Overview
Over the last few years, Scotland has consistently won awards for being the most beautiful country in the world. Most famously, it was voted the ‘Most Beautiful Country in the World’ by Rough Guide — one of the biggest travel publications there is. In recent years, Scotland has consistently beaten New Zealand, Iceland, and Canada to the top spot, but the truth is that the part of Scotland most people are talking about when they think about its natural beauty is the Highlands! Sure, the islands are incredible too, and the castles, cathedrals, and old buildings in the cities are amazing, but it’s the Scottish Highlands that really stand out above the rest. So, Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world, and the Highlands are the most beautiful part of Scotland! Steeped in history and folklore, the Highlands exude a timeless charm that is deeply rooted in Celtic traditions, clan warfare, and enduring legends. The region's enchanting allure has inspired poets, artists, and storytellers, weaving a tapestry of myth and magic that permeates the very essence of the land. Around these wave-battered isles, you’ll find whisky distilleries, awesome beaches, epic landscapes that leave walkers weak at the knees and tombs, stone circles and ruins that weave hypnotic tales of Scotland’s earliest inhabitants, alongside million-strong bird colonies that transport birders to feathered heaven. Our Tour will encompass all that makes Scotland so special. From the iconic Highlands to the majestic islands, glorious castles, rich history, warm and welcoming culture and the music that makes these land so special.
Highlights
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
From the rugged ridges of Ben More and the black basalt crags of Burg to the blinding white sand, rose-pink granite and emerald waters that fringe the Ross, Mull can lay claim to some of the finest and most varied scenery in the Inner Hebrides. Noble birds of prey soar over mountains and coast, while dolphins play in the ocean below. Mull is home to the picturesque village of Tobermory, famous for its colorful houses and picturesque bay. Everyone needs a splash of color in their life. Tobermory’s picturesque waterfront flaunts its brightly-colored buildings against a backdrop of rolling hills and leafy woodland. This bonnie sight has earned the humble harbor its reputation as one of the prettiest in all of Scotland. Visitors come on day trips, cruise ships, and staycations for their wee slice of Tobermory life. The vibrant facades in Tobermory are so photogenic, you’ll be frantically reaching for your camera to capture it in all its rainbow-colored glory. Known for its brightly painted harbor front buildings, Tobermory is filled with rich history, delightful seafood, and stunning views over Tobermory Bay. Founded as a fishing port in 1788, the town now attracts visitors looking for an authentic island experience and we will experience it to the fullest calling this hued enclave home for 3 nights of our tour.
Luss & Loch Lomond
While there are a number of villages worth exploring in Loch Lomond, Luss is often considered one of the prettiest in Scotland owing to its picturesque stone cottages and charming floral displays. One of the most popular places in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Luss is a must-visit for any intrepid traveler offering stunning scenic views of Ben Lomond and fascinating historic details around every corner. Described as the “Queen of Scotland’s Lakes”, Loch Lomond sits at the foot of Ben Lomond and straddles the Highland boundary fault line. Famed for its natural beauty, there are so many things to see around Loch Lomond that it has attracted visitors for centuries. Join us on “The bonnie, bonnie banks” and we will share some stories, vistas and memories with you.
Distillery Visits
Scotland is world renowned for its whisky production or as we in the USA like to call it, Scotch. We will have the opportunity to visit and try some of Scotland’s oldest whiskies or as the locals like to call it Uisge Beatha (Water of life). We will dive back over 225 years as we cross the threshold into Oban Distillery (founded in 1794) and Tobermory Distillery (founded in 1798) and sample a dram or 2. These beautiful, experienced and cultivated distilleries are a true bastion of the craft and continue to apply their skill to produce some of the finest whisky in the world. Slange Var! Photo Credit: Pixabay
Oban
Prepare to be captivated by the charm and beauty of Oban, the vibrant coastal town nestled on Scotland’s west coast. Oban is blessed with a stunning natural landscape that will leave you in awe. As we wander the picturesque harbor, breath in the fresh sea air and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The sparkling azure waters beckon you to embark on unforgettable boat trips, where you can spot playful seals, majestic dolphins and a myriad of seabirds. Beyond its natural beauty, Oban is steeped in history and culture. Step back in time and visit the iconic McCaig’s Tower, an impressive structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Oban is a haven for foodies and whisky enthusiasts. Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey through the town’s renowned seafood restaurants where you can savor the freshest catches from the nearby waters.
Glen Coe
The natural beauty of Glencoe is unmatched. Towering mountains, cascading waterfall and deep valleys create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Glencoe is also steeped in history, most notably as the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. This tragic event saw members of the MacDonald clan betrayed and killed under orders from the government. As well as being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers it is famous as a filming location: Most notably in James Bond’s Skyfall, Harry Potter’s Prisoner of Azkaban and numerous scenes from Outlander. We will immerse ourselves in true Scottish culture by exploring our home at Loch Leven. Traditional music and local cuisine and to the charm of the region. Photo Credit: Craig Hunter
Kilmartin Glen
It’s hard to find ruins quite as evocative as those of Kilmartin Glen on the west coast of Argyll. We will begin by overlooking successive burial cairns as we pass through fields of black faced sheep to a prehistoric collection of stone circles, cist chambers and henge monuments that are older than Stonehenge, older even than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Perhaps, though, the wooded glen’s most wonderful feature isn’t its extra layer of Neolithic or Bronze Age remains, or the rock art sites that are denser than anywhere else in Britain (there are more than 800 at the last count). The most magnificent attraction is its stories are still being unearthed from the soil by archaeologists – and so much of this history is still waiting to be discovered.
Mull Music Festival
Arguably the best free music festival in the world! Four days of fantastic live music in venues throughout Tobermory with an incredible line-up spanning up-and-coming bands and musicians to well-established favorites, and a setlist spanning trad and folk tunes to rock and pop covers - and everything in between! No tickets needed – just turn up and enjoy the party!
Afternoon Tea on Hogwarts Express
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84-mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! Picture this, you are sitting in the comfort of your beautifully upholstered seat, in a carefully restored first class carriage. Ahead, your vintage steam engine takes you on the greatest railway journey in the world between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland; surely it doesn't get better? Then along comes your delicious Jacobite High Tea. Image Credit: Peter by Pixabay
Hosts
All of our tours are lead by one or more members of the Leask Clan, Graeme, Michelle, or Ciaran.
Graeme, Michelle & Ciaran
Schedule
This is a brief overview of the schedule. A more detailed version of this will be emailed to all guests closer to departure. Each day will include sights, stories and tastes of the local fare. You won't taste seafood any fresher than this!! We will have a number of site visits each day to share and the evenings will be for you to relax and enjoy how you please. We try to plan so people have time to get out and get close to sites we visit and not just view them from the window of the vehicle.
Previous
Next
Glasgow to Glen Coe
Day 1: Pick up Group in Glasgow
Your hosts will meet the group at the Glasgow Airport (GLA) on April 19, 2026 by 11:30am at a designated area. Everyone will receive more information prior to arriving via email.
Remember that the transatlantic flight from the US is typically an overnight flight so if you leave on the 18th you won't arrive until the 19th. We highly recommend that guests arrive early and many choose to come in the day before to be able to adjust to the timezone and avoid interruptions, delays or cancellations.
We will make a stop or two along the way; once in Glencoe, the rest of the evening is yours.
Glencoe
Days 1-3: Glencoe in the Highlands
The natural beauty of Glencoe is unmatched. Towering mountains, cascading waterfall and deep valleys create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Glencoe is also steeped in history, Including the Jacobite uprising, most notably as the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. This tragic event saw members of the MacDonald clan betrayed and killed under orders from the government. As well as being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers it is famous as a filming location: Most notably in James Bond’s Skyfall, Harry Potter’s Prisoner of Azkaban and numerous scenes from Outlander. We will immerse ourselves in true Scottish culture by exploring our home at Loch Leven. Traditional music and local cuisine and to the charm of the region.
Included
Breakfasts
Many points of history
Amazing Landscape views
Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct with High Tea
Glencoe Visitor Centre and Turf House
Tobermory Isle of Mull
Days 6-9: Isles of Mull & Iona
While on the Isle of Mull, we will During our time here, we plan to take in a distillery or two, including the Tobermory & Ledaig Tasting. We will also take in other notable sights such as Duart Castle, Waterfalls, Standing Stones, and local wildlife. Many photographers come to Mull for the landscape, deer and playful otters and seals.
Weather permitting, we hope to visit the Isle of Iona (the home of Christianity in Scotland). St. Columba set up his monastery here and it is home to an Abby and Nunnery. Despite several Viking raids for the churches precious jewels, gold or other goods. Eventually, the Norse settled and farmed the island which is evident by many of the place names around the island. The cemetery is host to 58 Scottish Kings, many Norse Jarls, and even MacBeth.
Fun Snippet: while we are on Mull, keep an eye out for painted rocks around Tobermory. If you find one, post a photo in the dedicated Facebook group: Tobermory Rocks and choose whether to keep it, rehide it locally, or take it home. Tobermory Rocks have made their way to Sydney, Australia and even the Antarctic!
Included
Breakfasts
Attend Mull Music Festival
Tobermory Distillery
Calgary Beach
Duart Castle
Iona Abby
Glasgow Airport
Day 10: Drop off
Sadly, all good things come to an end. We will have a 40 minute drive to Glasgow with good traffic conditions. We plan to have everyone to the airport by 10:00am on April 28, 2026
Please note: If you are flying home on this day, please make sure you give yourself at least 2 hours at the airport before departing for check in, bag drops, and security. Please look to make your departing flights after 12:00/noon on this day to give yourself ample time in the airport.
What's included
What's Included
Accommodations
Breakfasts
Ground Transportation
Ferry Transportation
Priceless Memories
Kilmartin Museum
Jacobite Steam Train Ride
Duart Castle Visit
Explore Oban
Visit the Isle of Mull
Visit the Isle of Iona (weather permitting)
Oban Whisky Distillery Visit
Tobermory Whisky Distillery Visit
Stay in Oban
Stay in Tobermory
Stay in Luss
Stay in Glencoe
Mull Music Festival
Calgary Beach
What's Not Included
Airfare/Flights
Lunches/Dinner
You'll Be Staying Here
Ballachulish Hotel
The Columba Hotel
Western Isles Hotel
The Loch Lomond Arms
Gallery
FAQs
Where do we fly to for this tour?
We have a time and a location already planned to pick up and drop off the entire group at Glasgow International Airport in Scotland or the United Kingdom (airport code: GLA). After you book, you will see a welcome email with more information on making your flights and what times we have set for pick up and drop off. We recommend people fly in a day early or stay late to adjust to the timezones or extend their trip and avoid delays that may interfere with pickup time and place.
For this tour, Your hosts will pick everyone up from the Glasgow Airport (GLA) on April 19, 2026 by 11:30am (so you will want to be in well before that time). We will drop everyone off at airport by 10am on April 28, 2026 so if you fly home, plan to fly out after noon so you have a good two hour window for check in and security.
At noon, we will immediately drive to Oban where we will take a ferryboat ride to the Isle of Mull.
Feel free to email us with any questions. We are happy to help.