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 We invite you to join us for all-gay, 13-day 5* inclusive journey, uncovering Scotland’s majesty including Glasgow, Oban, Loch Lomond, Isle of Mull, Iona, Stirling, and Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh. This carefully crafted tour is tailored to provide you with the finest experiences Scotland has to offer, seamlessly delivered in a luxurious and effortless manner. Embark on a journey filled with remarkable moments, where you can share unforgettable experiences with your LGBT+ family. Additionally, the trip offers the freedom to express your individuality through the choice of different activities and tours, allowing you to craft your own memories and freestyle your day, your way.
Explore Glasgow’s architecture, museums, and history. Take a day trip to Stirling Castle and the man-made wonder of the Kelpies. Relax and enjoy the incredible scenery on a paddle boat steamer along the west coast of Scotland. Dine at Michelin Star UNALOME. Take in Loch Lomond which is at the center of the breathtaking Lomond and The Trossachs National Park on two adventurous excursions, a rib boat ride across the loch and a 4×4 Highland Game Drive with lunch on top of a mountain with spectacular views.
Revel in a full-day tour of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and a visit to Iona, two of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides Islands. Discover the West Highlands on board The Jacobite Steam Train, described as the greatest railway journey in the world. Visit some of Scotland’s most iconic castles and religious sites such as Inverary Castle, Melrose Abbey, Rosslyn Chapel, and Glamis Castle. We round out this incredible journey in Edinburgh with a luxury Castle dining experience at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a visit to the award-winning Jonnie Walker Experience, a luxury State Dinner onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia where you will enjoy unparalleled access to the former floating home of the Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth. August in Edinburgh is the most exciting time for the capital as it is home to some major festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe (also referred to as the Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe Festival or the Fringe). Together they form the world’s largest performance arts festival featuring more than 50,000 performances.
Enjoy all this and so much more on this comprehensive, inclusive all-LGBT+ tour of Scotland.
Day 1 - Tuesday, August 10, 2027
Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. As a UNESCO City of Music, it boasts a rich musical heritage and a lively arts scene. The city’s architecture, particularly the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is a testament to its design prowess. Glasgow’s parks and green spaces provide a refreshing escape from the city’s urban life. For those interested in history, the city’s museums and galleries house some of Scotland’s most significant art collections.
Airport arrival transfers are available from either Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) airports. Our guides will meet you at the airport to assist with your transfer to the Voco Grand Hotel in the center of Glasgow. After settling in, enjoy the remainder of your day exploring the city on your own. Join us in the evening for a welcome dinner, where you will meet your fellow guests and gay trip hosts.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel , Glasgow, 4*
Day 2 - Wednesday, August 11, 2027
After a full Scottish breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a tour of Scotland’s Largest City, Glasgow, by motor coach and walking. Among the city’s architectural highlights, we’ll explore the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park. The Burrell Collection is one of the greatest art collections ever amassed by one person, consisting of more than 9,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. The award-winning collection is housed in the heart of Pollok Country Park and includes work by artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne. Spend the day getting inspired by the range of collections on show, from late medieval artefacts to Islamic art. We also step back in time to visit Glasgow Riverside Museum. It is Glasgow’s award-winning transport and technology museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow, 4*
Day 3 - Thursday, August 12, 2027
Today, following breakfast at the hotel, we visit Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. The castle sits atop an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. Before the bloody union with England, Stirling Castle was also one of the most used of the many Scottish royal residences, very much a palace as well as a fortress. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542, and others were born or died there.
We have lunch in Stirling and afterwards visit The Helix Park, home of The Kelpies – the largest equine sculptures in the world. Standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tons each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons of times gone by — Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, plows, barges and coal ships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
In the evening enjoy a curry, described as the National food of the UK and Glasgow is one of the best places to feast on Indian cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow, 4*
Day 4 - Friday, August 13, 2027
After Breakfast, we step aboard a day cruise to one of the most special places in Scotland, the west coast. We’ll sail towards the stunning island of Arran, an inscribed UNESCO Global Geopark. As you approach the iconic silhouette of Arran, with Goatfell’s jagged lines dominating the sky (if the clouds lift to let you have a preview), you will instantly relax and start to get into the island way of life. Shop for local crafts and the famous Aran knitwear while you explore this small island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow, 4*
Day 5 - Saturday, August 14, 2027
After breakfast we check out and head for Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain, known as Lochs in Scotland, this beauty is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities. We start the day with a brisk strong>fast rib cruise on the Loch followed by your own personal 4 X 4 off road adventure. Experience the thrill of driving our iconic Land Rover Defenders off-road, as you enjoy a guided tour of the incredible Loch Lomond landscape. Meet a game keeper, and dine atop the mountain overlooking the Loch. We continue to Oban where we check into the Oban Bay hotel in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban, 4*
Day 6 - Sunday, August 15, 2027
Today, following breakfast, we take the ferry to visit The Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides (after Skye) and home to the picturesque town of Tobermory with its colorful houses and vibrant community. Mull is host to numerous sports competitions, notably the Highland Games competition, held annually in July. The isle is home to four castles, including the towering castle of Duart and the keep of Moy Castle. On the south coast, a stone circle is located in the settlement of Lochbuie.
We then head to the other end of the island to take another ferry to Iona. There, we visit Iona Abbey, a center of Gaelic monasticism for three centuries and known as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity in Scotland, where St Columba visited in the year 563 to establish the Abbey.
In the evening we return our hotel in Oban where we’ll enjoy dinner before a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban, 4*
Day 7 - Monday, August 16, 2027
After breakfast, we head to Fort William the largest town in the Highlands, which lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. This area is a fine location to use as a base to discover the West Highlands on board The Jacobite Steam Train. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, the 84 mile round trip takes you to 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! On our journey, we cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films), which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view. Time permitting, we may also stop at Glenfinnan station to stretch your legs and visit the West Highland Railway Museum located in the restored station building.
The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view.After, we return to Oban and another wonderful dinner together before turning in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban, 4*
Day 8 - Tuesday, August 17, 2027
After breakfast we check out and begin our journey to Edinburgh. This is the longest travel day on the tour so we’ll make a stop at along the way to visit Inveraray Castle, home to The Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Inveraray Castle is first and foremost a family home, however, its very existence reflects the part played by the Campbells in the rich tapestry of Scottish and British History. The contents of Inveraray Castle span many generations of the family and will give you a glimpse of their heritage and the way the family ancestors lived. After we enjoy tea and cake in the castle café, we’ll continue our journey towards Edinburgh.
Sit back, relax and take in the scenery as we travel to our late lunch just outside the city and finally arriving at the historic Kimpton Hotel in Edinburgh. After check in join the hotel staff as they offer complimentary drinks before you head out on your own to explore The Edinburgh International Fringe Festival (details to be provided once the festival program has been released).
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
Day 9 - Wednesday, August 18, 2027
Today, after breakfast, we visit some of Scotland’s most iconic religious locations. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair. The beauty of its setting, in rural Midlothian, the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework and its role in the Da Vinci Code have inspired, attracted and intrigued writers, artists and visitors ever since. We will also visit Melrose Abbey, a place so beloved by Robert the Bruce (a pivotal figure in Scottish history, best known for leading Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England), he chose it as the final resting place for his heart. Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale, and it was a highly desirable place to be buried.
After returning to the hotel with some time to refresh, we gather for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
Day 10 - Thursday, August 19, 2027
Today, following breakfast at the hotel, we venture outside the city to step through the gates of Glamis Castle for a journey into history dating back to 1372. You will explore the beautiful kitchen gardens, the atmospheric Macbeth Loop and take in a tour where the stories within the castle walls are brought to life. Once host to Mary, Queen of Scots, Glamis is said to have inspired one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth. Glamis also has a deep connection to today’s Royal Family as it was the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret. Enjoy lunch in the castle kitchen before returning to Edinburgh.
This evening enjoy dinner on own your own and take in more of the Edinburgh International Festival and The Fringe Fest (details to be provided once the festival program has been released).
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
Day 11 - Sunday, August 20, 2027
After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh’s “New Town”, including the theatrical, educational and absolutely fun Jonnie Walker Experience. Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a personalized theatrical whisky experience where you can explore the flavors of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. Even those who don’t enjoy whiskey will enjoy the experience. Embark on your journey of flavor tour, shop whiskies you won’t find anywhere else and visit the 1820 rooftop bar for unbeatable views of Edinburgh Castle.
Enjoy lunch on your own before your kilt/sash fitting.
Tonight, we partake of a royal experience on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Follow in the footsteps of Kings, Queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents as you board one of the most famous ships in the world . You will receive a unique insight into life aboard in days gone by and join your fellow guests in the State Drawing Room for a glass or two of chilled champagne and a selection of irresistible canapés. You are then invited into the State Dining Room, where the finest crystal, gleaming cutlery, fresh flowers, and personalized menus embossed with Britannia’s unmistakable gold crest await you. Dine on the finest food and wines fit for Royalty.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
Day 12 - Saturday, August 21, 2027
After a leisurely breakfast enjoy touring Edinburgh’s Old Town Royal Mile. We start with a tour at Holyrood Palace then walk past Scotland’s Parliament as we head up the Royal Mile towards The Real St Mary’s Close, packed full of history, 400 Hundred Years to be precise. Step down onto the streets beneath The Royal Mile to travel back in time with one of The Close’s former residents. You will experience history through the eyes of the people who lived it.
Afterwards, we head up the mile towards the famous Castle. On the way we’ll make a stop so that you can grab a quick bite to tie you over until dinner.
Once we arrive at the castle, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner inside the castle walls before enjoying the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2027. An experience like no other, the show brings together the best of British military with international performances from a global cast. Presenting emotionally charged entertainment featuring cutting edge lighting, sound and military precision. Afterwards we walk back to the hotel to say our fond farewells.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
Day 13 - Sunday, August 22, 2027
Following breakfast, an included transfer will take you to the airport or train station for your trip home or onward destination. Hotel check-out is at 11:00am this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Since 1947 during August, Edinburgh welcomes over 50,000 performers delivering thousands of shows in an array of venues from cars to castles. The population swells to welcome people from all over the world all enjoying the festival atmosphere, the streets are littered with performers in every possible spare building, pavement or garden.
Check back closer to travel in 2027, for links to the festival, where you can browse and book shows during your free time in Edinburgh.
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• Full day tour of Glasgow, highlighting art and architecture
• Visit Stirling castle and the famous Kelpies
• Cruise to the island of Arran a UNESCO Global Geopark
• Zip across Loch Lomond on a rib boat excursion
• Experience the Trossacks in a 4×4 Highland Drive
• Ferry to the Inner Hebrides Islands, the Isle of Mull and Iona
• Discover the West Highlands on board The Jacobite Steam Train
• Visit Inverary Castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll
• Visit the world Famous Rosslyn Chapel of The Davinci Code fame
• Tour Glamis Castle, former home of HM The Queen Mother and enjoy a private tea in the kitchen
• Enjoy a Scottish whisky experience at Johnnie Walker
• Enjoy a Luxury State Dinner and tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia dressed in formal Highland kilts
• Explore Holyrood Palace and Mary Kings Close along with other highlights of Edinburgh
• Enjoy a luxury experience with a castle dinner and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in premium seats
• Enjoy free time to explore the Edinburgh International Festival
• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
• Guaranteed all LGBT+ group
• Daily tours and Castle entrance fees are included as described in the detailed itinerary
• Gay Tour Leader at your disposal throughout your journey
• Tour manager at your disposal throughout your journey
• 4 nights 4* hotel accommodation at the Voco Grand Hotel in Glasgow
• 3 nights 4* hotel accommodation at the Oban Bay Hotel in Oban
• 5 nights 5* luxury hotel accommodation in the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh
• State Dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia with a luxury dining experience
• Complimentary formal Highland dress hire
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Luxury premium seating experience including dinner at castle
• Daily breakfast and lunches and dinners as per the itinerary
• Wine, beer and soft drinks with all lunches and dinners
• All tours and visits as detailed in the day to day itinerary
• Included arrival and departure transfers
voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow, 4*
Located adjacent to Glasgow Central Station and steeped in 19th-century railway history, our hotel offers unrivalled glamour combined with convenience.
With the subway nearby, exploring Glasgow's vibrant West End, attending concerts at The OVO Hydro, or participating in trade events at the SEC is effortless. Plus, you can hop on the shuttle to Glasgow Airport just a stone's throw away. Take a leisurely stroll to George Square to admire monuments of renowned Scots or treat yourself with a shopping spree along The Style Mile.
Relax in comfort and luxury in our guest rooms, where thoughtful voco™ touches await, including fragrant toiletries, bedside USB connections, and bespoke art. From cosy singles to lavish suites with separate living areas, or contemporary loft rooms with marble bathrooms, there's an option for every preference.
Elegance exudes from our high ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and rich wood panelling, creating an ambience that sets our hotel apart. Sip on a glass of bubbly or savour cocktails in our magnificent marble-clad Champagne Central bar, which welcomes guests throughout the day for sharing menus and delightful afternoon tea. For a hearty start to the day, the restaurant serves up a Scottish breakfast to remember.
Oban Bay Hotel, Oban, 4*
Set on the edge of Oban's Esplanade, with sea views of Mull, Kerrera and the Firth of Lorne, the hotel has a sun lounge and free WiFi. ll rooms feature a private bathroom, a hairdryer, a TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
In the evening, the Oban Bay Hotel's award winning restaurant The Grill Room has an à la carte menu featuring fresh, local seafood and organic produce while the bar serves meals throughout the day.
The sun lounge stretches the entire length of the hotel, offering an extensive drinks list including cocktails and whiskies, and Afternoon Tea and lunch is served during the day.
The hotel offers chargeable experiences, such as the Thermal Experience, where Guests, couples and singles, can book to spend exclusive and private time in the sunken Canadian style outdoor hot tub, Swedish oak barreled sauna, Roman acrylic steam room and Zen relaxation room. Take time out to relax and experience the combined health benefits offered in this private and exclusive area located on their Sea Deck. Guests may also book Spa Treatments at the hotel as they offer a range of treatments from Facials to Massages.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh, 5*
The 5* Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Edinburgh consists of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses, overlooking one of Edinburgh’s prettiest private garden squares, Charlotte Square is situated in Edinburgh’s New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s delightfully removed from the city’s tourist hubs. But it’s inside where things really get interesting. The interior blends handsome woods, plush fabrics, and rich pops of color—and, yes, just a touch of tartan—to luxurious effect. And with a magnetic inner courtyard and an acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant, it’s no wonder the hotel has become a natural meeting point and a sociable heart of modern life.
The rooms offer a flat-screen Smart TV, 300 thread count bed linen, a complimentary treat box and a fridge with complimentary fresh milk and mineral water. The en suite bathrooms have a selection of complimentary toiletries.
Breakfast is served in The Garden, an indoor courtyard, which serves food and drink throughout the day, including salads, hot dishes, cakes, spritzers and Scottish cocktails in the evening. Another dining option is BABA, a mezze and charcoal grill restaurant and cocktail bar. It offers Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival
You should schedule your flights to arrive in Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) by August 10, 2027. Arrival transfers to the VOCO Grand Hotel in Glasgow. The first activity will be approximately 5:30pm.
Departure
You should schedule your departure from Edinburgh (EDI) anytime on August 22, 2027. Hotel check out is at 11:00am. Flights may also depart from Glasgow (GLA), and transfers will still be provided.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers
are provided from the Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) Airports to the VOCO Grand Hotel in Glasgow.
Departure transfers
are provided from the Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel to the Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Flights may also depart from Glasgow (GLA), and transfers will still be provided.
If you extend your stay at these properties, the transfers will still be included. Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
While some countries in Europe only require 3 months’ validity on your passport, others require 6 months even if you are only transiting through that country. Therefore, we advise all guests to ensure their passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months after your last date of travel.
United Kingdom (UK) Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
All U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through the UK for tourism will need to obtain an UK ETA to travel. Applications may be submitted via the UK Government website. Decisions are typically made within three working days, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for travelers visiting European countries within the Schengen Area. ETIAS is projecting to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. This will only be required if you are visiting other countries in Europe that are within the Schengen area.
What if I have dietary requirements (allergies, religious restrictions, or preferences)?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.
What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
Baggage Allowance
As a small group we are traveling on one bus between city’s, we request you carry one checked bag, one small carry on and a backpack for personal items.
What weather can I expect from this trip?
The weather in Scotland and especially on the islands will be varied. The days can reach mid 70’s and the evenings are generally in the 40’s.
 
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