SMALL GUIDED: NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS
Travel Tips

Scotland – Luxury Travel Redefined

Wild, rugged Scotland is the heart of heroism, strong individuals, wry wit, and ancient architecture. It is also the historic home of golf, has exceptional fishing, gorgeous wildlife and parks, castles, and welcoming people. Dive deep into the culture with experiences that take you into lesser known places and possibilities.

Our portfolio includes castle stays, private whisky tastings, tee-times on the world’s most famous links, and elegant spas. All are tailored to fit your personal interests. Come to bold Scotland, reimagined, and feel your soul take wing and soar.

Bespoke Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle was built on a volcanic peak 1,000 years ago. The city spread out beneath it. Edinburgh’s medieval neighborhoods comprise Old Town, a mysterious maze of narrow alleys made for exploration. New Town, developed in the 18th century, is an elegant area of Georgian homes and shops that line leafy avenues and squares.

The name Pitlochry comes from the Gaelic “Pit Cloich Aire,” meaning Place of the Sentinel Stone. Originally a Pictish settlement, there are mysterious standing stones, magnificent scenery, woodland trails, stone circles, and ancient sites here in clan country.

Camusdarach Beach near Fort William

Fort William, located in the West Highlands, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, iconic film locations, sweeping hills with commanding views, castles, and distilleries. Wonderful! People have lived in Glasgow since prehistoric times, the area being the farthest downstream crossing point of the River Clyde. Romans built outposts and walls to separate the area from the Picts. Head to the Hunterian Museum for ancient artifacts. Today Glasgow is a heady mix of cafes, bars, fine restaurants, shopping, friendly folks, national opera, and theater companies. In fact, it is a UNESCO City of Music.

Situated in Perthshire, the village of Auchterarder has the longest main street in Scotland and is home to the legendary Gleneagles hotel which has three exceptional golf courses. Unique shopping and tearooms are yours! Perth was truly Scotland’s capital from the 9th to the 15th centuries. It was a primary residence for monarchs, and it was here that the Royal Court was held. Visit 17th century Balhousie Castle, and discover the country’s oldest Highland Regiment. Luss, on the western shore of Loch Lomond, is a pretty, traditional village within The Trossachs National Park.

Loch Lomond

Head to Loch Lomond, in the heart of The Trossachs National Park, and you’ll be surrounded by charming villages, lush rolling country, hills, and people who are happy to share their tales. Peebles is a small, gorgeous town on the banks of the River Tweed. Explore the town, as well as other lovely villages on the river, and you’ll have a banquet of spectacular scenery, shopping, cafes, and local activities. This peaceful town is renowned for its salmon fishing. While there, appreciate the grace of this sport.

Inverness

Inverness is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Visit Inverness Castle, explore the Victorian Market, be amazed by the rare plants at the Botanical Gardens, become immersed in Scottish history at Urquhart Castle, discover the ancient Clava Cairns, or take a hike in the Inverness Nature Park. Of course, you can also savor whisky tastings! Stirling Castle dominates the skyline of this historic city. Because of building projects such as the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and the Palace of James V, Stirling has a rousing past. Battles that shaped Scotland’s future were won and lost here.

Ben Nevis Mountain in Fort William

Fort William, close to Ben Nevis, is a center for terrific hikes and getting into nature. Lovely Dunblane is a compact town that has been an important center since the 7th century. A Cathedral rises above a group of beautiful 17th century buildings, and nearby is the oldest private library in Scotland. Dive in and browse rare books! The Isle of Skye is enchanting. It is the romance of rugged scenery, medieval castles, picture-perfect fishing villages, and folklore that stretches back through the mists of time. The Isle of Mull, on the other hand, is home to four grand castles and the Highland Games.

Ballater is the closest town to the Royal Residence in Scotland, Balmoral, while Glencoe is situated in an astonishing volcanic glen. The Isle of Arran is known as “Scotland in miniature.” Divided into highland and lowland areas, it has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. It is heaven for anyone with a curious mind. Called “The Silver City with Golden Sands,” Aberdeen has strong ties with the North Sea, a vibrant economy, historical buildings, whisky distilleries, and dolphin watching. Explore!

Modes of Luxury Travel

You can choose one mode of transportation for your entire travels in Scotland, or you can mix-and-match them. These include luxury small guided vacations; chauffeur-driven autos, giving you ease, style, and privacy; a rental car for complete freedom of the road and spontaneous diversions; and guided private vacations for friends and family.

Surprisingly Beautiful, and Diverse, Lodgings

Photo: © Cromlix Hotel

Your Scotland travel experience will likely cover the country’s story, from thousands of years ago to the present. Each destination in Scotland has a unique personality, shaped by the land and its history. Your accommodations should be worthy of travel, rightly considered. Your choices include, but are not limited to, the heart of Edinburgh iconic hotels; sublime spa resorts; opulent riverside inns; spacious country retreats; landmark seaview hotels; stylish Victoriana; classic Manor houses with gardens that go on forever; and castle stays.

A Sampling of Exceptional Custom Add-ons Throughout Scotland

  • Scotland Golf Courses and Tee Times:
             → Historic Braids Hill overlooking Edinburgh City
             → Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course – Home of Authentic 1920’s Golf
             → Play Gleneagles (Kings, Queens or Centenary PGA)
             → Play St. Andrew’s (Castle, New or Jubilee)
  • Dine at the exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Enjoy a 3-Dram Tasting
  • Lindores Abbey Tour and Tasting
  • The stunning White Walls of Blair Atholl Castle and Blair Atholl Distillery Tour
  • Discover the Natural Beauty of Cairngorms National Park
  • Sample Scotch Whisky in the Speyside Triangle
  • Marvel at Stirling Castle & The Wallace Monument
  • Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Day Tripping
  • Ghost & Ghouls of Edinburgh
  • Malt Whisky Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh
  • Highland Chocolatier Hot Chocolate
  • Dewar’s Whisky Connoisseurs Experience
  • Gentle Hike around Picturesque Glen Nevis
  • Secrets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
  • Platinum Scotch Whisky Experience
  • Inspiration Cruise on the Mysterious Waters of Loch Ness
  • Jacobite Steam Train Ride 1st Class
  • Historic Glencoe & Glenfinnan
  • Costumed Storyteller Tour of Culloden Battlefield
  • Private tour of Cawdor Castle and Gardens
  • Visit Clava Cairns
  • Soar in a Gondola Above the Nevis Ranges
  • Off-the-beaten path Isle of Arran
  • Machrie Standing Stones
  • Island Distillery Visit with Lunch and Tasting
  • Visit locally produced Cheese and Aromatic Soap Companies
  • The One-o-Clock gun at Edinburgh Castle
  • Explore the Royal Mile with a Tasting Tour
  • Sip Champagne as you tour the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Visit the Palace of Holyrood and Scottish Parliament
  • Explore the Distinctive Silver-Grey Architecture of Aberdeen
  • Breathtaking Nights on the Isle of Skye, known as ‘Cloud Island’
  • Choose from more than 10 Famous Scottish Castles to Explore!
  • Enjoy a Gentle Hike to Picturesque Steall Waterfall
  • Get Lost in Stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
  • Discover the Natural Beauty of Cairngorms National Park
  • Balmoral Castle, the King’s Official Scottish Residence

Surrender to Scotland’s bold personality, humor, and hospitality, this is the time to discover the luxurious side of Scotland that you’ve been dreaming about.

When you’re ready to meet the sumptuous side of Scotland that reflects your personal wishes, let your Destination Expert know.