Trip Overview:
Embark on a cultural immersion into South West Scotland's Dumfries & Galloway. Traverse sheep-graced landscapes, hike coastal paths, and conquer hills echoing with the legacies of Scottish Kings & Queens. Blend traditions with homemade sweetness as you try your hand at jam-making with Ross' Mother. Craft phrases in the "Scots" language with a local writer and even do some re-wilding, by helping plant some trees. Lastly, you'll get up close with some Highland cows and maybe even herd a few sheep!
Highlights:
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Get off the beaten track in South West Scotland
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Try your hand at herding sheep
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Hike ancient coastal paths on the Solway Coast
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Blend traditions with a jam-making class
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Get up close and personal with some Highland Cows
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Learn some well-known "Scots" phrases
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Off-set your trip with some re-wilding
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Celebrate your final night with a few steps and musical "Ceilidh"
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Welcome!
Welcome to Scotland's capital city! With its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town you're bound to be bowled over by its charm. Once you've checked in, you can explore as you please. We'll meet for a welcome drink at our hotel and then head to dinner as a group.
- Overnight in Edinburgh: APEX City Hotel
- Dinner included
DAY 2: Edinburgh Old Town
Today we'll start with a walking tour through Edinburgh's historic streets, where ancient tales and modern lives converge. Wander along the Royal Mile, marvel at the towering Edinburgh Castle, and explore hidden "closes." In the afternoon we'll set off South West, past the Pentland Hills, to the old Kingdom of Galloway. Once we're settled in our home-stay we'll have a home-cooked dinner. Haggis anyone?!
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- Overnight in Auchencairn: Home-Stay
- Breakfast & dinner included
DAY 3: The Solway Coast
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dumfries & Galloway on a morning cliff walk. Traverse rugged paths, breathe in the sea air, and witness the grandeur of the Solway Coast. After lunch, craft some phrases in the Scots language with a cultural workshop led by a local writer. Perhaps you'll be inspired by the coastal landscapes?! Whilst we have dinner, we've got a bit of surprise for you all!
- Overnight in Auchencairn: Home-Stay
- Breakfast & dinner included
DAY 4: Highland Coos
Get up close and personal with a few Highland Cows (you'll even have the chance to groom some!). After farmhouse tea and cakes, we'll explore a local fishing town and grab some lunch. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to kick back and relax or conquer some nearby hills. The day will end with home-cooked dinner with Ross' parents as the sun sets over the Solway Firth.
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- Overnight in Auchencairn: Home-Stay
- Breakfast & dinner included
DAY 5: Sheep Herding
Blend local flavours with home-made traditions in a jam making workshop guided by Ross' mother. After lunch, we'll learn about life in rural Scotland from a local farmer and witness a sheep-dog demonstration. To wrap up the day, we'll be doing some re-wilding as we plant some trees. For our final dinner, if the weather permit, we'll light a bonfire and have a very traditional Scottish BBQ!
- Overnight in Auchencairn: Home-Stay
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 6: Back to Edinburgh
A trip to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a little whisky! So, after saying goodbye to Ross' parents we'll head to a local distillery for a lesson in Scotch Whisky. After a distillers lunch and a few "drams" it's a 2.5 hour drive back to Edinburgh. The afternoon is yours to explore, but save yourself some energy for our final evening's "Ceilidh" - a musical gathering in a private venue, right in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh.
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- Overnight in Edinburgh: APEX City Hotel
- Breakfast & dinner included
DAY 7: Goodbyes
Today, it'll be a final goodbye to you all! Catch flights home or head out on your next adventure. We'll be on hand to help arrange transport to the airport or offer suggestions for things to do for the day.
- Breakfast included
Something to note
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Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary; however, the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.
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Before you go ahead and book, scroll down and have a read of the additional info!
Some important info!
Pricing
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The total price of this trip is USD $3,175.
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This listed price is per person, based on double occupancy. If you're happy to share a room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender. If you're travelling with a friend, please let us know and we'll match you up.
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If you would rather a private room, this is available for an additional cost of USD $1100 (on top of the trip price). When you pay your deposit, please let us know of your choice.
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In order to reserve your spot on the trip, we first request a brief 10 minute video call. If the trip is right for you, you'll then be invited to pay your deposit of USD $275. This deposit is fully refundable for 7 days after payment. The remaining balance of the trip will be due by midnight on Friday 1st March (for the May trip) and Friday 19th April (for the July trip)
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What's included?
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Accommodation throughout the trip (6 nights).
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All meals as described in the itinerary.
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One alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) drink for the welcome dinner & final dinner.
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All experiences as described in the itinerary.
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Transportation throughout the trip.
- Dedicated guide & host (Ross).
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What's not included?
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Transportation and flights to/from Scotland.
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Pre/post trip accommodation.
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Travel insurance (highly recommended).
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Additional meals and drinks outside of itinerary.
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Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
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Customary gratuities for Guides & Drivers.
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Airport transfer to/from Edinburgh City Centre to Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)
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Activity Level
We’ll be spending a lot of time outside and on out feet. In some cases, this will involve dirt and/or cobblestone paths. The most physical day will be Day 3 when we do our coastal cliff walk, so you should feel comfortable walking for at least 2 hours uphill and downhill.
Arrival & Departure Flights
When booking your international flights, the best option is Edinburgh International Airport (aka Edinburgh Turnhouse Airport), with airport code EDI. If you're flying into other airports, please let us know and we'll be happy to suggest travel options to Edinburgh.
Ready for an adventure?
The total price of this trip is USD $3,175.
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To ensure the best experience for all our guests, before you pay your deposit:
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We request a brief, friendly 15-minute video call with each guest.
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This allows us to understand guest preferences and ensure the trip aligns perfectly with everyone's expectations.
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Our aim is to create a super unique trip, and this personalised touch ensures that we're able to do this.
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One last thing! We want to say how grateful we are that you're considering this trip. We (Travis & Ross) started building this travel company back in 2018 and its been a serious adventure.
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If you have any questions, please drop us an email here, otherwise what you waiting for?! Book that trip!
