Highlights of Scotland

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)

This private Scotland tour is an ideal combination of the country's top destinations. It features private touring in beautiful Edinburgh and the most spectacular sections of the Scottish Highlands, time for outdoor activities such as hiking and boating, and leisure time at a luxury resort in the Perthshire countryside.

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. One day, take a private excursion to Glasgow to tour cultural highlights such as renowned art collections and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture.

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 back through the Highlands, stopping en route at scenic spots, traditional towns, castles or whisky distilleries according to your preferences. Stay at Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the Perthshire countryside. 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