Premium Scotland Trip - October 2026

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Overview

Premium Scotland Trip - October 2026
Glasgow
Oct 10 - 21, 2026
Group size: 8 - 14
Globe Drifters image
Globe Drifters
$7,750
Deposit: $3,875

About this trip

A refined and carefully curated journey through the Scottish Highlands… Discover Scotland’s rugged Highlands, misty lochs, and colorful harbor villages with truly exceptional historic hotels as your base — from grand city palaces to elegant castle retreats — all while enjoying exclusive tastings and local experiences that connect you with Scotland’s traditions.

Highland heritage, high-end stays: Sleep in hotels steeped in history, where history lives in every room, each offering an upscale yet authentically Scottish experience!  

Sip, savor, repeat: Indulge in distillery tours, lively taverns, one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, and tasting experiences that showcase the distinctive flavors of the Highlands.

Discover the different: Forage for herbs in the woodlands, stroll through the Enchanted Forest as it comes alive at night, and explore the Isle of Mull’s bright seaside villages — a collection of truly unique Scottish experiences. 

Unrushed, unforgettable: With 12 days in the Highlands, you can take in its landscapes, culture, and history without the usual rush of a typical tour.  

What's included

Accommodation

11 nights (based on double occupancy)

Most activities

As noted on itinerary

Ground transportation

Private, climatized

Ferry transfers

Local trip leader

Throughout entire trip

Globe Drifters host

Some meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

What's not included

Visas

If needed

Trip insurance

International flights

Airport transfers

Pick-up & drop-off

Some lunches & dinners

Optional activities

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Souvenirs

Day 1

Day 1 image

Glasgow Arrival

Welcome to Scotland! Settle into your hotel in the heart of Glasgow. Take a moment to relax, or head out to explore the city’s historic center — a lively mix of grand Victorian buildings and hidden lanes buzzing with energy.

In the evening, gather for a welcome meeting with your trip leader and fellow travelers. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed dinner together at a historic hotel.

*Airport pick-up is not included. You can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with a company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.

Included:

  • Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Welcome meeting; Welcome dinner

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2

Day 2 image

Glasgow

Meet your trip leader at the hotel in the morning and set off on a walking tour of Glasgow, a city renowned for its eclectic architecture and vibrant street art. Stroll through bustling streets and discover the city’s blend of historic landmarks and contemporary designs, from Victorian masterpieces to cutting-edge modern developments.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the area's many shops, cafes, and taverns. Your trip leader can recommend anything that might interest you. 

Included :

  • Activities: Glasgow guided tour; Glasgow free time

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3

Day 3 image

Oban

Today we will journey north through breathtaking Highland scenery to Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater lake. Take in the tranquil views along the loch’s shores and have some free time in the charming village of Luss to witness its postcard-worthy stone cottages and colorful gardens.

Afterward, continue to the historic town of Inveraray, nestled on the banks of Loch Fyne. Visit the magnificent Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll and the powerful Clan Campbell. Discover elegant rooms, an impressive armory, and stories of Scotland’s noble — and sometimes notorious past.

We'll round up the day in the coastal town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles,’ where we’ll check in at our hotel. Later this evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed dinner overlooking the harbor.

Included :

  • Transfers: Glasgow – Oban (2.5 hours)

  • Activities: Luss Village; Inveraray Castle visit; Oban free time

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4

Day 4 image

Isle of Mull & Oban

You'll have a leisurely morning before we head north to the harbor town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, famous for its colorfully painted waterfront and charming artisan shops. The town's blend of local flavor, culture, and stunning coastal scenery authentic spirit of island life on Mull.

We'll start our day with a visit to a local cheese farm to meet the cheesemakers and learn how the island’s renowned cheeses are crafted, followed by a tasting of award-winning varieties in a glass barn!

Continue the day with a tour and tasting at the Tobermory Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. We'll gain insight into the island’s whisky-making heritage and sample some distinctive single malts.

Afterward, you will have free time to explore Tobermory's beautiful buildings and cute shops along the harbor.

Thereafter, we’ll head back to Oban where you will have the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Included :

  • Activities: Cheese farm & glass barn; Tobermory Distillery; Tobermory free time

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 5

Day 5 image

Inverness

Today, we will set out on a scenic journey north through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic and historically rich glens. Along the way, take in the haunting beauty of the valley, with its towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and mysterious lochs.

Keep an eye out for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films.

There will be a stop for lunch as we make our way to Fort Augustus and the Clansman Centre along the famous Loch Ness, where vivid live shows and interactive exhibits bring the history of Scotland’s Highland clans to life.

Then, onward to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, where you have some free time to explore the city's charming streets, numerous taverns with live music, and its picturesque riverside setting.

Included :

  • Transfers: Oban – Inverness (3 hours)

  • Activities: Glencoe scenic drive; Clansman Centre; Inverness free time

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 6

Day 6 image

Inverness

Today begins with a visit to Fort George, where you can walk among its impressive ramparts and enjoy panoramic views over the Moray Firth, a beautiful inlet boasting ample marine life.

Next, journey to the poignant Culloden Battlefield, where we'll hear the story from two perspectives, which bring this epic site to life.

We'll have a hearty lunch at Cawdor Tavern, known for its warm Highland hospitality and cozy atmosphere, followed by a tour and tasting at the Singleton Distillery. Discover the craft behind their renowned single malt whiskies, paired with delicious desserts specially chosen to complement the flavours of the whiskey.

In the evening, experience a night of real Highlander hospitality at MacGregor’s, with traditional food, lively music, and the true spirit of the Highlands. See more about MacGregor's here.

Included :

  • Activities: Fort George; Culloden Battlefield; Singleton Distillery

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with live music

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7

Day 7 image

Cairngorms National Park / Pitlochry

We journey south today through Cairngorms National Park to the Rothiemurchus Estate, a breathtaking region of towering peaks, ancient forests, and pristine lochs. A park ranger will join us and share about local rewilding efforts and Highland ecology. As we travel through the estate, we'll encounter Highland cows and deer, with stops at some of the area’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Next up is a truly special experience — lunch in a tipi, surrounded by the Highlands' natural beauty! Afterwards, explore the local shops at the estate for fine foods, local crafts, and original local artwork. It's the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip!

After lunch, we'll visit a traditional working farm to see sheepdogs at work. Witness this remarkable partnership between farmer and dog as they expertly herd the flock across the fields.

Afterwards, we journey toward Pitlochry, where you’ll have free time to explore or relax at our hotel.

Included :

  • Transfers: Inverness – Pitlochry (2 hours)

  • Activities: Rothiemurchus Estate visit with Highland cows; Free time; Sheepdog farm

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in a tipi

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 8

Day 8 image

Pitlochry

Let's visit Blair Castle this morning, a stunning estate filled with stories and charm. You can wander through the noble rooms and stroll the beautifully-kept gardens — it’s like stepping back in time!

Today's lunch will be at Port-na-Craig, a cozy riverside spot by the River Tummel.

In the afternoon, there will be some free time to explore Pitlochry at your own pace. This charming Highland town is full of boutique shops, welcoming cafés, and gorgeous scenery all around. It's a perfect little town to window shop, grab a coffee, or just wander.

As evening arrives, get ready for a very memorable sound and light show in The Enchanted Forest in the nearby Faskally Wood. You'll walk along illuminated trails through a glowing wonderland — a truly magical experience!

Included :

  • Activities: Blair Castle; Pitlochry free time; Enchanted Forest light & sound show

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9

Day 9 image

Edinburgh

We will make our way to Edinburgh, and on the way, we'll participate in a hands-on foraging experience in the beautiful countryside of East Lothian. An expert with a passion for local, sustainable produce will guide us through fields and woodlands and teach us how to identify seasonal wild ingredients used in Scottish cooking. We'll reconvene for a delicious lunch in Edinburgh with a menu inspired by the ingredients you’ve gathered.

After lunch, we'll have a guided walking tour of Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque neighborhoods with cobbled lanes, old mill buildings, and peaceful views of the Water of Leith.

The rest of the day is yours to do some souvenir shopping, stop for a pint, or grab a bite for dinner.

Included :

  • Transfers: Pitlochry – Edinburgh (1.5 hours)

  • Activities: Woodland foraging; Dean Village walking tour; Edinburgh free time

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 10

Day 10 image

Edinburgh

We'll meet a local guide this morning for a walking tour of Edinburgh Castle and Old Town with stops at Greyfriars Cemetery and the Grassmarket.

After the walking tour, there will be some free time to explore the Royal Mile or one of Edinburgh’s many museums.

As evening approaches, let's gather for a private tour of Mary King’s Close, where you’ll venture beneath the Royal Mile to uncover hidden streets and spine-tingling stories from the city’s past. It’s a fascinating and spooky glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker history!

Included :

  • Activities: Edinburgh Castle; Greyfriars Cemetery; Grassmarket; Free time; Mary King's Close

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 11

Day 11 image

Edinburgh

You have today to enjoy Edinburgh at your leisure — a city alive with charm and character waiting to be discovered.

In the evening, let's regroup for an elegant evening in the Blenders’ Room at the Scotch Whisky Experience for a 3-course dinner with whiskey pairing. It’ll be a memorable night of fine food, whiskey, and warm Scottish hospitality... with a special surprise!

Included :

  • Activities: Free time

  • Meals: Breakfast, 3-course dinner with whiskey pairing

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12

Day 12 image

Departure Day

Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Edinburgh before catching your flight back home.

Included :

  • Activities: Departure (at your own expense)

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: Hotel


*Itinerary is subject to change.

About your organizer

GD
Globe Drifters
Not a Vacation but an Experience of a Lifetime! Globe Drifters' recipe for great trips is simple: Small groups, unique accommodation and handpicked destinations & experiences. We pride ourselves in putting the human experience at the heart of our tours. We are committed to creating memorable trips with the best local guides. Every trip is amended each year to translate your thoughts and our research into experiences you'll remember for a lifetime!

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Premium Scotland Trip - October 2026