide will regale you with tales of myths, legends and massacre which are woven into the very fabric of life in this ancient land.

Should the timings be right you may also be able to watch the famous Harry Potter Steam Train charge across the Glenfinnan viaduct as it journey’s from the mountains to the sea – don’t forget to look out for any flying cars as well!

In the late afternoon, you will board the ferry and land on the island before making your way to your boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque harbour in the capital Portree.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 18th August - Exploring Skye

Skye – an island of mystic stories where the fairies come out to play and the mountain ridge echos with tales of the past.  Let your guide lead you today as you set off to explore the island and get off the beaten path to places undiscovered.  From the grave of Flora Macdonald who helped Bonny Prince Charlie escape after his defeat to the remote headland of Glendale where the ancient art of sheep fleece dying is making a comeback, there are so many places to discover that you will be spoilt for choice.

Whatever you decide, you will end the day at Dunvegan Castle for a private out of hours tour where you can explore the castle without anyone else and take a behind the ropes tour of the seat of the Macleod Clan.  The home of the Lord of the Isles for over 700 years, you will learn more about the battles between the clans and the legend of the fairy flag and how its magic could still be used today.  After a wonderful experience, you can stop off at a local pub for some dinner before arriving back into Portree in the late evening.  A fantastic way to end your time on the island.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 19th August - Transfer to Torridon

The towering peaks of the Torridon Massif have dominated the horizon while you have been on Skye and today they become a reality as you head back to the mainland to your next destination.

Before you depart Skye, you can stop off to see one of the most photographed castles in the whole country which sits on the edge of three sea lochs and was once a main defence of the country from invading troops.

The drive to Torridon is very picturesque as the dramatic scenery changes from vast moorlands to jagged mountains that shoot up into the sky.  Take your time to stop off and admire the views or to catch a glimpse of a Golden Eagle or the elusive Red Deer that may be proudly standing on the ridge-line before arriving at your incredible hotel on the shores of Loch Torridon.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master

Day 8 - Tuesday 20th August - The Beauty of the North

From your base in the heart of the mountains you can set off today to explore a little bit of the famous NC500.  Head north towards Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle which was once a stronghold of the MacLeods and Mackenzies and offers incredible views back across this stunning part of Scotland.  Explore the ruins of this castle as your guide tells you stories of the Clans and the wars that were waged to lay claim to the lands.

As you go along, your guide will tell you stories of this famous route, the impact it has had on the local areas and also stop off so you can explore some of the lesser known paths and capture some more incredible photographs which will be the envy of your friends back home.  Today is all about taking in your surroundings and learning more about life in Scotland, both in the modern day and the past which still has a strong hold on how the locals live and work to this day.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: Grand Master
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 21st August - The East Coast of Scotland

After spending the last few days exploring the western side of the country, it is time to start heading east for the next leg of your journey.  Take your time as there are plenty of places to stop off such as the Fairy Glen where the local children used to dress the well to scare away the demons, or Channory Point where you can watch the playful dolphins put on a show for you.  There are also options to enjoy a short walk to a local loch or along one of the beaches of the east coast that stretch for miles and off unparalleled views along the coast line.  Your guide will help you make the most out of the day as you continue exploring more of the beautiful country.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Thursday 22nd August - Heading North

Today you have the option to head north to drive along some more of the classic NC500 route with the wonderful coastal views or head inland to the moorlands of Lairg which were once ruled by the Duke of Sutherland who was responsible for the tragic Highland Clearance that uprooted hundreds of Highlanders from their homes.

Another option for today is to visit Dornoch with it’s Royal Golf Course or perhaps a bit further north to Brora which is known for it’s wonderful beach and friendly locals.

Take time to enjoy sitting back with a coffee in a local cafe, meeting some locals and getting a real feel for the buzzing life of the Highlands before ending the day back at the hotel for a tour and tasting of the famous whisky which your hotel is named after.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Friday 23rd August - Monsters, Myths and Legends

Head south this morning to indulge in a day searching for the elusive monster and enjoying hearing more about how this creature of the deep has become such a legend.  Board a boat to enjoy a scenic cruise across the deepest loch in Scotland, keeping your eyes peeled for the tell tale sign of bubbles or the swish of a tail as the curious beast dives back down to the depths.

After an enjoyable time seeing if you can spot Nessie, you can spend some time exploring the most besieged castle in Scotland and hearing how it was blown up at the end of the Jacobite uprising in order to stop anyone else using it as a stronghold.  Discover over 1000 years of history and glimpses into medieval times and the lives of it’s noble residents before heading back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Arriving back at the hotel, you will meet up with a local storyteller who will weave their magic with stories of days gone past, of the legends that are woven into the very fabric of life in this ancient land and the myths that swirl all around the country.  Sit back and relax and relish in the stories that bring the places you have seen so far to life and a promise of more stories yet to visit.

Overnight: Tain | Glenmorangie House
Room Type: The Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Saturday 24th August - Culloden Battlefield and onto Braemar

Leaving the north it is time to start you journey south into the Cairngorms National Park.  First though, your guide will take you to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a private tour of the battlefield with one of their guides imagining what it must have been like for Bonny Prince Charlie on that fateful April day where his troops lost the last ever pitched battle to be fought on this soil.

You’ll continue on this afternoon into the heart of the Cairngorms with options to stop off for a leg stretch or perhaps to grab a coffee in one of the local villages before arriving at your luxury hotel base for the next two nights.  On arrival, if there is time, you can take a tour of the incredible art that this hotel is proud to showcase or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment after a long few days exploring.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Sunday 25th August - The Glens of Glenlivet

Head deep into the glen today as you head off to meet an incredible foodie writer for a culinary experience.  Hear stories of her incredible life and how she raised her family in this remote part of Scotland as you create some fantastic dishes together blending together local produce with some of her signature spices.  After enjoying the fruits of your labour, you can sit on her terrace with only the sound of the birds in the sky and the wind rustling through the grass for company and truly feel that you are in the very heart of this ancient land.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Monday 26th August - Exploring The Balmoral Estate

The next highlight of the trip has arrived today and you will set out to explore the Balmoral Estate.  With the Royal Family in residence, you will be unable to enter the castle but some of the walks on the estate offer incredible views of the late Queen’s favourite residence.

One of the most unique walks on the estate is to the see Cairns that have been erected to members of the Royal Family.  From the huge pyramid in honour of Prince Albert to the smaller cairns in memory of the children Queen Victoria lost – there are stories behind each one and a real insight into the lives of the Royal Family over the last hundred years.

After your estate ramblings, you will have time to admire Crathie Kirk, the church where the Royal’s worship when they are in residence and the little village of Easter Balmoral where most of the estate workers live before returning to the hotel for the night.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Tuesday 27th August - Transfer to Glasgow

Sadly, your time around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is coming to a close as you leave the jagged peaks and remote glens of the largest national park in the UK and head to Scotland’s second city for your last couple of nights.

However, before you start to step back into reality there is one more amazing experience to savour.  Head into the hills for a delicious lunch in a remote bothy where you will meet the family who’s lived and worked on this land for generations.  Hear stories of the lives of their forefathers and take a tour of the family home before continuing on your journey south and your luxury hotel in the heart of Glasgow.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Wednesday 28th August - Glasgow Private Walking Tour & Free Afternoon

Your local city guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and you’ll set off to see the lesser known parts of this famous city (as well as the iconic parts of course!). From the mystical Necropolis Cemetery to the tranquil Botanic Gardens and from the incredible street art that adorns the sides of many buildings to the vibrant West End, there are so many places to see and so many stories to learn that you’ll wonder how to fit it all in!

There will be time this afternoon to do some last minute souvenier shopping should you wish or to take advantage of the spa facilities at your hotel before your flight home tomorrow.

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: One Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17 - Thursday 29th August - 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
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 17
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 3 to Day 15
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 15
  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Activities and entry fees specifically:
    • Entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia
    • Full day with a local expert guide in Edinburgh
    • Entry to Rosslyn Chapel
    • Pre show dining and Premier Seats at the Royal Military Tattoo
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Private boat trip off the west coast
    • Ferry to Skye
    • Private out of hours tour of Dunvegan Castle
    • Entry to Eilean Donan Castle
    • Tour and Tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery
    • Boat trip on Loch Ness
    • Entry to Urquhart Castle
    • Private session with a local storyteller
    • Private expert guide at Culloden Battlefield
    • Private cookery workshop with an acclaimed foodie writer
    • Private gormet picnic at a remote bothy
    • Expert local guide for the day in Glasgow
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Upgrade to dinner in the castle and seats in the Royal Gallery at the Military Tattoo – £345 GBP per person
  • Upgrade to a private distillery tour and tasting – price on request as we need to get the pricing from the distillery.
Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £24,095 GBP per person

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.