Scottish Family Adventure
Highlights
- Take a ride on the Jacobite steam train
- Uncover royal history during a private tour of Stirling Castle
- Visit sites in Edinburgh which inspired JK Rowling's Harry Potter
- Explore the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II
- Go fishing on a private loch
- Experience life on a Scottish sheep farm
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Embark on a railway adventure across the Glennfinan Viaduct
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A cow in the Scottish Highlands
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Explore the New Town in Edinburgh
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Enjoy the beaches of Loch Lomond
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Edinburgh
- Days 3–6 Scottish Highlands
- Days 6–9 Perthshire
- Days 1–3 Edinburgh
- Days 3–6 Scottish Highlands
- Days 6–9 Perthshire
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three days in Edinburgh
Explore Scotland‘s beautiful capital, winding your way through the cobbled streets of the old town. Amble along the bustling Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, all the way down to Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. Perhaps you’ll spot monuments such as St. Giles’s Cathedral and the Scott Monument, or admire the art within Edinburgh‘s handful of modern museums and galleries. Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia where it’s docked in Leith, to gain a tantalising insight into some of the former private spaces of the British Royal Family.
Where you could stay
Edinburgh
Overview
Standing proudly at No 1 Princes Street, this grand building, which started out as a railway hotel, blends the best of Scottish tradition and design with five-star contemporary luxury.
The 167 charming rooms feature warm, welcoming hues and modern decor, while the 20 suites are spacious and stylish. Settle into a cosy turret alcove in one of the Grand Suites and gaze out at the historic city, or lose yourself in the lavishly furnished Scone and Crombie signature suite.
When it comes to light lunches and dinner, book a table at Brasserie Prince for sublime French cooking made with the finest Scottish produce. Or treat yourself to an extravagant gourmet adventure at the Michelin-starred Number One. This is modern Scottish cuisine at its finest.
Find inner-city harmony at the award-winning Balmoral Spa. With five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, steam room and fully-equipped gym, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate body and soul.
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Make it mine
FANTASY
HISTORY
FISHING
FISHING
Harry Potter's Edinburgh
J.K. Rowling wrote the original Harry Potter stories while living in Edinburgh, making the Scottish capital truly a place of pilgrimage for Potter fans. With an expert local guide, visit the cafes where Rowling used to write and explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired Tom Riddle’s graveyard in The Goblet of Fire. Edinburgh’s fine architecture is world-renowned and with your guide you’ll also see some of the places that inspired the design of Hogwart’s and Diagon Alley.
The Real Mary King's Close
On this guided tour you’ll get to experience over 400 years of history as you venture into a warren of streets frozen in time and learn about Edinburgh’s dark past. Find out what it was like for the people who worked, lived and died on the close. You will get to explore some of the rooms streets and spaces underneath the famous Royal Mile, getting a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
Fishing on a private loch
Enjoy a day fishing pike on a private loch south of Edinburgh. With a local ghillie you will have the chance to fish in this exclusive location surrounded by the gentle landscapes of the Lowlands.
A private cruise on Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most evocative sites. Its location in the Trossachs National Park makes it both a physical and symbolic border of the Highlands and Lowlands. It’s a popular location for many visitors to Scotland, and to avoid the crowds, this excursion will take you out on a private motor boat to discover the loch up close. The southern half of the loch is dotted with many tiny islands, one of which has a colony of very elusive wallabies! If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe you’d like to use the boat’s inflatable landing boat to reach one of the island’s beaches. The northern half of the loch is practically a different landscape and resembles a Norwegian fjord with the magnificent Trossachs mountain in the background.
Three days in the magnificent Scottish Highlands
Spend three days exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, a sublime concoction of lochs, stark mountains, forest and a winding coastline dotted with empty beaches and remote fishing villages.
Where you could stay
West Coast and Islands
Overview
Built in 1896 by Lord Strathcona, the august Glencoe House sits overlooking the famous Highland scenery of Glencoe.
The main house contains seven sprawling suites with large private sitting rooms, which boasts numerous original features such as marble fireplaces and ornate ceilings, a lavish bathroom, and a charming bedroom or two with fabulous glen views. Breakfasts and seasonal five-course dinners are served in the comfort and privacy of your suite.
Six further self-catered suites, called the Strathcona Lodges, are found in a characterful building moments from the main hotel, each with a comfortable sitting room with a wood-burning stove, a fully stocked kitchen with Aga oven, a luxurious bathroom while the first floor contains a peaceful bedroom with en-suite WC. All suites also enjoy private walled gardens with hot tubs and alfresco dining. Everything you need is provided for breakfast and dinners can be booked in the main house’s grand Great Hall.
The mansion is well located for exploring the sublime scenery of Glencoe, the West Coast and islands. There’s centuries of history to discover, dozens of whisky distilleries and plethora of outdoor experiences to be had. There’s also acres of beautiful woodland to walk among from the house and bespoke massage treatments can be arranged.
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Highlights of the Scottish Highlands
History
Local Culture
Scenic Rides
Scenic Rides
Blair Castle
Blair Castle is unlike any other castle in Scotland. Its baronial architecture and beautiful setting in wooded grounds with mountainous backdrop are typical enough, but a couple of accidents of history have set Blair Castle apart. In 1844 Queen Victoria spent three weeks at Blair and during her stay granted the Duke a private army, the Atholl Highlanders, today the only private army in Europe. In more recent times, the castle passed to a branch of the family currently residing in South Africa.
Dunkeld village
The lovely village of Dunkeld sits on the banks of the River Tay. The majestic Dunkeld Cathedral dominates this picturesque Perthshire village and features the tomb of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. Nearby, walk along Atholl Street’s variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford’s Dunkeld Bridge. You can’t miss the brightly coloured houses of Dunkeld which were built in the early 1700s. Restored to provide homes for local people, they are now in the care of the National Trust For Scotland. Another NTS property is the Ell Shop featuring the original ‘ell’ measure, just over a metre long, used for measuring cloth in days gone by.
Jacobite steam train
Enjoy a ride on the Jacobite steam train, made famous as the Hogwart’s Express in the Harry Potter movies. The train is one of the best ways to view the stunning scenery of the West Coast.
Scotland's haunting countryside
Glencoe
Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Scotland. Site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, today it is a hauntingly beautiful Highland glen which evokes the spirit of the clans who ruled this land for centuries.
Three days in rural Perthshire
The rolling hills of Perthshire are home to some wonderful wildlife, immersive hikes and incredible whisky. Take yourself off the beaten track and explore the hidden secrets that are only known to the locals. From walks to dramatic waterfalls under towering Scot’s pines to listening to the centuries-old tradition of bagpipes performed for you by a Highlander, there’s plenty for you to uncover during your time within the Shire.
Where you could stay
Scottish Lowlands
Overview
Set on 850 acres, this Scottish countryside estate boasts three championship golf courses, fine-dining restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities.
With a choice between traditional opulence and contemporary luxury, many of the 232 rooms offer views over the grounds. Soft fabrics and modern touches make even the more compact rooms into intimate and comfortable havens.
Take a table at the Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant, or dine at The Strathearn, The Dormy Clubhouse or enjoy lighter meals and drinks at one of the hotel’s bars.
Gleneagles is perfectly suited to guests of all ages, and there are outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. From it’s world famous golf to off-road driving, mountain biking, falconry, fishing, archery and horse-riding, you will be able to make the most of Scotland’s fresh air and beautiful scenery. You can also indulge in a selection of traditional therapies and alternative treatments at The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA.
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Explore Perthshire
Farm life
Land adventures
History
History
Sheep farm in the Scottish Lowlands
Husband and wife team, Colin and Linda, will welcome you to their working farm and introduce you to life on a Scottish sheep farm. Highlights of the visit include a sheep dog demonstration in the field and a talk on spinning yarn with a visit to Linda’s wool workshop. This is a fascinating insight into local culture on a working farm.
Gleneagles: Off-road drive
Gleneagles has two off-road courses close to the hotel. Designed by some of Britain’s leading off-road specialists, they incorporate natural and purpose-built obstacles including water splashes, ditches, escalating ridges, gullies and steep gradients.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
