Highland Highlights & Vintage Delights: A Scotland Adventure with Laura Caldwell

Arrive in Scotland’s historic capital and make your own way to the joining hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Take time to settle in, perhaps stepping outside to breathe in the crisp Scottish air and admire the medieval streets just beyond your doorstep. The Royal Mile is right on your doorstep, lined with centuries-old buildings, lively pubs, and boutiques filled with tartan and tweed.

This evening, meet Laura and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Over hearty Scottish fare, you’ll have the chance to connect with the group and get excited for the days of history, culture, and treasure hunting ahead.

🏨 Accommodation

• Radisson Blu Edinburgh or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Dinner

✅ Activities

• Welcome Dinner with Host and Group

Step back in time as you explore the mighty Edinburgh Castle, a fortress perched dramatically atop Castle Rock. Discover the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and hear tales of sieges and royal intrigue. Continue with a guided walk along the Royal Mile, where cobblestones lead you past historic closes, quirky shops, and buildings that have stood for hundreds of years.

In the afternoon, you can choose from two optional experiences (pre-booking required). Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, relaxing in Princes Street Gardens, or following hidden stairways and closes to discover the city’s secrets. In the evening, explore Edinburgh’s lively pubs and restaurants at your own pace.

🏨 Accommodation

• Radisson Blu Edinburgh or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Included Activities

• Guided Visit to Edinburgh Castle
• Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour

🎟️ Optional Activities

• Afternoon Tea at the Colonnades – USD $130 pp – Savour a luxurious afternoon tea at the Colonnades in the historic Signet Library, adjacent to St. Giles Cathedral. Surrounded by soaring ceilings and ornate columns, enjoy delicate sandwiches, pastries, and warm scones in an elegant Old Town setting.

• Scotch Whisky Experience – USD $72 pp – Take a guided “Gold Tour” of the world-famous Scotch Whisky Experience. Learn about Scotland’s whisky regions and taste four distinct single malts. Your visit includes a one-year membership to the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society and a crystal tasting glass to take home.

Sunday in the UK means one thing – car boot sales! Laura has handpicked the best spots in and around Edinburgh for a day of vintage and antique treasure hunting. With six hours of private coach and driver service, you’ll travel to bustling markets and hidden gems, hunting for retro homewares, timeless fashion, collectible jewellery, and unique décor pieces to take home.

Between stops, you’ll soak in more of Edinburgh’s surrounding scenery and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow collectors comparing finds. Return to the city in the afternoon with your treasures, then enjoy a free evening for dinner and relaxation.

🏨 Accommodation

• Radisson Blu Edinburgh or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Vintage and Antique Shopping Day with Laura

Today’s journey takes you deep into the Scottish Highlands. Pass rolling hills, rugged glens, and mirror-like lochs before arriving at the legendary Loch Ness. Stop to admire the vast waters – and maybe spot the elusive Nessie – before continuing to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. The castle’s romantic setting, perched on a small tidal island, is as enchanting as its centuries-old history.

As the landscape grows wilder and more dramatic, you’ll cross onto the Isle of Skye – a place of myths, mountains, and unforgettable beauty. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening surrounded by Skye’s quiet magic.

🏨 Accommodation

• Duisdale House Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Visit Loch Ness
• Entrance to Eilean Donan Castle

Spend the day discovering the Isle of Skye’s extraordinary landscapes. Begin at the crystal-clear Fairy Pools, where cascading streams tumble through the Glen Brittle forest. Next, wander the surreal Fairy Glen, a place of grassy knolls, miniature lochans, and spiralling ridges that feel almost otherworldly.

Marvel at Kilt Rock’s sheer cliffs and waterfall before tackling the hike to the Old Man of Storr. The reward is a sweeping view of jagged peaks, sparkling waters, and the rugged coastline. With each stop, your guide will share Skye’s rich blend of history, folklore, and natural wonder.

🏨 Accommodation

• Duisdale House Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Visit Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, and Kilt Rock
• Hike to the Old Man of Storr

Leave Skye with a scenic ferry crossing to Mallaig, keeping your camera ready for sea views and coastal villages. Try to catch sight of the famous Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a treat for Harry Potter fans.

Travel through the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe, its sweeping valley and towering peaks creating a dramatic backdrop steeped in history. Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, where the evening is free to explore its eclectic dining scene – from gastropubs to award-winning curry houses.

🏨 Accommodation

• Novotel Glasgow Centre or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Scenic Ferry from Skye to Mallaig
• Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
• Drive Through Glencoe

Glasgow’s energy is contagious, and today you’ll explore its highlights. Visit George Square, admire the Gothic beauty of Glasgow Cathedral, and see the award-winning Riverside Museum. Wander through the bohemian West End with its leafy lanes, vintage shops, and cafés.

At lunchtime, join a guided food tour to sample the city’s best flavours – from hearty Scottish classics to innovative international dishes – while learning the local stories behind each stop.

🏨 Accommodation

• Novotel Glasgow Centre or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

✅ Activities

• Glasgow City Tour
• Guided Glasgow Food Tour

Spend today thrifting and treasure hunting around Glasgow, with Laura leading you to her favourite vintage hotspots. With six hours of coach and driver time, you’ll have plenty of room for all your finds.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the memories, friendships, and one-of-a-kind pieces you’ve collected along the way.

🏨 Accommodation

• Novotel Glasgow Centre or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

✅ Activities

• Glasgow Vintage and Antique Shopping Day

• Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before making your own way to the airport or continuing on an optional extension. Take with you not only your treasures but also the stories and moments from an unforgettable Scottish journey.

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

Day 1 – Saturday May 2 2026 | Glasgow and Stirling
Venture out from Glasgow on a full-day small-group tour that combines Scotland’s scenic beauty with its rich history and legends. Begin with the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, where the Highlands meet the Lowlands and the views are breathtaking. Continue to Stirling to explore its imposing castle, a fortress steeped in tales of Scottish monarchs and epic battles. End the day at The Kelpies – towering steel horse-head sculptures that celebrate both Scotland’s industrial heritage and its mythical folklore.

🏨 Accommodation

• Novotel Glasgow Centre or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Loch Lomond Visit
• Guided Visit to Stirling Castle
• Visit The Kelpies

Day 2 – Sunday May 3 2026 | Glasgow Vintage Treasure Hunting
Enjoy another day of treasure hunting with a visit to local car boot sales and vintage markets in and around Glasgow. This is your chance to uncover unique finds, from antique ceramics to retro collectibles, before your journey comes to a close.

🏨 Accommodation

• Novotel Glasgow Centre or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Vintage and Antique Shopping Day in Glasgow

Day 3 – Monday May 4 2026 | Departure from Glasgow
After breakfast, your Glasgow extension concludes. Depart at leisure or continue on your onward travels.

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

ℹ️ Note that Laura and Jesse will not be attending either of the optional extensions. If you are interested in this extension please indicate this at check-out – we will contact you with pricing as soon as it is available.

Day 1 – Saturday May 2 2026 | Glasgow to Inverness via Balmoral
Depart Glasgow by coach for a scenic journey to Inverness. Along the way, visit Balmoral Castle – the much-loved Highland retreat of the Royal Family. Stroll through its manicured gardens and explore the areas of the castle open to the public, soaking in the peaceful setting. Continue through the Highlands to Inverness, where the evening is free to explore the “Capital of the Highlands” at your own pace.

🏨 Accommodation

• Mercure Inverness Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Visit Balmoral Castle and Gardens

Day 2 – Sunday May 3 2026 | Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Today’s non-private tour takes you to legendary Loch Ness, a vast freshwater lake surrounded by stunning Highland scenery. Cruise across its deep waters, keeping watch for the elusive Nessie, before arriving at the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. With over 500 years of turbulent history and spectacular views from its perch on the loch’s edge, it’s one of Scotland’s most iconic sights.

🏨 Accommodation

• Mercure Inverness Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

✅ Activities

• Loch Ness Cruise
• Visit Urquhart Castle

Day 3 – Monday May 4 2026 | Departure from Inverness
After breakfast, your Inverness extension concludes. Depart at leisure or continue your onward journey through the Highlands.

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast

ℹ️ Note that Laura and Jesse will not be attending either of the optional extensions. If you are interested in this extension please indicate this at check-out – we will contact you with pricing as soon as it is available.