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Premium Scotland 12-Day Trip
$7,750 USD – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
Payments made by credit or debit card are subject to processing fees at the time of booking. These fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account, which does not incur any processing fees.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $1,350. If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.
What is included :
- 11 nights premium accommodation (double occupancy)
- Local trip leader throughout
- Globe Drifters host
- Private, climatized ground transportation
- Ferry transfers
- Most activities (as noted in the itinerary)
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
What is not included :
- Insurance
- Visas (if needed)
- International flights
- International airport pick-up & drop-off
- Optional activities
- Some lunches & dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
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Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers, and the group dynamic of each trip is different, but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.No complainers
Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things do not go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!Scotland is not like home
Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home, and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in remote areas.Trip leader
Your trip leader will help you have an unforgettable experience, can answer questions, and offer suggestions. He/She will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip, but is not your personal assistant. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leader, who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.Semi-independent trip
Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for arranging your own activities. Your trip leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities, but it is up to you to make reservations for them. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip, but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc, are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates. -
This trip requires a low level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity, you’re welcome to explore on your own.
To participate in this trip, you should be able to:
- Walk 1~2 miles (1.6~3.2 km) throughout the day unassisted, up and down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces, on inclines and declines, and on rough terrain.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours unassisted, walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from a taxi/van to the hotel.
- Get in and out of a van and bus without assistance.
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Each group consists of 8-14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because, based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip leader, who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s, and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people, and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time, and the trip leader can recommend activities that might interest you. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are paid at your own expense.
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Airport pick-up is not included. The arrival airport is Glasgow (GLA), and it takes approximately 15 minutes by car to get from the airport to your hotel in Glasgow.
Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
Airport drop-off is also not included. The departure airport is Edinburgh (EDI). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
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Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days. You may be required to show proof of exit in the form of a departure flight.
If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Scottish Embassy or Consulate about visa requirements.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
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The official currency of Scotland (UK) is the pound sterling £ (GBP), sometimes referred to as quid.
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using an online currency converter.
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We strongly recommend using ATMs to get cash, as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. ATMs are plentiful in the towns we visit during the trip, so you won’t have any issues finding one.
It is always a good idea to carry some cash in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
Your hometown may exchange your local currency for pounds, but some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees. It is best to check with your bank for what fees are associated with exchanging money in your hometown.
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Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most towns and cities (except Amex and Discover). However, local businesses, such as coffee shops, bakeries, and bars, may only accept cash. Therefore, it’s best to carry some cash in case you come across a place that does not accept cards.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Scotland. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
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While tipping isn’t mandatory in Scotland, it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is the norm. If you do decide to tip, around 10~20% of the total bill is acceptable.
Local day guides: 5~10 USD, depending on the duration of the tour.
Driver: 30~40 USD, if you were satisfied with his/her service, at the end of the trip, based on past travelers’ feedback.
Trip leader: 100~150 USD, if you feel he/she did an exceptional job, at the end of the trip, based on past travelers’ feedback.
It’s best to tip the equivalent of the amounts noted above in the local currency. For more information about tipping, please see our blog on tipping.
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We recommend having access to anywhere between 600~800 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card, based on past travelers’ feedback. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for a few lunches, tips, and any optional activities you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
Scotland is an expensive country, and most meals could cost $40~80 USD or more for one person.
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It’s best to contact your cell phone service provider about whether or not your cell phone will work. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Scotland! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may also consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
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The hotels you will stay at offer free Wifi, as do most restaurants and other public places. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty, if not absent, in more remote areas.
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In Scotland, the outlets fit UK flat prong plugs (see picture below) and use 230V and 50Hz. Most travelers will need converters and/or adapters for electronic devices.
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Scotland has cool nights as well as rain and wind year-round. It is essential to pack a warm jacket as well as a windbreaker and rain gear.
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Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Comfortable walking shoes (good traction & ankle support for cobblestone streets)
- Waterproof shoes/boots
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Thermal base layers (long-sleeve top/leggings)
- Warm jacket/coat/cardigan
- Scarf
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag (for day trips)
- Reusable water bottle
- Adapters/converters for electronics (bring 2 or more just in case)
- Prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine
- Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
- Conditioner (shampoo and soap provided)*
- Washcloth
- Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)
*Hairdryers are provided in each room along with a set of small toiletries.
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Some of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee. Most hotels need at least 24 hours to do your laundry.
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The tap water in Scotland is safe to drink. In larger cities such as Edinburgh, while it is still safe to drink, many travelers have said that they didn’t enjoy the taste of the water.
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Most areas that you will visit on this trip experience fewer crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not to leave belongings unattended to avoid being an easy target for a thief.
Pickpocketing can happen in Glasgow and Edinburgh, so please be aware of your belongings, keep your valuables secure, and do not put anything in your back pockets. Be especially vigilant if you are in public transportation or at a crowded or touristy spot, as thieves target these areas.
The US State Department offers general travel information about the United Kingdom. See below for more information:
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Yes, we can. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip, although the variety might be limited.
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website for Scotland and the United Kingdom before traveling to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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Yes, we offer private trips to Scotland depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival airport is Glasgow (GLA) and your departure airport is Edinburgh (EDI).
*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email confirmation from us, which will be sent to you 24 – 48 hours after booking your spot on the trip.
Visa
Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days in Scotland. You may be required to show proof of exit from Scotland in the form of a departure flight.
If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Scottish Embassy or Consulate about visa requirements.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Scotland.
The hotels on this trip are high-end historic properties that blend unique character and rich history with modern comfort and exceptional quality.
Glasgow
This stunning historic hotel sits in the heart of Glasgow and is steeped in 19th-century railway heritage. Boasting historical grandeur and a guest list to match, from Fred Astaire to Frank Sinatra, the hotel exudes old-world glamour. Plus, many of Glasgow’s top attractions, shopping, and dining options are just a short walk away.
The hotel’s bar was awarded Best Hotel Bar in Glasgow and is the go-to spot for glamorous cocktails for both guests and locals. Take afternoon tea or enjoy a cocktail (or two) while people-watching across the station concourse — the hotel is attached to Glasgow Central Train Station!
Oban
This iconic late-19th-century hotel sits on Oban’s seafront, within easy walking distance of the town’s restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also unwind with a treatment at the spa or enjoy a cocktail at the hotel’s bar, both offering views of Oban’s scenic harbor.
The hotel’s Michelin-awarded restaurant serves grilled specialties and fresh Scottish seafood, with vegetarian and vegan options available. During the day, the bar offers cakes, pastries, and barista-style coffee, while in the evening it transforms into a stylish spot for cocktails and Scottish spirits.
Inverness
This characterful hotel stretches along the River Ness in a series of restored Victorian townhouses. It sits directly across from Inverness Cathedral and offers easy access to the city center, riverside restaurants, and lively bars.
Pitlochry
This antique palace hotel offers sweeping views of Tummel Valley and is an easy 1 mile (1.6 km) from Pitlochry’s town center. Interesting fact: During both World Wars, the building was used to house schools that had been evacuated.
The on-site Scottish restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The bar on the premises is ideal for a nightcap after a day of adventures. The spa includes a gym, treatment rooms, and an indoor pool. Additionally, there are extensive gardens on the property, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Edinburgh
This hotel occupies the landmark India Buildings from 1864 in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just steps from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Guests can enjoy multiple venues on-site, including the flagship restaurant and bar, which serves as a modern-day social club, and a vibrant all-day dining space with a progressive approach to late-night entertainment. The hotel also features a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
