The iconic St Andrews Links golf course
Caption: The iconic St Andrews Links golf course
Caption: Toasting the Haggis, © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Caption: Edinburgh Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Caption: A couple crossing the famous Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course, St Andrews © VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin
Caption: Carnoustie Golf Links © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
Caption: Dunnottar Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Caption: Whisky tasting in Scotland
Caption: St Andrews Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Caption: Aberdeen University © Visit Aberdeenshire
Caption: Red Castle at Lunan Bay © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Ultimate Scottish Golf Experience
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Flight information: Please arrange your travel to arrive into Edinburgh on Day 1 and depart Edinburgh on Day 8
Pickup location: Edinburgh Airport [EDI] or Edinburgh Waverley Station

Overview

Choose your group's own departure date

Scotland is the home of golf. Discover world famous courses & those loved by locals on this unique, luxury golfing vacation. Exclusive accommodation, fantastic experiences and a spirit of fun – this tour has something for everyone!

Join us as we discover Scotland on an exclusive, world-class golf holiday. Visitng some of the worlds most historic golf courses, we'll be based at exclusive accommodation set in beautiful Scottish countryside, and one of Edinburgh's most iconic hotels.

Scotland is, of course, the birthplace of golf and several of the sport’s most iconic courses are just a short drive away from our stately bases, including the 'Home of Golf' - St. Andrews or Carnoustie. You'll also get the chance to play some lesser known, hidden gems loved by locals.

Our exclusive accommodation includes two private castles - Kinnettles and Kincardine Castle. These stately homes will amaze with their architecture and sense of grandeur. What's more, enjoy the attentions of a private butler service and chef, luxury bedroom suites and elegant dining rooms.

And the non-golfers are not forgotten on this tour. From exploring historic castle, sampling a wee nip of Scotland’s finest whisky and of course, bagpipes, you'll be spoilt on this exclusive new tour.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to Bonnie Scotland
DAY 2 - Playing Carnoustie Links or Charming Castles
DAY 3 - Glorious St Andrews
DAY 4 - Exploring Old Aberdeen
DAY 5 - Royal Aberdeen or Dunnottar Castle
DAY 6 - Hidden Gem Golf Course or Distilery VIsit
DAY 7 - Exploring Edinburgh
DAY 8 - Farewell to Scotland
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to Bonnie Scotland

Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, meet your driver and enjoy a 'wee dram' of single malt whisky to welcome you to Scotland.

Drive through the scenic Scottish countryside to Kinettles Castle, our base for the next three nights. Set in 44 acres of rolling countryside, relax at the privately owned castle before we join in the evening for dinner.

Before dinner, we will enjoy pre-dinner drinks along with Scottish welcome with bagpipes and Highland dancers before we learn about what awaits in the week ahead.

We'll be called to our Scottish themed dinner by our butler and then participate in the Toast to the Haggis.

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: Kinettles Castle 

DAY 2 - Playing Carnoustie Links or Charming Castles

We'll enjoy breakfast this morning at Kinettles Castle before our transport arrives for our day excursion.

The golfers in the group will head to one of the most famous names in Scottish golfing - Carnoustie Links.

The non-golfers will head to Lunan Bay in Montrose, a beautiful stretch of the Angus coastline overlooked by Red Castle, built in the 12th Century for Scots King William the Lion to protect from Viking invaders.

The group will all rejoin for lunch at the Rookery, before heading together to Arbikie Distillery for a tour and tasting. Family run, the distillery's crops are grown by the sea, giving their spirits a unique taste and flavour.

We return to Kinettles Castle where you'll enjoy pre-dinner drinks before being called to dinner by your butler.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kinettles Castle 

DAY 3 - Glorious St Andrews

St Andrews needs little introduction - known as the home of golf.

After breakfast, we will head all together to the historic coastal city of St Andrews. Whilst the golfers take to the greens of the iconic course, the non-golfers in will enjoy a guided tour of the historic university town where William and Kate had their first kiss.

Everyone will rejoin for lunch in St Andrews before a visit to the British Golf museum. The views from upstairs in the museum of the old golf course and the sea are well worth seeing over a hot chocolate.

We return to Kinettles Castle for our final evening, with pre-dinner drinks before being called to dinner.

After dinner, be charmed by tales by a traditional Scottish storyteller

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kinettles Castle 

DAY 4 - Exploring Old Aberdeen

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Kinettles as we head further north into Scotland and make our way to our next base, Kincardine Castle.

Your butlers will pack the coach for departure and we'll make our way to Aberdeen where we'll explore its history and enjoy lunch.

The historic cathedral and univeristy city has seen settlements dating back some 8,000 years! We'll tour Old Aberdeen and step back in time as we walk through the cobbled streets in the heart of the area. In the characteristic chanonry ( the area around St Machar's Cathedral), we'll visit the Cruickshank Botanic garden, situated on the King’s College campus of the University of Aberdeen. The 11 acre garden has a variety of plants and an arboretum, rock and water garden, and houses a collection of over 2500 labelled plants.

In the 12th Century fortified cathedral of St Machar’s it is believed that after William Wallace was executed in 1305 and parts of his body were sent to different corners of the country, and his left arm was sent to Aberdeen and is said to be buried in the walls of St Machar’s Cathedral. We'll also pass through Footdee - known locally as Fittie - a quirky fishing quarter at the water’s edge with squares of tiny cottages and brightly painted outhouses.

Afterwards, we will make our way to Kincardine Castle, our home for the next 3 nights, where we'll be greeted with a champagne reception and talk about the history of the castle before dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kincardine Castle 

DAY 5 - Royal Aberdeen or Dunnottar Castle

After breakfast service, it is time to head out once again.

Today, the golfers will depart for Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Coaches arrive, depart Kinettles and head towards Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Founded in 1888, it was voted the top club in Scotland in 2022, coming in 41st overall in world rankings, and scoring 69.4!

The group's non-golfers will head to the stunning location of Dunnottar Castle. A spectacular ancient ruin on a sea cliff crag, the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell here during the English Civil war around 1650! Furthermore, Franco Zefferelli used this spectacular ruin to create the tormented world of his Hamlet and more recently it was the inspiration for Disney’s Brave and Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy even filmed part of Frankenstein at the castle.

We'll enjoy a luxury picnic lunch (weather dependent) on our day out, before returning in the evening to Kincardine for pre-dinner drinks before being called for dinner together.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kincardine Castle 

DAY 6 - Hidden Gem Golf Course or Distilery VIsit

Today offers the last day of golfing for the players, heading to a local hidden gem - Cruden Bay Golf Course. Whilst not so well known outside of Scotland, the beautiful scenery of the seaside course will leave you with many memories.

The non-golfers will head to Aberdeen's Distillery & Gin School. Situated in a historic Railway arch, you'll enjoy a tailored gin tasting. With a double G&T in hand, learn about Aberdeen’s lost distilling heritage, explore the distillery including the restricted production area, find out how you can make your own gin at home, take part in a Q&A session with the head distiller and finally enjoy a gin tasting from a range of true Aberdeen gins. What's more, you'll take away with you a sample of gin.

We all return to Kincardine for our final night and dinner at the castle.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kincardine Castle 

DAY 7 - Exploring Edinburgh

We depart Kincardine after breakfast service as we travel south to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.

Upon arrival in the city, we will check in to our final stop, the Scotsman Hotel. Built in 1905, the stunning building that is now a hotel was the home for almost a century of the leading Scottish newspaper of the same name.

We will enjoy lunch in Edinburgh before some free time in the city for final souvenir shopping or sightseeing.

The famous Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh's oldest pub which boasts more than 200 years of Scottish hospitality will be the location for our final pre-dinner drinks and meal together to round off our fantastic week in Scotland. We'll enjoy some final entertainment before returning to the hotel for our last night in Scotland.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh 

DAY 8 - Farewell to Scotland

With a mind full of memories and a bag full of tartan, it is time to bid a fond farewell to Scotland as you are transferred to Edinburgh Airport for your onward flights home.

Included meals: Breakfast 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport [EDI] or Edinburgh Waverley Station
  • Transportation throughout in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • English speaking tour guides where applicable
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • Golf fees on dates and course locations as detailed in the itinerary - *minimum handicap requried to play each course
  • Services of a Big Journey Company Tour Director throughout (subject to minimum numbers being reached)

What's not included

  • Return travel to/from Edinburgh 
  • Caddy fees and equipment hire
  • Gratuities
  • All entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Visas, travel or personal medical insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any meals or drinks not mentioned in itinerary
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • N.B. - A golf handicap of 36 is required to play at St Andrew's (both men and women), Carnoustie requries a handicap of 28 (men)/38(women) and Royal Aberdeen a handical of 20 (both men and women). A currnet handicap certificate is required by all clubs in order to play.
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
  • Please consult your doctor for advice on vaccinations and innoculations before travel.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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