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history • 8 days, 7 nights

Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Scotland
history • 8 days, 7 nights

Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Scotland
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  • Group Size 10 People Maximum
  • Activity Level
    Moderate
  • Travel Style
    Overland Adventure
from $6,560 USD per person
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Traveling with Atlas Obscura during COVID-19

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Trip Overview
Overview

Immerse in the history, culture and stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands guided by a globe-trotting Scottish bagpiper. Go behind the scenes of Scotland's oldest and most revered kilt-makers to discover the history and importance of Scottish tartans. Dine with the Earl of Cromartie, current chief of Clan Mackenzie, and drop into the seat of their rivals, Clan Munro. Along the way, uncover the history House of Stuart and the Jacobite rebellion, sip Scotch whisky, explore historic castles and ruins, and enjoy the music and dance of a traditional Cèilidh.

 

Highlights
  • Dine with clan leaders at their castles to learn about the history of clan rivalries
  • Learn to dance a Cèilidh and try out playing the bagpipes
  • Discover the importance of Scottish tartans at the country's most revered kilt-maker
  • Explore the Isle of Skye and the "Old Man of Storr"
  • Stay at a beautiful Georgian country manor

Itinerary

Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.

Trip Leader

Ross Jennings
Ross Jennings is a bagpipe-playing, Guinness World Record–holding adventurer with the goal of piping in every country on Earth. So far, he’s ticked off over 100 countries! Originally from Scotland, Ross spent most of his childhood moving around Asia. He speaks Mandarin and Spanish and studied economics and Chinese at the University of Edinburgh. When he’s not off on a kilted adventure or leading trips around the world, he lives in Edinburgh. Despite being half-Irish and half-Scottish, he wears the ancient tartan of his mother’s Lowland clan, Clan Baird.

Additional Info

Pricing

The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.

Traveling Solo?

You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you: 

Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.

Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $1,420. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll send a separate invoice for the cost.

Arrival & Departure

Your trip includes an arrival airport transfer when you arrive on Day 1 of the tour. We recommend arriving around 3pm where you’ll be met by your driver who will take you to your Edinburgh hotel. 

A departure airport transfer is included on Day 8, the last day of the tour. You may depart at any time following check out. We recommend arriving a few days early or extending time in Edinburgh to explore on your own. 

*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura. 

Activity Level

Travelers should feel comfortable walking four to six miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. We’ll be spending much of our time outside and in rural areas, walking up and down stairs, and on dirt and cobblestone paths.

Included
  • Accommodation throughout the trip 
  • All meals as described in the itinerary (alcoholic drink included in welcome and farewell dinners)
  • Transportation throughout the trip
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • An experienced Atlas Obscura Leader to accompany you for the duration of the trip as well as special guests throughout
  • A curious group of fellow Atlas Obscura travelers!
  • A curious group of fellow Atlas Obscura travelers!
  • 24/7 emergency assistance during your trip, provided by Global Rescue (terms apply)
  • Special access to unique places and extraordinary experiences
Excluded
  • Transportation and flights to and from Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Additional meals and drinks outside of Atlas Obscura offerings, including most alcoholic beverages
  • Passport and visa fees, if applicable
  • COVID-19 testing requirements (if applicable)
  • Customary gratuities for Trip Leader & Driver
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Trip FAQ

By participating in this trip, you'll be supporting ancient Scottish kinship groups in their continued efforts to preserve their histories, homes, and traditions. In doing so, you'll help to maintain and highlight a portion of Scottish history that is sometimes overlooked. Tartan, as well as Scottish clan traditions, are integral to Scotland's past—and visits from the international traveler community keeps them alive. In addition, we've thoughtfully chosen our accommodations, independent tour guides, and restaurants to ensure that your trip fees are directly supporting local business owners, small businesses, and by extension, local economies.

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Upcoming Departures

  • Sep 16–Sep 23, 2023
    from $6,560
    Few Spots Left
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