Friday 24th January – Thursday 6th February 2025
Begin your day with a scenic morning transfer from London to the picturesque Cotswolds, making a memorable stop en-route at Avebury Henge. Here, meet a knowledgeable local Blue Badge guide who will lead you through the fascinating stone circle, sharing the mysteries and history of this ancient site. Unlike its more famous counterpart, Stonehenge, Avebury allows you to walk freely among the stones, offering a more immersive and personal experience.
After exploring Avebury, continue to the elegant city of Bath for an enriching afternoon walking tour. Stroll through the Georgian streets as your local expert Blue Badge guide highlights Bath’s storied past, including the iconic Roman Baths, stunning Bath Abbey and other architectural marvels that make this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms (as Twins)
Meals Included: None
This morning, meet your Wilderness guide and spend a delightful day uncovering the charm of the Cotswolds. Begin your day with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where charming bridges span the River Windrush. Next, explore the idyllic villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, connected by a scenic riverside walk that showcases the area’s tranquil beauty. For a unique perspective, hop on an e-bike and enjoy a leisurely ride through the scenic countryside, allowing you to cover more ground while soaking in the stunning vistas. Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, a market town steeped in history and famed for its antique shops. Finally, conclude your journey in Broadway, known for its honey-coloured stone buildings and inviting shops. Wander its picturesque streets before making your way back to your hotel to relax for the evening.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Comfy Rooms (as Twins)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend the day uncovering the treasures of Oxford with a local Blue Badge guide, who will bring the “City of Dreaming Spires” to life through its rich history and academic legacy. Wander through the historic colleges of the University of Oxford, marvelling at their stunning architecture and tranquil courtyards. Visit the iconic Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera, while hearing tales of famous alumni and scholarly achievements. Your guide will also lead you through Oxford’s charming streets, highlighting landmarks such as the Bridge of Sighs and Christ Church College, known for its connections to literature and film.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Comfy Rooms (as Twins)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Travel from the charming Cotswolds to the breathtaking Lake District with your Wilderness guide on a journey that weaves through picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages. Sit back and relax as the scenic vistas unfold, culminating in your arrival at the heart of England’s most beloved national park, known for its serene lakes and dramatic fells. Stop en route at Aston Hall, a grand Jacobean mansion nestled in the heart of the English countryside. Steeped in history, this stunning building offers a glimpse into 17th-century life, with its impressive architecture, beautifully furnished rooms, and expansive gardens.
Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful afternoon as you board a traditional steamer boat for a scenic journey across Ullswater Lake. Revel in the breathtaking landscapes that unfold along the tranquil water, immersing yourself in the serenity of this iconic region. Perhaps treat yourself to a leisurely lunch in the lovely town, savouring local flavours and soaking in the lakeside ambience.
Overnight: Windermere | Linthwaite House
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms (as Twins)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Step into the literary world of William and Dorothy Wordsworth with a visit to their home, where the Lake District played muse to these iconic writers. Immerse yourself in the ambience that shaped your creative endeavours, gaining insights into their writing style and the profound influence of the surrounding landscapes. Indulge in a tasting of Grasmere Gingerbread, a local delight, before a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Ambleside.
Post-indulgence, take a tranquil stroll around the scenic shores of Windermere, soaking in the natural beauty. The afternoon unfolds at Beatrix Potter House, where you can explore the enchanting world of the beloved children’s author and illustrator, rounding off a day filled with literary and scenic delights in the heart of the Lake District.
Overnight: Windermere | Linthwaite House
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms (as Twins)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, take a direct train from Oxenholme to Glasgow train station. On arrival you’ll be greeted by your experienced guide, who will also be your driver throughout your time in Scotland. From Glasgow, your adventure begins as you head north towards the breathtaking Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch and the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
You will stop at Cameron House for the evening and depending on your energy levels you can either choose to relax in your accommodation or head down to reception and indulge in some of the activities on offer at the hotel. These range from the classic British afternoon tea, to thrilling 4×4 off road adventures.
Please note: Train times to be released at a later date
Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: 2x Loch View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and getting back on the road towards your next destination, the spectacular Glencoe. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, this area offers some wild and scenic hiking. You can stop off with your Wilderness guide and take on a gentle hike to see the sort of scenery your clients will experience on their trips. You can discuss with your guide what sort of hike you feel comfortable with, but some recommendations we have are, Signal Rock and An Torr or the Glencoe Lochan Trails. Both are gentle walks of roughly 2.5km (roughly 1hr 30mins) and offer amazing views of the surrounding areas.
You could also spend some time exploring the areas linked to the 007 film franchise. Visit the location for 007’s fictional ancestral home, Skyfall, and get an understanding of why this location was chosen as the back drop for this famous movie.
Tonight relax together and listen to a local storyteller sharing stories of the past, as well as some Scottish legends that have been passed down through families over hundreds of years. Share your own stories from your trip so far, laugh about your new memories, and enjoy your evening in Glencoe.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 2 Bedroom Suite - Twinned rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and if you time it right, you may get lucky and see the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way over the graceful arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continue on and admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.
Once on Skye, stop off for a site visit and tour around Kinloch Lodge on your way up to Portree, and take a stroll around Kinloch Forest featuring the remnants of an old settlement. The hike offers views back out along the south of the island and its rugged, less explored coastline.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 2x Deluxe Turret Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning you will get out and explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscapes, offering unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations, with sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.
In the afternoon, set out on a boat trip into the Sound of Raasay. You will be met by breathtaking views of Skye and the Isle of Raasay, providing the perfect backdrop for wildlife spotting. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, and, if you’re fortunate, catch a glimpse of the majestic white-tailed eagle. While sightings of dolphins and whales are rare and more common in the summer months, they add an extra touch of excitement to this memorable experience.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 2x Deluxe Turret Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, after a hearty Scottish breakfast, you will wave goodbye to Skye and all its magic, and head back for mainland Scotland. You route will take you past the iconic Eilean Donan castle, used in notable movies, such as James Bond “The World is Not Enough”. This ancient castle, perched on an outcrop of land at the meeting of three sea lochs is one of Scotland’s most photographed locations and is a must see spot in the highlands.
From one iconic Scottish location to another. Next stop on your journey today is the most famous loch in Scotland, and the home to the creature know as Nessie, Loch Ness. Here boat trips offer clients the chance to get out onto the glistening loch, providing spectacular views of dense forest, jagged ridge lines and crumbling castle remains. The boat trip also offers some insight into the legend that “lurks in the water’, allowing you to decide for yourself if you believe in the mythical creatures existence.
Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: 2 Bedroom suite/cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning kicks off with a visit to the Wilderness Scotland office in the charming village of Aviemore! Sink into cozy sofas by the crackling log fire, sip on a warm drink, and meet the team who put together and run the amazing trips for your clients. This is a chance to put the faces to the names you’ve seen at the bottom of your emails!
From there, you’ll hit the road for one of Scotland’s most breathtaking drives, following the Highland Tourist Route and Snow Roads through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way you’ll see a mix of rugged ridge mountain tops, heather covered slopes and dense forest, giving you a sense of some of Scotland’s grand wilderness. As you wind through this spectacular landscape, keep your eyes peeled for Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat of the British Royal Family and a cherished favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth. It’s a day filled with scenic beauty, rich traditions, and a true taste of Highland life!
Today’s journey concludes in the village of Braemar, and your accommodation for the evening, the magnificent Fife Arms Hotel. Once you are settled in, its time to experience the thrill of an off road 4×4 experience! You’ll learn about the landscape, history, and wildlife of the region, and if you’re very lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel, mountain hare, red deer, or the majestic golden eagle. This experience truly takes you off the beaten path and into some of Scotland’s less discovered areas, offering a rare chance to connect with the wild beauty of the Highlands.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2x Scottish Culture, twinned
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast your guide will meet you in the foyer of the hotel and you will begin your journey south. On the way enjoy the scenery as rugged mountains turn into rolling hills. You will get the chance to stop off for a site visit at Gleneagles hotel and explore this wonderful location and all it has to offer your clients.
From here you will continue on towards Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and your final destination of the trip. Here you will stay at The Bonham hotel, in the west end of the city. In the afternoon you’ll get the chance to visit and tour some of the hotels your clients will stay at during their time in Edinburgh. These hotels include: Intercontinental (The George), The Balmoral, Gleneagles Townhouse, and 100 Princess street. You will be able to split these site visits over today and tomorrows itinerary. Our Wilderness guide will be on hand to help you navigate around the city and make sure you can make the most of your time there.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 2x Superior twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, met your Wilderness guide at the hotel and then you have a full day to explore what this unique and historical city has to offer your clients. Spend some time conducting site visits to hotels that you didn’t visit yesterday, as well as exploring some of the popular areas for tourists and get a sense for how your clients may feel when visiting Edinburgh.
In the evening head out into Old Town Edinburgh and take your pick of restaurants for dinner. You can choose from exquisite fine-dining to more classic traditional pubs and restaurants. This area of Edinburgh has something to suit everyone, so you shouldn’t struggle to find something that takes your fancy!
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 2x Superior twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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.
Please see our booking terms here.
Friday 24th January – Thursday 6th February 2025