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Charming Scotland: The Highlands, Loch Ness, and Isle of Skye
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Scotland Tour
Scotland’s natural beauty is not to be missed. Scotland is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, from the rugged mountains and sparkling lochs of the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills and picturesque coastline of the Lowlands.
History and Culture. With its fascinating history from ancient castles to historical battlefields, it is also renowned for a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, galleries, and folklore festivals.
Whisky. Scotland is home to some of the world’s finest whisky distilleries, producers of a wide range of distinctive and refined whiskies appreciated all around the globe. Enjoying a whisky tasting in some of the best Scottish distilleries is a must-do activity during your stay.
Outdoor activities. Scotland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, golfing, and more. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through the countryside or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you can find it here!
Hospitality and warmth. Scottish people are well known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors can expect a warm welcome wherever they go. From friendly locals to cozy pubs and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, Scotland is a welcoming and inviting destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Harry Potter Train. The “Jacobite Steam Train” runs on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was featured in the Harry Potter movies. Going on a ride on this magical train will definitely take you back in time!
TV Series/Movies: You can have the chance to visit iconic filming locations from favorites like Outlander, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. Explore the real-life settings behind the magic, from ancient castles to scenic highlands.
Scotland Tour
History and Culture. With its fascinating history from ancient castles to historical battlefields, it is also renowned for a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, galleries, and folklore festivals.
Whisky. Scotland is home to some of the world’s finest whisky distilleries, producers of a wide range of distinctive and refined whiskies appreciated all around the globe. Enjoying a whisky tasting in some of the best Scottish distilleries is a must-do activity during your stay.
Outdoor activities. Scotland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, golfing, and more. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through the countryside or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you can find it here!
Hospitality and warmth. Scottish people are well known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors can expect a warm welcome wherever they go. From friendly locals to cozy pubs and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, Scotland is a welcoming and inviting destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Harry Potter Train. The “Jacobite Steam Train” runs on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was featured in the Harry Potter movies. Going on a ride on this magical train will definitely take you back in time!
TV Series/Movies: You can have the chance to visit iconic filming locations from favorites like Outlander, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. Explore the real-life settings behind the magic, from ancient castles to scenic highlands.
Highlights
Tour Description
A Journey through Scottish Landscapes, Myths, and Traditions
Contact us to check availability and ask for a quotation for families and private groups based on your special needs.
Passport with at least six months of validity is mandatory; One Life Journeys does not provide any service and assistance related visa requirements and processing.
We highly recommend purchasing a personal travel insurance at the time of booking.
Flexibility: Possibility to change dates, name of participant or tour until 75 days before departure (a supplement cost might be requested during high season, or for flight quotations if requested)
Reservation: 40% deposit at confirmation. Full payment is due 75 days prior departure.*
*For the complete policy, refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Tour Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland
Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be transferred by private driver to your centrally located hotel. After some rest, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a lively restaurant. Night in Edinburgh
Day 2 – Edinburgh
This morning you will start the day with a visit of Edinburgh with your local guide, including the Castle. You will have the rest of the day on own to enjoy the magic atmosphere of this charming city. Night in Edinburgh
Day 3 – Hopetoun House and Rosslyn Chapel
Today you will visit Hopetoun House, a grand stately home known for its stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and beautifully landscaped grounds. This historic estate has been featured in the TV series Outlander, serving as a filming location for various scenes, including parts of the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. After a light lunch nearby, you will be transferred to Rosslyn Chapel, which took 40 years to build, and its ornate stonework and mystical symbolism have inspired artists and poets ever since. You will be transferred back to Edinburgh in the afternoon. Night in Edinburgh
Day 4 – St. Andrews Food Tour
Today you will spend the day in St. Andrews, Scotland’s world-famous Home of Golf. You will be guided through a walking tour of the Old Course. Upon request and only with advance booking, golf lovers can have the chance to play in one of the many iconic golf courses. In alternative, you can enjoy a nice food tour of St. Andrews walking around its medieval streets and gorgeous buildings and stopping for food and drinks tastings. You will return to Edinburgh in the afternoon. Night in Edinburgh
Day 5 – Doune Castle and Whisky Tasting
Today you will leave Edinburgh. Your first stop will be Doune Castle, one of the most complete castles in Scotland, a labyrinth of rooms connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. On your way to Inverness, you will make a stop at a local distillery to taste some of the best whiskies of the region. Night in Inverness
Day 6 – Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Today you will enjoy a mini cruise in Lochness, a freshwater loch, became famous for “Nessie”, the legendary creature believed by many to inhabit Lochness. Afterwards, you will proceed to Urquhart Castle, where you will have a breathtaking view on Loch Ness. After stopping for lunch nearby, you will go back to Inverness for a relaxing afternoon. Night in Inverness
Day 7 – Culloden Battlefields, Afternoon Tea, and Inverness
This morning, you will be transferred to Culloden, a few miles away from Inverness. You will learn all about the Battle of Culloden, where the 1745 Jacobite rising came to a tragic end. Afterwards, you will be transferred to a special house, where you will enjoy a typical Scottish afternoon tea. You will then head back to Inverness. Night in Inverness
Day 8 – Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye
Today you will depart from Inverness and make a quick stop at Eilean Donan Castle for some stunning pictures before arriving at Isle of Skye, where you will be staying for the next two nights. Night at Isle of Skye
Day 9 – Isle of Skye
Today you will explore Isle of Skye. The name literally means Island of Clouds. It is Scotland’s second largest archipelago but unquestionably the most stunning! Known for its rocky landscapes, medieval castles, and picturesque fishing villages, you will be amazed by its outstanding scenery. Night at Isle of Skye
Day 10 – Jacobite Express, “Harry Potter Train”
This morning you will catch a ferry for a quick ride to Mallaig, where you will board on the Jacobite Express, the “Harry Potter” steam train that operates between Mallaig and Fort Williams in the Scottish Highlands. Described as the greatest railway journeys in the world, it passes through a list of impressive extremes: from the highest mountains of Britain to the deepest freshwater and seawater lochs to the shortest river in the country. Your bus will meet you in Fort Williams, at the end of the ride and transfer you to your hotel by Edinburgh airport. Night by Edinburgh Airport
Day 11 – Flight back home
Today you will be transferred to Edinburgh Airport to catch your flight back home.
*The program of activities and excursions might be subject to changes due to weather conditions. In case, alternatives will be offered.
⇒ Airport transfer at arrival and departure
⇒ Accommodation in charming, carefully selected hotels
⇒ All breakfasts
⇒ Meal on Days 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10
⇒ Professional Tour Leader
⇒ All transfers in a private deluxe minibus
⇒ Half Day Guided Tour of Edinburgh
⇒ Entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle
⇒ Guided tour and entrance tickets to Hopetoun House
⇒ Entrance Tickets to Rosslyn Chapel
⇒ Eat and Walk Tour in St. Andrews
⇒ Walking Tour of Old Course in St. Andrews
⇒ Entrance Tickets to Doune Castle
⇒ Distillery Visit and Whisky Tasting
⇒ Mini-cruise in Loch Ness
⇒ Entrance tickets to Urquhart Castle
⇒ Entrance tickets to Culloden Battlefields
⇒ Afternoon Tea near Inverness
⇒ Entrance Tickets to Eilean Donan Castle
⇒ Full Day Guided Tour of Isle of Skye
⇒ Ferry from Armadale (Isle of Skye) to Mallaig
⇒ Jacobite Express Ride from Mallaig to Fort Williams
⇒ All entrances and experiences as per itinerary
⇒ Professional travel consulting before and throughout the trip
Χ International flights
Χ Travel insurances and local taxes
Χ Meals and transfers NOT mentioned
Χ Personal Expenses
Χ Tips to tour leader, driver, and local guides
Χ All that is NOT mentioned in “Included”
Tour Map
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What Our Fellow Travelers Said
" Since 2014 I have worked and travelled on 4 different tours with Betta, they have all been amazing, all customized to what my group enjoys to do. I don’t have to tell her our preferences any more, they are just understood.
On each trip we are treated to special tours that you would not see with a large tour company. She personally makes each trip a pleasure and we all feel that we are with a family member when we get together with her. Can’t wait for our next trip."
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
" Having been on group trips to Northern & Southern Italy, Sicily, Portugal & Spain led by Benedetta, we can recommend her enthusiastically.
For our private trips, she made all our rail, air, private car & hotel arrangements, chosen based on the quality we requested; selected knowledgeable and informative guides to assist us at multiple locations; & stitched it all together into a cohesive itinerary from beginning to end. The trip was a delight. Besides her professional side, Benedetta is an upbeat “foodie” with a mind for fun, & she’s flexible, on the client’s side & doesn’t push an agenda. Finally, as we’ve traveled abroad, we’ve known she’s had our back should help be needed while away."
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
" Thank you One Life journey!!! My wife and I had a life time trip in Italy (from Sicily to Alba and its truffles) thanks to you. The level of service you provided was the highest. Your travel experience, knowledge, understanding and passion made the trip truly unforgettable. Can’t wait for next summer with other one."
Arash Malekzadeh, Sydney Australia
Arash Malekzadeh
Sydney, Australia
" Your professionalism and attention to every and each single details was above and beyond any expectations. Betta and Ray tailored the trip based our personal agenda and preferences, it was the best travel experience we have ever had. Looking forward to our next trip with you.
"
Asia Spilotros, USA
Asia Spilotros
USA
"Betta was our Tour Manager on my trip to Croatia and Slovenia and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her! She was outstanding in every way – professional, prepared, passionate, friendly, approachable, and informative. Our journey was a stress-free experience and she made us feel completely safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip.
Betta was very organized and a great manager of our schedule but was flexible and accommodating enough to balance the prescribed schedule against different things members of the group wanted to see or experience. She went out of her way to make sure we saw not only the tourist sites, but also several that were off the beaten track as well. Betta was always there for us if we had any questions, and the group engaged in many interesting conversations. You cannot go wrong if Betta is your Tour Manager!"
Karen, Chicago
"When traveling, you’ll need a generous amount of good humor, patience and flexibility while expecting the unexpected. There will always be a need to alter plans on the fly. The key to success when traveling is managing these usually stressful surprises. And this is where Betta shines. After three separate tours with Betta, I can cite numerous occasions where I saw her planning and attention to detail in evidence. Daily schedules were well communicated and, always with smiles, Betta kept the tour group together for our various comings and goings. However, Betta’s real talents were displayed when needed to improvise. More important than simply planning, Betta would easily “roll with the punches” when required or asked to deviate from her original plans. She could do this based on her intimate knowledge of several options she could utilize to meet the needs of the moment. Betta’s personality to be much more than pleasant."
Carl Robbins - USA
"Ray helped us organising our family vacation to Sardinia and it was amazing! It was everything we were looking for: great location, stunning seaside, closeness to the beach and comfortable and cozy hotel and also the food was to die for! Our expectations were definitely exceeded. We are going to contact One Life Journeys again for our next holiday!"
Anna, Milan, Italy
"Hi, my name is Bob, and my wife Elizabeth and I want to highly recommend Betta. We traveled with Betta as our tour director on two Italian tours. She is wonderful, always upbeat, and very professional, a pleasure to be with. An excellent communicator, Benedetta was always well prepared and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
Every day she provided us with extraordinary experiences. Betta was able to adjust the day’s schedule and activities to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. She also managed special dietary requests with patience. We both look forward to traveling with Betta again soon."
Bob