Edinburgh and Scottish Highlands Tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Afternoon touring Stirling Castle
View Kilchurn Castle set in a gorgeous setting
Explore Glencoe National Park, wee white house and more
Visit the Highland Folk Museum
Tour a local whisky distillery
Morning hike in the beautiful Hermitage National Forest
Visit the charming town of Culross
Portrait session in the highlands
Special surprise events just for you
Free Time in Edinburgh
Conversations with genealogist

TRIP PRICE $3995.00

In the dramatic chiaroscuro of rain and sunshine, the brooding hills seem to come alive, and Scotland’s independent spirit is fostered by expansive landscapes that cry freedom. Rugged highlands, glittering lochs, vibrant cities reinventing themselves as hubs of culture and cuisine — Scotland has a habit of delivering on its classic images. In some parts ruined castles really do perch on every other hilltop, in summer the glens do indeed turn purple with heather. Sure, the roads can be wiggly and the drizzle can be a bit much. But there's something intoxicating about these patriotic, Tolkienesque lands that will have you yearning for more.

SOLD OUT

TRIP OVERVIEW

TOUR PRICE: $3995.00

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Beautiful, centrally located accommodations double occupancy; $1295.00
Included meals (4 Breakfast, 3 Dinners)
Sudden Journeys Tour Director
Small, friendly group of 10 - 12 people
Ground transportation (starting in Glasgow/ending in Edinburgh)
All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
Coach Driver and Restaurant gratuities
Special dinner and welcome drinks
Custom-designed gifts for your travels and inspiration.
Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) and take the train to Glasgow (50 mins)

Departure Airport: Edinburgh (EDI)

Note: The itinerary is descriptive, not definitive and is subject to change. There also may be modifications due to weather, restoration works taking place are historic sites and availability of local activities and guides.

“Kyle constructed a beautiful frame, gave it to us, and allowed us to paint the picture of our own journey. This wasn’t a cookie-cutter tour. This was an experience through Kyle’s lenses: masterful in thoughtfulness, care, and detail - but never heavy-handed. Maybe the thing I enjoyed most was Kyle trusting us with her vision, her hope, and her wonder and giving us the gift of rediscovering magic. That’s exactly what this felt like. I remember inhaling the air to smell it...try to determine what scents I could find. Touching things, listening; tasting...being fully present, and feeling more alive than I had in a long time.”
”

— TOUR PARTICIPANT

tour leader: kYLE cAMPBELL

FOUNDER OF SUDDEN JOURNEYS

Kyle, a seasoned travel guide with over two decades of industry experience, has dedicated her life to creating enriching and inspiring travel experiences for diverse groups. With a repertoire of leading more than 200 groups (over 1500 travelers), she possesses an intimate understanding of the transformative power of travel. Her journeys span across the picturesque locales of Europe and the US, underlining her vast travel experience and knowledge. Yet, with every tour, Kyle's heart for her guests remains the same: to ensure every individual returns home with a revitalized spirit, a broadened worldview, and heartwarming memories of newfound friendships.

Meet Cari, a passionate lover of history, remarkable landscapes, intriguing cultures, and yes, cheese scones. Her first encounter with Scotland was love at first sight. The indomitable spirit of the land and its people captivated her, irreversibly intertwining her life with the rich tapestry of Scotland's history. It was a change so profound that she relocated to the UK with her family in 2019, pledging her years to explore every nook and cranny of this awe-inspiring landscape. Cari joins us and brings her undying passion for Scotland with her.

EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AULD ROMANTICS

It is my joy to reveal a magical and one-of-a-kind experience – A Sudden Journeys exclusive partnership with The Auld Romantics. Photographers Kristy and Richard find inspiration in Scotland's timeless landscapes to create romantic, alluring images. Their photography is more than just a still image, it is an emotional experience that connects you to the landscape and the narrative within.

What this session includes:

Photo session with Kristy of Old Romantics (bring your outfits/props to include in the shoot)
Storytelling and tea with Richard
10 final and edited images after the tour is over

Each guest will have a photo session with Kristy to capture their portrait in one of my favorite settings – with the sanctuary of Three Sisters and Glencoe as the backdrop. While some guests are having their images captured, Richard will work his own magic weaving tales of Scottish history over tea and cake. I truly believe this will be a highlight of the tour.

DAY ONE STUART KINGS AND BONNIE LOCHS Meet your tour leader at your Glasgow rail station. Depart Glasgow and make your way to Stirling Castle. Scotland's most historically significant fortresses, sitting high on volcanic rock and offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Take a guided tour and learn of key historical figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. En route to Glencoe, in the heart of the Highlands, lies the Glen Etive road which affords twelve miles of magnificent Scottish scenery. Check into your hotel in Glencoe. Dinner together in the evening.

Visit Stirling Castle, guided tour
Kilchurn Castle
Dinner in Glencoe

Easy walking: 3 - 5 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Stairs at the castle. Bus: 2 1/2 hours. Sleep in Glencoe.

DAY TWO LOCHES AND GLENS OF THE HIGHLANDS Depart your hotel for Three Sisters, the heart of Glencoe. From vast moorlands and incredible mountains, to clear lochs and stunning valleys, there is so much to admire on this glorious drive. This is known to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful drives. Travel deeper into rugged evocative Highlands. No description can recreate the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of Scotland’s most famous places, known equally for its rare beauty and sorrowful past. Discover its remarkable history, landscape, and wildlife, as well as the backdrops for films including 'Braveheart', 'Rob Roy' and ‘Skyfall'. The mountains were formed through violent volcanic eruptions and then sculpted by massive glaciers. Fingal, the legendary Celtic hero, is said to have made his home among these towering mountains, while his poet son, Ossian, found inspiration in the landscape. You’ll visit the village of Glencoe for lunch and a time to wander. Dinner together in the evening.

Explore Glencoe
Hiking around Three Sisters
Photoshoot, storytelling and tea in Glencoe
Glencoe National Park Center
Wee White House
Dinner in Glencoe

MODERATE walking: 3 - 5 miles throughout the day. Bus: 1 1/2 hours. Sleep in Glencoe.

DAY THREE FOLKLORE AND WHISKY Begin the day traveling into the heart of Cairngorms National Park. Highland Folk Museum steps back in time and experiences life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s. Explore over 35 historical buildings onsite and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, and went to school. Today visit a whisky distillery sample a wee dram and get the inside story on this iconic Scottish industry. Whisky takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘water of life’. Each area of Scotland adds its own flavor and character to whisky. Salty sea air, peaty fires, and natural spring water: each can play a part in Scotch whisky. Follow the story from barley to barrel to bottle.

Learn about land and conservation with a local ranger
Visit the Highland Folk Museum
Whisky Tasting

Light walking: 2 – 4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Cairngorms.

DAY FOUR KINGDOM OF FIFE Travel south to The Hermitage National Forest, a place of outstanding beauty and breathtaking views. Enjoy a leisure walk surrounded by towering Douglas firs and lush foliage, rushing rivers, and tumbling waterfalls. The Hermitage is sure to evoke romance, mystery, and legendary tales. Visit the well-preserved village of Falkland, you may recognize the settlement from Outlander. Continue your journey through the ancient kingdom of Fife to Culross. White-harled houses with red-tiled roofs line the steep cobbled streets that run from the market cross to the hilltop abbey. It’s little wonder that Culross is acknowledged as one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. Continue to Edinburgh. Check into your hotel. Enjoy the evening wander up to Calton Hill, a prominent hill with neoclassical monuments and sweeping views of the city skyline for a classic sunset over Edinburgh. Dinner on your own. Option to join a nighttime walking tour to discover haunted/underground Edinburgh.

Explore The Hermitage National Forest
Visit Falkland for lunch
Afternoon visiting Culross
Free Time: Evening in Edinburgh

Moderate walking: 4 - 6 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 3 1/3 hours. Sleep in Edinburgh.

DAY FIVE FREE DAY IN EDINBURGH Begin the day with a guided walking tour to orient yourself to this stunning Georgian city. By mid morning, you’ll have the remains of the day to completely spend on your own. Wind your way through the city’s Gothic streets of Old Town, and explore the Royal Mile — with its quaint shops, narrow lanes, and hidden courtyards. Explore Edinburgh Castle, the oldest fortified palace in Europe. lunch is in the Grassmarket - once a former 15th-century livestock market it is now a vibrant street with a food scene. Take in the iconic view of the castle from Vennel Viewpoint. If you’re intrigued by ancient cemeteries, Greyfriars Kirkyard a 15th-century graveyard is one to visit. It is said that JK Rowlings was inspired by this place when created her characters for Harry Potter. Armchair Books isn’t too far from here. Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the Scottish National Gallery or shopping in New Town. Come back together in the evening for a very special farewell dinner together.