Ultimate Scotland

From days out exploring glens, castles and lake monsters to evenings cosying up with a malt whisky by the fire, Scotland offers so much to enjoy. Staying at some of Scotland’s finest hotels, from a luxury castle in the Highlands to a central hotel in the midst of lively Edinburgh, you’ll discover just what a special part of Britain Scotland is. We’ve laid on the VIP treatment with top-of-the-range private transfers, a variety of wonderfully engaging Scottish experiences to choose from.

Edinburgh, Braemar, Loch Torridon
9 nights private tour from $16,300 per person
Ultimate Scotland
Journey highlights
  • Perfect introduction for first-time visitors to Scotland

  • Enjoy the services of your own private driver/guide throughout

  • Experience Scotland's colourful history and vibrant culture

  • Stay in superb luxury accommodation including a castle in the Highlands

  • Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

It is very difficult to predict the weather in the United Kingdom - in the summer from May to late September is generally seen as the most pleasant time to visit. Rainfall is difficult to predict - but the UK does not receive as much as many are led to believe! In the winters, temperatures do fall, but there is nothing better than finding a remote pub with a roaring fire to sit beside after a long walk in the country.

Itinerary

Day 1-4

Edinburgh, Edinburgh & the Lowlands, United Kingdom

Your Scottish journey begins in Edinburgh, a beautiful city featuring classical architecture, castles, palaces and cobbled streets. We've included a local guide to accompany you for the day, escorting you to see the Scottish crown jewels at Edinburgh castle, escorting you through the highlights of the national museum and taking a stroll down the Iconic Royal Mile.

The following day takes you to Holyrood Palace and the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The palace was once home to Mary Queen of Scots and to this day many official ceremonies and state entertaining takes place here.   

Continuing with a regal theme, we've included an exclusive visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, after it is closed to the public. During a private tour you'll gain access to areas not open to the public to see where the royals and staff sent their time during vacations and official tours.

Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square ( 3 nights )
Day 4-7

Braemar, Scottish Highlands

Leaving Edinburgh behind, head north into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, stopping first at Stirling castle, one of Scotland's most important castles, where the coronation of many kings and queens has taken place over the years.

A 40-minute drive north of Stirling castle takes you to Glenturret Distillery, where we have organized a tour for you to discover the methods of how this famous drink is made. At the end of the tour you'll enjoy a tasting of the different whiskies matched with local fudge. Of course should you have a preferred whisky, we can orgnaise tours at a number of different distilleries so you can visit your preferred location.  

Located in Braemar, just a short drive from the Royal residence of Balmoral, The Fife Arms is an iconic hotel that dates back to the early 19th Century as a Victorian Coaching Inn. Following a thorough restoration it is now one of Scotland's most well-known hotels.

We've included a private Highland experience for you here, so you can truly experience the best of the area. Heading off the beaten tack in a classic Land rover with a local guide, you'll pay a visit to a farm that is home to the only herd of free ranging reindeer in the UK. On an exclusive visit to a Highland farm, learn about the ways of life of the local farmers here, getting acquainted with their cattle, sheep and pigs before enjoying a sheepdog or sheep-shearing demonstration.

At a scenic spot, with a beautiful highland backdrop you'll then enjoy a sumptuous picnic of homemade soups and sandwiches.

For your next day we've included a private tour of the Balmoral Estate, where her Royal Highness the Queen spends a large portion of her summer. Alongside a resident Estate Factor you'll gain a rare insight into how the royal family spend their leisure time.

Finally, you'll have a private tour of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest.

Accommodation: The Fife Arms ( 3 nights )
Day 7-10

Wester Ross, Scotish Highlands

Departing Braemar your journey continues north, taking you to the infamous Loch Ness. Known worldwide for the suspected monster who resides beneath it's murkey waters, the loch is Scotland's largest by volume and 23 miles (37 kilometers) in length.

We've included a unique and exclusive way for you to enjoy the loch on board your own luxury motor cruiser. Joined by locals to the area discuss the many theories of the "so-called" monster while enjoying the passing scenery, including the imposing Urquhart castle.

After your cruise, you'll leave Loch Ness behind and journey West to The Torridon, a small hotel with a fantastic location on the shores of a Loch.

The nature surrounding the Torridon is some of the best in Scotland and we've included a guided hike and a sea kayaking adventure so you can truly immerse yourself in the rugged Highland wilderness. We've also included a clay pigeon shooting experience, an iconic past time for local Scots and a really fun activity.

At the end of your journey your private driver will escort you on to Inverness airport for your onward journey, or of course we can arrange for you to journey south should you be departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Accommodation: The Torridon ( 3 nights )
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
December 2024 $16,300 $4,100 plan your trip
January 2025 $16,300 $4,100 plan your trip
February 2025 $16,300 $4,100 plan your trip
March 2025 $16,300 $4,100 plan your trip
April 2025 $16,800 $4,200 plan your trip
May 2025 $16,800 $4,200 plan your trip
June 2025 $17,400 $4,300 plan your trip
July 2025 $17,400 $4,300 plan your trip
August 2025 $17,400 $4,300 plan your trip
September 2025 $17,400 $4,300 plan your trip
October 2025 $16,800 $4,200 plan your trip
November 2025 $16,300 $4,100 plan your trip
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,300
    Deposit from*
    $4,100
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,300
    Deposit from*
    $4,100
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,300
    Deposit from*
    $4,100
  • March 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,300
    Deposit from*
    $4,100
  • April 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • May 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • June 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $17,400
    Deposit from*
    $4,300
  • July 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $17,400
    Deposit from*
    $4,300
  • August 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $17,400
    Deposit from*
    $4,300
  • September 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $17,400
    Deposit from*
    $4,300
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • November 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,300
    Deposit from*
    $4,100
  • plan your trip