Most Jealousy Inducing Scottish Tours
We are a restless family of four, looking for adventure, ways to increase our funds, and more educaitonal options for our littles. We have exchanged things for experiences. Join us!“Wherever I wander, Wherever I rove, The Hills of the Highlands forever I love.”
~ Robert Burns
There are so many interesting tastes and trending fads in the world and it is surprising just how many of those interests can be met in the small nation of Scotland. We’ve taken a few of the best niche tours to spark that travel bug and give you a reason to hit the Highlands.
If you’re a ‘Potterhead’ there is a pretty good chance you have a ‘Scarhead’ cousin or ‘Wizkid’ friend who tags you in every Harry Potter related post and proudly displays their Hogwarts house in their profile picture frame. Why not let them live vicariously through your journey, invite them along, or maybe even make them a little jealous with the first of these three jealousy inducing tours we’ve discovered in Scotland.
For ten days you will get the daily services of a professional Blue Badge Guide, which is the highest level of professional certification for guides in Great Britain. Every night of the tour you will be staying at three to four star hotels all across England and Scotland.
On the first day, your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of London, seeing all the major sights which were featured in the Harry Potter films, including: Leadenhall Market, The Millennium footbridge, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Piccadilly Circus, and much more!
The next morning you’ll venture out to the place where the real magic took place, Warner Bros Studios. Here you will see sets used during filming, props, artwork and models. You will even see the real Hogwarts Express! Then it’s off to visit “the city of dreaming spires”, Oxford. Oxford is famed for having the oldest university in Britain and two of the colleges that were used for filming. You’ll stand on the very steps where young wizards were welcomed as they prepared for wizarding school. You’ll see the dining room that was the inspiration for Hogwarts dining room and New College which was featured in Goblet of Fire!
On day 3, you will set off to visit Stonehenge which was not featured in Harry Potter but it is certainly shrouded in mystery, surrounded by burial mounds and magic. After Stonehenge you will visit Lacock, noted as one of the most beautiful villages in England, and the site used as a location for an array of films including Harry Potter (Snape’s potions classroom). Afterwards you will head to Kings Cross station to take a train to “Hogsmead” train station (Goathland, to Muggles). From there you’ll head to Durham Cathedral where McGonagal’s classroom and the cloister scenes were filmed.
Next on your itinerary is the Lumley School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where uniforms are optional, but greatly encouraged! Check in to your fabulous wizarding accommodations and take a moment to take in the grounds. On your first evening, just like a first year, you’ll be treated to a welcome feast. During your time at school, all students will expected to attend magical wizarding lessons such as potions, herbology and divination and you’ll have to solemnly swear to be up to no good for the duration of your stay! You’ll play Quidditch and participate in many other magical activities. Oh, I should also mention Lumley Castle is considered one of the most haunted castles in Britain, so unlike the movies maybe they’ll actually have Peeves. 2018 is also the perfect year to be attending the school, because the ministry has decreed that all students, regardless of age, can participate in the Annual Lumley Wizarding Tournament.
After graduating from the Lumley School of Witchcraft and Wizardry you’ll board your coach and travel to Alnwick Castle, where the world was first introduced to broomstick lessons on screen.The next day you’ll get to take a walking tour of Edinburgh which includes seeing The Royal Mile, The Elephant House Cafe where JK spent much of her time writing the first book, the cemetery which features some very familiar names, ending with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. That evening, you’ll be treated to dinner saying farewell to those not staying for the extended tour.
Have no fear, your extended adventure continues into the Highlands of Scotland as you travel from Edinburgh to Fort William. The drive will take you past Stirling, Doune Castle where an array of filming has taken place including: Monty Python, Game of Thrones and Outlander. Driving through the Trossachs (home of Rob Roy McGreggor) and onto Fort William where you will also see where Hagrid’s hut was erected for filming.
The next day you will take the amazing Jacobite Steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. This incredible journey is the same route used by the Hogwarts Express and goes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct where you’ll be sure to keep a look out for flying blue Ford Anglia cars! Then you’ll drive back to Fort William stopping at Glenfinnan for a ground eye view of the Viaduct and and Loch Sheil to see the backdrop for Hogwarts. On your final day you will take a hike to Steall Falls where the “Tri-Wizard Tournament” was filmed before you return to Edinburgh for your own farewell dinner. That night you can begin posting photos that will make your cousins and friends green with envy.
Interested? No need to send us a howler, we’ve got the link to tickets right here.
#2: 50 Shades of Plaid: The Outlander Tour (9 day tour)
Whether you’re a history buff, love standing stones or can’t stop thinking about Jaime from Outlander, this trip is for you. Let’s not forget the added bonus of having your friends and family turn as green as the rolling hills of Culloden when they see you frollicking the Highlands of Scotland in persuit of a portal to the past.
The 15th Annual Outlander Tour promises customers that it’s not just a tour, it’s a travel experience. It takes you to places that make Diana Gabaldon’s story come to life. So if the thought of walking in the footsteps of Jaime and Claire gives you chills, if you long to cross the boundary between reality and fantasy, this tour is for you. This fully-escorted 10-night journey into the magical world of Diana Gabaldon is a comprehensive overview of the Highlands where you’ll see secret places and magical sites that are off the beaten path.
During the pre-tour phase you will stay at the Carlton George Hotel in Edinburgh where you can tour the ancient city and get a taste of modern Scotland before beginning your search for the portal back in time.
On the second and third day, it’s off to Roybridge near Ft. William where Jaime was flogged twice and where Claire was saved by Jaime one of hte many times from Randall. Here you will stay nestled deep in the heart of the highlands at the Glenspean Lodge Hotel which is renown for both its luxury rooms and extravagant whiskey menus.
On the fourth and fifth day, you begin your own journey back in time to 1746 and the Battle of Culloden. Imagine yourself journeying with Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall as you climb to the standing stones at “Craigh na Dun”. Visit the ruined cottage where Jamie and Claire said their tearful goodbye as he faced certain death on the battlefield. You will sleep in the Culloden House Hotel surrounded by the aura of the Jacobites. In this manor house the 18 wounded soldiers that hid after the battle were captured and shot, save for one, a Fraser of the Master of Lovat’s regiment. Here you will also see the attic where Jamie killed Dougal. Later you will move on to Clava Cairns to learn the mysteries of ancient civilizations and their monuments, and you can attempt your own journey through them. Assuming you aren’t transported you will then experience the breathtaking Recumbent Stone Circles of Northeast Scotland to try time travelling yet again.
On the sixth and seventh day, you will travel to the County Fife to visit Castle Fraser, where a portrait of “Jamie” hangs in surroundings of mesmerizing 18th-century elegance. Search for the Marriage Stone and Black Jack’s grave at St Kilda Cemetery and view the remains of Broch Tuarach from the mountains overlooking Broch Mordha. Visit the museum which houses ancient artifacts from the Highlands, the “secret portrait” of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the flask owned by Dunbonnet, and the bagpipes played at Culloden.
Because you signed up for the extended journey you will travel to the Isle of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides to see the Calanais Stone Circle which the “Craigh na Dun” were attempting to emulate, which also may be why they didn’t transport you. Try here instead. You will also see some traditional crofts and even a historic ‘black house’ if your lucky, which would have been the homes in the time of Outlander.
Assuming you haven’t found a way 275 years into the past to find your own hunky Scotch on the rocks, you can start uploading your pictures with your favourite Outlander quotes, but take your time, stretch the adoring ohs and ahs of jealous girlfriends and family members all the way to Robbie Burns day.
Interested? Get your time traveling tickets here.
#3: To Whisky and History: Rabbies West Coast Explorer 8 Day Tour
The earliest mention of Whisky, or uisce beatha as it’s called in Gaelic, was in the 17th century where an Irish Chieftain is mentioned excessively drinking it. Later that century we find the first evidence of its production. Not in Ireland, but at Lindores Abbey in County Fife. It was a rather large order of 500 bottles for the King of Scotland, James the fourth. From these early records it’s clear that whisky has long been the drink of discerning nobility and it should be no surprise that Scotland holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Whisky production. With this tour you will follow your favourite malts back to their peaty origins and explore the history of this noble drink and the nation that brought it out into the world. There is of course the added bonus of sharing your journey through pictures and shared drinks for years to come. It may make your friends and family jealous, but if you still have a bottle of uisce, share it with them to soothe their sorrows, just be careful not to get too blootered.
Day One – Leaving Edinburgh, you head into the Highlands with a short stop in the holiday town of Callander for refreshments. After travelling through the mountainous part of the Loch Lomond National Park, you arrive in the busy harbour town of Oban ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland’. You only have a few hours to visit the Oban Distillery. This distillery is primarily known for its 14-year-old malt, which is marketed as part of Diageo’s “Classic Malts Selection” range. Also available is a “Distiller’s Edition” bottling, which is finished in a Montilla Fino sherry cask before bottling. For those with more expensive tastes they also offer an 18-year-old limited edition and a rare 32-year-old edition. This should be good fun but be sure to sample some local seafood for lunch before you depart mid-afternoon for the journey to the port of Kennacraig where you catch the evening ferry to Islay. Be sure to look out for dolphins, whales, and seabirds on the two hour sail. On arrival it’s only a short drive to Bowmore for your three night stay in Islay, ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’. With eight distilleries ranging in age from 276 to 13 years. Although you will not get to them all, you will certainly have a variety to sample from.
Day Two – Take the short drive to the west of the island, where you visit the Kilchoman Distillery, the newest and smallest on the island. After lunch in the distillery, we continue to the scenic Rhinns of Islay to visit Bruichladdich for another chance to taste thioer well known delicious single malt whisky. Afterwards you will head back to Bowmore where you have the chance to visit the local distillery and explore the village.
Day Three – Explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. You will first visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting, and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce. You then visit Laphroaig, and if there’s time you can take a short stop for a tasting at Lagavulin. Assuming weather is good and no one gets too blootered your guide will slip in a visit to the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross.
Day Four – Taking the ferry back to the mainland to travel the short distance to Kilmartin Glen where you will have lunch. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. You will have the chance to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here the tour continues round the coast to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne and then off to Oban. Once we arrive in Oban you’ll have a free afternoon to enjoy this bustling and very busy Highland town. For those who are partial to some retail therapy, there are numerous shopping possibilities, or for those who wish to continue to quench their thirst for Scottish whisky, Oban distillery is nicely situated in the heart of the town. A hike uphill will bring its own rewards with stunning views from the most photographed structure in the west, McCaig’s folly. The folly built on instruction by a local banker in 1897 resembles the coliseum in Rome, and provides magnificent vistas over the distant Firth of Lorne. You will stay in this glorious highland town for 2 nights.
Day Five – Enjoy an early crossing on the ferry to Mull and begin an island adventure exploring Mull’s coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona. Iona has long been a spiritual retreat and is the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard or explore the rocky headlands and sandy coves. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns of GIant’s Causeway before returning to Oban for your second night.
Day Six – Travel north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass through Fort William nestling in the shadow of Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland and on through Ireland. From here you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton where you will dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.
Day Seven -This will be a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities that depend on the weather so your driver/guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. You might visit Dunvegan Castle, the 13th century home of the Clan Macleod, or the emerald green valley of Glendale, or even the dramatic sea-cliffs and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point. In the afternoon the tour may head down to Elgol for seascapes and views of the Cuillin, or Talisker and its beautiful bay or indeed Glenbrittle and its famed waterfalls. If you’re still hankering for some Whisky tastings see of your guide will pop into Carbost to the Talisker distillery. You will return to your accommodation in Plockton in the late afternoon for you to enjoy a free evening in the village.
Day Eight – You will be take a short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film “Highlander”, which was set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Then you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail before continuing on to Loch Ness for lunch and some “Nessie” spotting. Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland’s highest whisky Distillery and onwards into Perthshire where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh.
*An Important Note on Transporting Whisky
Many countries and airlines will have various rules and duties for transporting whisky from overseas. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these rules and keep receipts from all of your purchases handy for when you arrive in your country of origin.
* A less important, but interesting note about whisky
Did you ever notice the different spelling for ‘whisk(e)y’? Apparently, when the Irish began making their whiskey, they wanted a way to distinguish between Scottish and Irish whisk(e)y and so added the ‘e’. Scotland then proceeded to make a law stating that Scottish whisky was to only be spelled without the ‘e’. So, if you see Scottish whisky spelled with an ‘e’, then you know it’s not real Scottish whisky.
Feeling eager to shout Slainte over drinks on the rolling green hills of the Scottish Highlands and Islands? Get your tickets here.
So, whether one of these tours tickle your fancy or you have a wee bit o’ love for Highlander, Monty Python, Beer, Vikings, History, Genealogy, Golfing and more, chances are there is a tour custom made for you in Scotland!
Can’t afford to fly to Scotland, get a taste of all three in Blyth, Ontario.