United Kingdom·July 27 - August 3 2025

The Ultimate Scottish Adventure

Discover Scotland: Where Every Road Leads to a Story

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Overview

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Edinburgh with its incredible history. Discover the arts and crafts scene on the Isle of Skye. Go behind the scenes in a historic formal garden and attend traditional Highland Games, an ancient summer tradition. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you through this fascinating small country on our carefully crafted journey. Summer during the Highland Games is the best time to see Scotland. In August, temperatures are at their warmest, at an average of 66° F. You’ll end your trip at Blair Castle, one of Scotland's stately homes and the last castle on the British Isles to be attacked in 1746 during the final Jacobite rising. Bear witness to history, drink Scottish tea, stroll through elegant gardens, and have a wee taste of Scotch. Your trip leader, Helen, has been a world traveler for decades. Now, she enjoys leading people around her beloved home country.

Highlights

Stroll through Attadale Gardens, with its 1755 manor house

Stroll through Attadale Gardens, with its 1755 manor house

Enjoy a day out at the Highland Games

Enjoy a day out at the Highland Games

Explore Scotland’s capital, including its castle and the late Queen’s private yacht

Explore Scotland’s capital, including its castle and the late Queen’s private yacht

Sample a single malt scotch whisky or a local craft gin in a cozy local bar

Sample a single malt scotch whisky or a local craft gin in a cozy local bar

Explore 900-year-old Blair Castle, set amidst the heather-clad hills of Perthshire

Explore 900-year-old Blair Castle, set amidst the heather-clad hills of Perthshire

Explore the mountains, lochs and waterfalls of Skye

Explore the mountains, lochs and waterfalls of Skye

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Edinburgh

Day 1: Thursday, July 31st, 2025

On arrival in Edinburgh, hop into a taxi at the airport. Your destination is the 4-star Kimpton Charlotte Square. A stone’s throw from the Old Town, the hotel has incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline.

This afternoon, you're free to explore the city or relax at the hotel after your journey.  Your guide will meet you in the bar for pre-dinner drinks and a full trip briefing before a delicious welcome dinner at the Angels Share Restaurant

Included

Dinner

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Edinburgh

Day 2: Friday, August 2nd, 2025

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby in the morning. You're headed out to start exploring this vibrant city.  Take a walk along the famous royal mile, stopping to admire the iconic landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle. Explore the castle’s Great Hall, the Royal Palace, St Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg – the six-ton siege gun.

After a cafe lunch, you'll head to the port of Leith and take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the late Queen Elizabeth’s floating palace that took her all over the world.  See her bed-chamber, discover where state functions took place, and find the kitchens in the heart of this magnificent ship.

This evening, enjoy one of the many eateries the city has to offer, or snuggle up and enjoy room service in your room. Your guide will help you make reservations. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Skeabost

Day 3: Saturday, August 3rd, 2025

Through the rolling hills of Perthshire and into the Highlands, you'll head west this morning to the fabled Isle of Skye.

Our first stop is the pretty village of Dunkeld, with its historic cathedral and charming shops laid out along a traditional high street. Don’t miss the Aran Bakery and Deli! We'll stop for lunch at the iconic House of Bruar, with time after lunch to browse its classic Scottish country wear. As we continue north, the scenery becomes more dramatic by the mile. We'll pause at Eilean Donan Castle to photograph this stunning castle before crossing the graceful Skye Bridge, arriving at our country house hotel in the late afternoon. 

We'll check-in to our home on Skye, the Skeabost House Hotel Skeabost began back in 1871 as a Victorian hunting lodge. The view is to die for - it sits right on the shore of Loch Snizort. We’ll have time to explore before joining your fellow travelers and guide at the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. 

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Skeabost

Day 4: Sunday, August 4th, 2025

We spend today exploring northern Skye, taking in the Waternish and Trotternish Peninsulas, admiring the beautiful landscapes, and meeting some of the local crafters who call this region home. 

Together, these peninsulas paint a picture of Skye's diverse landscape, where every curve of the coast and every crag of the cliffs whispers of the island's enduring magic. 

The Trotternish Peninsula is a rugged masterpiece, where cliffs stretch skyward and ancient rocks tell tales of ages past. On the tranquil shores of the Waternish Peninsula, a different kind of beauty unfolds. Here, gentle bays cradle sandy beaches, and sleepy villages offer a glimpse into Skye's peaceful soul. 

On Waternish, we’ll visit a local tannery, to discover the age-old craft of leather making, witnessing the meticulous process of transforming raw sheepskins into supple, durable leather using time-honored methods passed down through generations. Here there is a beautiful, original showroom and shop selling these high quality items. 

Afterwards we’ll have the pleasure of spending time with an award-winning Scottish landscape digital artist and photographer, Cath Waters, based on the Isle of Skye, who draws inspiration from the serene beauty of Scotland's landscapes. We'll learn of her interesting back story and what drew her (and her family) to the island they now call home. Cath's work captures the essence of wide open spaces, vast skies, and the unique colors of the Scottish land and sea. Through her art, she conveys a sense of simplicity, space, and solitude that resonates with viewers. 

After a rest back at the hotel, we’ll meet again for our evening repast at the hotel.

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Mainland of Scotland

Day 5: Monday, August 5th, 2025

Heading back to the Scottish mainland, we'll stop at the impossibly quaint fishing village of Plockton, where you can spend time exploring or enjoying a coffee at a local cafe as you watch the world go by.

After lunch, we'll visit Attadale Gardens for a private tour. Dating back over 250 years, the gardens are in a constant state of reinvention. Our private tour will cover the many highlights, followed by coffee in the historic house.

Afterward, it’s a short transfer to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we check into our 5-star hotel, located in a peaceful location next to the River Ness. After a rest, we’ll meet for dinner in the dining room.

Overnight: Ness Walk Hotel or similar

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Scottish Highlands

Day 6: Saturday, August 6th, 2025

After breakfast, we'll head north to Dornoch, with various stop options along the way. We'll arrive in Dornoch before noon, ready to watch the Chieftain’s Parade – the historic march that traditionally opens the Dornoch Highland GamesHighland Games were first invented as a way to test for the clan's strongest and bravest. Musicians and dancers were also encouraged to showcase their talents as a credit to their clan.

The format today has come from Victorian times, with athletes coming from all over the world to compete in the ‘heavy events’ such as ‘Tossing the Caber’ or ‘Stone Putt.’ Buy lunch from one of the many food stands at the Highland Games. Why not get adventurous and try a few tastes? Spend the afternoon watching the events, admiring the dancers, and enjoying the music of this traditional Scottish day out before we head back to our hotel in Inverness.

Tonight, enjoy a free evening to try out the buzzing restaurant scene or pop into a nearby Scottish pub for a pint and haggis or fish and chips.

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Lunch

Dinner

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Cairngorms National Park

Day 7: Sunday, August 7th, 2025

It is time to head south. Your adventure is coming to a close. Enjoy the impressive mountains and epic views as you pass through the Cairngorms National Park.  On the way to your final accommodation, we'll visit Blair Castle, home to Europe’s only private army.  After lunch at a working water mill, if time permits, we'll pop into a local chocolatier, famous for hot chocolate and truffles! The perfect end to the day.

Lunch Venue: Blair Atholl Watermill & Tea Room 

Your final accommodation this evening is a quaint hotel on the banks of the babbling River Tay. It serves incredible food and has a lovely wee bar where you can raise a glass to your vacation and the memories that will linger long after you leave these mystical lands.

Overnight:  Grandtully Hotel or similar

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Edinburgh

Day 8: Monday, August 8th, 2025

Your guide will take you back to Edinburgh Airport for onward connections, arriving at Edinburgh Airport by noon. 

Note: Anyone booking an international flight that departs before 3 p.m. today would likely require a private transfer from the hotel at a cost of approximately £300. Transfers should be arranged before traveling to Scotland.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Kimpton Charlotte Square is near the old town of Edinburgh. Everyone gets their own fabulous room.

Skeabost House Hotel

Skeabost House Hotel

The Skeabost House Hotel is a family owned boutique hotel. Set in its own private grounds,this elegant white washed Victorian Mansion enjoys stunning views across Loch Snizort

Ness Walk Hotel

Ness Walk Hotel

Ness Walk Hotel on the peaceful River Ness.

The Grandtully Hotel

The Grandtully Hotel

The Grandtully Hotel is a refined rural destination in Highland Perthshire.

Hosts

Helen Ord

Helen Ord

Helen has always loved to travel, but after working in countries you wouldn’t include on your bucket list (Congo and Afghanistan, for starters), the draw back home to Scotland finally became too strong to resist. She is now in her element, creating bespoke tours and taking guests to every corner of her favorite country, exploring the nooks and crannies, telling tall tales, sampling the finest local produce, and embracing the outdoors to truly experience Scotland’s magical scenery.

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,975

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$7,615

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Edinburgh

Arrive one day early in Edinburgh

Includes one night stay with breakfast at the Kimpton Hotel in Edinburgh

PRICE$785.00

ADD THIS

"Welcome to Scotland"

Scotland

Rich culture and gorgeous landscapes make Scotland a destination that has it all. You’ll be welcomed by friendly locals as you explore rugged mountains, lively cities, and quaint tea shops. A sheep or ten are sure to greet you along the way. From the medieval architecture in southern cities like Glasgow to the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Isles, Scotland is a destination with much to offer.

Scotland

What's Included

What's Included

All lodging

Breakfast each day starting on Day 2

Most meals unless noted including a glass of wine/beer with each dinner

The services of an experienced guide throughout

Ground transportation throughout except airport transfer upon entry

All guided activities and entry fees

Gratuities for included meals and accommodation

International Flights

Meals which are not included: 2 lunches and 2 dinners

Spa treatments, souvenirs or personal laundry

Gratuities for the main driver and guide

Taxi from airport to hotel in Edinburgh upon arrival

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Reviews

"I just returned from an exceptional trip to Scotland with Girl’s Guide to the World. The small group of women (6 plus our wonderful guide) bonded quickly and became fast friends as we explored the history and beauty of Scotland. Our guide was amazing and the choices of hotels and restaurants were great. I will travel with Girl’s Guide again!"

Linda M, Aug 2023 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

If you’re traveling across an ocean to get to Scotland, consider arriving a day or two early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, just let us know and if you need it, we’ll help you with arrangements.

In August, Scotland typically experiences mild to warm temperatures, ranging from around 59-63F. Overall, August offers longer daylight hours and outdoor activities, but pack layers and waterproof clothing.

Fly into the Edinburgh Airport.

Inquire about this trip

The Ultimate Scottish Adventure

United Kingdom· July 27 - August 3 2025· 7 nights

FROM$9,975/pp