Edinburgh - Highland Safari, Loch Lomond & Whisky Trails - 3 Nights - The Great Scottish Outdoors

The Great Scottish Outdoors

Experience the vibrant colours and clear air of the great Scottish outdoors on this exceptional five-day break. You’ll stay in the heart of Edinburgh, often referred to as 'the Athens of the North', in the city’s charming Old Town. From here, you’ll quite literally get off the beaten track as you enjoy a unique 4x4 Highland safari through the Perthshire Highlands, followed by an afternoon spent in picturesque Pitlochry. No trip to Scotland would be complete without whisky, and this trip is no exception. On the following day, a visit to stunning Loch Lomond is bookended by tours of two local distilleries to learn about all things whisky, rounding off a refreshing break in perfect Scottish style.

Highlights

Spend four days exploring the Scottish wilderness from your city centre base in Edinburgh
Enjoy an exciting 4x4 Highland safari in the Perthshire Highlands
Included visit to the quintessential Scottish town of Pitlochry
Tours of two distilleries and the iconic Loch Lomond
Guided orientation walk of Edinburgh, known as 'the Athens of the North’

Inclusions

Exciting 4x4 Highland safari in the Perthshire Highlands
Visit to the quintessential Scottish town of Pitlochry
Full-day tour, including two distilleries and the iconic Loch Lomond
Guided orientation walk of Edinburgh, known as the ‘Athens of the North’
Three nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Make your own way to your four-star chic apartment hotel, located in Edinburgh’s bustling Old Town at the foot of the mighty castle. The city’s main sights, including the Royal Mile, with its many restaurants, cafes and bars, are all within easy walking distance. If you’re arriving by train, Edinburgh Waverley is just under 1 mile away from the hotel. On-street parking is also available (must be pre-booked, subject to availability), if you’re travelling by car. Alternatively, you can fly to Edinburgh airport, where you’ll meet your tour manager for the short transfer into the city centre. Unpack and unwind, as you look forward to a fantastic few days in Scotland. Your accommodation will be in chic serviced apartments, equipped with kitchenettes, allowing you more space, flexibility and privacy. Please note, due to current COVID restrictions buffet breakfast will not be served and rooms will be cleaned upon request. Basic items, including bread, butter, jam, orange juice, eggs, tea, milk and coffee will be supplied in kitchenettes. Later on, join your tour manager for a guided orientation walk of the area. Highlights will include Edinburgh Castle, the Sir Walter Scott monument and the bustling Royal Mile.

Day 2

Join your tour manager for the scenic drive to the village of Dull, located in the Perthshire Hills. Sit back and relax as Edinburgh’s urban area gives way to towering glens and trickling streams. Upon arrival, enjoy a quick leg stretch and safety briefing, then set off in several 4x4s for a safari like no other. The Perthshire Hills are a stunning patchwork of gentle glens, rushing rivers and wild woodlands. Benefit from a totally unique perspective of your picturesque surroundings on your Highland safari. Watch out for wildlife too: depending on the season – and your luck – you may catch a glimpse of the majestic golden eagle or the elusive red deer. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the natural habitats of these wonderful creatures, as well as other points of interest along the way. Refreshments, including hot drinks, shortbread and a wee dram, will be available. This unique experience will give you a tantalising glimpse of Scotland’s magnificent untamed wilderness, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. This afternoon, the tour continues to the charming town of Pitlochry. Surrounded by beautiful scenery on the banks of the River Tummel, Pitlochry is a great place to spend a few hours. Depending on the season, you may be able to see salmon in the river. Enjoy the clean, Highlands air and soak up the incredible views as you wander the town’s streets, perhaps stopping for a well-earned bite to eat (payable locally) or a spot of souvenir shopping. Return to Edinburgh at the end of a wonderful day in the scenic Perthshire Highlands, and enjoy a well-earned evening at leisure.

Day 3

On today’s tour, you’ll learn all about whisky, one of Scotland’s most famous exports, with included visits to two distilleries, and a tour of Loch Lomond, one of the most famous lochs in the country. The tour begins at Glengoyne, one of over 130 distilleries in Scotland. Nestled at the foot of a delightful hill, Glengoyne has been producing whisky for over 200 years, and is the perfect place to learn more about the distilling process. Enjoy a guided tour of this small facility, with a brief introduction to the different techniques used, and of course, a tasting! Continue to Loch Lomond, part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an outstandingly beautiful area of mountains, lochs, rivers and woodlands steeped in history and forever associated with the likes of William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Mary Queen of Scots. Take in Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s and most picturesque largest lochs, and soak up the picture-perfect views. This afternoon, visit the nearby Deanston distillery, which was a cotton mill (once powered by Europe’s largest waterwheel) for nearly 200 years before becoming a distillery. As a cotton mill, the site was a thriving industrial hub, with many of its workers living on-site. The current distillery opened in 1991, and makes gin and vodka as well as whisky. A fascinating tour will bring the site’s rich history to life, as well as introducing you to a more contemporary approach to whisky distillation, rounding off a wonderful day. Return to Edinburgh to enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 4

Begin your journey home today, feeling refreshed after soaking up plenty of culture and fresh Scottish air.

Wilde Aparthotels By Staycity Grassmarket, Edinburgh

This upmarket apartment hotel, which offers views of Edinburgh Castle, features modern, polished studios. All studios boast smart TVs, Nespresso machines and rainfall showers. The hotel is located a 10-minute walk from the heart of the Old Town, and also features a cafe, gym and convenience store.

Further Information

Flight timings

At this time, exact outbound and inbound departure times have not been confirmed. Where applicable, times shown are our best estimate based on current information. Final timings will be confirmed to you in your Final Travel Documents, approximately 10 days prior to departure, though we will make every effort to secure timings close to those indicated when you book.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but, where applicable, you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.