Michael Triguboff's 70th Birthday Celebrations

Day 1 - Tuesday 18^th March - To the Cairngorms National Park

Your private guides will meet you at Inverness airport this morning and you will set off to the largest National Park in the UK.  On arrival in the sleepy village of Braemar. you can head out for an afternoon hike around the beautiful Loch Muick, breathing in the crisp mountain air and keeping your eyes peeled for some of the wildlife that calls this place home.

For the non hikers you will meet with a local guide who will take you on an amazing foraging experience through the village, collecting local flora and fauna and explaining how the Highlanders used to live off the land many years ago.  You will then create some fantastic cocktails to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Tonight, you will all meet up again and enjoy an evening with a local storyteller who will regale you with tales of days gone by and the myths and legends that are woven into the very fabric of life here in the heart of Scotland before enjoying dinner in the Flying Stag, the onsite pub frequented by locals and residents alike.

Hike Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 200 m / 656 ft of ascent

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 3 x Scottish Culture Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 19^th March - Spirit and Spice and All Things Nice

You’ll all head out together today for a wonderful day deep in the Glenlivet Whisky Hills.  For the hikers, you may set off a bit earlier so you can work up an appetite as you hike across the ladder hills to the remote farmhouse retreat of a food anthropologist where you will spend the day indulging in a spirit and spice workshop.  Break down the flavours and aromas in whisky and then build them back up again with food, experiencing the different flavours that make your taste buds tingle as you devour the tasty morsels.

Sitting on her deck with just the sound of birdsong for company, you are truly going to be in the middle of the wilderness and can sit back, relax and let the stories of this amazing woman’s life wash over you as you sip on the delicious Uisge Beatha.

You will all return to the hotel in the late afternoon where you can freshen up and then head out the Fish Shop, a wonderful local eatery where you can dine in the bar and enjoy some local beer or gin perhaps!

Hike Details: 14.5km / 9 miles | 519m / 1702ft of ascent

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 3 x Scottish Culture Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 20^th March - Bag another munro

The hikers of the group will head out to tackle Lochnagar this morning. This is considered by some to be the finest peak in the whole Cairngorms and it’s easy to see why. Its northern flank boasts spectacular cliffs that perfectly frame the small loch that gives the mountain its name.  Hike to the summit on your last full day in Scotland and enjoy a wee dram at the top to toast your success.

For the non hikers, you can enjoy a day out exploring the wonderful scenery of this part of the Highlands.  Perhaps take a visit to Braemar Castle with it’s beautiful gardens and tragic history, or head to the Balmoral Estate, beloved home of the late Queen for a walk under the towering pines and to explore the state rooms at the castle as well as the grounds.

For your last night in Scotland you are in for a treat.  A private dinner in the Fog House awaits as you take your seats for a delicious final meal to the sound of some local trad music.  When you are ready, a private tutor will join you to teach you the steps of some famous ceilidh dances – learn the Dashing White Sargent, Strip the Willow and Gay Gordons as you take your partner by the hand and swing them round the floor.  A wonderful end to your time in Scotland.

Hike Details: 20 km / 12 miles | 930 m / 3,051 ft of ascent

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 3 x Scottish Culture Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Friday 21^st March - To Edinburgh

It is time to leave the jagged peaks and glittering lochs of the Cairngorms today and head to the bright lights of the city for one last night on Scottish soil.

On arrival in Edinburgh, you will be able to enjoy some cultural activities after a few days of hiking.  Meet up with an expert city guide and head to the University to explore this wonderful place of learning that dates back to 1583.  Later on, you can wander along the Royal Mile, soaking in the sites and visiting places that are only known to the locals while your guide tells stories of the city and lets you get under the skin of this ancient city.

Tonight, you can dine at one of the many wonderful pubs in the city, and you never know – there may be some live music so you can raise a glass to your Scottish Adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: 3 x House rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 22^nd March - 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