Scottish Journey of Discovery with Unique Highland Experiences View Full Screen Itinerary

12th July 2020
Breakfast can be taken this morning either down in the hotel brasserie - including an all you can eat sumptuous buffet with a variety of foods from traditional Scottish Cooked to Continental Breakfast, or to order in the Caledonian Suite to the clients taste.

After breakfast, your clients will then embark on a full-day tour of Edinburgh including some truly unique, off-market experiences. 

The first port of call today for the clients will to head down to Leith once again, here they will be meeting one of Scotland's leading traditional textile designers who still works with hand drawn looms. Araminta Campbell has designed tweeds and tartans for some of the world's most wealthy individuals, as well as commercial commissions from hotels, companies and working sporting estates. Araminta has been commissioned to design the interior soft furnishings, tweed and tartan for the fast becoming world-famous Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, owned by the world's largest private art dealers, the Wirths. The Fife Arms features later in the clients itinerary so we know that meeting Araminta this morning will add greater depth to this experiential stay later on in their trip. Beyond the above, the clients will in fact have the opportunity to embark on their own journey of designing either a family tweed or tartan, we have costed this wonderful gift into their trip. This initial meeting will serve as a great starting point between Araminta and the clients, before ideas can be exchanged over many weeks of emails as designs are carefully narrowed down. Araminta takes inspiration from various aspects of the clients preferences, and interests, creating highly personalised fabrics which are essentially, one of the ultimate heirlooms for future generations of the family. Tartans will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority. Having your own unique tweed or tartan offers clients the chance to have their own branding, fabrics, soft-furnishings, clothing, scarves, kilts, suits, skirts and much more. Many of the M.E. Royal families we have worked with are overjoyed at the work Araminta has completed for them and we believe this gift of tartan or tweed to be one of the ultimate Scottish souvenirs for our billionaire clients. 

Following on from the clients 2-hours with Araminta, the clients driver will take them back into the Georgian built 'New Town' close to The Caledonian Hotel. Here the clients will embark on an off-market tour of the city's most revered clockmakers and silversmiths - recently also visited by Her Majesty The Queen. Hamilton & Inches jewellers are someone of a one-of-a-kind in this day and age. On arrival the clients will enjoy a welcome glass of Champagne in the closed off shop, before embarking on a workshop tour meeting the amazing, small team of craftsmen and women. This peculiar jeweller, who has held a Royal warrant for over 50-years, has no machinery in the workshop - everything is crafted by hand and the intimate tour of the workshop is truly illuminating and interesting. Hear how the shop's craftsmen worked on designs for Harry Potter films as well as the Scottish gold collection - an exclusive line of Scottish gold jewellery, from gold mined in the Highlands themselves! 

Following on from the incredible tour of one of Edinburgh's most respected luxury firms, the clients will be checking-in to Ondine Restaurant in the city's remarkable 'Old Town'. Here a table has been reserved for the clients and they will enjoy one of Scotland's top seafood restaurants, with King Scallops, Lobster, Crab and Langoustines straight from the rich waters of the West Coast - all fit for king! 

After lunch, clients will be taken to Edinburgh Castle where they will embark on a shared tour using Audio Headsets (tickets pre-paid for and provided so as to avoid lengthy queues) - a self guided tour of the castle takes around 1h 30-minutes and will provide the clients with a greater understanding of the city's most incredible and iconic building - the very building they will be enjoying looking at from their suite at The Caledonian Hotel Waldorf Astoria. 
This afternoon, the clients will have free to themselves to explore the city on foot. The 'Old Town' offers an incredibly enjoyable, vibrant buzz. Here there is an energy that is hard to describe as clients wander enchanting alleyways and narrow 17th century 'wynds'. If the clients wish, this time can be used to explore some of the city's boutique shops. On standby in the city, we have an antique and fashion shop expert, who will be able to take the clients to a variety of the city's hidden gems if they so wish (this addition is at no additional charge). Clients may of course, wish to return to their suite for a rest before their early evening activity commences. 

This evening, around 7:30pm we have a private Underground City Tour, exploring the city's hidden streets and vaults, hearing about the darker side to the 17th Century Edinburgh. Edinburgh back then was a very different city, with illegal trades being forced underground, and with new development buring the old town. Today there remains a labyrinth of incredibly well preserved chambers, vaults and rooms hidden several storeys below the street level. Clients will enjoy a German speaking tour with a guide on a private basis, at first above ground, before venturing below street level to hear of the darker tales of old. The tour commences with a dram of whisky in a candle lit room before resurfacing at 9pm and thrust back into the 'real world'! 

At 9pm, we have reserved at table for the clients at The Witchery By the Castle, a charming restaurant just a stone's throw from the Castle Esplanade and Portcullis. Here the clients will enjoy a candle lit meal in a 'Harry Potter' style restaurant. This high class restaurant has a unique atmosphere with its dark wooden panelling and cosy atmosphere in the heart of historic Edinburgh. After dinner, the driver will take the clients back to The Caledonian Hotel. 

Accommodation: The Caledonian Suite, The Caledonian Hotel - Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh on a Bed & Breakfast basis. At approx. 120 sq.m/1,291 sq. ft., separate living room, high ceilings, tea /coffee facilities. With grand views of the city's iconic Edinburgh Castle, this suite offers interconnected en-suite bedrooms and a lounge area with eclectic artworks, sofa, wall mounted flat screen TV and dining table. In-room amenities include Nespresso machine, black-out curtains, silky-smooth bathrobes and Salvatore Ferragamo products. Enjoy unique Personal Concierge services, exclusive dining experiences and complimentary access to the Fitness Centre, sauna, and steam room, whirlpool and indoor pool. Guest room WiFi is available for a fee. Complimentary bottle of Champagne on arrival via Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions.

Transfer Time: Max 15 to 20-min travel time from point to point. Localised city centre mileage only. 

16th July 2020

This morning the clients will wake up in their very own highland lodge - the dream home for many around the world. Ahead of them lies a day of wonderful activities that will sear themselves into the memory forever. After breakfast in the main dining room prepared by the in-house chef specifically to the clients preference, they will be met by the estate ghillie in the great hall by the roaring fire.

Taking short stroll down to the idyllic river which meanders its way through this most breathtaking of remote Scottish glens, the clients will he instruct on how to fly-fish. If they have never fly-fished before, the Ghillie will teach them the basis, or alternatively cast a spinner out into the river (a much more simple form of fishing). Here they will try and land  first ever Scottish salmon. Fishing in a mountain river as pristine as this, with water so pure you can drink straight from it is dream come true for many from around the world. We are delighted to be able to offer such a special experience as this to our clients. After a couple of hours fishing, guests will be invited back up to the main house for tea and coffee. 

Around midday, today the clients will be met outside the main lodge by the estate stalking team clad in the estate tweeds in the authentic style of the Highlands, in-hand they will have two traditional Garron ponies (native Highland Ponies). These ponies were traditionally used to carry the stags that had been shot off the mountain, as well as basket panniers for the grouse that had been shot in the summer months. Today however these two kind-eyed and intelligent ponies will be carrying traditional “grouse panniers” loaded with a sumptuous picnic prepared to order by the private chef. 

The stalkers will lead the clients through some of the most breathtaking scenery on a walk gauged perfectly for their fitness. They group will head through landscapes that are truly ancient and have a sacred feel to a secluded spot on the estate, perhaps somewhere under an granny pine over 400-years old! The perfect place for a Highland picnic exactly as Queen Victoria would have once enjoyed with her beloved Prince Albert. After the picnic luncheon, the group will make their way back to the main lodge for an afternoon tea served by the fire in the private sitting room. As an alternative should the guests prefer, a Land Rover safari with estate ranger can be arranged today together with the picnic. 

Before the evening sets in, the stalkers will be able to take the group down the glen to the rifle range where the clients will be able to enjoy some target practice with high rifles. 

On arrival back to the lodge a bagpiper will be playing recognisable Scottish tunes - the skirl is the pipes will drift out across the Glen setting the scene for a special evening. This evening the family will enjoy a visit to the lodge by a local whisky expert - a master distiller from a local world famous distillery will come to the lodge to give a special master class in tasting and appreciation of Scotch whisky before dinner is served.

Transfer Time: 0-minutes, 0 miles. 

17th July 2020

After an incredible breakfast at the clients preferred time, the clients will check-out of the Highland Lodge. Their driver guide will then take them on a superb tour of Speyside, heading to the 150-million pound, newly built Macallan Distillery for a private tour of this incredible complex. Here the clients will learn the whisky making process in much detail, visiting the mashing room, the copper stills and maturation warehouses before a chance to taste some special reserve drams. 

After their visit to Macallan, it will be time for lunch. We have booked a table at a locally renowned highland pub, the Copper Dog - hosted and run by a fabulous team the Copper Dog makes a lovely nearby option for lunch offering a traditional British country inn feel.

Heading on from the village of Craigellachie, the driver guide will start to make his way with the clients towards Royal Deeside and the historic village of Braemar just a mile or two from the Royal families Balmoral Castle. 

Early this evening the clients will be checking into their unique adjoining suites at the famous Fife Arms Hotel. Their rooms will be overlooking the Clunie River in the heart of Braemar! This evening we have booked a table at the Flying Stag, the on-site informal pub within the hotel. 

Accommodation: The Fife Arms - Royal & Victoriana Suites - Adjoining on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Unashamedly celebrating our heritage, the new kid on the luxury block is now absolutely a Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions 'Staff Pick', striking a chord with our own particular love of traditional Scotland. Deliciously rich tartans, traditional taxidermy and antique furniture reign throughout at this royal location, just a stones throw from Her Majesty The Queen's Balmoral Castle. We wonder, is this now the UK's (if not Europe's) most incredible hotel? With 14,000 pieces of individual artwork including works by Pablo Picasso & Lucian Freud it certainly is a feast for all the senses. The tartan and tweed throughout The Fife Arms Hotel, has been designed specifically for the hotel via careful consultation with Araminta Campbell, whom the clients will have now met in Edinburgh and started their very own design journey! 

Transfer Time: Ballindalloch Lodge to The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, 1-hour 29-minutes, 54 miles. 

Transfer Time: The Macallan Distillery to The Fife Arms, 1-hour 29-minutes, 57 miles.  

18th July 2020

Guests will wake up in the heart of Royal Deeside at one of the most fabulous new hotels in the world. Having enjoyed a delicious breakfast their driver guide will be driving them to the nearby Highland village of Tomintoul, here the annual traditional Highland Games is taking place in the games park. 

At the Games, enjoy the incredible Highland Pipes and Drums bands playing in their elaborate full Highland regalia, before enjoying the spectacle of the athletes and “heavies” or strong-men compete in traditional games such as Tossing the Caber, Hammer Throwing and Tug o’ War. Tomintoul Highland Games is one of the few remaining games that has retained a truly traditional feel - preferring to uphold tradition rather than modernisation this is a magical and quintessential Scottish experience that the guests will be lucky to enjoy. 

Leaving the games field, the driver guide will take the clients to a nearby Highland estate of 71,000 acres. At Mar Lodge we have arranged for a master falconer to give a birds of prey demonstration. Our falconer has bred birds for the Saudi Royal family and is an expert in his field. A true Scotsman, he is also a gentleman and a great host with our VVIPs from around the world. Guests will be able to enjoy watching the birds being flown before flying them themselves should they wish. With everything from Hawks, to Eagles and Owls this experience will be truly memorable for the clients in such a historical and impressive Scottish setting - as if straight from a painting or a movie! 

Following their unique falconry experience it will be time to head back to The Fife Arms. Here we have booked a table for a more formal dinner in The Clunie Restaurant. The Clunie Restaurant will prove a worthy and fitting culinary crescendo for their final dinner in Scotland.

Accommodation: The Fife Arms - Royal & Victoriana Suites - Adjoining on a Bed & Breakfast basis. With 14,000 pieces of individual artwork including works by Pablo Picasso & Lucian Freud it certainly is a feast for all the senses. The tartan and tweed throughout The Fife Arms Hotel, has been designed specifically for the hotel via careful consultation with Araminta Campbell, whom the clients will have now met in Edinburgh and started their very own design journey!

Transfer Time: The Fife Arms to Tomintoul Highland Games, 45-minutes at 30 miles. 

Transfer Time: Tomintoul Highland Games to Mar Lodge, 59-minutes, 39-miles. 

19th July 2020

Today the guests will check-out of The Fife Arms, whereupon their driver guide will drive them south through beautiful Glenshee, famous for being one of Scotland’s top skiing destinations during the winter months. The clients will have time for one last visit before heading back to Edinburgh Airport. 

Today the clients will have time to visit the historic village of South Queensferry, famously featuring in several of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novels! Looming overhead them will be the iconic Forth Railway Bridge - built in the Victorian era, this is one of the most famous bridges in the world and certainly the most famous cantilever bridge. South Queensferry is the perfect place to formally end the trip, the clients will have the chance to learn more about the bridges including the two more modern bridges that span the Forth River. 

We have arranged for a local historian to give the clients a short talk on the bridges should they wish - this can be done over lunch in the historic village or under the bridges at The Hawes Inn - a very historic inn again, featuring in Robert Louis Stevenson's books such as 'Kidnapped'. Here clients will enjoy some last photographs in Scotland before being driven the short distance to the nearby Edinburgh airport where the trip ends and our services conclude.

Transfer Time: Fife Arms to South Queensferry, 1-hour 45-minutes, 78-miles. 

Transfer Time: South Queensferry to Edinburgh Airport: 15-minutes, 5-miles.