2023 October 1 to 8
Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $6598
Private Room: $8298
Physical Challenge
Highlights
Tour the 13th-century cliff-top fortress, Dunnottar Castle
Explore the Royal Mile
Paddle the glassy waters of Loch Tay
Sip whisky at a closed-door distillery
Relax on our loch-side picnic lunch
Zipline through the towering treetops of Loch Lomond National Park
Hike on the forest trails in Cairngorms National Park
Overview
On this gay Scotland Adventure Tour, we find the most enjoyable ways to see the destination. We will start our journey with a walking tour to give some history and to view the Old Town of Edinburgh before we head to the countryside. Join us as we explore Cairngorms National Park on foot, and zip-line through the tree-tops of Loch Lomond National Park. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Loch Tay and views from Dunnottar Castle. We will even have time for a private closed-door whiskey distillery tour. Head to Scotland now and get your fix on men in sexy kilts.
Itinerary
Map:
Day 1: Welcome to Scotland
After our arrival today in Edinburgh we will be transferred from the airport to our city-center hotel for the evening. This evening we gather for our group orientation and our Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: The Royal Mile
Today’s explorations begin with a guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s vibrant Old Town, taking in the modern parliament building, St Giles Cathedral, The Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh has been historically referred to as the “Athens of the North,” and Historic Edinburgh’s Old Town sets our precedent for more of Scotland’s sights and adventures on this tour.
This evening, we will enjoy dinner together.
Day 3: Heading North – Dundee/Dunnottar Castle/Cairngorm National Park
After breakfast, we will begin our journey north, stopping at the V&A Museum in Dundee. This is the first Victoria and Albert museum outside London. As well as the first design museum in Scotland.
We will enjoy lunch before heading up the east coast and arriving at a 13th-century cliff-top fortress, Dunnottar Castle. The castle is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and offers panoramic views of the Aberdeenshire coast.
Next, we will make our way through the countryside, arriving at the Victorian village of Ballater, which sits in the heart of Royal Deeside in the Cairngorms National Park!
Day 4: Hiking Cairngorms National Park – Whisky Tasting
Today we will head to the Highlands for some hiking. We will travel north across ‘The Lecht’, a spectacular ridge-top road, to reach our trailhead in Speyside. This is Scotland’s most famous whisky-making region. The tiny settlement of Tomnavoulin will be our starting point, as we embark on a circular hike. This will take us to the summit of Carn Daimh.
After our hike, we will enjoy ‘a wee dram’ (a small measure of whisky) and take a tour of the famous Glenlivet Distillery, founded in 1824. Next, we will head to the highest village in the Highlands, Tomintoul, home to the best whisky shop in Scotland. Take some time to shop around and perhaps sample a wide range of whiskies and spirits from across the country.
Day 5: Cairngorms National Park Hiking – Wildlife Reserve in Perthshire
Cairngorms National Park is also one of the most gorgeous places to hike; this morning we will hit the trails and hike through ancient Caledonian pine forests. The park is designated as a “protected landscape” which permits only limited development inside its borders, and here you’ll see hidden lochs as you keep watch for majestic wildlife along the way. It is not uncommon to spot soaring ospreys, red squirrels, black grouse, mountain hares, golden eagles, and reindeer.
If time allows, we will stop at the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near the village of Dunkeld. This reserve covers 130 hectares and is host to a year-round array of local wildlife, red squirrels, fallow deer, and great-spotted woodpeckers.
Day 6: Standup Paddle Boarding(SUP) Hiking in Perthshire
After breakfast, we will paddle the crystal-clear waters of Loch Tay. Our local guide will take us through everything we need to know for our safety on the water while we enjoy the stunning views. Later we will enjoy a pub lunch before our short hike up to Kenmore Hill. The viewpoint offers fantastic vistas along the length of Loch Tay and the surrounding hills.
Later this afternoon, we will arrive in the lively village of Aberfeldy. Here we can settle in to watch a movie at the cool Art Deco movie theater.
Day 7: Zip Lining
This morning we will head to the heart of Loch Lomond National Park. Once we arrive in Aberfoyle, we will enjoy some thrilling tree-top zip-lining. Afterward, we will enjoy lunch before heading to our final hotel, one of Scotland’s finest hotels, Gleneagles. It’s a glorious playground in the heart of the Scottish countryside.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the luxurious 5-star hotel as you wish. Hit the gym, indulge in the award-winning spa, or shop, or just settle back and take in the spectacular surroundings.
This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner at Birnam Brasserie.
Day 8: Farewell Scotland
Today after breakfast, take one final last dip in the pool or walk around the grounds before our 1-hour transfer to Edinburgh for your flight home.
Price Includes
Price includes: Airport transfers on arrival and departure days; 7 nights of lodging accommodations in double occupancy, with private bath; including hotel service charges, and government taxes; All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners; All activities mentioned in the itinerary; Gratuities for porterage and included meals; Service of knowledgeable local guides; Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.
Not included: Airfare to and from starting and ending points; Gratuities for guides, HE host, and hotel staff; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.
We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.
Extensions
FAQ
- What if I am traveling alone?
- Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it’s usually because they’re looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn’t have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you’ll be traveling with friends. You don’t need to pay the single supplement if you’re traveling alone. We’ll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.
- What is the physical activity level of this tour?
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Physical Activity Level
Traveling on this Scotland tour requires you to be comfortable hiking, zip-lining, mountain biking, and canoeing.
- Where does the tour start and end?
- This tour starts and ends in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- What will the hotels be like?
- We will enjoy staying at 3 different charming 4-star hotels every night on our tour. The last night will be at a 5 star.
- Additional Questions
- For answers to your additional questions, please email info@hetravel.com or call 305-294-8174