Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour
Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Hikers descending Conic Hill towards Loch Lomond, Scotland
Boats moored in the town of Oban, Scotland
The harbor in Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Loch Ness, Scotland
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
$5350
Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour
8 Days Starting in Glasgow, Scotland and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Dundreggan, Loch Ness, Inverness, Blair Castle, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XBSCON26
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour" and explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Scotland. Begin your journey in Glasgow, where you'll be welcomed with genuine Scottish hospitality and explore grand public buildings. Discover the beauty of the Isle of Mull and Iona Abbey, and delve into the history of Stirling Castle. Experience the magic of Loch Ness and the art of whisky production at Glen Ord Distillery. In Edinburgh, enjoy a guided tour of the city's iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, and participate in unique cultural experiences like a handbag workshop and a bagpipe demonstration. This tour also includes meaningful experiences at Ardgowan House and Dundreggan Rewilding Center, supporting sustainability and conservation efforts. With authentic dining experiences and the camaraderie of fellow travelers, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Meals Included: Dinner
Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveler. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow boasts more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival. After you meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, celebrate your first night of your Scotland women-only tour over dinner.
Day 2: Glasgow Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on an orientation drive with your Travel Director who reveals Glasgow’s grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. The morning continues with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Not only will you dine with a Baronet, your host will even be involved in the food preparation. Work up an appetite walking amid the beech trees while learning about the Shaw Stewart family. Then return to the castle for a sumptuous afternoon tea of finger sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, freshly baked scones, cream, jam and cakes.
Day 3: Travel on to Oban Relaxed Start
Location: Stirling, Loch Lomond, Oban
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rising above the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a symbol of Scottish national pride and was once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the castle’s halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire views of the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge. After a morning exploring the lives of royals, arrive in scenic Scotland’s Loch Lomond for an Optional Cruise and Lunch on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott.
Day 4: Isle of Mull
Location: Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Scenic Scotland conjures up images of green highlands and wind-whipped seas. Encounter them for yourself today on a ferry from Oban to Craignure, the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to Iona Abbey. Your curiosity will be piqued on this tiny island that has been a vibrant center of Christian worship. It’s even rumoured that the Book of Kells was made at Iona Abbey. Before returning to the mainland, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 5: To the Highland Capital of Inverness Relaxed Start
Location: Dundreggan, Loch Ness, Inverness
Accommodation Name: Dornoch Station Hotel, Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dundreggan, home to a pristine and fragile ecosystem, at Dundreggan Rewilding Center. Meet a conservation expert to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature and regenerating the Gaelic cultural heritage. After an illuminating morning, the afternoon finds you tailoring your time with an Insight Choice between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
Day 6: Blair Castle and Edinburgh
Location: Blair Castle, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th-century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn about its seven centuries as home to the Atholl family, through both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, gothic folly, kirk ruin and extensive deer park, will have you slowing your pace and reflecting on the castle’s past. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where you could opt to experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, live music and Ceilidhs, traditional Scottish Barn Dances.
Day 7: Edinburgh Castle and Orientation
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveler. Discover the sights and insights of the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Georgian facades of New Town, and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Old Town. Your Local Expert then guides you inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle for sights and insights into the lives of the royals. Discover the local arts and culture over an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop, making your own handbag. Before dinner enjoy a demonstration and bagpipe playing workshop by Louise the Piper, who piped for the Prince and Princess of Wales. To complete your Scotland trip, dine on an unforgettable dinner joined by sheepdog herding champion Julie Hill.
Day 8: Depart Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.
What's Included
-
Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities, including a Loch Ness cruise and a visit to a Scottish whisky distillery.
-
Top Rated Highlights
Explore Glasgow, the Isle of Mull, and Edinburgh with guided tours and visits to historical sites like Iona Abbey and Edinburgh Castle.
-
Make Travel Matter Experiences
Participate in sustainable tourism experiences at Ardgowan House and Dundreggan Rewilding Center, supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
-
Additional Included Highlights
Transfers available at scheduled times, personal radio headsets, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, luggage handling, and included hotel and restaurant tips.
-
Insight Experiences
Delve into the history of Stirling Castle and learn about its significance in Scottish history.
-
Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach, equipped with an onboard washroom and hand sanitizer.
-
Women-Only Experiences
Engage in unique cultural activities such as an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop and a bagpipe workshop with Scotland's National Piper.
What's Not Included
Optional Experiences
Certain activities such as the Loch Lomond cruise and Blair Castle tour are optional and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard a luxury, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Scotland's scenic landscapes.Accommodation
Stay at the Voco Grand Central in Glasgow, Dornoch Station Hotel in Inverness, and Virgin in Edinburgh, offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional Scottish charm throughout your journey.Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Insight Experiences
- Stirling Castle: Delve into the insights of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland dating back to the 13th century. Learn how the castle has endured eight sieges and has witnessed the crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. Â ?
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Women-Only
- Edinburgh: Get up close and personal with the culture and crafts of Scotland over an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop, creating your very own Islander Harris Tweed® Handbag. Embrace the spirit of Scotland step–by–step as you select the body color of the bag, your favorite Harris Tweed® cloth lid and decorative strap. Once you’ve chosen the different components, construct your bag with a set of tools prepared for you. Take a piece of Edinburgh home with you in your very own bespoke Harris Tweed® Islander Handbag.
- Edinburgh: Full of curiosities, the world of sheepdog training will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. Meet Julie Hill, the first and only woman to have won the Supreme International Sheepdog Championships. Over dinner, learn how Julie trains Border Collies in some of the remotest and most rugged hill terrain in the UK, single-handedly tending to sheep that graze over 600 acres.
- Edinburgh: Meet Louise, Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh since 2006. Louise has played for Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope, and many celebrities to events. She has performed on ITV This Morning, the Olympics, and even provided a bagpipe lesson to legendary Queen guitarist Dr. Brian May. Celebrate the heritage and sounds of Scotland over a demonstration and bagpipe workshop from "Scotland's National Piper."
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the Scenic Scotland tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a visit to Ardgowan House where you will be welcomed by Sir Ludovic for a tour and traditional Scottish tea. You will also visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Center to learn about the reintroduction of native species. Additionally, there is an opportunity to create your own Islander Harris Tweed Handbag in Edinburgh and enjoy a bagpipe workshop with Louise the Piper.
-
What activities are available on the Isle of Mull?
On the Isle of Mull, you will embark on a ferry journey to Craignure and visit the Isle of Iona. Here, you will explore Iona Abbey, a historic center of Christian worship, and view the Reilig Odhrain, the burial ground of many Scottish kings.
-
What can I expect from the visit to Stirling Castle?
During the visit to Stirling Castle, you will explore its historic halls, chapels, and bedrooms, and see the famous 'Stirling Heads'. You will also admire views of the Wallace Monument and the battlefield of Stirling Bridge, learning about the castle's significance in Scottish history.
-
What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience at Ardgowan House?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience at Ardgowan House includes a tour of the estate with Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, where you will learn about the family's history and sustainability initiatives. The visit supports the estate's efforts in renewable energy projects and local economic support.
-
What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as a traditional Scottish dinner in Glasgow, a modern Scottish cuisine dinner in Edinburgh, and an afternoon tea at Ardgowan House with locally sourced ingredients.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."