Day 1 : Scotland Arrival
Welcome to Scotland!
When you touchdown in Scotland on day one, arrangements for your pickup will have been already made; all you will have to do is hop on for a scenic ride to the quaint town of Port Patrick where the estate is located.
Stunning scenery – An experience you’ll never forget!
The journey to the estate is an experience on its own. You’ll be welcomed to Scotland by its landmark rugged coastlines and flowing grassy fields dotted with sheep and lamb as your driver enlightens with stories of the many historic places you pass by. When you reach the estate, our host will be present to welcome you and show you to your rooms.
Depending on the time it takes for you to reach the estate and get settled in, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the grandeur of the Castle you will be calling home for the next 9 days.
Experience Scottish hospitality at its finest
Not only will you be greeted by gracious hosts, but you will also be offered hors d’oeuvres upon your arrival, as well as granted access to the bar where you can have your first taste of scotch.
When everyone has arrived, we will tour the communal rooms on the grounds with the estate’s owner, also referred to as the laird. The tour will be followed by a breathtaking performance by the renowned Stranraer Scottish pipe band; a 17-person band that is the holder of many championships in Scotland. Once you have had the opportunity to hear them play, you will know exactly why the band is so revered and celebrated. The end of your first day will be marked by a feast prepared for you by a Michelin starred chef in one of the estate’s grand dining halls.
Included :
- Transfers: Glasgow – Estate (approx. 2 hours)
- Activities: Airport pick-up; Orientation estate tour with laird; 17 person bag-pipe band
- Meals: Refreshing welcome beverages, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, Dinner
- Accommodation : Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 2 : Estate Exploration & Magic Parlor
Wake up to a delicious traditional Scottish breakfast made with care using products sourced locally to support the region. Afterward, our personal guide will accompany us on a detailed walking tour of the estate grounds.
The estate is surrounded by some 2,000 acres of forests; 3 beaches, 2 lochs; consists of walled and woodland gardens, a grand Hampton-court maze, and 2 waterfalls. Everything you see will have you questioning if you have stepped through a portal and ended up in a fairytale. Make sure to look out for the fairy houses scattered throughout the woodlands.
The estate boasts an 18th-century award-winning walled garden and during the tour, we’ll take time to enjoy a picnic al fresco within the walls of the fairytale garden. Rest assured this isn’t your average picnic; it’s another 5-star dining experience for you to enjoy with nature.
After the picnic, we will resume our tour of the rest of the estate. To end the tour, you can attempt to make it through the Hampton-court maze that takes about 30 minutes to complete! Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you please.
Transform into your favorite characters and capture memories that will last a lifetime!
In the evening, we’ll take you to see the famous Magic Parlor on the property. This place is magic because it allows its occupants to take up an alter ego and transform into the character of their choosing. This parlor hosts an array of exquisite headdresses and fantasy costumes to transform into your new character in this fairytale adventure. After your metamorphization, you can head on over to the photo booth to document the memory forever. For those of you who are Outlander fans, you can try on 18th-century outfits!
Finally, to end day two, dinner will consist of a seafood feast with fresh seafood sourced locally from the town of Port Patrick and exquisitely prepared by our Michelin starred chef.
Included :
- Activities: Guided tour of the estate grounds; Period piece dressing-up room and photo booth
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 3 : Antique Shopping Excursion or Golf Outing
Antique Shopping
We will leave the estate and visit the nearby quaint towns and villages to search for antiques while snapping photos of the dreamy countryside. We will enjoy lunch together and share our one-of-a-kind treasures.
Golf Outing
If you think of Scotland and golf comes to mind, this day is for you. Our estate is situated nearby one of Scotland’s most famous golf courses: the Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Course. This magnificent course is an 18 hole, 5,913 yards, par 70 golf course. The course gives you breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Regardless of what level of golf you can play, you will find this course incredibly welcoming. Once you have tried your hand at golf, let’s head into the clubhouse for lunch before making our way back to the estate.
If neither golf nor antique shopping is for you, you can just relax and lounge about on the estate, or perhaps go on adventures of your own and explore the estate grounds or the nearby town.
The third day will commence with dinner prepared by our Michelin starred chef while the sun sets around us.
Included :
- Optional Activities: Antique shopping or Golf outing
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
* Today your activity is not included. We will need to make advanced reservations for tee times, transportation, and lunch venues for activities. If you decide to book this trip, you will be asked at the booking stage if you would like to participate in either of these activities and you will need to make an advanced payment. You can pick both activities and then we will fit one of the other activities into the schedule on a day that you have free time. You can choose neither activity and spend your day as you wish. You can see pricing under the ‘FAQ’ tab.
NEXT DAY
Day 4 : Adventures
On day four, after our lovely brunch, we unleash our inner Braveheart and try our hand at sports from yesteryear. Let’s prove that we have all the skills to be a warrior!
Owls, Eagles, Archery, and a lot more!
Our private instructor will teach us the art of handling an owl or eagle at the falconry demo on the estate. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to display your newfound talents.
Next, try your hand at archery and see if you would make it into the battalions of William Wallace in the Scots rebellion. Instructors will be present throughout to help ensure your technique is correct and no one is in harm’s way, and then we can battle it out for the bullseye.
Afterward, there will be free time to spend at your discretion, and then we’ll head out to enjoy some sunset cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the loch. If you would like, you can take a canoe out on the lake and try your luck at sighting a certain legendary creature in the water!
That evening we will feast on an amazing traditional dish- the Scottish roast prepared by our resident Michelin Starred Chef. How about a roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with garlic & parsley crumb? Or better yet, a roasted pork loin with crispy onion and sage stuffed onions? If you are vegetarian or vegan, the dietary options for you on the menus are just as extensive and appetizing with meat taken out of the equation!
Before heading to bed for the night and calling it a day, we will watch a movie in our private theatre and enjoy some popcorn.
Included :
- Activities: Falconry; Archery; Canoeing; Canapés & Cocktails by the loch, Movie with popcorn
- Meals: Brunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 5 : Lighthouse & Queen Lords Lieutenant
Just up north of the English borders are the Southern Uplands, a belt of hilly countryside that traverses Scotland. Since this area has the smallest population of all of Scotland, you will have the opportunity to experience a remote, unspoiled, and rugged country all by yourself.
Anecdotes, history, and massive waves!
On day five we will take a trek along the Southern Uplands Trail. The walk is easy for most to complete. It takes about 1 hour, and you can enjoy great views of the waves crashing against the coastline. Our walk of this awe-inspiring route will be serenaded by history and anecdotes of all the places of interest. When we finally reach the lighthouse, we’ll be greeted with a hot lunch.
After lunch, we’ll drive back to the estate, or should you wish, you can cover the distance back to our home on foot. Perhaps on the way back, you would like to stop in town and check out some of the dainty little storefronts and the local pubs.
In the evening, we will have a private audience with the Queen Lord’s Lieutenant for Wigtown, Dumfries, and Galloway county over cocktails.
A lord-lieutenant is the British monarch’s personal representative in each lieutenancy area of the United Kingdom. Historically, each lieutenant was responsible for organizing the county’s militia. Nowadays, the title of the Lord-lieutenant is an honorary position that is awarded to a retired notable person in the county. You will have the opportunity to learn more about this position’s history and the role it plays in present times.
Included :
- Activities: Southern Uplands hike to the lighthouse; Conversation with Queen Lords Lieutenant with drinks
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 6 : Gardens
Today we will visit Scotland’s most famous and renowned gardens. First, we’ll visit Castle Kennedy, one of Scotland’s finest gardens and a hidden treasure in South West Scotland. This garden is the embodiment of heaven on earth with over 75 acres of spectacularly designed loch-side landscape.
Visit well-renowned mansions!
Castle Kennedy was built in 1607 as a mansion house on the site of an older castle. In the 1860s the 9th and 10th Earls built Lochinch Castle on the estate and partially restored the 18th-century gardens that had fallen into disrepair. Currently, the estate is the property of the Earl of Stair.
Next, you should prepare yourself to catch your breath as we will head to the Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden where you will get to see plant treasures rarely seen in the United Kingdom.
Located on the south-western tip of Scotland, Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate. The garden features a spectacular and colorful array of perennials. Warming the garden is the Gulf Stream which houses plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America, and Southern Africa and provides an environment for them to thrive. These plants include Palm and Eucalyptus trees that make it a very unique and rare garden.
For all the foodies: A medieval feast that you’ll never forget!
To top off the night, we will step into the shoes of true nobility as we partake in a traditional medieval feast! The menu tonight has many dishes dating back to the 17th century such as the ‘southern hunter,’ a sweet chili mead (a fermented drink made of honey, water, and yeast) with rye whiskey, ‘savory porridge (circa 1660),’ deep-fried frogs legs, garlic parsley, and fennel. For the main course, you’ll be served with a spit-roast suckling pig with roasted apples and honey mustard sauce with medieval saffron girdle bread and ‘coquinaria,’ medieval stuffed eggs, and much more. For dessert, treat yourself to ‘sambocade’ which is medieval elderflower cheesecake.
Included :
- Activities: Castle Kennedy; Logan Botanic Garden
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Medieval Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 7 : Castle Ruins
On day seven, we’ll take you to visit the grand ruins of Dunskey Castle, which are picturesquely perched on top of a rocky cliff jutting out into the Irish Sea. It cannot be emphasized enough the feeling of sonder that will engulf you as you sit hundreds of feet over the thrashing waves, thinking about all the lives lived in the castle and of the people who called it home centuries before you.
The massive tower house was built in the mid-16th century and the defensive ditch is all that survives of an earlier Adair Castle first recorded in the 14th century, then destroyed around 1500.
The ruins are a short walk away from our estate, and the views you get to experience as you stroll along the old railway line are straight out of a movie.
Later in the evening, we will have hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the gardens of the estate as a harpist serenades us.
Finally, we’ll have our last amazing dinner prepared by our resident Michelin Starred Chef before heading off to bed.
Included :
- Activities: Dunskey Castle Ruins; Cocktails and Canapés with harp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 8 : Beach Bonfire & BBQ
The eighth day will be the last full day we will spend at the estate. After we’ve had a filling breakfast, you’ll have free time to spend however you like. Perhaps you could take a last walk through the woodlands, head back into town for last-minute souvenir shopping, or take some scenic photos to commemorate this trip of a lifetime.
Later in the afternoon, our group will come together for a ‘ploughman’s lunch‘. A ploughman’s lunch is an English cold meal that consists of bread and cheese, usually accompanied by complementary foods like ham, green salad, hard-boiled eggs, apples, and more.
You will have some more free time after lunch that you can spend doing more of your favorite activities. Afterward, we’ll head down to the beach for our last meal of the trip with a beach bonfire and barbecue.
Included :
- Activities: Beach bonfire and barbecue
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Estate
NEXT DAY
Day 9 : Departure Day
Depending on when your flight leaves, you will have a couple of hours to say your last goodbyes to the place that was home for the last 9 days. Afterward, when you are all packed up and ready to go, you will be driven back to the airport.
Included :
- Activities: Airport Transfer
- Meals: Breakfast; Packed lunch for the road
NEXT DAY
Scotland 9-Day Trip
$4,500 – Trip Cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A deposit of $1,500 is needed to secure your spot.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
There is no single supplement fee for this trip! This makes this trip perfect for solo travelers looking for a luxury trip of a lifetime. If you would like to share a room with someone you can but there is no discount associated with doing this.
What is included :
- 8 nights accommodation
- Local Scottish guide and driver
- Globe Drifters host(s)
- All meals except 1 lunch at the local pub
- Cocktail hours with hors d’oeuvres
- All activities as noted on itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
What is not included :
- Optional activities (Antique shopping trip, Golf, etc.)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages (except during cocktail hour)
- Souvenirs
- International flight
- Supplementary insurance
-
Because the estate is quite large with 23 bedrooms the average size of the group will be between 15 – 25 people.
-
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and friendships made are the highlights of the trip.
-
All meals are included except for one lunch at a local pub in town. All activities are included except for the optional antique shopping trip and golf excursion.
Optional activities for Day 3:
Option 1 – Antique shopping and sightseeing is $60 and includes transport and lunch.
Option 2 – Golfing is $60 for 18-holes and does not include equipment rental or lunch at the clubhouse.
Option 3 – Golfing is $30 for 9-holes and does not include equipment rental or lunch at the clubhouse.
You can purchase an optional activity when checking out. If none of the excursion interests you, then enjoy a free afternoon to make your own plans.
-
The estate is located in the town of Portpatrick, Scotland which is a 2-hour drive from Glasgow.
-
There is no single supplement for this trip, meaning you will get your own room without having to pay extra. If you would like to share a room with someone you can but there is no discount associated with doing this.
-
The official currency of Scotland (UK) is the Pound Sterling £ (GBP) sometimes referred to as quid.
-
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Scotland as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival. It is always a good idea to carry some cash in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
If you do want to exchange money, avoid exchanging money at commercial exchange bureaus, hotels, and at the airport which often have the highest transaction fees. It is best to exchange money at a local bank.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches, as well as at most supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, airports, and some post offices.
You can withdraw up to £500 a day from a cash machine (ATM). Since most of your activities and meals are included you should not need more than this for the duration of your trip. It is best to pull the maximum amount from the ATM to avoid transaction fees.
-
Yes, most credit cards are widely accepted throughout Scotland except for American Express which is not always accepted.
There is a bar at the estate you can order drinks from. Tell the bartender your room number and then you can pay at checkout in either cash or credit/debit card.
-
Tipping isn’t particularly expected in Scotland but with that being said, it does depend on the service.
In restaurants, it is considered polite to tip around 10% of your total bill.
Since we will have the same chefs, waiters/waitresses, drivers, and guides we can pool our money at the end of our trip to give to the staff at the estate.
-
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for the bar on the property, one lunch, souvenirs, and tips.
We suggest having access to $200 – $400 USD either in cash or credit/debit card.
-
Americans, Canadians, and Australians do not need a visa for tourism to the United Kingdom for a stay up to 6 months.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
-
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Scotland, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Scotland! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data beforehand.
-
Yes, there is wi-fi on the estate and you should be able to access the wi-fi from your room as well as the common areas.
-
Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet. In Scotland the power plugs and sockets are type G.
Scottish facilities have 3-prong outlets with two flat prongs in line and one perpendicular, which looks like this :
See map below:
-
Scotland has cool nights as well as rain and wind year-round. It is essential to pack a jacket as well as a windbreaker and rain gear.
-
Bring a good rain jacket and windbreaker as the weather can be unpredictable.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable :
- Sunglasses/hat
- Umbrella
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Warm jacket
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Comfortable clothing for hiking/walking on trails
- Small, across the shoulder day bag or small backpack
- Bathing suit (for the beach)
- Any prescription medication and over the counter medicine
- Golf outfit/accessories (if you signed up for this excursion)
- Refillable water bottle
- Flashlight or head torch
Hairdryers are provided in each room along with a set of small toiletries.
Many of the dinners and cocktail hours will be semi-formal. There is no dress-code per say but if you would like to bring some dresses, slacks, and collared shirts that would be preferable. We are at a historic estate so let us dress the part!
-
Yes, there is complimentary daily laundry service that will be returned the following day.
-
Yes, the estate gets its water from a natural spring on the property.
-
Yes, after you reserve your spot you will be given a questionnaire that will ask for any special dietary requirements and/or foods that you do not like. We will then cater your menu to suit your needs.
There are always vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free substitutes available. They vary entirely on the seasonal produce available during that week to ensure freshest quality.
The estate strives to support organic, sustainable, and responsible cuisine. They are committed to high grade meats, locally sourced ingredients, organic and cruelty-free farm practices, and most of all, thoughtful conservation in packaging, recycling, and up-cycling. Most importantly, they aim to use game caught on the estate and wild produce foraged year-round.
-
Yes, we offer private tours to Scotland for groups of 8 or more people. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Visa
Nationals of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 6 months. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to exit Scotland.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Scotland.
Flights
Your arrival and departure city is Glasgow (GLA).
Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.
Dunskey Castle is an impeccably maintained 100-year-old Scottish manor with authentic period furniture and baronial style features. The castle was recently renovated and is now in pristine condition.
All bedrooms are approximately the same size and each room is luxurious and unique in its decor. When we arrive at the Estate room assignments will be decided at random. After making your deposit, you will be given a questionnaire asking which type of room you prefer: the king-size bedroom with ensuite bathroom (for 1 or 2 people), royal apartment (only for groups of 3 or more), or two-bedroom/one-bathroom apartment (only for 2 or 3 people). You will be given the room you prefer but the actual bedrooms will be given at random.
There is an elevator on the property so you do not need to worry about going up and downstairs.
14 bedrooms with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom
4 apartments (three 2-bedroom apartments and one 3-bedroom apartment)
Bedrooms with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms
2 bedrooms with shared bathroom
These rooms are great for 2 friends or family members who want rooms next to one another. There is a shared Jack & Jill bathroom that connects the rooms. One room has a king size bedroom and the other room can be a king bed or twin beds.
Royal Apartment - 3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms / Living Room / Kitchen
The royal apartment is in the east wing of the estate on the top floor. A truly spacious and enclosed unit with a modern kitchen, open space living room, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. It is full of light and has a wood-burning stove. This apartment is perfect for a group of friends or family. One of the rooms can be made into a twin or queen bed and the other 2 rooms have king beds.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
