Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands - Pre-reservation 2025 /1
July 2025
(11 Days / 10 Nights)
This tour starts in Edinburgh and ends in Glasgow
We are currently in the process of planning this tour. Once we have all the activities, dates, hotels and other details confirmed, and the pricing finalized, we will post a complete itinerary, including the price. If you would like to be notified of this tour's availability when the planning process is completed, please complete the pre-reservation form.
Despite its small size, Scotland presents an abundance of experiences within its compact territory. Whether it is a solitary moment of rest on a heather-clad hillside or exploring the narrow medieval alleys of Edinburgh's Old Town, the experience of touring Scotland is permeated by romance and legend. Scotland is filled with timeless landscapes and conjures images of desolate castles, evocative highlands, rugged coastline and prehistoric spiritual sites, yet it exudes a suave sense of confidence and sophistication. This feisty and colorful country goes well beyond kilts, bagpipes, whisky and golf, and offers sights and experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Edinburgh has an elegant mix of sweeping Georgian crescents and steepled medieval tenements guarded by its brooding, eponymous castle, mixed in with the hip music and arts scene. The dramatic, wind-swept Scottish Highlands enchant with wild mountain scenery of the looming granite peaks standing sentinel above the untamed glens and cold and sparkling seas washing against the soft white beaches, where the passage of time goes completely unnoticed. Otters and orcas frolic in the Moray Firth where small fishing villages huddle under steep cliffs, salmon swim upriver to breed, and the majestic sea eagles soar high above the remote islands.
During the Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands tour, we'll indulge with an in-depth discovery of this land rich in lore, scenery and culture. We'll be finding Scotland’s magic, as we explore Edinburgh, tour castles, palaces and villages lost in time, enjoy the rugged beauty of the Highlands, learn about the legacy of its clans, and explore its historic treasures. We'll tour the mysterious prehistoric sites in the Orkney Islands, take an easy hike in the dramatic Glencoe, a haven for both artists and adventurers, take a cruise on Loch Ness, and enjoy a full-day excursion of the evocative Isle of Skye. We'll stay at a lovingly restored manor house in Inverness and then in a small hotel on the water's edge of Loch Linnhe. We'll enjoy freshly shucked oysters, the Aberdeen Angus beef, the smoked salmon from Dumfries & Galloway, and the peerless malt whiskies, as we connect with new, like-minded friends and create lifelong memories.
HIGHLIGHTS: In-depth tours of Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood Palace ● In-depth tour of Glasgow, focusing on its art, architecture and design ● Falkland Palace, Doune Castle, Blair Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Inveraray Castle ● St. Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife ● The Isle of Skye ● The Orkney Islands and Skara Brae ● Scottish Highlands and hiking in Glencoe ● The notorious Culloden Moor ● Loch Ness cruise ● A whisky distillery tour and tasting ● Mountain gondola to Ben Nevis ● Riding the Jacobite Steam Train, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world
I had many brilliant experiences while visiting Scotland: visiting the highlands, the lakes, history lesson on the battlefield, the wonderful Scottish people with that brogue and delightful sense of humor, food and drinks, and castles. Absolutely brilliant! - Jelena from Delaware
I really enjoyed everything about it, the castles, the cruise on Loch Ness, the Orkneys, Culloden Battlefield, hotels, meals and the new relationships I made along the way. SST is very professional, and I have really appreciated the communication before, during and after the tour. This top notch team that does everything possible to ensure a great travel experience. I look forward to many more tours with SST. - Debra from Tennessee
This was my fourth trip with Sights and Soul – all have been great but this one was probably my favorite – I love Scotland, and this was a great way to return! - Megan from Texas
Outstanding vistas, locations, experiences, and group. One of the best travel experiences (and I travel a lot). Great job! I knew none of the group before the trip and feel that I made great new friends, what an interesting group of women! Teresa was outstanding, and I hope to travel with her in the future. Anne from New Jersey
The group was wonderful. The landscape and scenery was breathtaking. The hike was probably my favorite activity but all was so terrific, it’s impossible to choose. Teresa was soooo wonderful! She made the trip extraordinary. She handled everything, even rough patches, with ease. Made everyone feel special. Don’t do anything differently! Love the small group, all women experience! Overall, there’s nothing like traveling with Sights and Soul. Sydney from Alabama
First experience with an all-women travel group. I was favorably impressed. It was great! Lots to see and do every day. Great accommodations and wonderful food. Well organized, ran smoothly, plenty of variety in activities. Marta and Peter did a great job. Peter is certainly a wonderful ambassador for Scotland! Cathy from Ontario
I loved the magical, mystical beauty of Scotland: the beautiful Eilean Donan castle, the hike through the Weeping Glen, and the Isle of Skye! It was an experience I shall always remember. Marta was a wonderful tour leader, always prepared, respectful, she really listened to us. Peter, the driver/guide was great fun and informative. Gene from Virginia
Excellent tour! Really enjoyed every aspect of it, especially Inverness, Orkney Island, Oban. Karen from New Hampshire
The tour was a full and interesting exploration of Scottish history with beautiful landscapes, consistently delicious meals, and very good company. Kathleen from Maryland
The tour gave an excellent overview of this beautiful country. The women were great. Our bus driver, Peter, was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable and greatly enhanced our appreciation of Scotland. Marta is an excellent tour leader, who kept us informed about each day’s activities. Annika from Illinois
I felt that I saw the best Scotland has to offer with a great group of interesting & intelligent ladies. I have memories for a lifetime. Love Sights & Soul! Mia from California
I love traveling with you because I know you will choose some of the best sightseeing and food experiences for us, and I trust your choices in hotels. I know I will get a good overview of a destination. It’s a pleasure to learn from local guides who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Jan from Illinois
