Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh Castle
Balmoral Castle
Curated by Extraordinary Britain

An Extraordinary Journey Through Scotland

A 12-Day Itinerary of Food, Nature, and Heritage

12 days, 11 nights
Bespoke pricing
Explore Itinerary

"There are places that one visits, and then there are places that one experiences. Scotland is unequivocally the latter. It is a country that unfolds not on a map, but in the heart."

Extraordinary Britain

Our Exclusive Partnership: Your Key to Extraordinary Britain

Extraordinary Britain Partnership

To create a journey that transcends the ordinary, Awaken Travels has partnered with Extraordinary Britain, the premier on-the-ground experts in bespoke luxury travel across the British Isles.

This isn't just a tour; it's a curated experience made possible by a team with over 25 years of cultivating deep, personal relationships throughout Scotland.

Their unrivalled network opens doors that remain closed to others, transforming your trip into a series of exclusive moments.

Your Itinerary

01

Edinburgh - Arrival in a City of Legends

The Balmoral Hotel

The experience of seamless luxury begins the moment of arrival. A private chauffeur awaits to escort you to The Balmoral, a majestic landmark at No. 1 Princes Street.

For over a century, this grand Edwardian icon has stood as an Edinburgh institution, its famous clock tower a beloved feature of the skyline.

The Balmoral Hotel
Luxurious hotel interiors
02

Edinburgh - A Walk Through Royal History

The Balmoral Hotel

Day two is a full immersion into the captivating narrative of Edinburgh, led by an expert private guide. The journey through time begins on the Royal Mile, the historic spine of the Old Town.

Connect two of Scotland's most significant royal sites: the mighty Edinburgh Castle, defender of the nation, and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland.

The vibrant Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
03

Scottish Borders - Myths and Manuscripts

The Balmoral Hotel

Day three ventures south into a land of rolling hills and a history bloodier than any other in Britain. Visit Abbotsford, the extraordinary home of Sir Walter Scott.

Continue to the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel, a stone enigma covered in masterful and mysterious carvings made world-famous by The Da Vinci Code.

Scottish Borders landscape
Abbotsford House
Rosslyn Chapel
04

Edinburgh - Britannia and the Bounty of Leith

The Balmoral Hotel

The final day in Edinburgh offers a fascinating juxtaposition of royal grandeur and modern urban cool. Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.

Embark on a food tour of Leith, one of Edinburgh's most exciting 'foodie havens', before enjoying a Platinum Tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

Royal Yacht Britannia
Leith food tour
Scotch Whisky Collection
05

Journey to Braemar - Through Fife and Glamis

The Fife Arms Hotel

A captivating journey of transition that bridges the Lowlands and the Highlands. The route winds through the enchanting harbour villages of Fife and the historic town of St Andrews.

Arrive at the fairytale-like Glamis Castle, childhood home of The Queen Mother, before continuing to Braemar and The Fife Arms.

Fife harbour villages
St Andrews
Glamis Castle
06

Braemar - The Fife Arms Highland Retreat

The Fife Arms Hotel

Arrive in the historic village of Braemar and check in to The Fife Arms. This is no ordinary hotel; it is a Victorian coaching inn imaginatively restored.

A destination that feels like a private country house belonging to a fantastically eccentric art collector, with over 14,000 works of art woven into its very fabric.

The Fife Arms exterior
Art-filled interiors
Artistic guestroom
07

Cairngorms National Park - Exploring the Wilderness

The Fife Arms Hotel

An intimate immersion into the vast, untamed beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Led by a true local expert, the tour takes you to Auchtavan.

A rare surviving example of a traditional Highland farming settlement, where you'll enjoy a specially prepared picnic lunch with stunning views.

Cairngorms National Park
Auchtavan settlement
08

Royal Deeside - In the Footsteps of Queen Victoria

Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry

A full-day tour dedicated to Royal Deeside, a landscape that captivated Queen Victoria. The centerpiece is Balmoral Castle, the beloved private residence of the monarch.

Tour the beautiful gardens and hike to the historic Balmoral Cairns before transferring to Pitlochry and the charming Pine Trees Hotel.

River Dee valley
Balmoral Castle
Pine Trees Hotel
09

Perthshire - A Forager's Feast

Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry

Day eight connects you directly to the earth with a Herbal Foraging Walk through the Highland Perthshire Hills. Learn to identify native Scottish flora.

Enjoy a delicious rustic lunch feast crafted from locally sourced and foraged ingredients in this pristine Highland setting.

Herbal foraging
10

Perthshire - Scottish Epicurean Adventure

Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry

A multi-sensory journey through Scotland's culinary heritage. Visit an Aberdeen-Angus beef farm for a tasting and see how world-famous Arbroath Smokies are made in a traditional smokehouse.

Sample other local delicacies like the famous Dundee Cake and learn about Scotland's proud food traditions.

Aberdeen-Angus cattle
Arbroath Smokies
Dundee cake
11

Ballintaggart Farm - The Ultimate Catch

Gleneagles Hotel

An exclusive, hands-on 'field-to-fork' day at Ballintaggart Farm. Learn the basics of salmon fishing on the majestic River Tay.

Return to the farm for a private masterclass in preparing and cooking your catch, complete with foraging and wine pairing. Transfer to the world-renowned Gleneagles Hotel for your final night.

Ballintaggart Farm
River Tay fishing
Gleneagles Hotel
12

Gleneagles - A Grand Finale & Departure

Departure

The final morning is spent at one of the world's most celebrated hotels. The Gleneagles Hotel is a glorious 850-acre country estate that represents the pinnacle of Scottish luxury and hospitality.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some final moments on this magnificent estate before your private transfer to Edinburgh Airport for international departure.

Gleneagles luxury
Gleneagles estate

Your Extraordinary Story Awaits

This itinerary is more than a collection of sights and activities; it is a carefully woven tapestry of royal history, wild nature, exclusive access, and world-class gastronomy.

Contact Us to Learn More

At-a-Glance Itinerary

  • Day 01
    Edinburgh - Arrival in a City of Legends
    The Balmoral Hotel
  • Day 02
    Edinburgh - A Walk Through Royal History
    The Balmoral Hotel
  • Day 03
    Scottish Borders - Myths and Manuscripts
    The Balmoral Hotel
  • Day 04
    Edinburgh - Britannia and the Bounty of Leith
    The Balmoral Hotel
  • Day 05
    Journey to Braemar - Through Fife and Glamis
    The Fife Arms Hotel
  • Day 06
    Braemar - The Fife Arms Highland Retreat
    The Fife Arms Hotel
  • Day 07
    Cairngorms National Park - Exploring the Wilderness
    The Fife Arms Hotel
  • Day 08
    Royal Deeside - In the Footsteps of Queen Victoria
    Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry
  • Day 09
    Perthshire - A Forager's Feast
    Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry
  • Day 10
    Perthshire - Scottish Epicurean Adventure
    Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry
  • Day 11
    Ballintaggart Farm - The Ultimate Catch
    Gleneagles Hotel
  • Day 12
    Gleneagles - A Grand Finale & Departure
    Departure

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