Overview
Join our Detailed Journey's small group tour through the heart of Scotland!
Book by October 2 to save $100!
We'll travel through stunning landscapes and learn about the rich, storied, history of this beautiful country. Our itinerary begins in Edinburgh and continues on through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands as we visit Oban, Glencoe, Fort William, Mallaig, Loch Ness, and Inverness.
Our knowledgeable guide, Alison, will share fascinating stories of Scotland's past, present, and folklore. Included activities and meals allow you to delve into Scottish culture, traditions, history, and every-day life. As you travel with our small group, you'll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and form lasting connections.
Benefits of traveling with Detailed Journeys to Scotland:
- A maximum of 7 travelers
- Private Guide, who is STGA Blue Badge (top rank) certified
- Private transportation
- Centrally-located 3 & 4 star hotels, two of which are family-owned
- Daily included activities like riding on the famed Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Itinerary allows for free time in Edinburgh, Oban, and Inverness
- Unique optional add-on for a full day tour to the Isle of Lunga to see the puffins up close and Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa
Important Information:
- Our first hotel night is May 20 in Edinburgh. May 19 is the start date for anyone who needs to travel overnight to get to Scotland.
- Rigors on this tour include: walking on cobblestones, stairs, and uneven ground, including up some hills in Edinburgh and Stirling. There are no elevators in our Oban and Fort William hotels. If you need help carrying a bag in Oban, the front desk can assist you. In Fort William, we recommend packing an overnight bag as you will just be there for one night. Our most rigorous parts of the tour are purposefully offered as optional experiences that can be added on.
- We ask that you pack light on this tour due to limited space for luggage in the van. You're welcome to have one carry-on or smaller checked bag (no giant suitcases please!) and a day bag that you can keep with you at your seat. We will provide you with a detailed packing list to help with this.
- Scotland is very good about dietary restrictions and food allergies. If you have any specific needs, please don't hesitate to check with us before booking.
- This tour is open to anyone who is 18+ and vaccinated against Covid-19.
- Your $300 non-refundable deposit is due at booking. Your trip must be paid in full by March 20, 2024. You are welcome to make installment payments or pay in full any time before then as well.
Interested in a single room?
We are going to offer one on this departure, but the single supplement cost will depend on how many double rooms we fill. Please email us to let us know if you are interested. Do not go through the registration process as it only has double room spots listed right now.

Our Guide Alison!
I'm Alison (Ali) Motion and I'm a Scot who loves to tell stories about this land of ours, particularly about its wildlife, its landscape and how it looks now, and why. From the forests and the waters, to the fabulous food and drink we produce, and the farmers and crofters that produce it. I'll be introducing you to some of my favourite places,with their great stories to tell of Scotland now, and Scotland past.
I've a degree in Cultural History which draws me to the history of the people, and how we live, and lived. I'm an outdoors person and like to introduce people to gentle walks that open up areas of Scotland that you may not otherwise see. I've lived and worked in the four largest cities in Scotland, and have family all up the East Coast, and other family and friends all up the West Coast, including many of our islands.
I can't wait to meet you and to help you immerse yourself in this brilliant land.

Unique Optional Experiences
Day 5, May 23: Treshnish Isles to see the puffins up close & Fingal's Cave
Day 7, May 25: Steall Gorge Hike to the waterfall
Day 8, May 26: Morning walk in the magical Reelig Glen
Day 8, May 26: Urquarht Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, & Farm Lunch

Edinburgh Hotel: Ibis Royal Mile Hunter Square
- 3 star hotel
- Centrally-located on the Royal Mile, this helps cut down on walking/taxi/tram times to anything you'd like to see or do!
- Breakfast available, £13.50/day
- Air cooling systems in the rooms
- Bar & Restaurant
- Luggage storage
- Elevator
Note - don't let the picture worry you! The twin beds will have space between them, they just weren't pushed apart when this photo was taken.

Family-owned Oban hotel: The Scot
Our hotel in Oban, May 22 - 24 is The Scot.
- Family-owned
- 3 star
- Centrally located
- Breakfast included
- Bar
- Terrace
- Fireplace
- Waterfall showers

Family-Owned Fort William Hotel: The Garrison
Our hotel in Fort William for the night of May 24 is The Garrison.
- 4 star hotel
- Family-owned
- Centrally located
- Breakfast included
- Bar & coffee shop

Inverness Hotel: River Ness Radisson
Our hotel in Inverness, May 25 - 27 is the River Ness - a member of Radisson Individuals
- 3.5 star
- Centrally located
- Restaurant and bar/lounge
- Breakfast available, £13.95/day
- Elevator
- Mini-fridge in rooms
- Air conditioning