bespoke tours of scotland

Private Tours Of Scotland

Our team provide private tours of Scotland that include enchanting castles, breath-taking scenery, the world’s finest whisky distilleries, majestic mountains, fairy-tale stories of battles and romance all wrapped in a bespoke private tour. An experience like no other.

Our experienced team of tour designers have an extensive knowledge of Scotland and we pride ourselves on crafting the most enchanting and luxurious travel packages.

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Ultimate 10 Day Luxury Scottish Tour

Romantic tour of scotland, the ultimate scotch whisky tour, 8 day family tour of scotland, 14 day deluxe tour of scotland, nc500 & isle of skye tour, deluxe 8 day tour of scotland, bucket list golf tour of scotland, historic outlander themed tour.

All of our tours are fully bespoke – customised to suit your tastes and requirements.

Our experienced team of private tour designers have extensive knowledge of Scotland’s hidden treasures and pride themselves on creating the most delightful bespoke itineraries to give our guests inspiration. We can cater for any group size, large or small. Our list of destinations is a long and glittered list of gems, each offering and experience that only inspire and treat our guests to wonderful memories, including Scotland’s finest hotels, historic venues, traditional whisky distilleries, scenic driving routes, awe-inspiring landscapes and majestic golf courses. Our private tours of Scotland will take you to both the tourist hot spots and the hidden gems.

Luxury Private Tours Of Scotland

An eye for detail and care for our guests is what defines our private tours at Private Tours Scotland. From a day trip to 14+ day tours, we are Scotland’s tour operator of choice. Our experience lies in creating private tours to meet your exact specifications. An off the rack suit or dress may fit you but nothing is going to fit you better than a custom-tailored version that is measured down to the inch. From your initial enquiry, we will acquire all of the key details needed to craft a beautifully tailor-made private tour itinerary to cater to all of your needs. The experience is just as much about the journey as the events and tourist attractions. From start to finish, our private tour packages in Scotland include assigning you with a private chauffeur tour guide to escort you swiftly to each destinations. We can guarantee you will never forget your bespoke tour of Scotland

Full-Service Scottish Private Tours

Join us on a journey that will rewind the clocks and take you to the very heart of Scottish folklore. Get in touch below and receive your customized Scotland private tour to create long-lasting memories with you and your loved ones

Our specialist team of tour designers will share their extensive knowledge of Scotland and craft a bespoke private luxury tour package that will create an unforgettable adventure.

Travel in Style & Comfort

Travelling in luxury and comfort is prerequisite one of Scotland's leading tour operators. It’s the small things on a private tour that make the difference from an enjoyable holiday to an outstanding one and so our approach is simple. The journey is just as important as the resorts and events. We have an outstanding fleet and private chauffeurs here in Scotland, that will escort you to each destination in style and comfort. In addition to an expert private chauffeur driver we can include an experienced tour guide for the duration of the trip. The tour guide will take your round each venue, enriching your experience with historic knowledge and legendary tales of the past We provide a wide range of tours including whisky tours, walking tours, golf tours, city tours, sightseeing tours guided tours ,tours of the Scottish highlands and more. A Scottish tour with Private Tours Scotland is laced with stunning scenery, fine cuisine, local culture and an in depth exploration of this beautiful country.

Mercedes Vito (up to 5 people)

Mercedes v-classes (up to 6 people) - optional luggage trailer, mercedes v-classes (up to 6 people), mercedes sprinter (8 people), mercedes sprinters (up to 16 people), executive coach (29, 37 or 49 seats).

Enchanting castle. Medieval folklore. Serene Scottish Highlands. Legendary Scottish whisky.

This 10-day ultimate luxury Scottish tour will take you on a magical journey through the most breathtaking destinations in Scotland, giving you a unique insight into the different cornerstones that make up the proud Scottish identity.

Just like the Scotch, this is a blended experience that includes a mixture of history, whisky, wildlife, and Highland exploration, all wrapped in luxury.

Itinerary Overview

Arriving in the medieval city of Edinburgh, you will immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and medieval legends. You will begin your Scottish journey by visiting the city’s crown jewels, including the Scott Monument, Holyrood Palace and The Royal Mile.

You will then take a day trip to the heart of Scotland where some of the bloodiest and most iconic battles were fought in The Wars of Independence.

This historical insight will then transition into a geographical one, where you will travel to the beautiful West Cost of Scotland to witness some of the most inspiring landscapes that have been carved into the Scottish countryside.

Despite the enchanting beauty of the Scottish west coast, the true majesty of Scotland’s awe-inspiring landscapes lies further north in the legendary Highlands.

Here you will witness the picturesque Scottish mountains, steeped in tradition and folklore. Nestled deep in the Highlands are the traditional whisky distilleries where you will discover the secrets behind Scotland’s famous spirit.

Indulge in this private Scotland tour that will immerse you in the very fabric of Scottish culture and treat you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Luxury Accommodation

The Balmoral. The Isle of Eriska Hotel. Benderloch. The Marmalade Hotel. This glittering list of luxury hotels is la crème de la crème of Scottish hospitality, offering a stunning blend of elegance and comfort that will envelop you from the moment you step through the door.

Each of these world-renowned hotels has a unique style and character, with a different history, a different charm, and a different story that will give you a glimpse into the rich heritage and culture of Scotland.

But all of these hotels have one characteristic in common – they share an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and unparalleled luxury.

The Culinary Experience

This Scottish tour offers a unique culinary experience that will allow you to taste traditional Scottish dishes, including haggis, neeps, and tatties, and our hearty fish and chips. Each dining experience will spoil you with a wide selection of beverages that will add to the luxury experience.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to dine in some of the country’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, where talented chefs will serve exquisite dishes made from their secret cooking recipes.

Embark on a romantic coastal tour of Scotland, where you will be swept away by the mesmerizing natural beauty, fascinating historical landmarks, and rich cultural treasures that await you at every turn.

From the picturesque seaside villages to the rugged cliffs through to the pristine beaches, you and your loved one(s) will create unforgettable memories in the charming towns and cities that embody Scotland’s deep-rooted traditions.

This private tour of Scotland begins in the beautiful and romantic city of Edinburgh, where you will visit the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Calton Hill.

Next, you will be chauffeured to the Kingdom of Fife and visit one of the most majestic golf courses in the world, St Andrews.

You will then escape to the beautiful Cairngorms and further north to the tranquil Scottish highlands where you will uncover hidden gems as you explore ancient castles, roam windswept shores, and discover the country’s unique cultural heritage.

This tour is designed to be a magical and unforgettable journey, taking you on an adventure through one of the world’s most captivating and beautiful countries, and giving you memories that will last a lifetime.

Indulge in the luxurious hospitality of some of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels where you will experience the warm, welcoming service of the locals. From the grandeur of historic castles to the modern elegance of boutique hotels, each location will provide you with a luxurious and personalized service that will make you feel right at home.

Unwind in luxurious guest rooms, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and relax with spa treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. These will be the special moments when you and your loved one will wind down together and reflect back on a romantic day full of unforgettable experiences, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Prepare to go on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Savour the finest local produce, from freshly caught seafood to prime Scottish beef, and indulge in an array of exquisite dishes that showcase Scotland’s rich culinary heritage.

You will dine in famous restaurants, some of which are located in historic castles, where you will be treated to world-class cuisine prepared by some of the country’s most talented chefs. It’s the champagne culinary experience that will spoil you with an exquisite drink selection and breathtaking views of some of Scotland’s most beautiful sights.

Set off on an exciting journey through the heart of Scotland’s whisky country where you will visit some of the most famous whisky distilleries in the world. In this private tour, you will discover the whisky-making process of each distillery which follow their own special recipe that’s been passed down since as early as the 18th century.

From the peaty drams in Islay to the fruity aromas in Speyside through to the salty coastal malts in the Highlands, the Ultimate Scotch Whisky Tour promises an immersive experience that will live long in the memory.

Starting in the medieval city of Edinburgh, you will travel through stunning Scottish landscapes and visit some of the most prestigious and traditional whisky distilleries such as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Talisker.

Along the way, you will sample a variety of whiskies, from peaty Islays to smooth Speysides and discover the history andrich culture of Scotland’s national drink. The magic of a whisky tour lies not just in the sampling of different whiskies, but also in the stories and histories behind each distillery.

By learning about the unique techniques and traditions of each distillery, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the complex flavours and personalities of different whiskies – it’s the stories that add to the character.

This is one of our highest in demand private tours of Scotland because it provides you with a unique opportunity to uncover the heritage of Scotland’s national drink. Whether you are a seasoned whisky drinker or a curious beginner, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Scotland’s whisky culture.

With expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, the Ultimate Scotch Whisky Tour is a must-do for anyone who loves whisky and Scotland.

This private tour offers a truly luxurious experience, with accommodation that is both comfortable and stylish. Each hotel has been carefully selected to ensure that you have the perfect base for your whisky adventure.

Upon your arrival, you will be chauffeured to the Machrie Hotel & Golf Links where you will wind down in their luxurious spa.

On Islay, you will stay in a luxurious hotel that overlooks the sea, offering breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline. The hotel’s elegant rooms and high-end amenities will ensure that you feel pampered and relaxed throughout your stay.

In the Highlands, you will stay in a charming country hotel near the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat after a day of distillery tours and tastings where their cosy rooms and warm hospitality will make you feel right at home.

In Edinburgh, you will stay in a centrally located five-star hotel, where you can enjoy the city’s rich history and culture. The hotel’s elegant rooms and luxurious amenities will ensure that you’re well-rested and ready for the days ahead.

No private tour of Scotland is complete without an exquisite culinary experience. The Ultimate Scotch Whisky Tour by Private Tours Scotland offers a diverse gastronomic adventure that showcases traditional Scottish cuisine and modern twists on classic dishes.

Guests will enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast, private whisky tastings with gourmet dinners that feature locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, and a seafood lunch paired with a selection of Islay whiskies.

Throughout this private tour, guests will also sample local delicacies and artisanal products, such as Scottish shortbread and handcrafted chocolates. The tour’s expert guides and chefs ensure that guests have a memorable and authentic experience that highlights the best of Scotland’s culinary culture.

Private Tours Scotland’s Deluxe 8-Day Scotland Tour is a well-rounded and immersive journey that highlights Scotland’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders. This all-inclusive package offers a wide range of activities throughout the country, providing guests with a deep understanding and appreciation of Scottish culture.

On this tour, you will visit iconic landmarks that are steeped in history, go on private walking tours to uncover some of Scotland’s bloody history and venture deep into the Scottish Highlands where you will experience true serenity.

History. Culture. Natural beauty. You will experience it all and leave with a rich understanding of Scotland’s heritage, as well as unforgettable memories that you will share with your loved ones.

The tour begins in the stunning Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where you will explore the city’s iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and the famous Old Town. You will have a private guided tour across the city where your guide will take you to the heart of Edinburgh’s bloody past.

Next, you will be taken on one of the most scenic driving routes in the country, from Loch Lomond to Glen Kinglas through to Glen Croe. Here you will be immersed in deep tranquillity as you take in the breathtaking views of some of the world’s most stunning scenery.

But there is more to come. You will then eventually venture north, to the Scottish Highlands and visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, the train bridge that connects Harry Potter to Hogwarts. Activities include a ferry trip from Mallaig to Armadale, country walking and a visit to the Glenfinnan Monument.

You will then experience the magic of Skye where you will visit the Fairy Pools and discover the stunning natural beauty of this rugged island before ending the trip once again in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Throughout the tour, you will stay in a mix of 5-star hotels, Victorian estate houses, and cosy but opulent lodges, each carefully selected to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The accommodations are located in some of Scotland’s most picturesque and iconic settings, from the bustling city of Edinburgh to the remote wilderness of the Highlands.

The hotels and castles offer a range of amenities, including fine-dining restaurants, spas, and fitness centres. You will be able to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty in the comfort of their luxurious accommodations.

The tour also provides guests with the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of Scotland. The accommodations are designed to showcase Scotland’s unique heritage and provide an authentic Scottish experience that guests will cherish for years to come.

The Deluxe 8-day tour of Scotland will give you a chance to explore Scotland’s finest cuisine from, traditional Scottish fare to modern fusion dishes. The tour takes guests on a culinary journey across the country, showcasing the diverse and rich food culture of Scotland.

You will dine in a variety of different establishments, ranging from the Balmoral’s prestigious Number One restaurant to the famous Torrish restaurant nestled in the Highlands, through to organised luxury picnics in Oban.

By the end of the trip, you will have sampled the best of Scotland’s culinary offerings while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Scottish people.

Set off on a unique journey that promises to take you through some of Scotland’s most picturesque golf courses. This is one of our most popular luxury private tours of Scotland because it combines the ultimate golfing experience with the chance to discover the stunning beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, including its rugged coastlines, famous lochs, and picturesque villages.

From Ayrshire’s Golf Coast to Gleneagles through to ‘The Home of Golf’, St Andrews, you will create unforgettable memories in one of the most immersive golf tours of Scotland.

But the experience goes just beyond the greens: you will also experience the very best that Scotland has to offer, from indulging in its world-renowned culinary scene to magical whisky tours to staying in historic castles steeped in history, this trip promises an unforgettable journey.

Your tour will tee off in the historic Glenapp Castle where you will wind down in 5-star luxury before embarking on your golfing adventure. You will then have your first swing at a golf club at Trump Turnberry in one of the most scenic golf courses in the world.

But there are many headline acts to come. The star-studded list also includes Gleneagles, The King’s Course,  Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and Castle Stuart. In between, hitting birdies in these iconic courses, you will also be treated to a tour of the legendary Dalwhinnie Distillery to discover that’s been producing whisky since 1897.

And of course, you will experience a fine dining experience that will spoil you with a variety of exquisite dishes overlooking the stunning Scottish landscape. Your last swing of a golf club will be on the prestigious Royal Dornoch, where you will end your tour with a birdie before flying out from Inverness.

Expect luxurious hospitality from the moment you arrive on one of our most exclusive luxury private tours. You will be treated to sumptuous hospitality at a glittering array of award-winning and historic hotels, with the historic Glenapp Castle being just the beginning of what’s in store.

Many of these hotels come equipped with spas, pools, and immaculate gardens, providing you with the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on your adventures in comfort.

At the heart of the hospitality experience, is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the different stories that have moulded the character of these hotels, some of which go as far back as the early 19th century.

From Glenapp’s 5-star hospitality to the legendary Old Course Hotel through to the tranquil setting of the Ness Walk Hotel, you will feel right at home in some of Scotland’s most iconic hotels.

Along with your golf tours throughout the country, you will experience a fabulous gastronomic adventure where you will delight your taste buds with the finest of Scottish cuisine.

This private tour places a strong emphasis on luxury, offering you the chance to dine in a diverse range of environments, each with its own distinct recipes, personality, and charm.

From the prestige of Michelin Star to the warm intimacy of the Bothy restaurant through to Forgan’s rustic comfort, you will experience the true taste of Scotland’s rich culinary traditions.

Rewind the clocks and take a deep dive into Scotland’s rich history through the lens of the Outlander. This will be a magical journey that will take you to the battlegrounds, castles, and locations that have shaped Scotland into what it is today.

And of course, you will visit some of the places where Outlander was shot, allowing you to relive some of your favourite moments from the show and immerse yourself in the historic Edinburgh Old Town.

Whether you’re an Outlander fan or simply a lover of history and culture, this tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure that you will cherish with your loved ones.

The tour begins in Edinburgh where you will explore the city’s treasures and bloody history with your bespoke walking tour guide. You will visit Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks along with some of Outlander’s filming locations.

After visiting the breathtaking Hopetoun House, you’ll be chauffeured to Stirling, where you will delve into the heart of Scottish history by exploring the battlegrounds of one of its defining battles. This was where William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought in the Wars of Independence that you may have seen in Braveheart and Outlaw King.

While the tour is primarily focused on Scotland’s rich history, you’ll also have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture.

This includes a visit to Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery, as well as an exploration of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, allowing you to experience the natural wonders and unique customs of this historic country.

The Historic Outlander Themed Tour offers a range of luxurious accommodation options to suit your needs and preferences. From five-star hotels to charming guesthouses, you will have the opportunity to stay in some of Scotland’s most stunning and historic properties.

In Edinburgh, you’ll stay in a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of the city. This elegant and stylish property offers all the amenities and comforts you could wish for, including spacious rooms, fine dining, and a range of leisure facilities.

As you travel through Scotland, you will have the opportunity to stay in a stunning Victorian mansion, a Castle Hotel, and secluded 5-star accommodation in the Highlands that provide you with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

From start to finish, these properties have been carefully selected for their character, comfort, and hospitality, allowing you to experience the warm welcome and personal touch that Scotland is famous for.

Each accommodation is designed to provide you with a truly luxurious and memorable experience, allowing you to relax and unwind in style after a day of exploring Scotland’s rich history and culture.

As you stay in Scotland’s finest hotels, you will experience an exceptional assortment of Scottish cuisine where you will have the opportunity to savour a wide range of flavours and experiences.

But what also makes this one of our most popular private Scotland tours is the variety of different dining experiences on offer. This ranges from cosy family-run eateries to exclusive restaurants led by renowned chefs, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of culinary delights on this tour.

Scotland Private Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tipping etiquette in scotland.

Although tipping in Scotland is not compulsory, choosing to tip in restaurants is generally seen as polite and can be used as a kind gesture to demonstrate your appreciation of the quality of their service. Although around 10% is seen as the standard tipping rate, if the service has been of a premium standard then don’t hesitate to leave more. Bear in mind that this is entirely up to you and that there is not much of an expectation for you to do so.

Bartenders serving drinks in bars and pubs in Scotland don’t expect to be tipped by customers, although these are always welcomed. With regards to tipping your walking tour guides or driver tour guides, the same rules apply. Don’t feel obliged to tip but also don’t hesitate to do so if they have demonstrated a stellar service that has enhanced your holiday experience. However if you feel the service has been exceptional on your Scotland private tour then feel free to tip what you feel reflects the service.

What payment methods do you accept?

Are flights included?

Booking flights is not part of our private tour package. However, we are happy to advise you on the best routes available. Once you have touched down in Scotland, from start to finish, every aspect of your tour will have been organised and waiting to begin once your driver greets you at the airport.

What is included in the price?

This varies from tour to tour, but generally speaking our  private Scotland tour offerings include: Accommodation Private Driver Guide Executive Vehicle All Excursions Tour Guides / Services of private local guides/guided tour Co-ordination and support / 24 h. assistance during the trip Your own Personal Tour Designer Customised Travel Itinerary Breakfast at all Hotels TAXES The tour cost  varies depending on the number of days, people, time of year and standard of accommodation.

Are meals included?

Bed & Breakfast will always be included in your private tour package, unless instructed. Our travel itineraries include lunch and dinner recommendations for you to choose from. Once you have decided on your preferred place to dine, a member of our team will contact the restaurant to reserve you a table. Lunch and dinner meals are generally not included within our package costs, unless of course specifically requested, we can arrange this. We can aslo accommodate special requests from travellers looking to have set menus and wines selected and pre-paid.

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

This depends on how you react to the weather although the peak times for visitors in Scotland are between April and September. These sit during the colourful spring and summer months, when visitors are welcomed by warmer and drier weather. However, the winter and autumn months also offer their own degree of charm, with festivities aplenty and a variety of exciting events to experience. It is to be noted that Scotland has varying weather patterns that can sometimes be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain never being too far away. Mother Nature is a talented architect and has blessed Scotland with a beautiful landscape, filled with colour and natural beauty, which could only have been achieved with a little drizzle. 

What clothes should I bring?

This depends on how you react to the weather although the peak times for visitors in Scotland are between April and September. These sit during the colourful spring and summer months, when visitors are welcomed by warmer and drier weather. However, the winter and autumn months also offer their own degree of charm, with festivities aplenty and a variety of exciting events to experience. It is to be noted that Scotland has varying weather patterns that can sometimes be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain never being too far away. Mother Nature is a talented architect and has blessed Scotland with a beautiful landscape, filled with colour and natural beauty, which could only have been achieved with a little drizzle.

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Address: 1 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA.

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McIntosh Tours - Luxury Private Tours of the Scottish Highlands

Luxury Private Tours of Scotland

Awarded Private Tour Operator of the Year 2023 & 2024 by Scotland Prestige Awards

As seen in Scotland Magazine  

 Luxury Scottish Tours

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s colourful history, rich culture, beautiful scenery and stunning wildlife with your personal driver/guide around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Explore the best of Scotland with our bespoke tours.

Whether you’re looking embark on a two-day whisky tour or indulge in a two-week adventure, allow us to craft a tailored experience that immerses you in the essence of Scotland and its vibrant culture. From castles to hidden treasures, our dedicated team will curate your dream itinerary, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

Leave the details to us and savour every moment of your Scottish escapade.

Experience a taste of Scotland with our exclusive day trips departing from Edinburgh. Whether you’re drawn to the ruggid Highlands, the historic allure of St. Andrews, or the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond, we have the perfect excursion for you.

Contact us now for more information and let us make your Scottish adventure truly unforgettable.

Draw inspiration from our selection of our ready-made multi-day tours. Whether you want to take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Skye or the indulgent aromas of a three-day Speyside whisky excursion, rest assured, we have the perfect itinerary waiting for you.

All our tours can be adapted to fit your preferences.

Sailing Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Sailing Day Tour from Oban. Nestled on Scotland’s breathtaking west coast, Oban is the perfect gateway to explore the enchanting beauty of the Inner Hebrides. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, our tours offer a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich history of this remarkable region.

Learn the ropes from our experienced crew. Whether you want to take the helm or just relax, our crew is here to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Expert Local Research

We can curate a tour that includes social, geographical or historical detail that has a unique link to you, your family or interests. We can help locate homes, churches, villages and town that are in your family’s genealogy. We can access historic documents and maps to fully research a branch of your family or a specific area of Scottish interest.

Dedicated Travel Guide

We create exceptional bespoke itineraries including sporting, cultural, whisky and regional experiences. We can share the highlights and hidden gems of Scotland with you to make a memorable time in Scotland. You will have a dedicated Tour Guide to advise and help before, during and after your tour.

Fantastic Scottish Experiences

We can include helicopter travel to remote beaches, Jacobite Train, falconry, Highland Games, ghost tours, castles with personal chefs and remote camping and picnics. Let us know what your ideal Scottish adventure is and we can make it an experience to remember for you and your family, friends and/or colleagues.

Easily one of the greatest highlights of our entire honeymoon

We took the 6 hour sailing trip with McIntosh (Raymond and Laura) and it was easily one of the greatest highlights of our entire honeymoon. The conversation, the Scottish history, and the sheer beauty of the sailboat as it glides through loch linnhe… just wow.

We were so sad that it had to end! Worth every penny and we will be telling our friends!!

Great birthday surprise trip

Raymond and Victoria were very welcoming and made us feel at ease instantly. Went above and beyond our expectations and taught us the ‘ropes’ of sailing and we felt one of the family by time we left. We even had the pleasure of meeting beautiful little Daisy!

Can’t recommend the experience of McIntosh tours highly enough for any tours around Scotland and we will certainly contact them for future trips! X

Jameela Alibrahim

Extraordinary experience with mcintosh tours.

I completed a 5-day individual tour in late March 2022 with Raymond of McIntosh Tours and can't speak highly enough about my unparalleled experience. Raymond was enthusiastic, creative in weaving an itinerary that suited me, and extremely well-versed in the history of all sights and locations we visited. Loved Scotland, so enjoyed each aspect of the traveling, and would recommend McIntosh Tours with no reservation on any level.

Gwen Hilton

Sorry for taking so long to leave a comment. Barry and I had one of the best days ever on our day sail that I booked for his 60th birthday. From the moment we were picked up we felt like old friends going on a nice day out.

Raymond and his wife made us feel like part of the family. They took time to teach some sailing to my husband as much or as little as he wanted (I think his hands were super glued to the wheel!). He enjoyed every minute.

The scenery was spectacular and the lunch was excellent as well as the company. It truly was a memorable experience.

I would recommend this to anyone you will not be disappointed.

Whiskey Tasting and the beautiful highlands

4 of us booked McIntosh tours for a Whiskey Distillery Tour and we weren't disappointed!

Our guide Raymond planned helped us plan the perfect day and with his local knowledge showed us the best the Highlands has to offer!

Great day had by all thanks again, Raymond!

Macintosh tours Scotland

Excellent, superb, fantabulous.

The best customised luxury tour I have ever experienced. Raymond was very friendly, and took us to the best scenic places around.

Take my word if it’s Scotland it has to be with Macintosh Tours. All Hotels booked by them very at the very best locations.

Highest Marks for the Highland Tour

Must. Take. This. Tour.

Raymond is authentically charming and generous with his love and knowledge of the Highlands. You can’t help but fall in love with this piece of heaven on earth.

Paul Nelson, New York

We had a three day Highland Whisky Tour and loved it!

Raymond was amazing- funny, knowledgeable, and entertaining.

He customized the tour based on our requests but also added some very personal touches to it.

We cannot recommend McIntosh Tours enough.

April Tucker

I would give Raymond 10 stars if we could.

We had specific needs for our tour including scotch tasting for the guys and activities for my mom, 3 kids, and myself. Raymond designed a perfect, and exciting, itinerary that we all could enjoy.

He made the very best use of our time, was knowledgeable, kind, and very professional.... all the things you could want in a guide. We are recommending him to our friends and family and would definitely hire him again.

Megan Butler – California

Came from California last week, did a tour of the Highlands and it was fantastic.

Such a kind man who knows absolutely everything about Scotland!

Really entertained us and took us to see places we would never have seen otherwise, grateful for this experience and would definitely do another one if given the chance!

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Infinite Scotland

Create your own magical tour of Scotland, from Ardnamurchan to Assynt, from Edinburgh to Eigg, from Sutherland to Skye. #myinfinitescotland

Meet the distiller, visit the farm, find the quiet viewpoint, the deserted beach, learn the ancient folklore, discover our shared history.

Live it, love it, breathe it

Immerse yourself in our history, our culture and our landscapes. Welcome to some of the freshest air on earth!

Infinite horizons • Infinite possibilities • Infinite Scotland

Tours of scotland.

We offer bespoke, custom private tours for solo travellers and small groups of families and friends, tailor-made especially for you .

With every tour we will take you deep into Scotland’s stunning landscape , you will explore our hidden gems , discover our incredible history , magical folklore and fabulous food and drink .

Activities & Experiences

But then we are a little different. To truly live and breathe Scotland, to discover it from the inside-out, to slow down, to find the authentic, we can include a whole range of unique activities and experiences in your tour.

Explore the mountains and glens on foot with a guided hike , the peace of the lochs from a gliding canoe , our delicious natural larder with a cooking course in the wilds. Include a food and drink tour to discover (and taste!) our world-famous culinary culture directly from the producers and farmers . Get hands-on with our traditional crafts and create your very own personal souvenir of Scotland.

Your Infinite Scotland

We are a small company, but we passionately believe that Scotland is the most extraordinary country in the world. We don’t just want to show it to you though, we want you to explore it, live it, breathe it, love it with us!

Discover your very own Infinite Scotland .

#myinfinitescotland

Edinburgh is now!

A unique opportunity to re-discover Edinburgh this year. Tips and inspiration for what to do and where to go in and around Edinburgh – without the crowds!

Read more Edinburgh is now!

Beavers, Birds and Bambi… Bonnie Scotland: Wildlife in Lockdown!

As the rest of the world rests during lockdown, Bonnie Scotland’s wildlife has been blooming! Come with us on a virtual wildlife tour of local Perthshire.

Read more Beavers, Birds and Bambi… Bonnie Scotland: Wildlife in Lockdown!

What our customers say

I wish and reflect the feeling of the entire group, saying that we wished we could have had more time with you. You really added much with your knowledge of the history and culture of Scotland. You represented her so well. We all appreciated how quickly you became part of us. We felt a little […]

Helen is so nice and always with a smile recommending what she thinks is the best place you can go, magically knowing what you would like to do. Everything started when I got in contact with her, but the best part was when I arrived at the station in Edinburgh, at the city centre and […]

I thoroughly recommend Infinite Scotland. We had a 6.5 hour guided tour of Edinburgh which flashed by so quickly we didn’t notice the time. We saw and learnt so much of the city and its history, despite spending many months here in the last year. Helen asked us beforehand what we were interested in and […]

We offer bespoke private tours for solo travellers and small groups of families and friends, tailor-made especially for you.

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Home > Scotland

Scotland- Private Travel

Throughout its storybook villages and scintillating cities, across shimmering lakes or “lochs,” up rocky hilltops and over undulating grasslands, Scotland is the stuff of legend.

In Scotland, you can spend hours simply watching the sky change color.

Part of the United Kingdom for more than 300 years now, yet establishing its own legislature in 1999, Scotland enjoys more than 150 million visitors each year. Your luxury vacation in this bonnie land will no doubt begin and end in one of the two main centers. Surrounded by glacial hills, the capital of Edinburgh is Scotland’s cultural hub, known for its art festivals and for the well-preserved Royal Mile, a series of streets filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and visitor attractions bookended by the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Resplendent in its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow is the largest city, also a cultural hub, and home to the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Opera, and a thriving new music scene. Scotland is best known for producing some of the finest whisky in the world, with different regions creating delicate flavors inherent to their own tastes, traditions, and topography. A great starting point is a tour of Speyside on the Malt Whisky Trail, a legendary grouping of eight distilleries taking advantage of the clear waters of the River Spey. Motoring through the Highlands is a beautiful and memorable pursuit, something you can stretch out for weeks if you have a mind to. Endless hills, rocks, trees and lakes, wilderness, and wildlife can fill the days, with lovingly kept luxury estates with incredible dining rooms to fill your nights. From Loch Ness in the north on down through the lake district, you will segue into the wooded glens and rolling hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, a noted nature reserve. And while you will lose track of the lakes you’re driving around, you will remember the delectable seafood forever.

Top Destinations

Beautiful Edinburgh transports you back in time like no other city.... Read more

Vibrant, edgy and brimming with personality, Scotland’s largest city is a must-see spot for nightl... Read more

Whether the Upper Highlands or the Lowers, the Scottish Highlands will take your breath away with th... Read more

Scottish Highlands

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The coveted relationships we have with our Preferred Partners are second to none and allow us to offer you the extraordinary trips that you desire.

Meet our Scotland Travel Designers

Martha jacobs.

Senior Travel Designer

Colleen Shields

Gavin crawford.

Director of Bespoke Experiences

If you’re considering bespoke private travel to Scotland, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Scotland. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Scotland, our Private Travel Designers have the insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. Our private guides can take you up the hills, out on the waters, into the 130 distilleries, or onto the links of St. Andrews, making your luxury tour of Scotland a treasure in every sense of the word. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Scotland vacation today.

Tailored Experiences

Discover hidden gems and exclusive locales with our curated luxury experiences, designed around your preferences.

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Enjoy bespoke journeys meticulously tailored to your personal tastes and desires.

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Support eco-friendly practices that positively impact communities, reflecting your commitment to responsible travel.

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Throughout the years, Tully Luxury Travel has been recognized as a top producing agency by virtually every luxury cruise line and hotel property.

More Scotland Inspiration

Best season to visit scotland.

Destination | Scotland

The most ideal season to experience Scotland's countless wonders is a bit of an enigma, due in part to the infamous unpredictable weather. However, help is at hand! ...Read more

An Insider's Look: Scotland

Was it the hit television series Outlander or the recent blockbuster film, Mary Queen of Scots? Whatever the impetus, we’ve been getting more calls about Scotland every day. ...Read more

Visiting the Isle of Skye

The Scottish Highlands hold a place in the hearts of many, the rocky moors, castle ruins and lush hillsides creating a mythical, almost magical story. Though Scotland is vast indeed, it is well-recommended that your trip to the Scottish Highlands includes a visit to the Isle of Skye. ...Read more

Why choose us? We believe our award-winning service, more than three decades of experience, and firsthand knowledge of luxury travel in every part of the world shine through in the wonderful testimonials that we receive every day from our valued clients who return year after year.

Average Cutomer Rating:

'They know how to bring your dream vacation to life!!'

I have been working with Tully Luxury Travel for years and love their attention to detail. They seem to know exactly what their client's needs are.

'Exceptional travel company'

I have been with Tully luxury travel for almost 20 years and Diana Wehrle has been my advisor all along. I find them very professional, efficient, and willing to go the extra mile.

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Private & Bespoke Tours of Scotland

Luxury tours for small private groups, spend your precious time in scotland doing exactly what you want to do, at a pace that suits you perfectly.  we promise to listen carefully and work together to create a unique and unforgettable private tour of scotland, designed just for you.   experience stunning highland scenery . specialist whisky tours & tastings . romantic castles . fascinating history and culture .   based here in scotland, our knowledge spans the length and breadth of the nation and is based on two decades' experience researching, exploring and enjoying our homeland with thousands of visitors from across the globe.   sit back, relax and enjoy every moment as we guide you on your bespoke tour through the very best of scotland.    .

Highland Tours

Whisky Tours

Castle Tours

Distillery tours & whisky tastings.

We tour extensively within and across all Scotland's whisky regions : Speyside  whisky tours , the Highlands, the Islands, Isl ay, Campbeltown whisky tours  and the Lowlands.  Our in-depth knowledge of the complex whisky landscape secures you the best possible mix of distille ry experiences.

Experienced Private Tour Guide

Your Drams Scotland tour guide knows Scotland like the back of his hand.  He'll guide you along the most spectacular routes, bringing to life our fascinating history, diverse geography, traditional cultures and, of course, our whisky.  So your bespoke private tour will always take you to the best sights, the best viewpoints, the best walks, the best food and drink and the best mix of distillery experiences - delivered with a keen sense of humour and a clear Scottish accent.  

Distillery Tours

Premium Tastings

Cask Experiences

Expert tour planning.

Your time in Scotland is precious and limited.  We're here to help you make the most of it.  Help us to really get to know you and your group.  Tell us what brings you here.  The more we know, the better we can tailor your private tour of Scotland.  Be sure to include the basics too - how many guests are in your group, the dates you wish to tour and any special requirements.

Our hand-crafted response may take a day or two.  We're a family business and take time to design a costed tour proposal that's exclusive to you.  We're always flexible and will continue to refine your tour plan as we get to know you better.  

Personally Selected Accommodation

We take time and care to source the best available accommodation to suit your group perfectly - whether you dream of staying in luxurious castle hotels, independent self catering, cosy B&Bs (or perhaps a mix of each).

Challenge us to create your ideal private and bespoke tour of Scotland.

Bespoke 

Tours uniquely designed for

your interests

Small private tour groups

Max 6 guests

Exceptional Tour Guide

Creative tour design by experts

 helps make every moment memorable

Your tour can begin or end from Glasgow,  Edinburgh

or across Central Scotland

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Private Tours of Scotland

Tour Scotland with

Little scottish treasures .

For travelers embarking on a Scottish adventure, look no further than Little Scottish Treasures. We are a family company based a short distance from both Edinburgh & Glasgow offering a diverse range of private tours, which combine sightseeing, culture, fun and adventure, either within our award winning tailor made itineraries, or one of our popular private tours of Scotland, we are dedicated to crafting a vacation that exceeds your expectations.

Multi Day Tours

Make the most of your Scottish vacation with one of our celebrated multi day tours of Scotland

Private Day Tours

Choose from some of the best Scottish day tours on the market leaving from Glasgow or Edinburgh

Ancestry Tours

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors or visit the home of your GG Granddad during an exquisite private tour

Bespoke Tours

Be sure to visit your must see locations or add a twist to your trip with a bespoke private Scottish tour

Customer reviews.

Lising Family California

"Absolutely stunning day and tour. We are blown away by the care and detail put into our day, by Peter and Carolina. We saw everything on our bucket list and then some. The stories and explanations of historical significance, dates, names, atmosphere is incredible to learn along the way as Peter draws such a rich picture for even the first time Scotland traveler to imagine. We were not disappointed, returned home happily exhausted and felt like we had time traveled through the entire day."

Donna & Stella South Carolina

"We had an INCREDIBLE private tour through Scotland thanks to Little Scottish Treasures! Jamie McPhail, our guide and driver, was exceptional! He was so knowledgeable and entertaining! He went out of his way to make sure we had a great tour and didn’t miss anything. When we had heavy rains one day, he rearranged the schedule on the spot. Scotland was the highlight of our three weeks in the UK thanks to Jamie and Little Scottish Treasures!"

Lolanda & Amigas Barcelona

Recomendable 100%. Un tour personalizado de acuerdo con aquello que más te interesa, añadiendo lugares preciosos y llenos de historia. Escocia es increible, pero haciendo el tour con Little Scottish Treasures es aún mejor. La calidez y dedicación de Carolina y Jamie, junto con su entusiasmo y conocimiento del país e historia, han hecho del viaje una experiencia fantástica.

A Private Scottish Tour: The best way to experience all that Scotland has to offer.

Scotland, is a land of ancient castles, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes, a dream destination for many travelers. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in Scottish culture and experience the country's natural beauty like never before, a private Scottish tour with Little Scottish Treasures is the perfect way to go.

Little Scottish Treasures is a local family run company that specializes in providing personalized, small-group tours of Scotland. Our experienced guides will take you on a journey through the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye, Scottish Borders and beyond, introducing you to the country's rich history, culture, and natural wonders.

On our private tours, you'll have the opportunity to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems that most visitors miss. You'll also have the chance to tailor your itinerary to your interests, whether you're passionate about history, nature, whisky, or something else entirely.

Here are just a few of the reasons why a private Scottish tour with us is the best way to see Scotland:

Personalized Attention: We will ensure that your tour is tailored to your interests and preferences. This means that you'll have the flexibility to explore the places and activities that most excite you.

Small-Group Experience: Our tours are limited to small groups of up to 8 people, which ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. This also means that we can get off the beaten path and visit places that are off-limits to larger groups.

Expert Local Guides: Our guides are passionate about Scotland and are eager to share their knowledge with you. During your private tour they will provide you with insights into Scottish history, culture, and natural beauty that you won't find anywhere else.

Flexibility and Adaptability: We are able to adapt our itineraries to suit your needs, whether you need to make changes due to weather or other circumstances. We are also flexible with the starting and ending points of our tour.

Unique Experiences: We will take you to some of the less-visited places in Scotland, like hidden castles, scenic viewpoints, and local farms. We will also introduce you to local traditions and customs that you won't find on mass-market tours.

Sustainable Tourism: We are committed to responsible tourism and we will use local suppliers whenever possible. We will also minimize our impact on the environment, such as by using eco-friendly transportation and accommodations.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Scotland or a seasoned traveler, a private Scottish tour with Little Scottish Treasures is an experience you won't forget.

Some of the Highlights of our Tours:

Exploring the Scottish Highlands, including Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness, and Eilean Donan Castle.

Discover the magic of the Isle of Skye, with its stunning scenery, ancient castles, and charming villages.

Visit a traditional whisky distillery and learn about the history and production of Scotland's national drink.

Take a scenic drive along the North Coast 500, Scotland's newest long-distance driving route.

Contact us today to book your private tour of Scotland. We can't wait to show you the beauty of our home and share our passion for this incredible country with you.

 For more to do in Scdotland's capital city visit https://www.kayak.co.uk/Edinburgh.29671.guide

Sleepy Sporran Tours

A warm welcome to sleepy sporran tours.

All tours provide the services of a driver and experienced guide to help you maximise the content of each day. Tour prices also include luxury transport, refreshments, lunch, visit attraction admission fees and a comprehensive tour information pack, so no unexpected extra costs (See About our Tours for more details).

Our tours are unique so why not Dare to be Different and Tour with the Sporran . Our Reviews Page holds comments from a selection of those guests who ‘dared’ and now tell the tale!

Personal itinerary tours

Malt Whisky tours

Insights into some Tour Regions and Themes

For such a small country the diversity of landscapes, sights and cultures of Scotland is huge. Below are some insights into different regions to start the planning of where and what, might be included in a tour.

Perthshire, Angus and Fife

Royal Deeside and South Highlands

North Highlands & Western Isles

Argyll, Kintyre & Inner Isles

Family / Clan Ancestry Trails

Film Locations, Outlander, Traitors, The Queen

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FIND YOUR SCOTTISH ADVENTURE

Discover the magic of Scotland on your terms with a private, bespoke tour from passionate, authentic guides. 

WE ARE YOUR SCOTTISH  EXPERIENCE

At Your Scottish Experience, we have had the the privilege of  working with guests from all over the globe for over 20 years to create the perfect trip. Our passion for Scotland, her landscape and her history shines through in all that we do and we love nothing more than showcasing our amazing 'wee' country to the world. 

Our mission is to show a different side of Scotland to our guests, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit. If you’d like to tour with us, please get in touch so we can start creating the perfect itinerary for you.  

YOUR TOUR, YOUR WAY

Your time is precious and we want to make sure that your Scottish trip is exactly as you want it. That's why no two of our trips are the same and we work with you directly from first contact to ensure your tour is uniquely tailored to your needs. Have a look at our one day, multiday and special interest tour ideas to get some inspiration and then get in touch to start building you tour. Pick ups can be arranged from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling and surrounding areas. 

One Day Tours

Looking for a taste of Scotland but have limited time? On a cruise with a day to spare? No problem! Visit lochs, mountains, castles and the odd Hairy Coo, all within easy reach of Central Scotland. 

Multiday Tours 

Prefect for those looking for a longer adventure. Always dreamed visiting the Isle of Skye? Or got your heart set on searching for Nessie? Get in touch! 

Special Interest Tours

Are you a whisky connoisseur or an Outlander fan? Or do you have family clan connections you would love to explore? We can help!

HEAR FROM OUR GUESTS

“The time spent with David was by far the most relaxing and enjoyable part of our trip to Scotland. His wealth of knowledge about Scottish history and his delivery of the information was engaging. His sense of humor had us laughing throughout the week. We developed a deeper appreciation of the land and the people. It was clear to us that David loves his country as it was present in his delivery.”

Rita, Philadelphia, USA

    Guided ​ To​urs of Scotland

Private tours with dri​ver-guide greg kain.

"Thanks for being such a great guide and wonderful company"

The MacLeods of Calgary, Alberta

Welcome To Guided Tours of Scotland

• Private tours for small groups, families and couples, with an experienced driver-guide
• ​   Bespoke tours , island hopping, whisky tours     &  multi-da​y road trip itineraries to magical places like Skye, Glencoe, Mull, Oban,  Orkney, Shetland, Islay, NW Highlands, Ireland & the Outer Hebrides
• Tailor made tours designed for you, to suit your travel plans and accommodation, with flexible schedules and start & finish points to allow you to explore Scotland at your own pace, visit  the  must see sights, get off-the-beaten-track and onto the back roads that the bus tours cannot reach!
• No loss of deposit in the event of cancellation
• Only a few tour dates left in 2023 - late availability dates in June , July and August ! 
• Book now to guarantee your preferred 2024 dates before they disappear!
• Up to 15% discount off winter tour bookings for tours taken between November 2023 and February 2024!

home >>  multi-day tours >> bespoke tours >> whisky tours >> edinburgh day trips >> glasgow day trips >> quote me ​

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Private Heritage Tours of Scotland

Explore your Scottish heritage with a luxury, private heritage tour.

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We Scots have always been explorers. From the famous Evelyn McNicol and David Livingstone to the thousands of ordinary men and women who left Scotland to discover the world and make a better life for themselves. So, you’re more likely to have Scottish roots than you think, and what better way to explore your Scottish heritage than on a luxury, private heritage tour of Bonnie Scotland.

You may not have heard of a heritage tour before, so let’s first have a look at what’s involved and why it’s such a valuable thing to do.

What is a Heritage Tour?

A relative may have told you about Scottish connections, perhaps you took a DNA test and spotted links to Scotland, or you may just have got curious one night and searched your family name. Whatever the case may be, the first step usually involves a bit of research to see where your family came from.

However, you don’t have to do all the research before you get here. Armed only with your family name, there are birth, death, and marriage records here in Scotland that you can look through to discover your heritage.

Why go on a Heritage Tour?

Going on a heritage tour is a little different. Not only do you enjoy an amazing holiday, but you also learn more about yourself and your family history.

Many people go on multigenerational heritage tours, bringing their parents and kids along. Learning about your shared history together deepens relationships and gives the whole family a better understanding of their past and a stronger sense of identity.

Hearing stories of how your ancestors lived, often in very challenging conditions, can give you a new perspective on your own life and allow you to honour their memory.

However, you don’t have to have Scottish connections, you can still have a fantastic holiday learning all about our vibrant heritage. Learning about another culture – it’s traditions, foods, languages, and way of life – is a rewarding experience that you can use to enrich and enhance your own life.

Read on to find out what you can expect as standard on our luxury heritage tours and how easy it is to organise. We’ve also included some information on Scottish clan names and key clan sites throughout Scotland.

What’s Included?

Here’s what you can expect on your heritage tour of Scotland:

Private Chauffeur with Premium Vehicle

You will travel around Scotland in one of our premium vehicles. When you touch down at the airport, your dedicated driver will be on hand to help you with your luggage and give you a warm Scottish welcome.

Your driver will be your main contact throughout the tour, and they will be delighted to answer any questions you may have, as well as giving you top tips while you’re on your journey.

Hotel and Dinner Reservations

Scotland rightfully has a reputation around the world for producing some of the finest quality ingredients and having expert chefs who take those ingredients and turn them into something magical. We have a close working relationship with the best restaurants in Scotland to ensure you get to sample the delicacies this bountiful land has to offer.

We have also partnered with the finest hotels to make sure that everything about your trip, down to the tiny details, is perfect.

Sightseeing and Day Trips

On your heritage tour there will likely be many places with connections to your family’s past that you want to visit. That being said, not all of your excursions have to be related to your family history, you are free to tailor the trip however you like. Regardless, there will be lots to see and do, and our tour designers will craft the perfect itinerary for you.

With so many places to explore in Scotland, it can be hard to know exactly how you want to spend your time here. Thankfully, our experienced tour designers are more than happy to chat through your preferences and suggest ideas for making the most out of your heritage tour.

CALL: 0044-131 510 9424

E-MAIL: [email protected]

HOW IT WORKS:

Initial enquiry.

Start by letting us know the basics such as when you would like to travel, dietary requirements, preference for 4 or 5 star hotels, and some initial ideas for what you’d like to do. If you would like us to look into your Scottish heritage for you, simply let us know and we can put our Heritage Experts to work.

ITINERARY REVISIONS

You can then make any changes to the itinerary that you wish.

FINALISED DRAFT AND DEPOSIT

Once your itinerary is perfect, we will finalise it and request your deposit.

CONFIRMATION

After your deposit is paid, we book all aspects of your trip and send you email confirmation.

Whether you want to find out every last detail about your family’s Scottish connections, are happy to visit one or two locations where your family came from, or simply want to learn more about Scotland’s heritage, one thing is for sure, going on a heritage tour of Scotland is a hugely enriching, eye opening experience that will stay with you forever.

With our help, planning your heritage tour could not be easier, so get in touch today for an initial chat.

Clans have been a key part of Scottish culture for thousands of years, and while clan membership is less integral to society today, it remains an important part of people’s sense of identity.

But let’s start with the basics. The word clan comes from the Gaelic “clann” which means “children” or “kindred”. In days gone by, clans provided people with a common identity, and membership was closely tied to areas of land controlled by the clan chief. The clan chief would rule from a castle or fortress which was their centre or “seat” of power.

It’s a common misconception that all members of a clan are related by blood. Rather, people in the area would adopt the clan’s name and provide labour and service to the clan in return for protection and food in an often violent and harsh environment. They would also be expected to fight for the clan if required. The concept of clans challenges our traditional notion of what family means. Despite not being related by blood, clan members looked out for each other just as they would their family, sharing resources and working together for a common good.

Now that we understand what clans are, let’s have a look at the history of some of the most famous clans.

Clan Campbell

One of the most powerful and revered clans in Scotland is Clan Campbell, who’s ancestral home is Inverary Castle in Argyll.

The Campbell’s are an example of how clan power can transition through the ages, with Campbell chiefs taking up the important role of the Dukes of Argyll.

While the Campbell’s fought for Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence (14th century) by the 18th century they were instrumental allies of the British government during the Jacobite rising, a turbulent period when Scots, led by Charles Edward Stuart, tried to regain the British throne.

The Campbell’s controlled around 20 castles at their peak and exerted significant influence over politics and society far beyond their home territory.

Historians reckon Clan Campbell is the greatest in terms of members, with an estimated 20 million people either sharing the Campbell name or having ancestors who were protected by the Campbells.

Clan Mackintosh

Clan Mackintosh hail from the lands around Inverness in the Scottish Highlands and the current seat of the chief is at Moy Hall. The original seat was Moy Castle, which was situated on Moy Island. However, only a few remains are left of this once magnificent castle.

The Mackintosh’s buried their chiefs in the lands of Petty, the original clan heartlands, and clan members to this day make the journey there to pay respect to their ancestors.

Clan Mackintosh was involved in many battles throughout history. For example, in 1263, Ferquhar Mackintosh rallied his men to fight in the Scottish-Norwegian war, battling valiantly against Haakon IV’s army.

Angus Mackintosh married Eva Dal, daughter of Dougal Dal, who was the chief of Clan Chattan, in 1291. This resulted in Clan Chattan forming an unusual confederation of smaller, independent clans under the leadership of the Mackintosh’s.

In 1337, the Battle of Drumlui was fought between Clan Mackintosh and Clan Cameron over the land of Glenlui and Loch Arkaig. This resulted in a bitter and bloody rivalry between the two clans which lasted for 350 years.

Clan Mackintosh supported Robert the Bruce, resulting in a feud with Clan Comyn, who challenged Bruce. Many battles and invasions of territory occurred over the years, including a raid on Moy Island. Things looked to be moving towards peace when a reconciliation feast was proposed. However, in what could be a script from Game of Thrones, the Mackintosh’s massacred the Comyn’s at the feast.

500+ officially recognised Scottish clans

These are stories from just 2 of the more than 500 officially recognised Scottish clans. Other notable clans include the MacLeod’s, MacDonald’s, Sinclair’s, Mackenzie’s, Douglas’s, and MacLean’s, each with their own fascinating history.

The official registry of Scottish clans is overseen by the Court of the Lord Lyon. You can search the public registry yourself while you’re here in Scotland, or send an email to the Lyons Clerk at [email protected]

You can also visit www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk to research your family connections to Scottish clans.

There are countless clan sites of historic significance across Scotland, each with their own tale of love, betrayal, or bloodshed, or indeed all three!

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield sits to the east of the highland city of Inverness and was the site of one of the most important battles in British history. On the 16th of April 1746, the Jacobite’s, intent on returning the Stuarts to the throne, battled against the government troops led by the Duke of Cumberland. In the final pitched battle on British soil, the Jacobite’s were utterly crushed, with around 1500 men killed in under an hour. This decisively marked the end of the Jacobite uprising.

Today there is an engaging visitor centre at the battlefield where you can learn all about the lead up to the battle, what happened on the day, and the aftermath. There is a stunning 360-degree “battle immersion theatre”, a roof garden, gift shop, and museum filled with artefacts from the battle.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is without doubt the most beautiful place in Scotland. You simply cannot look anywhere without being met by an utterly awe inspiring view. From the Black Cuillin mountains to the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, and the Old Man of Storr, Skye is bursting with memorable locations.

Two main clans dominated Skye for hundreds of years, the MacLeod’s and the MacDonald’s, however there were a number of smaller clans on the island, such as Clan Mackinnon and Clan Budge.

There are many castles on Skye, such as Dunvegan, Maol, Dunscaith, Armadale, and the famous Eilean Donan. Some are ruins, while some are exquisitely maintained, but all offer a fascinating insight into the clan history of Skye.

Glen Ord Whisky Distillery

Whisky, otherwise known as the “water of life”, is a central part of Scottish identity and our most popular export. The earliest recorded distilling was in 1494, though who knows how long the Scots had been brewing potent blends before that.

In 1838, Thomas Mackenzie established Glen Ord Distillery and Clan Mackenzie have played a pivotal role in the distillery’s development ever since.

Today visitors can enjoy a tour of the distillery to learn all about the fine art of making whisky and sample some of the fine single malts produced here.

The Wallace Monument

Popularised through the movie “Braveheart”, William Wallace was by far the most famous of Clan Wallace. Wallace was a key figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296 – 1357). He and Andrew de Moray used guerrilla warfare tactics to inflict numerous attacks on the English.

Wallace’s most successful victory was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which saw 5000-6000 Scots defeat 9000 English and earn Wallace the title of Guardian of Scotland.

However, as those who have seen Braveheart will be well aware, Wallace met a most grisly end when he was captured, tried for treason, and hung, drawn, and quartered.

The Bloody Stone

Also located on Skye is The Bloody Stone which sits in the Harta Corrie. We mentioned the MacLeod’s and MacDonald’s dominated Skye, and as you might expect things were not always peaceful between the two clans.

After an unsuccessful marriage between the MacLeod chief’s daughter and MacDonald chiefs’ son, tensions escalated after a 40-strong party of Macleod’s raided MacDonald lands. The raid was unsuccessful, and the MacDonald’s retaliated with a raid of their own, stealing some cattle. However, the MacLeod’s chased after the MacDonald’s, resulting in a fierce battle in which the MacDonald’s, though on the defensive, managed to kill all of the MacLeod’s. They then stacked all the dead MacLeod’s around what became known as The Bloody Stone.

The Best of Scotland Tour

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Create Your Own Luxury Private Tours of Scotland

We create your Scotland tour to match your specifications. That includes places to stay, and whatever catering requirements best suit you. We often allow flexibility on this so your party can choose some of their own dining options.

Your customised private tour of Scotland is truly unique form start to finish.  Please fill out the form with as many of your wishes as possible to get started. 

As a group of 8 we spent 5 days touring with Rob Hall - Edinburgh, St. Andrews,Inverness, Isle of Skye and points in between. We all had an excellent time and Rob was full of local knowledge and history with a great sense of humor. Can recommend Personal Tours of Scotland highly.

Scotland is even more amazing than I ever imagined -- all thanks to Chris! He made each day of our tour more special than the day before. From castles to niche dining to impromtu hiking to find the Fairy Bridge to nuzzling the Highland Coos, he went above and beyond to truly personalize our experience. Highly recommend Personal Tours of Scotland -- and absolutely recommend Chris as your personal guide.

Book Luxury Tours of Scotland for 2024-2025

Scotland is packed with fascinating castles and monuments, dramatic mountains, mysterious lochs, eco-rich countryside, historic cities and colourful culture.

With so much to see, how can you find a holiday touring Scotland that matches your group’s interests, preferences, and budget?

That’s what we are here for, whether you are looking for a family adventure in Scotland or are organising a high-quality tour for a special interest group, club, society or workplace.

We put together luxury tours of Scotland entirely bespoke to each customer, expertly shaping an itinerary around what your group want to see and do in the magical country of Scotland.

The possibilities are limitless for tailored Scottish tours

A partnership with us guarantees you an unforgettable holiday or short break, packed with everything your group personally enjoy. From the Highlands to the islands!

Get up close and personal to Scottish wildlife, spend time in charming villages steeped in the country’s gripping history or explore the architecture and modern delights of Scotland’s beautiful cities. We can also slot in visits to museums, galleries and whisky distillers, a climb up Ben Nevis or even a trip to spot the Loch Ness Monster!

All luxury tours of Scotland include the services of a well-informed and friendly guide, as well as vehicles entirely personal to your party.

Customise your experience

• Helicopter ride.
• Trip on a seaplane.
• Island hopping
• Scenic steam railway journeys.
• Sea fishing trips off the Scottish coast.
• Salmon/Trout fishing with a private Ghillie/Guide
• Immersive disitillery visits including a Whisky Tasting Masterclass.
• A round of Golf at St. Andrews?
• Private Dining or Cookery classes.

We would also be pleased to help organise a visit to Scottish locations used in film, television and literature, as well as visits to  famous Scottish battlegrounds.  

To customise your tour, we can arrange to have an informal chat with Brian or one of the team by Zoom/Facetime, this will also get you to see if we are a good fit for your party.  

What’s included in a customised tour of Scotland?

From the moment you arrive in Scotland, you are in good hands.

We create your tour of Scotland to match your specifications. That includes places to stay, and whatever catering requirements best suit you. We often allow flexibility on this so your party can choose some of their own dining options.

Payments for private transport, accommodation and tourist attractions on luxury tours of Scotland are all sorted by us. So, your group can move around confidently with all the ‘nitty-gritty’ dealt with.

How to create a customised tours of Scotland

The first step to booking your customised Scottish tour is to provide us with specifications. Using this information, we will create a unique experience tailored to your requirements. If you wish, you can provide us with a budget and we will strive to work within those parameters.  

Then, you will get a proposal for your unique tour of Scotland, which we can discuss and tweak to provide the perfect tour.   

Bonus for group tour organisers

We understand what a thankless task organising family or friends can be. As a reward for your hard work, we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to become a Scottish Lord or Lady.

As part of this gift, you will receive a small parcel of land in one of Scotland most dramatic areas, Glencoe.

This landholding affords you the right you to use the title Lord or Lady of Glencoe.

This honour can also be bestowed upon others in your party by prior arrangement.

Arrive in Scotland, a mere mortal. Depart a Noble!

Your Passport to Scotland’s Treasures

Historic Environment Scotland cares for numerous ancient sites throughout the land. The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass grants you access to many of these attractions. Let this pass be your guide to further exploration.

The Explorer pass is a cost effective way of avoiding the queues at peak times.

Passes can be requested on booking.

We are a family of 5 with 3 boys, aged 10-14, who were looking to get a taste of the highlands. Brian was great walking us through our options and ultimately recommending a great trip over 36 hours with an overnight stop in Oban. Our guide, Ross, was awesome. He was very flexible with our schedule and let us explore at our pace, sometimes fast and sometimes slow. He was great with the boys and led them to many great places to skip rocks and run around. We hit many beautiful, well known places as well as many off the beaten path. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed our time with Ross!

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Private Tours of Scotland

Experience Scotland like never before with our bespoke tours

About Our Private Tours of Scotland

Join our experienced Scottish tour guide through the amazing Highlands of Scotland. Experience beautiful Outlander locations on a small private tour. Our private tours of Scotland cover over 5000 years of history. This includes a vast array of Scottish Kings and Queens, mythical creatures, mediaeval architecture and gruesome tales of courtly intrigue. Follow in the footsteps of your ancestors or discover our hidden enchanted Highland Glens and Great Castles. 

Join us today and your friendly, knowledgeable Scottish guide will take you on a tour of comfort and free of stress.

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Shore excursions, photography tours, why choose our private tours of scotland.

Find out what makes our private tours of Scotland stand out from the crowd:

• Family Owned – Alba Experiences is a family owned business that believes in giving you the best possible experience.
• Discover History – Our private tours of Scotland cover a vast array of Scottish Kings and Queens, mythical creatures and more.
• Years of Experience – James (your guide), brings over 8 years of experience travelling the world to your tour.

Five-Star Private Tours Of Scotland

We spent a fascinating day with James visiting various Outlander Locations in June. His knowledge of history and passion for his native Scotland was captivating.. James's Alba experiences are a must for any tourist, plus his caring attitude towards his clients needs and requests is truly unique.

My husband and I toured privately with James on the Mary Queen of Scots, The Highlander, and the Celtic Experience in July. James was unavailable on the day we wanted to go to Loch Ness and Inverness. However, he knew what we'd see on that tour and suggested changes in our private tours with him so as not to repeat experiences and tailored our tours for us. We feel we saw special places not otherwise offered and that we received a detailed history of Scotland and great attention to our personal experience and needs. Can't miss with James and his authentic kilts.

Was in edinburgh for a short trip and the highlight was a private photography tour to Glencoe and the Highlands! The day started with James picking up really early in edinburgh and we spent a full day exploring Glencoe and the highlands. Even though I was the only avid photographer on the trip, James made sure that the rest of the tour group was entertained throughout. Thank you James! highly recommended.

Our group had a fantastic trip with alba experience. James took us to many beautiful sites, he was friendly and knowledgeable about all the places, with excellent photography tips. The lunch stops and accommodation arranged were all to a high standard with very tasty food. Can't wait to see what tour he can arrange for our next trip. Thanks again James

Book A Private Tour Of Scotland

Alba Experiences is a family run business from the west coast of Scotland, offering unique private tour experiences for our guests from all over the world. Our private tours of Scotland, cover 5000 years of history. Browse our vast selection of tours today.

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Lallybroch castle

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Bespoke Custom Day tours of Scotland

Bespoke Tour with 5 Chosen Attractions , make your own tour - visit the amazing castles , landscapes and distilleries of Scotland. Custom tours of Scotland - explore the historic castles and the Highlands of Scotland on your own tour .

Bespoke Tour with 5 Chosen Attractions

Bespoke custom tours can be booked online or by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  .

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Visit Scotland your own way!

Duration - 8 hours

Couldn't find your ideal day trip among our selection?

Let's customise the tour to your needs with choosing 5 locations from the list below! (You can choose the 5 attractions in the final step of the booking )

Are you interested in the castle of Skyfall but also in a distillery tour with a stop at Glencoe to take some photo for the Instagram?

This is your tour !

Our recommendations:

- Stirling Castle 

- Falkirk Wheel

- Kelpies Sculptures

- Tullibardine Distillery 

Custom tours of Scotland can be booked online or by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  .

Private tours Edinburgh has five star reviews for its unique range of private tours. Unique Day tours from Edinburgh

Ancient Scottish Castles

- Stirling Castle

- Drummond Castle and Gardens

- Linlithgow Palace

- Doune Castle (Winterfell , Outlander + Monty Python )

- Blackness Castle

- Falkland Palace

For the latest information about availability and best prices please contact Private Tours Edinburgh by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  .

To avoid booking fees you can make a booking by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or  contact us online  . 

James Bond locations

- Glencoe (Skyfall) 

- Eilean Donan Castle (The World is not Enough)

- Glen Etive (Skyfall)

- the birthplace of Sean Connery, the first James Bond

- Lallybroch ( Midhope Castle , ancestral home of Jamie Fraser)

- Doune Castle ( Castle Leoch )

- Blackness Castle ( Fort William )

- Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth prison)

• Drummond castle gardens ( garden party at the Palace of Versailles )

Highland tours

- Black Mount

- Buachaille Etive Mor

Distilleries

- Glenturret distillery (Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery)

- Deanston Highland Malt Distillery (award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky)

- Tullibardine distillery (independent, family owned distillery has been producing handcrafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky)

The Kelpies , Falkirk

- the Kelpies ( largest equine sculptures in the world )

- Falkirk Wheel (the only rotating boat lift in the world)

If you'd like to visit a location which is not listed , you can let us know at the next stage of booking, and after completing your online booking, we will reach out with more information once booked !     

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castle tours scotland

What are some of our most popular tours for 2024 ?

Our four castles tour  is very popular.

Bespoke custom tours

Alongside our normal choice of tours ,  Private Custom Tours Edinburgh  also offers bespoke private tours and one day Outlander tours customised to the requirements of each customer .

• Exclusive private custom tours for up to four people
• professional driver / guide
• Bespoke itinerary based on your interests

Also available - Outlander tour of four Scottish castles

• up to four passengers
• private custom tours
• Outlander tours

Wide range of tours of Scotland from Private tours Edinburgh Phone on +447305-294773 / Whatsapp +447305294773 , for more details and availability or contact us online .

These are some of the best places to visit in Scotland

Explorer passes are available from Historic Environment Scotland for Doune , Stirling Castle , Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace .

Your guide will give you his unique Insights into Scottish culture ,music and art including best selling artist Jack Vettriano of Lunchtime Lovers fame . Your tour guide/ driver is David . One of his pictures of Midhope Castle has just been featured in the Scotsman .

Outlander tours  

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Scottish castle tours

Outlander tours from Edinburgh

Take a Highlands Scotland tour from Edinburgh  and discover the beauty of Scotland's landscapes

  Book your Kelpies tour online now .

Ask your driver about Scottish prints and souvenirs .

Private tours of Scotland +447305294773 seven days a week

check availability now for our unique tours of Scotland +447305294773 seven days a week.

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Private tours edinburgh.

Private Tours Edinburgh offers custom tours of Scotland with a professional guide on hand to give information and advice . Five star Tours of the amazing Kelpies and Stirling Castle . Our four castle tours of Scotland include Stirling Castle ,Game of Thrones & Outlander tours. Tour the amazing scenery of Glencoe and the Highlands. .Outlander & Blood of my Blood tours to Lallybroch ( Midhope Castle ), Castle Leoch (Doune Castle) and other locations . Tours of St Andrews ,the home of golf .Custom tours of Scotland .Shore excursions from Edinburgh . Last minute bookings

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Scottish Guided Tours

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Bespoke Tours of Scotland

Plan your Private Guided Tour of Scotland 

Plan your own bespoke Private Tours of Scotland. You may only have time for a half-day tour from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel or a day tour from Glasgow to Loch Lomond. Perhaps the Isle of Skye & Loch Ness over 4 Days is your dream tour or 5 days to the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. 

Your time frame & interests –  Private Guided Tours of Scotland

Bespoke itineraries and travel planning – Private Tour Guide & Transport – Complete Door to Door Service

Below is a selection of private guided tours of Scotland for a wee bit of inspiration. Scottish Guided Tours depart from any location –  Enquire about Guided Tours of Scotland

Private guided tours of Scotland depart from any location - Contact us

Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond Day Tour

Explore the most important Castle in Scotland and walk in the footsteps of Kings & Queens. Enjoy the beauty of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

Loch Ness - Glencoe & Highlands Day Tour

Experience the famous Loch Ness and the rugged landscapes of Glencoe. The ultimate day tour of Scotland.

Outlander Day Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire Fraser on our private Outlander day Tour. Travel through the timeline of Scottish history.

Rosslyn Chapel & Hadrians Wall Day Tour

History, mystery and the North Western frontier of the Roman empire. Book our incredible Rosslyn Chapel & Hadrians Wall private Day Tour.

St Andrews Day Tour

Explore the ancient University town. Known as the “Home of Golf” Book our breathtaking day tour - Medieval ruins, quaint coastal villages of Fife and the ‘Old Course’ St Andrews.

Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Day Tour

Discover the hidden gems of the beautiful Scottish Highlands and experience the wonder of famous and sometimes infamous Glencoe.

Alnwick Castle & Viking Coast Day Tour

Travel to England on a private Alnwick castle tour. A stunning classic Castle steeped in history & full of treasures. Walk in the footsteps of Vikings at Lindisfarne before flying a Broomstick at Hogwarts.

Whisky Experience Day Tour

Scotch Whisky tours of Scotland are a unique and enjoyable way to discover Scotlands culture, history and folklore. Enjoy a wee dram of the ‘water of life’ at our carefully chosen Scotch Whisky Distilleries.

Bespoke Private Day Tour

Design your own bespoke private tour of Scotland. Your time frame & your interests. Contact us and lets plan your perfect Scotland tour.

Browse a selection of our 5* rated overnight private tours - Enjoy more time exploring Scotland

Isle of Skye & Loch Ness Tour - 3 Day Tour

Join us on the best 3 day tour of Scotland. Our private Scottish guided tour takes us to the uniquely beautiful Isle of Skye and the world-famous Loch Ness

Inverness & Scottish Highlands 2-Day Tour

2 Day Inverness & Highlands Tour allows you more time to explore Scotland. Relax and enjoy a private escorted tour of Scotland & overnight in Inverness.

Isle of Skye & Highland Explorer 4-Day Tour

Travel through Scotlands unique and rugged highland & island landscapes. Over 4 wonderful days visit Glencoe - Culloden -Isle of Skye - Inverness

Orkney Islands 5 Day Tour

Experience an Orkney Islands Tour over 5 wonderful days. See the best preserved neolithic settlement in Europe - Ancient mysteries & breathtaking scenery. Experience the natural beauty of the Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands on your private Scotland Tour.

2 Day Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh

2 Day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh is a question we are often asked at Scottish Guided Tours. An Isle of Skye Tour and the journey through Scotland needs and deserves a wee bit more time. This is why we created our 3 Day Isle of Skye & Scottish Highlands Tour

Discover the hidden gems of the beautiful Scottish Highlands and experience the wonder of famous and sometimes infamous Glencoe. Enquire about escorted private tours of Scotland.

Why Scottish Guided Tours?

Door to door service.

Your private tour guide shall greet you at your chosen location. Hotel, B&B or even Cruise Ship Terminal. The most convenient start possible to your private tour of Scotland. Complete Door-to-door service from Scottish Guided Tours. 

Your Guides

Niall and his team of experienced Scottish Tour Guides aim to give the best possible experience, whether heritage-related, historical, cultural or perhaps a mixture of all three. Fun and authentic private guided tours of Scotland – The best Scotland has to offer.

Private Tours of Scotland

Scottish Guided Tours delivers award-winning private tours of Scotland exclusively for your group of travellers. Bespoke tours of Scotland designed around your time frame & interests.

Our brand-new luxury vehicles ensure great views, comfort, and plenty of room for all travellers and luggage. Private Small Group Tours of Scotland are exclusively for you and your travelling companions.

More info & FAQ

• Private tour prices: 495 GBP per day (not per person)
• Exclusively for your group of up to 8 passengers (for larger groups please contact us)
• Multi-day tours. Please add 100 GBP per day for your tour guides overnight expenses
• Private guiding Services
• Private Transportation
• Scottish Spring Water is provided 

Transport is in a brand new air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of room for you and your group.

Credit & debit cards or contactless payment are accepted all over Scotland. Its always handy to have a little cash for very small shops 

Scottish Guided Tours offer private tours exclusively for your group and a complete door to door service. Private guided tours can start and end in any location. 

Accommodation is not included in your quote. Payment for accommodation is made directly to Hotel or B&B on arrival, unless by prior arrangement.

Contact us for great accommodation suggestions

We would be delighted to suggest Hotels or B&B’s for your trip. Some clients prefer to book their own but we are always glad to help. Please Contact us  

Private Escorted Tours of Scotland

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Showcasing our world class scenery

Sit back, relax and allow us to provide lasting memories of your scottish travels, welcome to bracklinn, bespoke scottish tours.

With considerable knowledge, our tour guides can offer one to multi day journeys. Choose from the Scottish Borders, Stirling and the Trossachs, the Kingdom of Fife, the Highlands or Islands or indeed any particular locations you have dreamt of visiting.

Whether it be a Whisky Tour, Castles and Monuments, Golf Tour, Lochs, Glens and Mountains we can make it personal to your requirements.

Travel in comfort in our Mercedes V and E Class vehicles.

Our experienced, passionate and professional tour guides.

We can make your tour personal to your requirements.

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Explore our bespoke tours, multi-day tours, scottish locations, why choose us, contact us now to organise your next bespoke tour of scotland, popular tours, our most popular tours of scotland, st andrews and the fife coast day tour.

Enjoy this historic coastal town in the Kingdom of Fife.

Travel Over the Sea to Skye

This is a favourite of our family and friends.

Beautiful Perthshire, The Cairngorms & Inverness

Travelling through the most beautiful parts of The Highlands.

Loch Lomond to the West Coast

Travel along the banks of Loch Lomond.

Testimonials

What do our guests say.

Our family hired Iain for a day-long tour around Scotland’s highlands with little notice. Iain arrived early to pick us up (so appreciated), and came prepared with an itinerary to exceed expectations. He listened to our itinerary requests and made thoughtful recommendations to ensure we had the best trip. Iain is incredibly knowledgeable of Scotland, and went out of his way to ensure we had a great adventure. He is a very safe driver and gave great advice on where we should go to get the best photographs, gifts, food, animal sightings and more. Highly recommend!

Jillian G - review from TripAdvisor

My (new!) Husband and I just got married in Aberfoyle on Saturday (6th August). We reached out to Iain a few months ago to provide a taxi shuttle for our guests to and from our venue. Iain's communication was fantastic from the very start and gave us plenty of confidence that everything would run smoothly. Iain was punctual and, according to our guests, provided great banter which made their trips home all the more entertaining. Reliable, great chat and extremely reasonably priced, thank you so much Iain!

Vari1985 - review from TripAdvisor

I am delighted with our tour experience. We toured around Scotland for 5 days with Iain. He is a safe driver and was always on time to pick us up. He was very flexible with the itinerary and always happy to make a quick pit stop for the kids or for a photo. He is very knowledgeable about the geography and history Scotland and suggested some great stops and additions but also listened to what we wanted to do and helped us to accomplish that. He was really great at engaging the kids and anticipating our needs on the trip as well. As an active person, he also has a lot of knowledge about local hiking, climbing, biking and golfing. I would unreservedly recommend this company for your tour.

Adrianna T - review from TripAdvisor

5 stars! Used Ian and his team for a recent golf trip to Gleneagles. Prompt arrival and collection combined with great vehicles and safe driving. Wil absolutely use them again. Very professional. Thanks guys, keep up the good work.

Dave M - review from TripAdvisor

We recently organised a surprise meal out in Perth for a party of six. Iain was our chauffeur for the evening and was absolutely first class.He arrived in good time looking very smart and professional with an immaculate vehicle we certainly travelled in true comfort and style. Iain collected us later that evening and returned us all safely home after having entered into the spirit of our night. Thank you very much Iain for such excellent service we will certainly be booking you again very soon. Highly recommended Bracklin Bespoke Scottish Tours.

Liz Turner - review from TripAdvisor

Iain Denham and Bracklinn Bespoke Scottish Tours are fantastic. I recently completed my third visit to Scotland, and while I was always fortunate with the transportation companies I used, Iain and Bracklinn Bespoke Scottish Tours always met my needs and in many cases anticipated my needs with great suggestions for when and where to travel. One aspect of the trip was golf related. Iain is a very accomplished golfer and has firsthand knowledge of many courses. He gave sound advice on how to play a course, or certain holes in particular. He also had great suggestions for a quiet pub for an attitude adjustment following a rough round.

Tony Kavanagh, USA - review from TripAdvisor

My husband and I were lucky enough to have the lovely Ian drive us around during our two night honeymoon in Loch Lomond. Ian was so lovely and helpful. His cars were immaculate and he was always on time for all pick ups and drop offs. He also threw in some local knowledge during our travels, making it more like a personal tour rather than just a taxi, which was excellent! Made us feel really at ease knowing we would get around quick and easily! Highly recommend!

Katherine S - review from TripAdvisor

Iain was an exceptional guide making our time exploring Stirling, Doune and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs NP really brilliant. He helped us plan gave us a number of great tips to make our tour fun for the kids and engaging for us. The kids really enjoyed the sites he showed us and we loved hiking up Ben A’an knowing he’d be waiting at the base to take us for a well-earned drink. Iain is knowledgeable, personable and generous. A true gentleman and to be thoroughly recommended.

TDesforges - review from TripAdvisor

We recently enjoyed a fantastic one-day tour with Bracklinn Bespoke Scottish Tours. Iain our tour guide gave us a superb tour of Loch Lomond and Argyll. We enjoyed the stunning scenery throughout the day. In particular, Inveraray was a great place to visit with its splendid castle, lovely town centre and excellent eating out options. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bracklinn Bespoke Scottish Tours to anyone wishing to get the most out of their visit to Scotland. Thanks again.

David & Alison, Cheltenham.

Photo gallery, explore scotland, this beautiful country.

TOP 18 Best Tours in (and from) Edinburgh

September 6, 2024

The most touristy part of Scotland by a long ol’ way — loads of people visit Edinburgh every day.

But because there’s so much to do in the city, a trip can feel overwhelming… which is why so many tourists take organized trips in and around the nation’s capital.

So in this guide, I’ve helped you do exactly the same thing, by bringing you the best trips and tours from the city. Expect castles, coastlines, historical relics, a load of Harry Potter stuff, and some surprising under-the-radar gems.

Coming up, the very best tours in (and from!) Edinburgh in 2024. Slip into your kilt and come join the fun!

Note: because Edinburgh is so busy, most of these tours sell out ridiculously quickly. So if you want to book any of them, I recommend doing it soon!

1. Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour

2. underground edinburgh walking tour, 3. the underground ghost tour, 4. edinburgh food and drink tour, 5. the edinburgh cheese crawl, 6. hop-on-hop-off bus tour, 7. royal attractions by bus, 8. edinburgh castle guided tour (with fast-track entry), 9. harry potter locations tour, 10. firth of forth sightseeing cruise, 11. fife, st andrews, and fishing villages, 12. isle of skye 3-day tour, 13. hadrian’s wall and the scottish borders, 14. holy island, alnwick castle & northumbria, 15. loch ness, glencoe, and the highlands, 16. glenfinnan, fort william, and glencoe, 17. the outlander experience, 18. loch lomond, stirling castle, and the kelpies, best tours in (and from) edinburgh in 2024.

Let’s get started with a pretty standard (but also pretty brilliant) walking tour.

During this one, you’ll wander around the most central and famous parts of the city… accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Along the way, you’ll see loads of sights, learn about the city and its history, and get a chance to ask plenty of questions.

It’s affordable, it clocks in at 2 hours (the perfect time for a walking tour), and you get a detailed insight into one concentrated area of the city (instead of a superficial insight into many different areas).

The info runs all the way from medieval times to the present day, and it covers history, heritage, people, and places. Walking tours aren’t usually this good—and if you’re into this sort of thing, I massively recommend it.

⭐ Tour highlights: wandering around the lanes of the Old Town, learning about historic Edinburgh, visiting some of the city’s most famous sights, and getting time to ask questions (and ask for recommendations). 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet at Hot Toddy café, then wander past attractions including the Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, Greyfriars Bobby, the Grassmarket, some Harry Potter stuff, and plenty more. You then finish your tour in a central area with loads of cafes and restaurants.

• Perks and features: the guides are genuinely interested and interesting (rather than bored and indifferent), and you get lots of surprising context and facts
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s for anyone interested in history. But kids will find it a bit boring, and it’s not suitable for anyone who can’t walk far
• What’s included (and what isn’t): there are no extra costs—but you should leave a tip at the end
• Top tips: wear a raincoat (Scotland is a pretty wet place). And wear comfy shoes, cos you’ll do more walking than you expect

Another walking tour, but underground…

… and therefore obviously pretty different to the one we’ve just brought you.

This 1-hour experience takes you deep into a subterranean part of the city, to the creepy confines of some storied and strange vaults. Part of Edinburgh’s South Bridge, these places have housed shops, craftspeople, criminals, diseases, illegal activity, and maybe even corpses.

It’s a vaguely spooky tour, with references to torture and death… but there’s nothing too harrowing or horrible. Children under 5 aren’t allowed, and children under 10 might be creeped out.

⭐ Tour highlights: a witchcraft temple, a ‘haunted’ stone circle, and spooky stories of some of Edinburgh’s most unfortunate citizens. 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet in central Edinburgh, you get walked around the vaults, then you get walked back to a different part of central Edinburgh.

• Perks and features: you can only visit the vaults as part of an organized trip, so you get to see a place that most people never do. The guides are knowledgeable and fun, and they make big efforts to ensure the tours are immersive and atmospheric
• Group size: maximum of 36 travelers
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s not suitable for people who aren’t mobile, or for claustrophobic folks
• What’s included (and what isn’t): there are no extra costs, but you’re expected to leave a tip at the end. No food is included
• Top tips: the vaults can be slippy, so wear decent shoes

Another underground experience, but much more spooky and scary.

If you’re into ghouls and ghosts, you’ll love this one.

Part of the tour takes place in the vaults (the same underground place we just covered above)… but the content is a bit more sinister in this tour.

You’ll also visit a cemetery, and some hidden tucked-away streets in the Old Town.

And for the whole tour, you’re guided around by a costume character actor, who’ll tell you loads of terrifying tales. I really can’t recommend this one enough.

If you fancy this tour, you have two options: an evening family-friendly tour, and an after-dark very-not-family-friendly tour.

⭐ Tour highlights: a tour guide who really cares, getting all spooked up, wandering around the creepy vaults, and visiting (allegedly) the world’s most haunted graveyard. 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet your guide on Edinburgh’s High Street, where you also end your tour. During the tour, you’ll head down some narrow lanes, wander into the vaults, and visit the cemetery of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

• Perks and features: you get to visit the vaults (again, you can only do so as part of an organized event), and you can (safely) explore an iconic graveyard at night
• Group size: maximum of 30 participants
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): none of the tours are good for kids under 5—and the evening tours are spooky for any pre-teen kids
• What’s included (and what isn’t): there are no extra costs, but it’s a good idea to leave an additional tip at the end

A brilliant way to cram some of Edinburgh’s best food and drink into your big fat face.

Edinburgh is a touristy city, so it (of course) has endless restaurants.

Loads of them are great, but loads of them are also pretty terrible. And the only real way to make sure you’re getting the best stuff is by hitting up a tour, armed with the local knowledge of someone who knows all the top spots.

And during this experience, that’s exactly what you get—it’s the best of all of Edinburgh’s food tours.

For 3 hours (that’s a lot of eating), you’ll munch your way around varied eateries, and get your lips around varied treats. You stop at five different places, and taste a bunch of different stuff at each one.

Along the way, you’ll learn about local food, and get insights into what you’re chewing on. Some of the food is local fayre, while some is just really tasty.

⭐ Tour highlights: learning about Scottish food, wandering through both the Old Town and the New Town, and not having to spend endless hours trawling through TripAdvisor in the hope of finding good eats. 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet your guide in central Edinburgh, and finish your tour in a different part of central Edinburgh. The rest of your experience is a mystery (exciting!).

• Perks and features: a food-loving guide, who knows all the best places to eat
• Group size: maximum 12 travelers
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s for anyone who likes food! It isn’t for picky eaters, people with allergies, or young kids
• What’s included (and what isn’t): all the food and drink are included—there are no extra costs. But you should leave a tip at the end
• Top tips: be prepared for a reasonable amount of walking. And bring a hefty appetite—you get more food than most tourists expect

Another food-focused experience, but a bit more niche (well, actually a lot more niche).

During this creamy cheese-athon, you’ll spend around 2.5 hours munching on some of the best cheese you can find in Edinburgh. You’ll visit cheesemongers, local businesses, under-the-radar neighborhoods, and more. You’ve probably never eaten this much cheese in your life.

⭐ Tour highlights: meeting local businesses owners, learning about the foodie side of Edinburgh, and chowing down on loads and loads and loads of cheese. 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll meet your guide in a central part of Edinburgh, and finish your tour in a (different) central part of Edinburgh. For the rest of your tour, you’ll wander between various secret-cheese spots.

• Perks and features: you get to visit some niche and largely-unknown places, where most tourists never get to go. And the guides are really fun and passionate
• Group size: maximum 15 travelers
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s not good for kids (children probably aren’t interested in 2.5 hours of learning about cheese)—and it’s not an ideal choice for picky eaters, anyone with allergies, and lactose-intolerant people
• What’s included (and what isn’t): your guide is paid for, as is all the cheese. You should take cash, so you can tip your guide—and so you can buy some cheeses to take home
• Top tips: wear a coat—the cheese shops are small, so you’ll spend lots of the tour-time outside. And be prepared for walking, cos there’s more than most tourists expect

For seeing all the sights without doing much walking, this tour is perfect.

Here’s how it works: you get a 24-hour ticket, which allows you to hop on and hop off (get it?) the City Sightseeing Edinburgh buses whenever and wherever. The buses are all open-topped and easy to spot (they’re bright red), they run on a 30-minute schedule, and they stop at various points throughout the city.

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It’s basically a 24-hour public transport ticket, but for public transport that’s geared to provide easy access to the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Some of the top stops include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland, places to eat and drink, and loads more.

With each bus ride, you get a set of headphones… which offer contextual commentary in 7 different languages (and additional kids’ commentary from the Horrible Histories team). During some periods of the year, kids ride for free.

⭐ Tour highlights: not organizing your own transport, and seeing many sights without walking. 🗺️ Itinerary: the buses always ride in the same loop, so you can easily build your own itinerary!

• Perks and features: this is different to a normal tour, cos you get to see things at your own pace—perfect for doing things whenever you want, waking up when you like, and building your own bespoke itinerary
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): suitable for anyone and everyone!
• What’s included (and what isn’t): with your ticket, you get 24-hour access to all buses, all commentaries, and headphones. You don’t get any food, drinks, or entry tickets
• Top tips: 24 hours isn’t as long as you think, in a sight-centric city like Edinburgh. So you should still do some planning by looking at the bus route

Another hop-on-hop-off experience, this one is focused around the royal attractions in Edinburgh (but it also covers waaaay more stuff too).

It works a bit differently to the bus tour we just covered above.

With this tour, you get 48-hour(!) access to three different hop-on-hop-off bus routes—and as part of the ticket price, you also get admission to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Pro Tip: Because you get those three attraction tickets as part of your trip, you don’t need to wait in the long lines to buy those tickets… so that’ll save you a chunk of time in the city.

⭐ Tour highlights: using three different bus routes to visit basically any famous attraction in the city… and not having to organize any other type of transport. 🗺️ Itinerary: again, you get to build your own itinerary!

• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): suitable for anyone
• What’s included (and what isn’t): you get 48-hour access to as many bus journeys as you want, and you get access to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Nothing else is included
• Top tips: again, plan your routes carefully—you don’t want to waste your time getting endlessly lost

Alright, this isn’t as unique or unusual as some other entries on our list. But it comes with two major perks:

One: If you visit Edinburgh Castle, you’ll have to wait in a lengthy line—cos whenever you come, there are always loads of tourists. But if you book this tour, you can skip the queue completely, and save a big fat chunk of time.

Two: visiting Edinburgh Castle without a guide is a pretty terrible idea. The place has so much history that you need some context and insight to really understand it. And with this experience, you get both of those things.

You’ll hear juicy details running all the way from the Iron Age to the present day. You’ll learn about royalty, prisoners, religion, the history of Edinburgh, all the big names associated with the castle, and plenty more. The tour takes around 1.5 hours—then you’re free to explore other parts of the castle yourself.

⭐ Tour highlights: the dungeons, the military prison, hearing the 1 pm cannon, learning about the things you’re looking at, and a surprising number of laughs. 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet your guide on the Royal Mile, then get walked into (and around) the castle.

• Perks and features: the guides do this every day—so they really know their stuff, and they can answer (probably) any questions you have
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s not suitable for anyone who isn’t very mobile. And kids might find it a bit boring
• What’s included (and what isn’t): you get entry into the castle, and your guided tour. Nothing else is included, but there are no hidden costs
• Top tips: plan your visit to coincide with the daily 1 pm cannon fire

Another walking tour!

Maybe you’re traveling with kids. Maybe you used to read the Harry Potter books when you were a kid. Maybe you are just a big kid.

Whatever the case, this is the best tour for discovering the fictional wizard’s ties to Edinburgh. You’ll learn about locations that inspired the stories, see places where the movies were filmed, and wander through areas that look like they were plucked from the franchise.

You’ll walk around Edinburgh for two hours, also getting some insights into the city’s real history as you go.

For much more Potter-related Scotland fun, here’s our guide to the 12 best Harry Potter locations in all of Scotland .

⭐ Tour highlights: hearing loads of Potter-related trivia, seeing the grave of Voldemort, and the themed quiz. 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll meet your guide at William Chambers Monument, and you’ll finish your tour in a different part of central Edinburgh. During the tour, you’ll be taken to The Old Town, a graveyard, and more.

• Perks and features: themed fun, some interactive elements, and a tour guide that knows what they’re talking about
• Group size: maximum 25 travelers
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s suitable for basically anyone
• What’s included (and what isn’t): your guide is included, but you don’t get anything else. Take some cash, to leave a tip
• Top tips: most of the tour is outside, so take some warm and waterproof clothes

Who doesn’t like floating along on a boat?

The Firth of Forth is a massive estuary leading from the sea into the Forth River. And on this tour, you get to cruise along it.

For around 90 minutes, you’ll see loads of shoreside highlights… including three big beefy bridges (Queensferry Crossing, the Forth Road Bridge, and the Forth Bridge, which is an official UNESCO site), views of Fife and Edinburgh, and maybe some seals and puffins. And the whole way, you’ll get some insightful on-boat commentary.

As part of your trip, you can also hop off the boat, and step foot onto Inchcolm Island. But if you’re visiting between May and August, the nesting birds might restrict your access.

The tour starts from Hawes Pier, in Queensferry. To get there, your best option is to take a train from central Edinburgh… and get off at Dalmeny. It’s an easy journey, and you’ll be on the train for only 15 minutes.

⭐ Tour highlights: views of Inchcolm Island, seeing a different side to Edinburgh, and getting to take a city-center cruise. 🗺️ Itinerary: The boat will depart from the South Queensferry, stop at Inchcolm Island, and sail by Forth Road suspension bridge.

• Perks and features: the boat company are an experienced crew, so the tour is informative, interesting, and safe. The boat has both outside and inside seating areas, and a bar for drinks and snacks
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s suitable for anyone—but it’s particularly good for couples, and people with kids
• What’s included (and what isn’t): included in your ticket price, you get the boat ride and the commentary. You have to pay extra for access to Inchcolm Island, and for any snacks and drinks
• Top tips: out on the boat, it’ll be colder than you think… so take warm clothes

Another watery funfest, but even (in my opinion at least) better than the last one.

Fife is one of Scotland’s most underrated areas. An eastern-Scotland peninsula, it’s brimming with little fishing villages, charming towns, and the iconic St Andrews.

And this tour takes you to the best of it.

If you like coastlines and coastal settlements, I can’t recommend this tour enough.

The main attraction here is St Andrews, most famous for its university and golf courses. But other big perks include Anstruther (one of the prettiest coastal settlements in all of Scotland), and the hillside town of Falkland.

For more on the region, stroll on over to our guide on all the best hikes in Fife .

⭐ Tour highlights: seeing both coastal and non-coastal parts of Fife, visiting some of the prettiest fishing villages in Scotland, and the iconic St Andrews. 🗺️ Itinerary: you meet at Edinburgh bus station, and finish your tour in the same place. During the 8.5 hours of the tour, you’ll see (in the following order) Forth Bridge, Anstruther Harbor, St Andrews, Falkland Palace & Garden, and plenty more.

• Perks and features: it’s convenient, it takes you to places most tourist don’t see, and the guide has loads of facts and knowledge about the area
• Group size: maximum 16, and you all share one minivan—so it’s an intimate experience, with plenty of time to ask questions
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s great for anyone—even kids’ll find this tour pretty entertaining
• What’s included (and what isn’t): you get your transport and your guide, but nothing else is included. You’ll have to pay extra for Falkland Palace & Garden (the only non-free attraction on the tour), and you’ll need to buy your own food
• Top tips: Scottish coastal towns get pretty windy… so take some warm clothes

The most immersive and detailed tour from Edinburgh, this offers 3 stuffed days of fun.

Skye is brimming with a load of varied adventure. But it’s tough to explore the island from Edinburgh without your own car… so this hefty tour is a convenient solution to your dilemma.

3-day tours aren’t usually crammed with this much excitement. With your ticket, you get a massive range of variety, including adventures on Skye, adventures on the way to Skye, and adventures on the way back from Skye.

You’ll hit coasts, castles, hikes, viewpoints, lochs, rivers, and loads more. It’s a great balance between history, heritage, outdoor attractions, and foodie fun. For a varied introduction to the Skye (and some areas around it), you won’t find better.

⭐ Tour highlights: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Stirling Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, the Firth of Forth, seeing some Skye highlights on an easy trip, and spending both of your evenings overnighting in Portree. 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll choose from one of three meeting locations. The rest of the time, you’ll be driven between all the different tour locations.

For more information on the region, check out our guides to the best cliffs on the Isle of Skye , and the best hikes on the Isle of Skye .

• Perks and features: the guides make the trip fun and informative, and you get endless time to ask questions. There’s also a decent amount of flexibility to visit extra en-route attractions
• Group size: maximum 16 travelers—and you all share one minibus
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s great for everyone, but kids might get a bit bored
• What’s included (and what isn’t): your two nights of accommodation are covered (though the price of the tour varies according to which type of accommodation you choose). You have to buy your own food and drink… and none of the attractions’ entry fees are covered
• Top tips: this is a pretty non-stop tour—so it’s best for people with lots of energy

When most tourists take trips from Edinburgh, they head north.

But for something a bit more unusual and underrated, it’s a good idea to head south.

The main highlight of this trip is Hadrian’s Wall —built in AD122, it was designed to stop the northern barbarians from entering Roman territory. Now, the place is home to museums, fragments of wall, a load of mile castles, and some of the best walks in northern England.

Other stops on the tour include places in and along the Scottish Borders (that’s the most southern part of Scotland).

For much more action in adventure in this part of England, check out our guides to the 10 best beaches in Northumberland , the best hikes and walks in Northumberland , and the best castles in Northumberland .

⭐ Tour highlights: Jedburgh Abbey, the charming town of Jedburgh itself, lofty Carter Barr Pass (which sits in the Cheviots), and seeing the most significant historical site in far-northern England. 🗺️ Itinerary: you start and end your tour in Edinburgh bus station. Over the course of the 10.5-hour tour, you’ll hit (in the following order) Jedburgh, Carter Bar, parts of the wall, the fortresses of Vindolanda and Birdoswald, and more.

• Perks and features: you get loads of insights into the area and its history, and you easily reach some usually-hard-to-reach places
• Group size: maximum 16 travelers—and you all share the same minivan
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s good for history buffs—anyone else might find it a bit boring. It’s not suitable for people who aren’t very mobile
• What’s included (and what isn’t): all admission tickets are included, except the ticket into Jedburgh Abbey. The transport and guide are also included, but you need to pay for your own food and drink
• Top tips: Hadrian’s Wall (and all of its sites and forts) are pretty exposed and hilly—it gets windy and cold, so take warm clothes

Another northern-England experience… but this tour takes you to different parts of Northumberland.

The three biggest sights on this trip are Bamburgh Castle (which you only drive past, but it’s massive and beautiful), Alnwick Castle (one of the biggest and most impressive in the whole region), and Holy Island (a weird small once-religious isle only accessible when the tide is out).

On Holy Island, you’ll see the priory, the castle, and some of its shorelines…

… and in Alnwick, you’ll stroll through the castle, wander around the gardens (including the hefty waterfall and the poison-plant area), and learn about royal history in the region.

⭐ Tour highlights: the border town of Coldstream, and seeing Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and Holy Island (three of the most iconic sites in all of Northumberland). 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll meet in a central part of Edinburgh, where you’ll also finish your tour. The rest of the time, you’ll be driven around by your guides. The whole tour is around 9 hours.

• Perks and features: you get to visit Holy Island without worrying about tide times, you visit some hard-to-reach places, and the guides are fun and friendly
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s best for people interested in history (especially religious history). It’s not suitable for young kids, or people who can’t do much walking
• What’s included (and what isn’t): the guide is included, as is transport. You don’t get any food or drinks, and you need to pay extra to enter the attractions
• Top tips: on select days, the tours don’t run, cos Holy Island is sometimes inaccessible due to tide times. So check in advance!

This trip takes you to some of the best-known parts of the Scottish Highlands.

The biggest name here is Loch Ness, which is (of course) famous for being the biggest loch in the nation… and the alleged home of a big weird underwater dinosaur thing. If you want to see Loch Ness from Edinburgh (just like most tourists seem to!), this is the tour for you.

As part of your Loch Ness trip, you can take an optional boat tour… and you’ll see the on-loch Urquhart Castle.

I reckon Glencoe is the real gem here. Though you don’t spend much time exploring the glen (just a few photo opportunities), you drive along the A82, which cuts through the heart of it. It’s one of the most iconic and scenic roads in all of Scotland.

⭐ Tour highlights: seeing Highland cows, visiting the super-charming town of Pitlochry, driving along the outrageously beautiful A82 road, and ticking off the iconic shores of Loch Ness. 🗺️ Itinerary: you start and end your trip in central Edinburgh. The rest of the time, you’re driven around, visiting (in the following order) Kilmahog, Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry.

• Perks and features: you can enjoy beautiful roads without having to drive them, and you’ll learn juicy facts about some of the most well-known outdoor areas in Scotland
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s not ideal for people who don’t like sitting around—most of this tour takes place on the bus
• What’s included (and what isn’t): you don’t get any food or drinks, but the guide and transportation are included. You can add extra entry tickets when you book your trip

Another of the best day trips from Edinburgh , and another Highlands tour (but slightly different to the one we’ve just covered).

Between this tour and the last one, this is the one I’d choose. I think this experience is more interesting… and Loch Ness (in my opinion) is a bit overrated.

Along your tour, you’ll hit the valley of Glencoe and the town of Pitlochry, spotting the same sights we’ve already covered in the tour above. But instead of seeing Loch Ness, this tour covers the close-to-Glencoe town of Fort William, and the mega-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is so well-known for its appearances in the Harry Potter movies; it’s the scenic spot where the Hogwarts Express chugs along to Hogwarts. But here’s a top tip for you: the train only runs between May and September—so if you’re traveling to Scotland outside of those dates, don’t bother with this tour (cos you’ll miss the best bit).

⭐ Tour highlights: Harry Potter sights, seeing a train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, distant views of Ben Nevis, and the drive through Glencoe. 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll meet in central Edinburgh, where you’ll also finish your tour. During the trip, you’ll be driven (likely in the following order) to Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Pitlochry. You’ll also see lots of lochs and mountains en-route.

• Perks and features: funny tour guides, loads of historical insights, and some interesting Harry Potter tidbits
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s great for people who like Harry Potter, and families with pre-teen kids. It’s not good for people who don’t like sitting around—you’ll spend a lot of time on the bus
• What’s included (and what isn’t): the guide and transport are included. You don’t get any food or drinks
• Top tips: you don’t get to ride the steam train—you just get to see it

This one’s a bit niche. But if you’re interested in the Outlander TV show, you’ll love it.

The show is some historical TV drama based around a military nurse who gets transported back in time to the 1700s…

… and during this tour, you’ll visit some of the locations from the show. Expect castles, a palace, little villages, and spots from some of the most significant Outlander moments.

Along the way, you’ll also learn *actual* facts about the places you’re visiting, and their history and heritage. And you’ll see some beautiful places—a nice little perk even if they weren’t related to the show.

⭐ Tour highlights: Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and getting some insights into Outlander (and its people, places and production). 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll start and end your tour in central Edinburgh (there are various pickup points to choose from). During the tour, you’ll see (in the following order) Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, and Falkland.

• Perks and features: tour guides who know about both Outlander and Scottish history, a surprising number of laughs, and seeing some lesser-known Scottish attractions
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s perfect for anyone who likes Outlander—and it’s a bad idea for anyone who doesn’t
• What’s included (and what isn’t): your guide and driver are included, but you don’t get food, drinks, or entry tickets
• Top tips: most of the attractions are pretty close to Edinburgh—so this tour is a good choice for people who don’t want to spend too much time on transport

Another trip out of Edinburgh… but this one takes you to some (vaguely-)lesser-known attractions.

The most famous of them all is Loch Lomond, the biggest of the 30,000 lochs in Scotland. You’ll see some of its shores, and get the optional choice of a boat ride across the place (which you’d be silly not to take).

You’ll also hit close-to-Loch-Lomond Aberfoyle, one of the cutest and coziest towns in this part of Scotland.

Meanwhile, Stirling Castle is pretty similar to Edinburgh Castle (it sits on a hill, it dominates the city, it offers lovely views, and it has loads of history crammed into its confines). But because it’s not so touristy, it’s in some ways more interesting.

Rounding things off, The Kelpies are two massive (and weird) horse-shaped sculptures. They measure in at a height of 100 feet (30 meters).

In short, this tour gives you lots of variety, and it’s a good insight into some of the most interesting locations in southern Scotland.

⭐ Tour highlights: riding a boat around Loch Lomond, the Stirling Castle panoramas, seeing the hefty Kelpies, and getting views of the National Park landscapes of The Trossachs. 🗺️ Itinerary: you’ll start and end your tour in central Edinburgh. During the tour (likely in the following order), you’ll hit Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies.

• Perks and features: there’s not a massive amount of driving (compared to some other tours), and there’s a good variety of different sights
• Who it’s for (and isn’t for): it’s not great for people with kids—little ones will find this tour a bit boring
• What’s included (and what isn’t): your guide and driver are included. Food and drink aren’t. You need to pay extra for entry tickets, and for your (optional) Loch Lomond cruise
• Top tips: take something warm—some of these places can get pretty windy

Okay, we’re just about finished—they’re the best tours in (and from!) Edinburgh in 2024. If you have time, I recommend tackling one in the city, and one outside of the city.

Thanks for reading, thanks for checking out Travelness, and thanks for being you. See ya!

For more on Scotland’s lovely, lovely capital, check out our guides to the most scenic road trips from Edinburgh , and our ultimate 2-day itinerary for Edinburgh .

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Bespoke blades to a gas station putter: See top 10 gear stories of 2024 FedExCup Season

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Scottie Scheffler put his official stamp on the 2024 FedExCup last week, logging another victory to cap off a dominant 2024 and become a FedExCup Champion for the first time. It seemed that once Scheffler made a putter switch at Bay Hill ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, it was smooth sailing from there, with the world No. 1 winning seven times on the PGA TOUR as well as a gold medal at the Paris Olympics – but more on Scheffler’s dominant set of golf clubs later.

Scheffler's putter switch was just part of a year that was packed with gear news, from club releases, new prototypes, interesting equipment switches, and a few new emerging trends, too.

Below, GolfWRX.com takes you through the top 10 gear stories of the year. Without further ado, here they are (in no particular order):

1. Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa put TaylorMade’s Proto irons on the map

At the 2024 Valero Texas Open, Rory McIlroy unveiled a brand new, unreleased TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron. According to McIlroy, the iron was helping him achieve a higher launch with a responsive, blade-like feel. Shortly after McIlroy’s switch, Collin Morikawa also switched into a “Proto” 4-iron at the RBC Heritage, citing a higher launch and predictable distance control.

The wave didn’t end there, though.

Rory McIlroy's prototype TaylorMade 4-iron. (GolfWRX)

Michael Block, the club pro who was the Cinderella story of last year's PGA Championship, also switched into a full set of the TaylorMade Proto irons at this year's PGA, replacing the TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC irons that he’d been using for over a decade.

Eventually, TaylorMade decided to turn the “Proto” iron design into a retail set of P7CB irons. Morikawa ended up switching into a full set of the P7CB irons for the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship. Long-hitting Chris Gotterup switched into a full set of the P7CB irons at the 2024 3M Open, too.

"For me, it's just a little bit more forgiveness," Morikawa said about the iron switch. "I don't hit it that high and I don't hit it that far compared to a lot of guys out here. So having a little bit more height off the trajectory ... gives me a little bit more of a playing field."

The TaylorMade Proto/P7CB irons made for a seemingly ever-evolving story throughout the summer of 2024, certainly deserving of a spot on our Top-10 list.

2. Shane Lowry’s putter change

Throughout his career, Shane Lowry has mostly opted for some variation of Odyssey’s famous 2-ball design. For example, Lowry has used models including Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Exo 2-ball, a White Hot Pro 2-ball blade, and a White Hot OG 2-ball.

At the 2024 Zurich Classic in New Orleans, however, Lowry switched into a TaylorMade Spider Tour Z mallet putter for the first time. It was similar to the putter his partner for that week, Rory McIlroy, has used for years.

Shane Lowry's TaylorMade Spider Tour Z model putter. (GolfWRX)

As it turns out, the switch worked, and the pair went on to win the event. Lowry spoke on the switch following the winning performance:

“I’ve been struggling on the greens, and I just needed something with a fresh look,” Lowry told GolfWRX.com. “It has a different neck on it, as well, so it moves a bit differently, but it’s similar; it has a white line on the back of it and it’s a mallet style. So it’s not too drastic of a change.

“I just picked it up on the putting green and I liked the look of it, so I was like, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”

Read the full story here.

3. Matt Fitzpatrick switches irons after a decade

Matt Fitzpatrick's Titleist T100 irons with a custom “Fitz” grind. (GolfWRX)

For most of his career, Matt Fitzpatrick has used Ping S55 irons, which were released to the public back in 2013. With so much success using the irons, it wasn’t a certainty that he’d ever switch out of the classic designs.

After testing Ping’s Blueprint S irons in late 2023, however, Fitzpatrick decided to make an iron switch for 2024. Although Fitzpatrick started off by switching into the Blueprint S irons early in the year, he eventually switched into Titleist T100 irons with a custom “Fitz” grind at the 2024 U.S. Open.

We weren’t expecting an iron switch from Fitzpatrick this year at all, which is exactly why he cracked our top 10 list.

Read the full story .

4. JT’s gas station putter

Justin Thomas' Scotty Cameron putter he tested at a gas station. (GolfWRX)

Justin Thomas has switched putters numerous times throughout the past couple years, so Thomas switching putters isn’t necessarily huge news. This story, however, was particularly interesting given the circumstances.

Paul Vizanko – the Director of Scotty Cameron Putter Fitting and Player Development – recommended that Thomas try out a custom putter that was designed for Gordon Sargent, the world's second-ranked amateur and the first player to earn a PGA TOUR card via PGA TOUR U Accelerated. The putter had custom alignment lines on the crown, including a parallel line and a single dot.

On a time crunch before heading to Ohio for the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, Thomas texted Sargent about the putter, and they ended up meeting at a local gas station in Alabama to make the hand-off. Thomas eventually had a new prototype putter built that was inspired by the design of Sargeant’s putter, but the gas station putter understandably became a popular story in its own, unique way.

"I was using a putter I had and I was texting with Paul Vizanko at Scotty Cameron and telling him some things that I liked and disliked," Thomas said. "He mentioned the putter that Gordon (Sargent) had, and I was texting Gordon about it. And then next thing you know, Gordon was like, Oh, I don't need it. I'm not using it, and I'll be driving past you here soon.

"So yeah, it felt a little shady, but that was probably the only Scotty Cameron putter exchange in a gas station outside Nashville."

5. Popularity of mini drivers

Akshay Bhatia's Callaway Ai Smoke mini-driver. (GolfWRX)

Although the concept of “mini drivers,” or 2-woods, has been around for a long time in the golf world, the modern designs are seeing more action on the PGA TOUR than ever before.

In case you’re new to this product sector, a “mini driver” is built as an in-between option; it’s smaller than a driver, but bigger than a 3-wood. The mini driver is meant to be higher spinning and more workable than a driver, but easier to hit than a 3-wood given the overall volume of the head and size of the face.

Jake Knapp won the 2024 Mexico Open at Vidante with a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver in the bag, but he wasn’t the lone member of the mini driver contingent in 2024. Other players who also used a mini driver throughout 2024 include Max Homa (TaylorMade BRNR Mini), Tommy Fleetwood (TaylorMade BRNR Mini), Adam Scott (TaylorMade BRNR Mini), Chris Gotterup (TaylorMade BRNR Mini), Cameron Young (Titleist TSR 2-wood), Webb Simpson (Titleist TSR 2-wood) and Akshay Bhatia (Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti340 Mini Driver), among others.

Bhatia's switch came on the biggest stage at the TOUR Championship.

“If I have restricted start lines, I can draw a driver, but if I have this mini driver to where I can turn it a lot easier, then it’s a nice option," Bhatia said before the first round at East Lake. "The mini driver gives me more options; it's faster, but it spins a little more, so the consistency of the ball flight is tighter, and that’s what I need.”

Read our latest mini-driver story .

6. Long putters continue to surge

Webb Simpson's broomstick-style Odyssey Jailbird putter. (GolfWRX)

The anchoring ban was implemented on Jan. 1, 2016, but since then, players have figured out how to use a broomstick-style putter effectively while hovering it away from their chest. Bernhard Langer and Adam Scott have been some of the leaders in this movement.

"I think I was probably a notable young player to use a long putter, and that may have broken the mold of it being an old man's club, although I'm quickly fitting into that category now," Scott said jokingly at this year's TOUR Championship. "But seeing more guys go to it doesn't surprise me. And I think, you know, everyone seems to be getting fairly good results who do go to. So I wouldn't see why more don't give it a try."

In 2023, several big name players including Will Zalatoris, Bhatia, and Byeong Hun An switched into broomstick-style putters, and they each continued using that style this year.

In 2024, the broomstick brigade gained another, surprising member. At the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, Simpson debuted an Odyssey Ai-One “Cruiser” Jailbird broomstick putter, inspired by Bhatia.

“My caddie, David Cook, caddied for (Bhatia) at the (Texas Children’s Houston Open) and he putter beautifully,” Simpson told GolfWRX.com. “Then, I watched (Bhatia) on TV at the Valero, and he putted beautifully. And I’m like, ‘I’m just going to try it.’ I’ve never tried it for more than a putt or two, and I just ordered what Akshay uses. It was pretty awkward at first, but the more I used it, the more I’m like, ‘Man, this is pretty easy.’"

7. Wesley Bryan uses two 4 irons

Wesley Bryan's bag setup featuring two 4-irons. (GolfWRX)

Most golfers use just one 4-iron in their bag, but most golfers aren’t Wesley Bryan.

Bryan, a PGA TOUR winnerand YouTube golfing sensation, came to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson with a mixed set of irons, including two different 4-irons; a Titleist T200, and a Takomo 101 U.

As Bryan explained to GolfWRX.com, his Takomo 301 CB 6-iron goes about 195-200 yards while his hollow-bodied Takomo 101U Driving Iron goes about 220 yards, and his Titleist T200 4-iron goes about 235 yards. The Takomo 101U 4-iron is bent about 2 degrees, so it effectively plays like his 5-iron, but it remains stamped as a 4-iron.

For Bryan, it’s all about filling the right yardage gaps, not about the number stamped on the bottom of the club. There are no rules when it comes to equipment; each club is simply a tool.

8. Adam Scott keeps everyone on their toes

Adam Scott's Miura blade irons. (GolfWRX)

Adam Scott is an equipment free agent, so he’s free to test and use whatever brands of clubs that he desires. And he takes full advantage of that freedom.

Scott has popped up on our weekly Equipment Report more than any other PGA TOUR player in 2024, simply due to how many times he made major changes. In 2024 alone, Scott has used irons from Ping, Miura and Srixon, and he’s used drivers from TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway.

He's been especially difficult to keep up with on a week-to-week basis, because sometimes Scott switches irons based purely on turf conditions. For example, at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship, Scott switched into Miura AS-1 blade irons in Scotland to help handle the firm turf conditions, and he switched into KM-700 irons with more bounce because of the Zoysia grass in Memphis.

"Equipment and technology is a big thing," Scott said at the first leg of this year's FedExCup Playoffs in Memphis. "You see it every week, guys working on Trackman, and that's not really where I've grown up. Yeah, if I was critical of myself, although intentions being right, I probably didn't manage that as well as I could have, and certainly see the need to be more on top of that going forward.”

It hasn’t always been easy covering Scott’s equipment, but it’s always been entertaining.

9. Scottie Scheffler’s dominating setup

Scottie Scheffler's TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet with L-neck hosel. (GolfWRX)

Scheffler made two key changes in 2024 that propelled him to his seven-win season: 1) He switched into TaylorMade’s new Qi10 core driver (8 degrees), and he switched into a TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet with an L-neck hosel.

After a 2023 season that saw a number of putter changes from Scheffler, he switched into the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational, won the first week using the putter, and it hasn’t come out of the bag since.

Ahead of the 2024 TOUR Championship, Scheffler spoke on the putter, and why it’s worked so well for him in 2024.

“I felt like I did way too much experimenting with putters in the last year leading up to the switch to the Spider,” Scheffler said. “And it’s something where before I started working with Phil (Kenyon), I felt like I would bounce back a lot between ideas on how I wanted to putt. I felt like I didn’t stick to something and really kind of ride the highs and lows of it. And I think that’s really how you get better in this game, is sticking to your process.

"When it came to the Spider, I always loved the way it set up. And I had tried putters like that in the past and never really putted great. But I didn’t really give it the full go. I can have one bad day and be like, ‘That didn’t work.’ And so the thing I liked most about it was how good I lined it up. I don’t often use a line on the ball, and so I feel like I’m much more athletic with my putting. I get much more into the feel and the visual and that’s what I’m good at on my full swing. And so it seems to make logical sense that I should probably do that with my putting, as well. But for some reason, for, you know, the last year, a lot of the year I was thinking very technically and trying to be perfect on the greens and it didn’t really go that well. And so when I switched to the Spider, I was able to free things up and see some good consistent results from it.”

Scheffler was able to awaken his inner athlete on the greens using the new Spider putter, which has worked to the tune of seven PGA TOUR wins in one season. Yeah, we’re thinking the putter switch worked.

10. Titleist’s GT drivers start hot

Titleist’s new GT2, GT3 and GT4 line of drivers debuted this year. (GolfWRX)

Titleist’s new GT2, GT3 and GT4 drivers first launched at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday in June, and by the Genesis Scottish Open in July, more than 115 players had used a Titleist GT driver in competition.

That’s quite an impressive feat for a mid-year driver launch.

Zalatoris, who was one of 13 players to switch into a GT driver the first week they were available at the Memorial, spoke on his experience with the new GT2 driver:

“I think this is the most that we’ve been begging (Titleist) to put (a driver) in our hands as fast as they can. We first tested it I think in early December. I think the part that’s really cool about it is it’s just kind of plug-and-play. I have the exact same shaft, the exact same setting. And immediately I’m picking up 1.5 mph ball speed, and that equates to about another 6.5-7 yards of carry. I think the thing that I really noticed when you compare it from my old one, from the TSR to the GT, I think the mishits just get brought in that much more; 4-5 yards out here on Tour in dispersion could be the difference of you being in the fairway and having another birdie look … you miss a fairway and now you’re laying up trying to make par the hard way.”

The list of notables using a Titleist GT driver include Max Homa (GT3), Tom Kim (GT3), Cameron Young (GT2), Justin Thomas (GT2), Byeong Hun An (GT4), Billy Horschel (GT3), Webb Simpson (GT3), Brandt Snedeker (GT2), Denny McCarthy (GT2), Garrick Higgo (GT4), J.T. Poston (GT3), Patrick Cantlay (GT2) and Adam Scott (GT2).