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

Overview

V3 – created 30th January 2025

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 7th January - Welcome to Scotland

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

Day 2 - Wednesday 8th January - 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.

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

Day 3 - Thursday 9th January - Arthur's Seat and Rosslyn Chapel

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

Day 4 - Friday 10th January - To the North

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 | Darroch Learg
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 11th January - Exploring the Cairngorms

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 | Darroch Learg
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 12th January - Royal Castles and Royal Whisky

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 | Darroch Learg
Room Type: 1 x Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 13th January - Spirit and Spice and All Things Nice

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.

 

Please note that this experience is subject to availability and only confirmed at time of booking

Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Garden King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 14th January - The Battle of Culloden

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

Day 9 - Wednesday 15th January - Over the bridge to Skye

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

Day 10 - Thursday 16th January - Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye

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

Day 11 - Friday 17th January - To the Outer Hebrides

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 guesthouse on the shores of the crystal blue waters 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: Sgarasta Bheag, Isle of Harris | Scarista House
Room Type: 1 x Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Saturday 18th January - Day in the Nevis Range

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: Sgarasta Bheag, Isle of Harris | Scarista House
Room Type: 1 x Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Sunday 19th January - Callanish Stones and Flight to Glasgow

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

Day 14 - Monday 20th January - Exploring Glasgow

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

Day 15 - Tuesday 21st January - 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

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 14 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 13 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Airport Transfer on arrival in Glasgow on Day 13
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Morning walking tour of Edinburgh with an expert city guide
    • Entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle
    • Entry tickets to Rosslyn Chapel
    • Entry tickets to Scone Palace
    • Entry tickets to Balmoral Castle
    • Distillery tour at Royal Lochnagar Distillery
    • Spirit and Spice Workshop with Ghille Basan
    • Entry tickets to Culloden Battlefield
    • Boat trip on Loch Ness
    • Entry tickets to Dunvegan Castle
    • Distillery Tour at Harris Distillery
    • Entry tickets to the Black Houses on Lewis
    • Morning walking tour of Glasgow with an expert city guide
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights – both international and domestic
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide, porters and transfer drivers
  • Any discretionary service fee at hotels
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

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:

  • £12,155 GBP per person

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.

Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.