Dates: May 26 to June 3, 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of Scotland, where ancient landscapes, rich history and authentic local charm come together in one extraordinary adventure.
This small-group tour begins and ends in Edinburgh, Scotland’s lively capital.
We then venture deep into the soul of the Highlands — from the regal beauty of Royal Deeside and Balmoral (the Scottish residence of the King) to the vast wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, where pine-scented forests and heather-clad hills await.
We’ll explore the magical and lesser-known Glen Affric, one of Scotland’s most breathtaking and peaceful glens.
It’s a true hidden gem. (And I don’t use that term lightly.)
Then it’s on to rural Perthshire, where we’ll visit Blair Castle and soak in the timeless charm of Dunkeld.
With a rich blend of heritage, nature, and awe-inspiring scenery, this upcoming tour is a chance to experience Scotland’s quiet beauty — off the main tourist track, but straight to the heart.
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We’ll meet this morning in Edinburgh and make our way north to Braemar, a picture-perfect village in the heart of Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire.
Think stone cottages, Highland charm and a sense that you’ve stepped into a storybook.
From there, we’ll head out on a short hike at the Linn of Dee, where the River Dee squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into a dramatic waterfall.
It’s the perfect way to stretch our legs and soak up our first real taste of the Highlands.
Afterwards, a quick transfer takes us to the nearby village of Ballater, our home for the next two nights.
We’ll settle in with a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep — fuel for the adventures to come.
This morning we’ll dive into Royal Deeside, known for its sweeping Highland scenery, rich cultural heritage and deep ties to the British Royal Family.
We’ll start with a circular hike offering magnificent views over Deeside — and even a peek at Balmoral Castle, the King’s Scottish residence.
After a well-earned lunch stop, we’ll head straight to Balmoral Castle itself for a visit, stepping into royal history and exploring the grounds.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the charming village of Ballater at your own pace.
Dinner is not included this evening, but that’s part of the fun as Ballater has plenty of inviting pubs and restaurants to tempt you.
Overnight: The Balmoral Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is not included tonight)
Walk Details: 10 km, 1200 ft elevation gain, Appx: 3 hrs
This morning we say goodbye to Ballater and journey deeper into the Cairngorms National Park.
The road carries us through rolling, heather-clad hills, past forests and wide-open moorland and over the dramatic Lecht Pass — one of Scotland’s famous “snow roads.”
By mid-morning we’ll arrive in the pretty village of Nethy Bridge, tucked into the heart of the Abernethy Forest.
Here we’ll set out on foot along woodland trails lined with ancient Caledonian pines.
Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, pine martens and even ospreys.
Later, a short transfer brings us to the Highland town of Kingussie, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and wind down with a relaxing evening at our hotel’s welcoming bar.
Overnight: The Star, Kingussie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km, 226 ft elevation gain, Appx: 2 hrs
This morning, we set off for the mountains, to some authentic albeit furry, local residents!
The Cairngorms reindeer herd is the only free-ranging reindeer in the UK, and we’ll get up close to these majestic, furry creatures in their natural mountain home.
After a stop for lunch at the UK’s highest beach, we’ll follow a picturesque trail around Loch an Eilein, a tranquil loch framed by forest and crowned with the ruins of a 13th-century castle on its tiny island.
A short drive brings us to Aviemore, where we can wrap up the day with a visit to one of the town’s well-loved pubs.
Overnight: The Star, Kingussie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 7 km, 230 ft elevation gain, Appx: 2 hrs
Our final morning in the Cairngorms brings one last adventure on foot.
We’ll explore the Uath Lochans, affectionately called the Paw Print Lochans, a wetland wonderland teeming with wildlife.
Raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshes.
Keep your eyes peeled for frogs and the sparkling wings of dragonflies dancing over the water.
After a lunch stop, we’ll visit Ruthven Barracks, a historic site built in the early 1700s by George II’s government after the Jacobite uprising of 1715.
Wander through the ruins and soak in the dramatic glen before we continue to Fort Augustus, our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: The Inch Hotel, Fort Augustus
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is not included tonight)
Walk Details: 5 km, Apprx: 2 hrs
Transfer time: Apprx 1:30 hr by private transfer
Today is something special — a full day exploring Glen Affric, often called one of the most beautiful glens in all of Scotland.
And because yours truly has not been here yet but has heard about it, I’m super excited about this!
Blanketed in ancient Scots pines, the glen’s slopes rise to striking peaks that watch over the mirror-like waters of Loch Affric.
There are countless trails to choose from here, each offering its own jaw-dropping views across this wild mix of pinewoods, moorland and mountain.
For those feeling adventurous, we may even tackle a summit hike, where a panoramic sweep of the Highlands unfolds in every direction
The perfect reward for your effort.
Overnight: The Inch Hotel, Fort Augustus
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk details: Flexible to suit – no more than 10km, 300m elevation gain, rough ground in places, 4 hours
Transfer time: Appx 1:30 hrs by private transfer
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey south into the rolling countryside of rural Perthshire.
Along the way, we’ll visit and tour the magnificent Blair Castle — one of Scotland’s most iconic stately homes — and enjoy a short walk through its beautiful gardens on the Atholl Estate.
After our walk, we’ll stop at a small Highland whisky distillery for a private tour and a taste of the legendary uisge beatha — the “water of life.”
You might even enjoy a dram or two before we check into our final accommodation of the trip.
That evening, we’ll gather together for a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Dunkeld House, Perthshire
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Details: Flexible to suit – to be agreed
Total transfer time: Appx 2:00 hrs by private transfer
This morning is all about slowing down and soaking it in.
You’ll have some free time to explore the charming village of Dunkeld, pop into local artisan shops for a few last treasures, and maybe even share a chat or two with the colorful locals.
If you’d rather unwind, feel free to enjoy the hotel’s spa and savor a bit of quiet relaxation.
In the afternoon, we’ll lace up once more for our final hike together.
There are plenty of wonderful trails around Dunkeld to choose from.
And we’ll pick the perfect one depending on how our legs (and hearts) are feeling after the week’s adventures.
That evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner in a beautiful local restaurant — the perfect way to toast our journey through Scotland’s wild heart.
Overnight: Dunkeld House, Perthshire
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Details: Flexible to suit
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes to the Highlands and begin our journey back to Edinburgh.
As we travel south, take one last look at the rolling hills and lochs that have filled our days with wonder.
The trip officially ends midday in Edinburgh, marking the close of our Scottish adventure.
But the memories (and maybe that lingering taste of whisky) are yours to keep.
Meals included: Breakfast
Total transfer time: Appx 1:30 hrs by private transfer
Not included: Post-night accommodation available upon request
