Essence of Scotland

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Isle of Skye, Perthshire (Gleneagles)

This luxury tour of Scotland combines the culture and history of Edinburgh, the scenic beauty of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, and the unique outdoor activities of Gleneagles, a luxury country resort in Perthshire. Enjoy private touring and transfers, accommodation in Scotland's best hotels and lodges, and customized activities such as hiking, whisky tasting, architecture and garden tours, and visits to historic sites.

Begin in Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with a stay in a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See iconic Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore historic buildings, as well as the narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Visit shops specializing in wool tweed and other distinctive Scottish products. Depending on your interests, you might like to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarch; visit the Royal Botanic Garden or National Gallery; tour the unusual architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building and other contemporary design highlights in the city; or hike up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth tidal bay. In August, Artisans of Leisure can assist with tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo or performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe.

Next, transfer to the Scottish Highlands with touring en route. Visit Stirling, a strategic town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence. Tour Stirling Castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Also visit the National Wallace Monument, a landmark dedicated to one of Scotland's greatest heroes. Continue through the breathtaking scenery of Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful regions in the Highlands.

Stay at a luxury hotel in the Highlands countryside near Fort William. One day, enjoy a private scenic excursion to experience the best of the Scottish Highlands. Tour among the beautiful lochs and glens of Scotland's dramatic west coast, stopping to visit charming small towns, wee whisky distilleries and atmospheric castles. Opt to see standing stones and other ancient sites, or enjoy a boat ride to look for porpoises, otters and sea birds. Other options include watching as the Jacobite Train—made famous in the Harry Potter movies—passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct; seeing a working sheepdog demonstration; enjoying historic touring around Inverness and Culloden; or searching for Nessie on a boat cruise on Loch Ness. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional special-interest touring, such as visiting Outlander sites, watching Highland Games in the summer, or taking an excursion by private charter flights to Islay for in-depth distillery visits.

Next, transfer along the Road to the Isles, stopping to watch as the Jacobite Train—made famous in the Harry Potter movies—passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continue by ferry to the Isle of Skye to see some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland. During private touring of the highlights of Skye, sample whisky at renowned Talisker Distillery, and enjoy an easy hike to the Fairy Pools. Drive winding back roads to see incredible scenery such as the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr, an unusual rock formation. Stop in colorful seaside villages, and visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the beautiful home of the head of Clan MacCleod for 800 years. Also enjoy opportunities to dine on fresh seafood and other local cuisine at some of Scotland's most acclaimed gourmet restaurants.

Continue to Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the idyllic Perthshire countryside. One day, enjoy a private excursion to nearby St. Andrews, a charming seaside university town and the birthplace of golf; a private excursion to Glasgow to tour cultural highlights such as renowned art collections and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture; or flexible private touring of nearby castles, distilleries, or historic homes and gardens. During leisure time, enjoy the resort's extensive activities, including options such as countryside walks, golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, 4WD tours, shooting, gundog training, falconry and afternoon tea. Additional facilities include a spa, a kids club and exclusive Scottish boutiques.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world