Overview
A glorious Scottish adventure
A classic discovery of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes and rich history, with a wild twist.
Begin with five nights enveloped by the great green glens of Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Once a traditional hunting estate, it is now one of Scotland's most exciting rewilding projects, pioneering Highlands’ conservation. A ranger will guide you around this beautiful wilderness on hikes, fishing trips and drives, returning to a fire-warmed Victorian lodge for hearty dinners and whisky.
Then explore the mighty Cairngorms mountains from the grand Fife Arms, visiting highlights such as Balmoral Castle, Loch Ness and a royal distillery, before a final two nights in the ever-handsome city of Edinburgh.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Private tours in Alladale’s Nature Reserve and rewilding projects
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The Fife Arms’ famed art collection
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Guided whisky tastings
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Private tours of Balmoral and Edinburgh castles
Inclusions
What's included
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Ten nights of luxury accommodation
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Privately guided tours, experiences and wildlife activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 6
Rewilding the Highlands
Heading north from Inverness, cross great firths and quaint villages then head inland, following a track upriver through forests and green hills to Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Remote and rugged, these 9,300 beautiful hectares are at the forefront of Scotland’s rewilding movement, restoring a former hunting estate to its natural grandeur. The wild Highlands as they once were.
A ranger will guide hikes and 4x4 drives on the reserve, perhaps up to its highest peak from where you can look out to the North and Irish Seas, and fishing trips on its pristine river and hill lochs. You can also take out mountain bikes or spot wildlife from the hide, all before retiring to Alladale’s Victorian lodge or your private cottage for a dram of whisky by the fire and hearty meals of Scottish produce.
Days 6 — 9
Explore the Cairngorms
Head south, via a boat trip on Loch Ness and the Culloden battlefield, into the heart of the Cairngorms mountain range and to the historic Fife Arms, where tradition meets contemporary art.
Visit the Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery and Balmoral (the Queen’s favourite castle), ride through the Cairngorms National Park on horseback, perhaps heading out to forage with the Fife Arms’ resident expert or climb a Munro to take in the views. Or explore the hotel's incredible art collection and enjoy the fabulous sustainable cuisine and inventive cocktails.
Days 9 — 11
Historic Edinburgh
End with two nights in the handsome city of Edinburgh. You’ll be shown around its medieval castle – a commanding presence that dominates the skyline – winding Old Town alleys, neoclassical New Town streets and Holyrood Palace on a private walking tour, with plenty of time to sample the capital’s exciting dining scene and nightlife.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
