Scenic Scotland, A Women-only tour

8-day Women-Only Tour of Glasgow, Oban, Inverness and Edinburgh

Lands so diverse they will leave you spellbound; Scotland is a sight to see. Over this 8-day women-only tour, appreciate the country’s natural beauty on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Dundreggan Rewilding Center with a conservation expert. Savor another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience over morning tea over at Ardgowan House with Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart. In Edinburgh, meet the Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh since 2006 and Julie Hill, the only woman ever to have won the International Sheepdog Championship. Commemorate your small group women-only tour making your own Scottish handbag and delve into the history of Scottish royals at Stirling and Edinburgh Castle.

8 days

1 country - Scotland

5 Cities - Glasgow, Oban, Isle of Mull, Inverness and Edinburgh

scotland trip map
sctoland glasgow

Day 1 - Welcome to Glasgow

Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveler.  As Scotland's largest city, Glasgo boast more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival.  After you meet your travel director and fellow travelers, celebrate you first night of your Scotland women-only tour over a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Voco Grand Central

Day 2 - Glasgow Sightseeing

Embark on an orientation drive with your travel director who reveals Glasgow's grand public buildings including the 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 Baronet, your host will even be involved in the food preparation.  Work on 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Voco Grand Central

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Optional Experiences:

Glasgow Evening Dinner - Boasting almost 700 restaurants, Glasgow has a strong culinary reputation that will entice any traveler.  Delve into its gastronomy over an evening out at a local restaurant.  While traditional Scottish cuisine includes potatoes, beef, venison, lamb, stews and soups tonight you may find yourself dining on a satisfying Scottish fare or a variety modern and international cuisine.

Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow- Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco.  Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition.  Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh.  Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions.  take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Will Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wines.

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Day 3 - Travel on to Oban

Rising above the River Forth, Sterling Castle isa symbol of Scottish national pride and was once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the caste'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 Loch's 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ballachulish/ Isle of Glencoe

Optional Experiences:

Loch Lomond Cruise - A body of water that's attracted poets, warrior, and travelers for hundreds of years.  Loch Lomond will delight any traveler.  Take in the stretch of water's 22 islands, 27 islets and surrounding mountains in this landscape that defined Scottish history.  Discover the area's sights and insights learning how while Loch Ness may be the more well-known legend, Loch Lomond has its own monster resembling a large crocodile.

Day 4 - Oban

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 Blute, Scotland.  Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to the Iona Abbey, where it is rumored the Book of Kells was made.  Before returning to Oban, view Reilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Ballachulish/ Isles of Glencoe

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scotland inverness

Day 5 - To the Highland Capital of Inverness

Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at 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 a choice between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Dornoch Station Hotel/Penta Hotel

Day 6 - Blair Castle and Edinburgh

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 slowly 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 Scotland's tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, live music and Ceilidhs, traditional Scottish Barn Dances.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

scotland, blair castle

Optional Experiences:

Blair Atholl - Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, delve into the insights of the family history within 30 rooms at Blair Castle. Spanning the Medieval Georgian, Victorian eras through to present day, you'll be fascinated by how Blair Castle encapsulates remarkable periods in Scotland's history.

Ghillie Dhu - Savor an up close and personal evening out in Edinbugh. The night commences as you are welcomed by a Scottish piper and sip on a welcome drink.  Then dine on a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music of the traditional Scottish dances.  The iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony is a true highlight of the Scottish experience.

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Day 7 - Edinburgh Castle and Orientation

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, the Old Town. Your local expert then guides your 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 the 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 and champion Julie Hill.

Meals: breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Day 8 - Depart Edinburgh

It's time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour.  We bid our newfound friends and travel farewell.

Meals: Breakfast

scotland bagpipe