9 Days
A white Christmas may be the only way to improve this festive celebration in Scotland. Specially designed for families looking to spend the season together, it begins in the historic capital city of Edinburgh; here, take in the Christmas market, explore the city in Mini Coopers and make your own traditional Scottish fudge.
A day trip with your chauffeur-guide will showcase ‘Scotland in Miniature’ as you explore famous Loch Lomond with a sight-seeing cruise, step inside mighty Stirling Castle and fight off the winter chill with a “wee dram” at a charming distillery.
The next four nights will be spent at Gleneagles, known as the ‘Playground of the Gods’. Here, enjoy a lavish celebration as you delight in the season’s festivities. As you feast on sumptuous food, try your hand at traditional country pursuits and participate in the many other fun activities on offer, you will no doubt create a wealth of family memories that will be treasured for many years to come.
GET IN TOUCH
Day One: Arrival Day
Day Two: A ‘Mack’ Mini Adventure
Day Three: The Culinary Capital
Day Four: Scotland in Minature
Day Five: Travel to Gleneagles
Day Six: Christmas Eve
Day Seven: Christmas Day
Day Eight: Boxing Day
Day Nine: Homeward Bound
Day One: Wednesday 19th December - Arrival Day
On arrival to Edinburgh Airport you will be met and welcomed by your experienced chauffeur-guide who will provide a safe and comfortable journey into the city centre.
Your home for the first four evenings is the Rocco Forté Collection’s Balmoral. It is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. Complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant, tranquil spa, and kilted doormen, the hotel is the city’s premier property. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh’s landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark.
As you will witness from your hotel, Edinburgh transforms into a magical winter wonderland every December. Perhaps explore the city’s Christmas markets where you can purchase traditional gifts and sample delicious food and drink. See the sparkling lights of the city from above with a ride on the Big Wheel or head to St Andrew Square where you will find an ice rink which loops around the towering Melville Monument.
Day Two: Thursday 20th December - A ‘Mack’ Mini Adventure in the Capital
This morning you will be met at your hotel by your driver who will take you on a private tour of the city in a classic Mini Cooper. It will be a sight-seeing tour with a difference; venture off the beaten track to discover hidden gems and local favourites that most tourists miss.
Perhaps stretch your legs with a short climb to the top of Calton Hill, before travelling through the street of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town and visiting beautiful Dean Village.
The day concludes with an evening exploration of Edinburgh’s darker side.
Follow your cloaked guide through the shadowy streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town for a private exploration of underground vaults which are reputed to be amongst the most haunted places in the city. In this atmospheric location, lit only by the flicker of candle light, your guide will regale you with stories of murderers and vagrants, torture and hangings. Their true history is even more terrifying than fiction.
Return to the surface and follow your guide to the Canongate graveyard. It is the resting place of the city’s most famous figures: Adam Smith, the father of economics; David Rizzio, the lover of Mary Queen of Scots murdered by her jealous husband; and James Douglas, the infamous cannibal of the Canongate. Your guide will delight in telling you stories of devious deeds and gory crimes which will remain with you long after the tour has ended.
Day Three: Friday 21st December – The Culinary Capital
This morning a private specialist guide will take you through the Old and New Towns and into unusual or hidden restaurants, shops and bars. At each location you will have the opportunity to taste dishes specially prepared for you, and sample individually selected wines and malt whisky.
Along the way, your guide will entertain with stories on the history of Scottish food and the city. The locations chosen are unique or off the beaten track, and many have a story to tell in their own right. Though the portions are all sample and starter sized, it is best to skip a big breakfast to enjoy the experience to the full!
This afternoon, the foodie theme continues with a private fudge-making workshop. Learn how this fantastic fudge is created and take part in a hands-on demonstration.
Day Four: Saturday 22nd December - Scotland in Miniature
Travel west from Edinburgh to visit Stirling Castle; it is one of Scotland’s most famous castles – whoever ruled here often ruled the nation. It towers over some of the most important battlefields in Scottish history and was the favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens for generations. Today it is meticulously restored to its original Renaissance glory.
Travel through the Trossachs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is an area that straddles the colourful meeting of the Highlands and Lowlands and is often referred to as Scotland in Miniature – within a few miles, you can find towering peaks and deep wooded glens, as well as babbling streams and rivers which run into magnificent lochs.
Arrive on the shores of one of the most famous of these lochs; Loch Lomond. It is steeped in legend, folklore and history and has inspired artists, poets and writers for centuries. The north is dominated by mountainous peaks and a scattering of islands can be found at the southern shores.
Complete the day with a very special and memorable visit to the local distillery. Located on the Highland Line, the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, the stills are in the Highlands while the maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands. It has been in continuous operation, producing Highland single malt, for over 175 years.
Enjoy a private guided tour and two tastes of what we affectionately call the water of life. In their own words, the 12yro is a perfect balance of oak and sweetness whereas the 18yro is fresh, malty and spicy.
Return to Edinburgh for a final evening.
Day Five: Sunday 23rd December – Travel to Gleneagles
Depart Edinburgh and travel north to the world-renowned Gleneagles resort.
When Gleneagles first opened its doors in 1924, it was quickly dubbed the Playground of the Gods. Today, its claim to that title is undiminished: experience for yourself the divine setting, dining and facilities of the hotel. As the saying goes, “There are many beautiful places in the world. There are many great hotels. There are many famous golf courses and resorts. There is only one Gleneagles”.
Day Six: Monday 24th December – Christmas Eve
The day is yours to spend as you please as Gleneagles. The resort offers a full programme of activities with something to suit every guest.
Perhaps sign up to work on your swing at The Golf Academy, learn how to use a high-powered air rifle at The Shooting School, or learn from former Olympic coaches at the ice rink – they’ll have you dancing on ice in no time! If you need some inspiration, there will also be the chance to watch championship skaters perform in the afternoon.
Don’t forget to visit the elves at the front door before they leave with their reindeer for the busiest night of the year! If you wish to attend midnight service at a local church, transfers will be provided and there will be hot toddies and mince pies waiting for you on your return.
Day Seven: 25th December – Christmas Day
Gleneagles is a truly magical place to spend Christmas Day. Transfers will be provided if you wish to attend the Christmas Service at a local church, and in the Gleneagles Suite, Santa Claus will be waiting to give gifts to younger guests!
A sumptuous lunch will be accompanied in the restaurants by the house bands, and a traditional gala dinner buffet awaits in the evening.
Day Eight: Wednesday 26th December – Boxing Day
Enjoy a final day at Gleneagles. This morning, there will be the opportunity for some friendly competition with family and fellow guests at the traditional Boxing Day clay pigeon shoot, and later
you can experience the thrill of falconry as you fly Harris hawks at game on a local sporting estate.
Further entertainment on offer includes the chance to have your charts read by expert fortune tellers who can reveal your future, and a performance of the Beauty and the Beast pantomime, complete with enchanting songs, stunning costumes, and all your favourite characters!
This evening, gather as a family for some classic Christmas music on the front lawn, followed by some spectacular fireworks.
Day Nine: Thursday 27th December – Homeward Bound
Your chauffeur-guide will provide a transfer to Edinburgh Airport for onward travel.
End of Services
Follow your cloaked guide through the shadowy streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town for a private exploration of underground vaults which are reputed to be amongst the most haunted places in the city. In this atmospheric location, lit only by the flicker of candle light, your guide will regale you with stories of murderers and vagrants, torture and hangings. Their true history is even more terrifying than fiction.
A winning blend of natural beauty and golfing adventure. Handicap not required on the King’s and Queen’s Courses.
Set off from the marina and relax on the upper deck with a glass of champagne in hand.
Perhaps one of Scotland’s most important castles as whoever ruled here, often ruled the nation.
Glengoyne Distillery is regularly referred to as the “most beautiful distillery in Scotland”, it is complete with whitewashed walls and a pagoda roof. Nestled in the foothills of the Dumgoyne Hill, the famous volcanic plug that shimmers like a far-off mirage to the people of Glasgow, the distillery has been in continuous operation, producing Highland single malt for over 175 years
Discover the city from a foodie perspective on a walking food tour. Your private specialist guide will take you through the Old and New Towns and into unusual or hidden restaurants, shops and bars. Taste dishes specially prepared for you and sample individually selected wines and malt whisky.
Scotland’s historic capital city. Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling cashmere goods and hand crafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story: delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.
Described as “a Riviera of the Highlands” when it first opened its doors in 1924. Today, its reputation for luxury is undiminished and offers sumptuous accommodation, impeccable service, Michelin-starred dining, and Championship parkland courses. Handicap not required on the King’s and Queen’s Courses.
Loch Lomond is one of the Scotland’s most famous stretches of water. Formed during the last Ice Age, the north is dominated by mountainous peaks and a scattering of islands can be found at the southern shores.
The loch is steeped in history and has inspired artists, poets and writers for centuries. Praised by such figures as Robert Burns and Gerard Manley Hopkins as well as being the focus of the ever-popular song “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond”, which closes many a night of revelry, it has earned its place in Scottish culture both high and low.
The ‘Trossachs’, are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Straddling the border between the Highlands and Lowlands, the Trossachs is often referred to as Scotland in Miniature – within a few miles, you can find towering peaks and deep wooded glens, as well as babbling streams and rivers which run into magnificent lochs.
