Scotland:
Castles & Highlands
June 26 - 30, 2027
Booking Deadline: March 26, 2027
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to Scotland, a country where centuries-old castles rise from misty landscapes, traditional music spills out of neighborhood pubs, and the pride of the highlands lives in every ceilidh, dram, and story. This five-day journey through Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside blends cultural depth, adventure, and a fairy-tale ending in a genuine 13th-century castle. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience takes you from lively city streets to quiet highland lochs, from a hands-on Scottish cooking class to a hawk landing gracefully on your outstretched arm. You will hike, paddle, dance, sip, and eat your way through some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. Arrive ready for adventure. Leave with the story of a lifetime.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 8 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, flexibility, and shared moments throughout the trip.
✨ Pair It with Ireland and England ✨
Scotland is also available as a back-to-back trip with our Ireland and England 2027 trips. There is one day in between each destination, giving you the option to either travel straight through or take a moment to breathe between destinations. Three countries. Three full experiences. One unforgettable spring. If the timing is calling you, take the leap.
When booking, please select the "Combined Trip Add-On" to let us know you are combining trips. This is only for interest tracking so we can help you plan your flight and additional night in Scotland accordingly. Airfare and extra night’s stay is at cost and not included in either trip price.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Your home throughout this journey features two distinct stays that capture the character of Scotland from very different angles. In Edinburgh, you will stay at a boutique hotel located on the iconic Grassmarket, one of the city's most vibrant historic squares surrounded by independent shops, bars, and restaurants. You will be walking distance to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens, with all the energy of the city right outside your door.
On your final night, you will transition to a genuine 13th-century Scottish castle, complete with towers, turrets, and 800 years of history. Nestled in eleven acres of private parkland along the River Esk, this fairy-tale property offers Aqueous Spa access, a Rosette-winning dungeon restaurant, and the kind of Scottish hospitality that has hosted royalty (literally). Both stays include daily breakfast.
Please note that despite best efforts, no lift has been installed in the castle. This part of the stay involves stairs.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Saturday, June 26th)
HELLO, EDINBURGH
Your journey begins in Edinburgh, Scotland's stunning capital, a UNESCO-recognized city known for its medieval Old Town and its planned Georgian New Town. Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, your private driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel to check in and settle into the historic Grassmarket. The afternoon is yours to unwind, wander your new neighborhood, or take a stroll along the Royal Mile.
In the evening, we come together for A Taste of Scotland, a three-hour immersive Scottish evening experience. Be welcomed by a traditional piper and Highland dancers, enjoy a welcome drink, and settle in for a three-course Scottish dinner. The night comes alive with a live show hosted by Cammy the Piper, a traditional Scottish duo, and Ceilidh Band performances featuring music, folklore, singalongs, and Highland dancing.
Dinner is included.
Day Two (Sunday, June 27th)
DRINKS, WORKSHOPS + QUEER NIGHTS OUT
Begin the morning with a hands-on Scottish Food Making Workshop, hosted in a Georgian home in Edinburgh's New Town. Sip an aperitif of Edinburgh's newest gin with homemade cheese oatcakes, then learn to prepare Cullen Skink (a rich smoked haddock and leek soup), Haggis with turnip and potato mash paired with a dram of whisky, and warm, buttery shortbread you will take home with you.
In the afternoon, visit The Georgian House, a beautifully restored New Town home that offers a glimpse into life in Edinburgh during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wander through grand family rooms adorned with works from renowned Scottish artists and go 'below stairs' to discover the lives of the servants who supported this lavish lifestyle.
In the evening, we celebrate with a Gay Edinburgh by Night Tour, a private two-hour walking tour led by a local guide through Edinburgh's LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Enjoy your included drink, feel the magic of the city's queer scene, and own the night.
Breakfast included.
Day Three (Monday, June 28th)
THE COUNTRYSIDE CALLS
Today, we head into the Scottish countryside for a full-day adventure. Begin with a peaceful paddleboarding or kayaking session on Loch Lubnaig, surrounded by calm waters and striking mountain scenery. Follow with lunch in the charming town of Callander, where you will enjoy a local restaurant and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the Trossachs region (lunch at your own cost).
In the afternoon, embark on a hike along a lesser-known trail with stunning views of Loch Ard and the surrounding Ben Hills. Cap the day with a visit to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important historical fortresses, where you will explore its architecture, learn its story, and take in sweeping views of the countryside. This day is Scotland at its most cinematic.
Breakfast is included.
Day Four (Tuesday, June 29th)
LIVING LIKE ROYALTY
Today, we swap city life for something extraordinary. A private transfer will take you from Edinburgh to Dalhousie Castle, a magnificent 13th-century fortress, nestled in eleven acres of wooded parkland along the River Esk. Check into your castle chamber and take time to explore the property, peek behind unlocked doors, unwind in the Aqueous Spa, or gather by an open fire in the library.
In the afternoon, participate in the Dalhousie Castle Falconry Experience, a rare and unforgettable opportunity to interact with majestic birds of prey including Harris hawks, falcons, and owls. Handle these incredible birds in the castle grounds, learn the ancient art of falconry from expert falconers, and feel the exhilaration as a hawk swoops from the skies and lands gracefully on your outstretched arm.
Dinner at the castle's Rosette-winning dungeon restaurant is not to be missed (at your own cost)
Breakfast included.
Day Five (Wednesday, June 30th)
TIME TO SAY FAREWELL
Your Scotland journey wraps today. Enjoy a slow morning at the castle before your private transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your flight home or on to your next destination (England, we see you). You leave Scotland carrying highlands, castles, community, and the kind of memory that will stay with you for a very long time.
Breakfast included.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
5 Days, 4 Nights in boutique accommodations (3 nights Edinburgh, 1 night at Dalhousie Castle)
Daily Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Private Transportation between Edinburgh and Dalhousie Castle
A Taste of Scotland Evening Experience with Live Show and Ceilidh
Hands-On Scottish Food Making Workshop
The Georgian House Visit
Gay Edinburgh by Night Tour
Full-Day Highland Adventure: Paddleboarding/Kayaking on Loch Lubnaig, Highland Hike, and Stirling Castle Visit
Dalhousie Castle Falconry Experience
Roadbook & Support Service
Sightseeing
English-Speaking Guide
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to Ireland and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Flight Between Scotland + England (if combining trips) If you are combining this trip with our England 2027 trip, the flight between the two destinations is not included. We will help arrange this on your behalf at cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for most lunches and dinners.
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
⭐ Lock in Founding Member rate before Dec 31.
Receive $100 Annual Trip Credit (stackable if unused)
Grab your spot in the Passport Club. → Join Now
Pricing
Booking Deadline: March 21, 2027
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
A Quick Note on Booking Together
If you are traveling with a friend or partner and plan to share a room, we recommend that each of you book individually so payments and registration can be managed separately. Just include your roommate's name during registration and we will be sure to place you in the same room. If you book under one registration, all payments will be tied to the original booker and cannot be split later.
Combined Trip Add-On (England)
$0 Add-On
Select this option at checkout to let us know you are interested in combining trips.
Double Occupancy
$3,700
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$4,700
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Scotland is a European country with its own customs; their standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy walking, hiking, and immersive cultural experiences
You love history, dramatic landscapes, and a good story
You are excited to be outdoors and see wild natural beauty
You are open to meeting others and embracing the different personalities you will encounter
You are physically able to navigate stairs (Dalhousie Castle has no lift)
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Scottish cuisine; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You have difficulty walking on cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, or standing for long periods
You are looking for luxury; Scottish standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
Please try to schedule your flight to arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on Saturday, June 26th between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
Please try to schedule your departure flight from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on Wednesday, June 30th, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Three months of remaining validity required. One blank page required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 6 months in the UK.
You must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. You can apply for an ETA and find information on new requirements HERE.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter the UK.
Prior to Your Departure
Do your own research on Scotland. Being well informed adds to your overall experience. Also be sure to sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. The document below outlines the Trip Terms & Conditions you will agree to once you book, so we invite you to review it ahead of time.
Money/Currency
The official currency in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). Most hotels, restaurants, and major retailers accept credit and debit cards, though smaller pubs, shops, taxis, and family-owned businesses often prefer cash. Card transactions may include international processing fees. Scotland also issues its own banknotes (Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank) which are legal tender across the UK but occasionally not accepted in England, so plan to spend Scottish notes before crossing the border or exchange them at a bank. We recommend carrying small amounts of cash for tips and small purchases, and to check with your bank before traveling to avoid unexpected charges.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments, and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.