From husky rides through pristine frozen forests to excursions into the Polar night to view the Northern Lights, discover unforgettable Lapland holidays.
From winter sun escapes in the Maldives to bucket list adventures in Peru, explore our experience collections of local authentic experiences.
Not In The Guidebooks adventures take you to the places other tourists miss – explore our offbeat, authentic and local itineraries here.
We find that the fastest route to the heart of a culture is through its cuisine. Whether that’s cooking in Italy or exploring markets in Vietnam.
For a holiday that creates more than memories, explore our range of painting, photography, and art & crafts holidays.
The best way to explore a landscape is to immerse yourself in it on an adventure, whether hiking the Spanish Pyrenees or kayaking in Montenegro.
Explore the world on your terms by meeting like-minded travellers who share your passion for discovering new places and experiencing new cultures.
Take the opportunity to refresh, recharge and revatilise on a wellness holiday that also takes you to experience a new culture.
From the Masai Mara to Corcovado National Park, with NITGB you can witness some of the most spectacular wildlife on earth in a responsible manner.
Discover unique accommodation that turns an ordinary weekend escape into a memorable, offbeat experience, whether in the UK or further afield.
Get truly off the beaten track and escape the crowds, as you throw yourself into the wild, majestic natural landscape of Western Scotland, and discover the culinary riches that await in this stunningly beautiful part of the world.
The location for this unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dalriada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland, located in the pristine, unspoilt coastal region now known as Mid Argyll.
Your accommodation base will be near Dunadd ...Read All
Brian spent around 15 years working in Community Development and Social Work for various public and private agencies and always had a serious interest in outdoor education and skills. He has achieved various coaching certificates and in 2005 decided to put his skills to good use in his own business, with his passion for the outdoors, in particular around his home on the west coast of Scotland and his 'second home' Greece.
Brian runs several trips in Scotland and in Greece, during the year, coordinating activities for both regions, and has a deep knowledge of both locations, the people, places, culture, food and recipes, and will be very excited to meet you and share his knowledge and love of each country with you.
Brian spent around 15 years working in Community Development and Social Work for various public and private agencies and always had a serious interest in outdoor education and skills. He has achieved various coaching certificates and in 2005 decided to put his skills to good use in his own business, with his passion for the outdoors, in particular around his home on the west coast of Scotland and his 'second home' Greece.
Brian runs several trips in Scotland and in Greece, during the year, coordinating activities for both regions, and has a deep knowledge of both locations, the people, places, culture, food and recipes, and will be very excited to meet you and share his knowledge and love of each country with you.
Arrival
Your holiday starts on your chosen arrival date. You will be met at your arrival point in Glasgow and transferred to your accommodation.
Please note that the earliest meeting/collection time is 10.00 am. The latest arrival collection time is 6.00pm. You will be taken by private car transfer to your accommodation in Mid Argyll.
Departure
Your return transfer to Glasgow will either be by coach from Lochgilphead to Glasgow or by train from Oban to Glasgow, all associated costs are included in the price. The journey time is approx 2 hours to Glasgow.
Depending on your chosen month of travel excursion, experiences will vary.
Scotland benefits from long summer days from around the beginning of May to late August when daylight remains until around 11.00 pm.
These seasonal variations will not affect the course itinerary, but may assist you in planning your trip to your own preferences; Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons.
This vacation is operated and provided on a Saturday arrival and departure day basis. All itinerary items will be provided but some alterations to the specific daily activities will be required.
Depending on what month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable and actual day activities may change, but all inclusions will be covered.
You will enjoy one full day excursion and two half day excursions:
1 Full day excursion: Visit to the traditional harbour town of Oban, including a visit to Oban whisky distillery and Dunollie Castle and museum. Oban is a vibrant little harbour town on the west coast of Scotland with opportunities for you to browse the shops, walk the history trail up to McCaigs tower or maybe sample some fresh shellfish from the many shore side huts. On this day lunch out is included in a traditional pub in Oban - OR – we can substitute this lunch for you to try the tradition of Scottish Afternoon Tea with views over the sea.
2 Half Day excursions:
1. Inveraray town and Inveraray Castle and gardens. Inveraray is a very picturesque town on the shores of Loch Fyne with a variety of shops and cafés. It’s historic Castle is home to the clan Campbell and dates back to the 14th Century. The current castle with its gothic turrets dates from the 18th Century and is home to the current Duke of Argyll. The gardens are beautiful in all seasons but May and September are particularly stunning for colour.
2. Guided walk through the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada and Kilmartin Valley. Your vacation is based in one of the most historically significant areas of the United Kingdom. This 3 hour relaxed walk will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside to experience standing stones, stone circles, cairns and rock carvings that date back 5,000 years to the Bronze Age.
Optional extras that can be added at your own expense to your week vacation .
Pre notification and booking essential and we will take care of these for you. Prices are indicative and will be confirmed at time of booking.
1.Wildlife and Corryvrecken whirlpool Boat Trip (May to Sept only) £95 per person
A 45 minute drive to the island of Easdale where you will board the day cruiser for a 3 hour cruise out to the gulf of Corryvrecken to experience the tide races , whirlpool and watch for whales and other wildlife.
2. Day trip to the island of Jura and whisky distillery tour £90 per person. A short drive to the picturesque village of Tayvallich from where you take a 1 hour catamaran ferry to the famous whisky island of Jura. The Jura whisky distillery is a short 5 minute walk from the ferry jetty.
3. Guided Sea kayaking – 6 hour trip £105 per person. Enjoy the local flora and fauna on a relaxed day of peaceful, guided sea kayaking exploring the spectacular lochs and coasts of this area. All equipment , guiding and relevant clothing will be provided.
During the week you will have ample free time. The local area offers a wide variety for self guided activities and opportunities right from your cottage doorstep. Below are some of the areas that we would recommend. We will be able to supply you with a detailed map and further guidance to explore these areas.
(a) Crinan - a walk west along the beautiful Crinan canal (right from your accommodation) for cream teas.
(b) Ardrishaig – a walk east along the canal from your accommodation to Ardishaig town or Lochgilphead town.
(c) Dunardy forest walk, near to nature trail.
(d) Visit to the local pub
(e) Historical Rock Art - Cup and Ring Marks walk (behind your cottage)
- Cullen skink (Smoked fish soup)
- Braden Rost (Hot smoked Scottish salmon)
- Oatcakes and shortbread
- Traditional meat Scotch pies & meat Bridies
- Cranachan (oatmeal, raspberry, cream, oats, dessert)
- And of course Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy
During high season (July-August) you can book for 2 people ONLY.
Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.
Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.
