Trufflepig - The Laskins Explore Scotland
John and Holly Laskin
Tuesday 7th January – Tuesday 21st January 2025
Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Tuesday 7th January – Tuesday 21st January 2025
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: None
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.
You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your knowledgable and expert guide, who will also be your driver for the rest of your trip, will meet you this morning at your hotel for a coffee and to discuss the next part of your trip. When you are ready you will set off to hike up Arthurs Seat, that stands proudly over the city. An ancient (and extinct) volcano, the climb to the top offers breathtaking views across the city as well as across the Firth of Forth with the three famous bridges to the Kingdom of Fife beyond. Your guide will point out all the places of interest as you take your time at the top to drink in the views.
This afternoon you will head out to visit Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most ornate churches in the country and also one of the most famous, having been immortalised in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Spend some time studying the beautiful stained glass windows, look out for the incredible carvings inside the main chapel and of course, head down to the crypt to see what you can discover.
Your guide will take you back to your hotel at the end of the day where you can then head out for one last night in the city before the next part of your adventure starts tomorrow.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You’ll head north out of the city this morning across the Firth of Forth towards the largest national park in the UK. On the way you can stop off to stretch your legs in some of the stunning scenery or perhaps visit Scone Palace which was once the crowning place of the Kings and Queens of Scotland.
Sit back and relax as the countryside changes from the flat lowlands to the towering peaks of the Cairngorms before you arrive at your hotel in a lovely little village nestled beneath the mountains.
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend the day exploring this beautiful part of the country with your guide, getting off the beaten track to see increidble vistas and amazing wildlife. Perhaps you may see an elusive red deer watching you from a high ridge line, or a pair of Golden Eagles swooping and swirling in the skies above your head. There are lots of options for walks today from meandering paths through towering Scots Pines to loch side ramblings and a picnic with a view! Your guide will discuss all of the options so you can pick the best fit and make the most out of your day in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head to Breamar today and the Scottish retreat of His Majesty The King. Balmoral castle is only open for the month of July to the general public so enjoy a tour here of the state rooms before setting off around the estate to see some of the incredible Cairns that have been erected over time to honour members of the Royal Family.
Later on, you’ll end your time in this part of Scotland with a wonderful tour and tasting of the only distillery in Scotland that has a Royal Warrant! Sample the delicious amber nectar and hear how age old techniques are combined with modern day technology to create one of Scotland’s greatest exports. A great way to end your day.
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you’ll head north this morning over the snow roads to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. However, before you reach the bright lights of the city, a wonderful day awaits you. Head deep into the glens of Glenlivet to meet a food anthropologist who has a passion for breaking down flavours and aromas in whisky before building them back up again with some delicious food which is influenced by her time in the middle east. Hear stories about her life in this remote glen, how she has had to ski to the main road in the winter just to get milk, and why she settled in this part of Scotland. Sitting on her deck without another soul around, you can just be in the moment and savour the sounds of the wildlife all around you.
When you’re ready, you’ll set off for the city and your central hotel base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Garden King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The Jacobite Uprising is well known across Scotland and the mark that this bloody battle left on the country is still felt by some to this day. Head out to the windswept moorland this morning with your guide where you can stand and imagine what it was like on that fateful day in April 1746. Imagine the standards of the clans fluttering in the breeze as they stood together against the might of the English Army only to be defeated in less than an hour in the last pitched battle ever to be fought on Scottish soil. Your guide will tell you stories of the clans and the uprising and the fall out from this battle that lasted for centuries.
Later on, should you wish, you can head to Clava Cairns – a set of three neolithic burial chambers – and see how the Scottish used to bury their dearly departed as your guide brings this whole area to life with stories of days gone by. A truly emotive day in the capital of the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Garden King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The Misty Isle beckons this morning as you leave the bright light of the city and head west to the fabled Isle of Skye. The dramatic mountain scenery towers above you as you drive along, with plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore as you see fit. You may wish to head along the shores of Loch Ness and see if you can spot the shy monster who is lurking in the deep. Or perhaps you might like to explore Urquhart Castle, one of the most besieged castles in the country and learn why it is the ruin you see before you today.
Head over the magnificent arc of the Skye bridge onto the island, perhaps stopping off for a coffee and explore in Broadford before arriving in the pretty town of Portree and your base for the next three nights
Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and 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.
Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Another day of exploring Skye with your guide today, visiting some of the most iconic sites as well as some that are less well known. Coral beach is made from crushed white coral like seaweed which will make you think that you have been transported to the Carribean! Enjoy a gentle walk along the beach here, looking out for the local wildlife such as sea eagles, otters or perhaps a friendly seal will pop their head up to say hello! There will also be the opportunity to visit the nearby Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan McCleod and the only Highland fortress that has been occupied by the same family for 800 years.
Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It is time to leave the island today and head back to the mainland. Board the morning ferry and keep an eye out for any seals or dolphins that are abundant in these waters. As you head east from the coast, 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. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.
Enjoy the stunning views of the UK’s tallest mountain as you drive along before settling into your country house hotel with beautiful views of the local loch.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Loch View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
For your final day in the Highlands you will head up one of the local mountains to drink in the far stretching views of where you have been visiting. But don’t worry, you don’t have to walk up it! Take the Gondola to the top, where you will be able to look down on some hardy bikers taking on the famous World Cup Downhill trail. Watch the swoop round the berms and fly high off the jumps before you arrive at the top station. From here there are a couple of lovely walks out to view points and if you’re lucky – you will see the head of The Ben poking her head out of the clouds or perhaps some climbers on her iconic North Face.
For your final afternoon, you will head to a local hikers hut which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis to meet with a local storyteller who will regale you with tales of the myths and legends that are woven into the very fabric of life in this ancient land. With a wee dram in your hand sit back, relax and raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.
Overnight: by Fort William | Glenfinnan House Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Loch View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Head south this morning for your final stop on this amazing two week adventure. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel where they will say goodbye – leaving you with many happy memories to take home.
After dropping your bags, you will be met by an expert local guide this afternoon. Discover the stories tied in with the varied architecture of streets that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. See the influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh and admire the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city.
Tonight you can head out to enjoy dinner at one of the many local eateries or even find some live music in one of the many pubs. What a great way to end your time in Scotland.
Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: 1 x Enviable Room
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Tuesday 7th January – Tuesday 21st January 2025