Edinburgh & the Cairngorms National Park

This morning, meet your private guide for a walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town, learning more about their distinctive architecture as well as the city's storied history. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. If the weather allows, we suggest walking up to Arthur's Seat for some excellent views across Edinburgh's distinctive buildings and spires and out to the sea.

Today, you’ll take a private gastronomical tour of Broughton Street and its surrounds. You’re led by an internationally published food writer who has an excellent knowledge of Edinburgh's food and drink scene and its local food producers and can take you to the best eateries for some samples. Later, we recommend meandering through Dean Village or perhaps exploring one of Edinburgh's outstanding museums.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and drive north toward the Cairngorms National Park. En route, stop at Dalwhinnie Distillery — the country's highest whisky distillery — for a tour and tasting paired with some locally produced artisanal chocolates.

Head to Rothiemurchus Estate this morning, whose Scots Caledonian Pine forest is the largest remaining area of its kind in Europe. You'll meet your private guide here and explore the estate by Land Rover. Finish with a champagne picnic overlooking the national park’s lakes, forests and mountains. This afternoon, join a shared horseback-riding tour along some of the trails that wind through the forest of Rothiemurchus and along lakeshores.

Drive north to Inverness today to return your car at the airport, before making your onward journey home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.