Scotland: Old Country

Edinburgh, Scotland

10 Nights, 11 days

10 nights across
four properties

Private estate day,
Gleneagles

Private Speyside
distillery access

The Cuillin on foot,
the coast by sea

From

USD $65,000

per couple

Overview

Beginning in Edinburgh and journeying north through Gleneagles, the Cairngorms and Skye, this 10-night itinerary explores Scotland through its landscapes, traditions and remarkable places to stay. Each property has been selected not only for its character, but for the experiences it unlocks, from walking with a head ranger and visiting a family-owned whisky distillery to exploring Skye's southern coastline by private boat.

Travel throughout by private vehicle, where the journey itself is as rewarding as each destination, with time to pause for hidden viewpoints, local encounters and moments that rarely appear on a map. Designed for couples and small private groups, the itinerary balances iconic landscapes with privileged access, allowing Scotland's estates, whisky heritage and wild places to be experienced at a pace shaped by the season rather than the clock.

Signature Moments

I A private estate day, Gleneagles

Join the head ranger for a private walk through Gleneagles' moorland and woodland before an afternoon of clay shooting on the estate. Together, the experiences offer a deeper understanding of the landscape, its wildlife and the traditions that continue to define life on a Scottish estate.

II Whisky with the maker, Speyside

Journey into Speyside, home to Scotland's greatest concentration of whisky distilleries, for a private experience at a carefully selected family-owned estate. Guided by a senior member of the distillery team, follow the whisky's journey from mash to cask before sampling exceptional drams drawn directly from the warehouse.

III The Cuillin on foot, the coast by sea

Experience Skye from two perspectives few travellers encounter: on foot through the foothills of the Cuillin with a private hill guide, and by private boat along the island's secluded southern coastline. From sweeping mountain vistas to hidden sea lochs and abundant wildlife, the day reveals a quieter side of Skye beyond the well-trodden paths.

Day by Day

Your Scotland itinerary

Ten nights across Edinburgh, Perthshire, the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye. May to September is the preferred window, with longer Highland daylight and full access to estates and distilleries.

Arrival . Edinburgh

Into the city

AM Arrival and private transfer Met by a private representative at the gate or as you clear immigration, depending on the airport's access rules, then transferred privately to The Balmoral, at 1 Princes Street, around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

PM At your own pace The afternoon stays flexible: rest, in-suite dining, spa, or a gentle private orientation of the city, depending on arrival time and energy.

Eve Dinner at Number One within The Balmoral. The Kitchin in Leith can be arranged as an alternative for a Michelin-starred destination dinner.

Overnight: The Balmoral, Edinburgh

The Balmoral: An Edinburgh landmark blending Victorian grandeur with contemporary Scottish hospitality.

Day Two . Edinburgh

Culture and craft

AM The Royal Mile and its closes A private guide leads you through the Royal Mile and into its closes, the narrow lanes and courtyards off the main street, stopping at the addresses connected to David Hume and Adam Smith and explaining how 18th-century Edinburgh became one of Europe's centres of philosophy and economics.

AM Scottish National Portrait Gallery A curated introduction in the New Town, followed by time at leisure.

PM Private whisky tasting Led by a whisky specialist, explore how barley, water, cask and time shape Scotland's most celebrated spirit, with tastings from the country's distinct whisky regions. An ideal introduction before visiting the distilleries of Speyside.

Eve Dinner at Condita for a refined tasting menu, or Timberyard for a more relaxed, seasonal approach.

Overnight: The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Condita is closed Sundays and Mondays. Timberyard is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Worth knowing before the evening is planned.

Day Three . Perthshire

To Gleneagles

AM Depart Edinburgh Crossing the Forth Bridge into Perthshire. A stop at Loch Leven allows a short walk along the water's edge, or a relaxed lunch overlooking the loch.

PM Arrive at Gleneagles Arrive at Gleneagles by early afternoon, with time to settle into the estate and its surrounding Perthshire countryside. A private falconry session introduces one of Scotland's great field traditions, followed by time at leisure to enjoy the spa, countryside walks or the estate's wider facilities.

Eve Dinner at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, two Michelin stars, continuing under head chef Stephen McLaughlin.

Overnight: Gleneagles, Perthshire

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie has held two Michelin stars since 2006. Andrew Fairlie passed away in 2019; the kitchen continues under Stephen McLaughlin.

Day Four . Perthshire

A private estate day

AM Head ranger walk A private walk through moorland and woodland with the head ranger, covering estate management as a living practice: conservation, wildlife balance, land use across the seasons. Tailored to your pace and fitness level.

Midday Clay shooting Guided privately and adapted to experience level. Lunch at the Dormy Clubhouse overlooking the courses, or a private picnic on the estate when weather allows.

PM Spend the afternoon as you choose, from a restorative spa treatment to a leisurely walk through the estate's grounds.

Eve Dinner at The Strathearn, a traditional Scottish menu in a grand, relaxed setting.

★ A private estate day at Gleneagles Overnight: Gleneagles, Perthshire

The head ranger manages the estate full time. The morning walk is shaped by that work, not staged for a tour.

Day Five . The Cairngorms

Into Braemar

AM Depart Gleneagles North through Drumochter Pass into the Cairngorms, where the landscape opens into heather moorland and native pine forest. A stop at Blair Castle for a private guided visit can be added, or the drive can stay uninterrupted.

Midday Lunch in Pitlochry, a natural pause in the journey.

PM Arrive at The Fife Arms Arrive at The Fife Arms in Braemar, home to one of Scotland's most remarkable hotel art collections. Throughout the restored Victorian hunting lodge, works by Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud and Louise Bourgeois sit alongside Scottish heritage, Victorian antiques and Highland artefacts, inviting exploration long after check-in. Time is yours to settle in and discover the collection.

Eve Dinner at The Clunie Dining Room, centred on seasonal Highland produce.

Overnight: The Fife Arms, Braemar

More than 16,000 works and objects across the hotel. Every room tells its own story.

Day Six . The Cairngorms

A quiet route on foot

AM Explore the Cairngorms Spend the day with a private driver and expert walking guide, following carefully chosen routes that reveal the Cairngorms beyond the familiar viewpoints. Ancient Caledonian pine forests, glacial valleys and dramatic river gorges unfold on foot, offering a deeper understanding of this remarkable landscape.

Midday A private picnic lunch in a scenic setting, with alternatives in place for weather.

PM Return to The Fife Arms by late afternoon.

Eve Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Flying Stag, the lively heart of The Fife Arms, where Highland produce and seasonal dishes take centre stage.

★ A quiet route through the Cairngorms Overnight: The Fife Arms, Braemar

Photo: Andy Branson

The Linn of Dee, Glen Lui and Mar Lodge Estate are reached on foot, not by road. That is what keeps them quiet.

Day Seven . The Cairngorms

Whisky with the maker

AM Into Speyside Travel from Braemar into the Spey Valley, home to the greatest concentration of distilleries in the country.

Midday A private distillery experience Journey into Speyside for a private experience at a carefully selected family-owned estate. Guided by a senior member of the distillery team, follow the whisky's journey from mash to cask before sampling exceptional drams drawn directly from the warehouse. A light lunch is arranged nearby.

PM Return to Braemar by mid-afternoon.

Eve The evening stays relaxed, with the option to continue through the hotel's extensive whisky collection.

★ Whisky with the maker, Speyside Overnight: The Fife Arms, Braemar

Water, barley and generations of expertise shape the character of Scotch whisky long before it reaches the cask.

Day Eight . To the Isle of Skye

West through the Great Glen

AM Depart Braemar West and north through the Great Glen, following the line of lochs including Loch Ness. A stop at Fort Augustus allows a short walk along the canal and a relaxed lunch overlooking the water.

PM Onto the island Continue through Glen Shiel, where the Five Sisters of Kintail rise steeply from the valley floor, before crossing the Skye Bridge. The Cuillin ridge comes into view as you enter the island. Arrive at Kinloch Lodge, a former hunting lodge at the head of Loch na Dal on the Sleat peninsula, in the late afternoon.

Eve Dinner in the lodge's dining room, centred on seasonal island produce.

Overnight: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

There is no gentle introduction to the Cuillin. One moment it's absent; the next, it dominates the horizon.

Day Nine . Isle of Skye

The Cuillin and the coast

AM / PM Two perspectives on Skye Experience Skye from two perspectives few travellers encounter: on foot through the foothills of the Cuillin with a private hill guide, and by private boat along the island's secluded southern coastline. From sweeping mountain vistas to hidden sea lochs and abundant wildlife, the day reveals a quieter side of Skye beyond the well-trodden paths.

Eve Return to Kinloch Lodge by early evening for dinner at the lodge.

★ The Cuillin on foot, the coast by sea Overnight: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

The most memorable views of the Cuillin don't require a summit. Carefully chosen walking routes reveal the range in all its drama.

Day Ten . Isle of Skye

Talisker and open time

AM Talisker Distillery Visit Talisker, the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, where more than 190 years of whisky-making have been shaped by the island's rugged coastline and maritime climate. Overlooking Loch Harport, discover the craft behind its distinctive coastal single malt before enjoying a guided tasting of the whiskies that have made Talisker one of Scotland's most celebrated distilleries.

Midday On the return, an optional pause in Portree for a harbour walk, or further north at Kilt Rock for coastal views.

PM The afternoon stays open: a walk near the lodge, time on the water, or simply Kinloch Lodge itself.

Eve A final dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

Loch Harport is inseparable from Talisker, with the island's rugged coastline reflected in the character of every dram. Here, the landscape is part of the whisky's story.

Departure . Isle of Skye

The road back

AM Departure After breakfast at Kinloch Lodge, depart by private transfer to Inverness Airport, retracing your route across the Skye Bridge and through the Great Glen. From Inverness, connect directly to London and onward international destinations, with alternative departures available via Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The Great Glen stays with you long after the journey ends. Scotland has a habit of calling you back.

Accommodation

Four Remarkable Stays. One Seamless Journey.

The Balmoral

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh

A landmark property overlooking Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle, The Balmoral combines historic architecture with contemporary comfort in the heart of the city.

Suite

Castle View Suite. Spacious, with views across the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, combining classic design with modern finishes.

Gleneagles

Auchterarder, Perthshire

An iconic Scottish country estate where outdoor pursuits, exceptional dining and warm hospitality have defined the experience for more than a century. Beyond the hotel, falconry, ranger-led walks and clay shooting offer an insight into the traditions that continue to shape life on the estate.

Suite

Estate Suite. Spacious and elegantly appointed, the Estate Suite overlooks the rolling Perthshire countryside, reflecting Gleneagles' timeless country house style.

The Fife Arms

Braemar, Cairngorms

A restored Victorian coaching inn where art is woven into every corner of the guest experience. Throughout the hotel, works by Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud and Louise Bourgeois sit alongside Scottish heritage, Victorian antiques, taxidermy and Highland artefacts, creating a collection as captivating as the landscape beyond its doors.

Suite

Victoriana Suite. Individually designed with antique furnishings, period wallpapers and original artwork, the Victoriana Suite celebrates the hotel's rich heritage while overlooking Braemar and the surrounding Highland landscape.

Kinloch Lodge

Sleat Peninsula, Isle of Skye

A former hunting lodge overlooking Loch na Dal, Kinloch Lodge has been the Macdonald family's home for generations and a welcoming hotel for more than 50 years. Warm fires, thoughtful hospitality and the tranquillity of Skye's southern peninsula make it a fitting place to end the journey.

Suite

South Lodge Suite. One of Kinloch Lodge's most spacious suites, with a separate sitting area, generous bathroom and uninterrupted views across Loch na Dal.

Optional Enhancements

West Highland Line train journey

A scenic rail route from Glasgow to Mallaig, incorporated between Perthshire and Skye. Private transfer continues onward from Mallaig.

Helicopter touring

Weather-dependent flights across the Highlands, offering a significant reduction in travel time and a different perspective on the landscape.

Private fishing access

Salmon or sea trout fishing on the River Tay or River Dee, subject to season and permit availability.

Pricing From USD $65,000 Indicative pricing for two guests across ten nights. Includes accommodation at all four properties, private guides and drivers throughout, comprehensive ground transportation and daily logistical support, alongside the signature experiences listed above. International flights are not included. Enquire Now Final pricing confirmed at time of booking. Subject to availability, suite category and travel dates. This itinerary can be extended to 12 nights with an additional stay in Perthshire, or condensed to 8 nights by combining Edinburgh and Perthshire.

Before You Book

Best time to travel

May to September. May and June bring extended daylight and quieter conditions. July and August are warmer but busier, with increased demand across all properties. September brings autumn colour and the start of the stalking season; the Braemar Gathering in early September significantly increases local demand.

Planning your trip

The Fife Arms and Kinloch Lodge book heavily through summer. For July and August travel, plan to enquire at least four to six months ahead.

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