Wilson Family Scottish Adventure - Final Information

Day 1 - Wednesday 19^th June - Welcome to Scotland

Your private driver will meet you at Edinburgh Airport and you will set off for St Andrews. Enjoy the scenic drive stop for passing through Fife’s picturesque coastal villages, before arriving in the historic University town of St Andrews.

Drive time from Edinburgh Airport to Rusacks St Andrews is around 1hr 30 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Once settled in your luxurious accommodation, take a stroll with a expert city guide to explore this historic university town. More recently the Prince & Princess of Wales famously met during their studies here but St Andrews is much better known for being the home of golf. You can feel the years of history in the streets and the soaring heights of the cathedral.

This evening, your expert private guide Douglas who will also be your driver for your onward adventures will pop by your hotel to introduce himself.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Linked King Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 20^th June - Fife Food Tour & Culinary Experience

This morning you will meet Douglas, your guide and a local chef who will lead today’s culinary tour and cookery experience, beginning in the historic town of St Andrews.

This area is famous for it’s array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and bakery treats. Engage with passionate vendors eager to share their knowledge and expertise as you select ingredients for the day’s cooking adventure.

After gathering your provisions, head to the chef’s home kitchen, nestled amidst the scenic coastal landscape. Under his guidance, immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class, learning the secrets of traditional Scottish cuisine with a modern twist. From crafting savoury seafood dishes using the finest local produce to learning the history that has created these regional flavours, every moment promises to tantalise your taste buds and ignite your culinary creativity. After a rewarding day in the kitchen, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, savouring each bite.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Linked King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 21^st June - Transfer to Gleneagles

Your guide will meet you in the foyer of your hotel this morning and together you will head west to Gleneagles. Stopping to visit the inspiring V&A Dundee on route, showcasing fresh Scottish design and its long heritage, enjoy some lunch before your onward journey to settle in at Gleneagles.

Arriving at the hotel, you will have time to settle in and relax before Liam and Matt embark on an afternoon activity of Clay Pigeon shooting at Gleneagles shooting school and Lilly and Kristin enjoy an afternoon tea in the beautiful dining room.*All activities at Gleneagles will be charged to your room.

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

Drive time from Rusacks Hotel to Gleneagles is around 1hr 30mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Saturday 22^nd June - Landrover Safari & Wildlife Experience

This morning your guide will meet you in hotel reception. Arm yourselves with cameras and head north into the enchanting glen and prepare to delve deep into the wilderness on a private landrover 4×4 safari with a kilted Ranger. As you explore, look out for the russet red coats of red deer and the soaring silhouettes of golden eagles. Listen out for the chattering disapproval of grouse as they flap comically above the heath, chatting to your guide about the land’s topography. Returning to the valley to meet some Red Deer up close.

On your return to the hotel, Liam and Matt will head back to the shooting school for a session of Archery followed by an Air Rifle experience to finish the day.

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

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sunday 23^rd June - Indulge at Gleneagles

Today, you will stay local and indulge in all that Gleneagles has to offer. After breakfast, make your way through the hotel to the tranquility of the spa or take some time out for a little retail therapy in the beautiful arcade situated inside the hotel.

At 10am, head out for tree climbing and zip wire fun with a Gleneagles guide.

After some lunch at 2.30pm gather in the beautiful grounds for a Family Falconry experience which is sure to be a trip highlight.

There are many additional experiences you can pre-book from tennis to bike hire, not forgetting the numerous dining options from casual lunch options to fine Scottish fare, you will be spoilt for choice.

Today is your day to explore the wonders of a place that truly demonstrates the best Scotland has to offer.

Your guide will be on hand today if needed and will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 24^th June - Journey North to the Cairngorm National Park

After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and commence your journey to the Cairngorms National Park.

Along the way, enjoy a visit to historic Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue north.

Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. If time allows and you’re eager for adventure, your guide can suggest a picturesque walk amidst the stunning countryside. Settle into your accommodations and perhaps take a leisurely stroll and prepare for your adventures ahead in the Cairngorms.

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

Drive time from Gleneagles to The Fife Arms is around 2hrs depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture Double & 1 x Scottish Culture Twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 25^th June - Fly Fishing & Exploring Breamar

Today you will immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Braemar, starting with a morning of salmon or trout fishing on the Dee, Don, or Tay rivers guided by local experts. After a hearty breakfast, cast your line into the pristine waters, surrounded by the majestic Scottish Highlands.

In the afternoon, take advantage of the serene ambiance to engage in wild sketching. Conclude your day with a wander around the local village and dinner at the Fife Arms, enjoy dishes inspired by the flavours of the Highlands and reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable experiences and artistic inspiration.

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

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture Double & 1 x Scottish Culture Twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 26^th June - Hiking & Balmoral Castle

This morning, head out with your guide for a hiking experience in the beautiful woodlands surrounding Breamar. Walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, listening out for the white-water rush of a river and the bright sing-song call of a blackbird.

After lunch, enjoy a visit to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. Take a tour of the grounds, gardens and exhibitions before returning to your hotel to enjoy some of the food and drink on offer.

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

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture Double & 1 x Scottish Culture Twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 27^th June - Welcome to Edinburgh

It’s time to head back to where it all started, Edinburgh. You will be collected by a private driver and driven to your luxurious and iconic hotel in the city centre. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore a little before enjoying dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Drive time from Fife Arms to The Balmoral is around 2hrs 40 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Two Bedroom Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Friday 28^th June - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

In late afternoon, continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

At 4pm, you will join the public Harry Potter Trail, following in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling and her beloved Harry Potter characters on this enchanting tour.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Two Bedroom Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 29^th June - The Underground Tales of Edinburgh

After breakfast, your private city guide will meet you in the foyer of your hotel and take you on a tour of the city, showing you any sites that have sparked your interest. Later in the morning you will join a walking tour through Mary King’s Close, the underground alleyways of Edinburgh, where you’ll get to know the everyday lives of the people who once called these streets home. Get acquainted with royal visitors, and meet Edinburgh’s most infamous physician, the Plague Doctor.

After lunch enjoy some free time exploring, perhaps nosing into some of the independent shops that jostle for space on the colourful streets. Spend the evening indulging in some fine Scottish cuisine, celebrating your adventures together, before departing in the morning.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Two Bedroom Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 30^th June - 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