Scenic Scotland a Women-Only Tour

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 a Welcome Dinner with wine.

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.

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. The evening finds you in Oban, a renowned seafood capital of Scotland, where you can opt to sample the local fare over a Seafood 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, where it is rumoured the Book of Kells was made. Before returning to Oban, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.

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 Brendan Choice between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.

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.

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.

It’s time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.