Trufflepig - The Laskins Explore Scotland
John and Holly Laskin
Tuesday 7th January – Tuesday 21st January 2025
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
Head north to the tip of the island this morning to board the ferry across to the Western Isles. Keep your eyes peeled as you set sail for the curious seals or playful dolphins that may well poke their heads above the waves as you cruise past.
On arrival on Harris you will check into your family run hotel before spending the afternoon enjoying a tour of the local distillery which was made famous for it’s delicious gin and beautiful bottles which they created while they were waiting for their whisky to mature. You could also visit the local Harris Tweed shop and pick up some keep sakes to take home or head out for a coastal walk with your guide – the choice is yours.
Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Harris is known for it’s white sandy beaches and jagged mountains and today you can set off to explore the island. Perhaps take a walk along Luskentyre beach which is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Scotland and see if you can spot some whales or dolphins out in the deeper waters. Or if you’re feeling adventurous you could head into the hills to a local eagle hide and see if you can spot one of the many pairs of Golden Eagles that call these hills home. Your guide will discuss all the options with you and make sure you make the most out of your time on these beautiful islands.
Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
You’ll be heading to the bright lights of Glasgow in the late afternoon today but first there is still some more exploring to do. Leaving your hotel this morning you’ll head north to the island of Lewis. The difference between the two islands is stark as you wind through the mountains to the flat lands of Lewis. Here you can head to visit some of the Blackhouses which the island is famous for and also the stunning Callanish stones that have a striking and dramatic presence against the often bleak and windswept landscape, evoking a sense of mystery about the spiritual or cultural practices of the people who created them. The monument is one of the most iconic and well-preserved megalithic sites in the British Isles.
Should time allow before your flight, you could head to the Butt of Lewis – the very tip of the island that offers incredible views across to the most north westerly point of Scotland and also where the waves crash dramatically against the jagged rocks truly awakening your senses before you head to the airport.
Landing in Glasgow, a private transfer will take you to your city centre hotel where you can relax and unwind, recalling memories of your amazing journey through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: 1 x Enviable Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Explore the highlights of the city on a private walking tour with an expert local guide this morning. 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. Your guide will depart at lunchtime, leaving you to continue with further city explorations at your own pace.
Tonight you can head out into the city for one final meal on Scottish soil and raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.
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
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:
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.
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