VIP Tour of Scotland: A Private Access Journey

Day 1: Exclusive Beauty

Glasgow was once considered the 'rough,' but lately has been shining through like a diamond. Modern restaurants and art galleries overflow out of the Victorian facades and old manufacturing warehouses. The Art Nouveau buildings and music create the exclusive beat that the city moves to. Upon your arrive your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a remarkable hotel in the heart of the city. The gothic spires of Glasgow University stand as a beacon on the city's West End. A cosmopolitan ambiance emanates from the neighborhood known as Merchant City, known for its modern apartments inside antique facades.

Glasgow Cross sits at the city's center where five main streets come together. Tolbooth Steeple was constructed in the 17th century and stands 126 feet tall. The blue clock near the top of the steeple reminds you of the luxurious time you will have in city and all of Scotland. In the evening you can journey to Ashton Lane on the West End to dine at the famous Ubiquitous Chip. The courtyard is filled with ponds and lush greenery like a promise of the landscape to come. The aroma of fresh roast monkfish tail accompanied with clams captures your attention.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation

Day 2: Private Grounds

The Willow Tearoom was created in the early 20th century and designed by the celebrated Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. When the sunlight shines through the windows it glints off of the silver furniture and leaded glasswork. Delight in your first breakfast before meeting your guide to set out on a private tour of the cityscape. The East End of the city maintains a modicum of its wealth of history that predates the Industrial Revolution, more specifically in the cathedral precinct. A stone built church was constructed in the 12th century and has survived the tumultuous history of the Scottish reformation intact.

The edifice portrays timelessness in its uniqueness. The wooden roof contains timber that dates back to the 14th century. The stone choir screen was erected in the 15th century. You notice the narrow glow of the stained-glass windows. The east window portrays the story of the Apostles stretching across four panels. The special wonderment of the city is given to a select few that know where to find it. Your guide takes you to the splendor of each historic stone and opulent art piece.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Day 3: Sky High Quality

Sunlight washes over the hills and cobblestone streets in and around Glasgow. After breakfast, your private transfer meets you at the hotel. You quickly find yourself outside of the city at the edge of fabled Highlands. Stirling was once a strategic town that provided an important defense against invading armies. The castle continues to stand on the cliff overlooking the surrounding glen. The castle walls peek over the collection of trees that stand around the bluff's base. The castle was first constructed in the 12th century. Its current shape was added and developed between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Cannons point out of the ramparts. The castle maintains an imposing yet elegant stature from atop the cliff. Enter the grounds into an opulent world of historic Scottish royalty. The Royal Palace was built for King James the V during the Renaissance. The walls are decorated with vibrant frescos that depict stately life. A fierce unicorn mural decorates the wall above the fireplace. Each image is striking in its richness. You leave the castle behind. The hills of the Highlands take shape, forming into mountains and leaving precious valleys below. Lush grass edges rugged mountaintops and the fabled landscape comes into view.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, transfer, accommodation

Day 4: Prestigious Scenery

Fort William sits on the banks of Loch Linnhe. The north end of the city touches the stretching valley of Glen Nevis. Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom's highest mountain, can be seen in the distance. It's peak reaches almost 4,410 feet tall. Steam rises from the quaint Jacobite Steam Train, a historic locomotive that travels one of the most scenic train routes in the world. Your private guide meets you at your hotel and takes you out to view the exquisite landscape of the Scottish Highlands. You reach Loch Ness and settle along the shores of the fabled waters. The lake stretches around 23 miles from end to end.

The water ripples in the breeze and reflects the surrounding hills that extend outward from the banks. Cruise ships venture out onto the water and provide visitors with panoramas of the surrounding scenery, along with a chance to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The ruins of Urquhart Castle sit at the water's edge and look out over the lake. When you cross the castle's drawbridge you are invited into a different view of the lake, the ruins, and Scotland. The air is crisp and the breeze chills your cheeks. The hills are lush and prevalent around the water. The tower of the 13th-century castle remains in good condition. The sunlight reflects off of the lake's surface and you notice the rectangular foundations set on a rocky mound.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Day 5: Tasting the Divine

The landscape changes from the rugged mountaintops to the ethereal waterways of the coastline. Your private transfer takes you onto the ferry and to the Isle of Skye. The placid inlet glows a deep blue. The aroma of salt water rises in the air. When you reach the island's shores you find charm and character every step of the way. The village of Isle Ornsay charms you from the moment you spot its pristine white light tower. The buildings are painted the same vibrant white, which stands out against the backdrop of verdant trees and glistening blue water. Arrive at a local distillery known for its celebrated whisky.

Stroll the grounds on a private tour that takes you around the five copper pot stills and traditional tubs that create the whisky's unique flavor profile. Through the window you can see calm shores of Coral Beaches. Your guide tells you dolphins and otters are often seen playing on the water. The aromas of honey and smoked wood blend into the fresh sea air. Your guide offers you a tasting of some of the distillery's luxurious flavors; the golden color waterfalls into your glass. The aroma of apple peels emanates from the drink. You sip your sample and taste bits of pepper and smoke touched with a malty finish. A single sip can sum up the splendor of the afternoon.

What's Included: breakfast, transfer, tour, accommodation

Day 6: Tailored for You

The morning sun pierces through the early clouds. The light pours over the landscape. After breakfast, your private driver meets you at the hotel. The driver is at your service to take you around the Isle of Skye at your pace, whim, and pleasure. The island's wonder rises out of the ground at points like the Old Man of Storr. Craggy peaks break through the fertile grass. The protruding rocky surfaces reach 164 feet into the air, and the deep depression of the basalt rock create the image of a man's face in the landscape.

The scenery enchants you from all directions of the island. Dunvegan Castle is the isle's most historic building, belonging to the Macleod clan. The castle's oldest remains date back to the 14th century. The landscape provides charm, but the castle provides context. Barking seals linger on the edges of the loch. Castle towers gleam over the placid water and sprawling trees. The Macleod family ruled the castle and the lands for over 800 years.

Enter the grounds and find a unique blend sensational stonework and delicate artistry. A legendary Fairy Flag, rumored to contain magical elements, is on display in the castle. The ancient silk banner provided immeasurable strength to the Macleod Clan when unrolled during battle. The interior of the castle is cool and temperate. The lavish interior of the historic family remains, from the scarlet staircase to the rosy walls and furniture in the South East wing.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Day 7: Against the Mountainside

The mountains of Cairngorm rise along the skyline. Your private transfer met you at the hotel on the Isle of Skye and you have traversed the waterways and lush hills around the Highlands. You have edged the mountainsides and watched the peaks spread across the horizon and open up to stunning green valleys. Amidst the foothills near Pitlochry is the 13th-century edifice of Blair Castle. The opulent white facade beams against the blue sky. Manicured gardens and a tranquil wooded area known as Diana's Grove surround the estate. The castle offers deep insight into the past and present elegance of noble families.

The scent from trimmed hedges rises out of the walled garden. Lilly pads float on the pond's surface. Peacocks roam along the grass, their colorful plumage extended outward in search of a mate. The castle itself recalls the days that clans held castles and watched over the local lands. The embellished interior portrays nobility at its finest. Portraits line the staircase walls. The dining room is adorned with crown molding. Muskets and shields used in the Battle of Culloden decorate the Entrance Hall. You have a view of the prestigious Highland past in front of your eyes.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, transfer, accommodation

Day 8: Private Grounds

The sound of leaping salmon emanates from the River Tummel. They travel upstream during spring and summer to the place they were hatched. Their energetic return brings locals and visitors alike to the river. People stand knee deep and extend their fishing lines into the water. The lines sway gracefully through the air before landing in the rushing river. The fish continue their draw home every season in the peaceful rush of the water.

After breakfast, you make your way to St. Andrews, home to important Scottish landmarks: the first university and the birthplace of golf. Your private guide takes you along the coastline. The sand changes from golden to white against the rising landscape and lowering tide. The main towers of St. Andrews Cathedral continue to rise over the ruins that date back to the 12th century. The lulling sound of the sea lifts in the air. Venture through the British Golf Museum for an interactive view of the game's history.

The main gallery goes beyond the display of historic memorabilia of past British masters but allows you to relive the highlights of some of the most famous shots and holes in history. Watch as Paul Azinger becomes so frustrated he snaps his putter in two. Next door is the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, home to the 19th century golf course. Sit in the exclusive club and enjoy the sense of history that took the world by storm. The dining room overlooks the deluxe course. The sense of exclusivity is alluring as the game itself.

What's Included: breakfast, tour, accommodation

Day 9: Reserved City

Cobblestones pave the antique streets in and around the historic Edinburgh city center. Grassmarket is a historic section filled with modern cafes and restaurants, but was once known to house the city's prison. The shadow of the gibbet is an elevated circular stone decorated with a cobblestone cross. Your guide meets you at your hotel for a full-day private tour of the city. You make your way along the Royal Mile that leads from Edinburgh Castle gate to the Holyroodhouse Palace. The city rises around you in full grandeur. Scottish Parliament was opened in 2005 and designed by a celebrated Catalan architect.

The structure is meant to symbolize the flower of democracy taking root in Scottish soil. A Scottish painting inspired the windows on the western facing wall and the main facade displays asymmetrical panels. Entering the main hall a triple-arched ceiling shines with polished concrete. The debating chamber overflows with natural light, which in the architect's mind foretold the enlightenment of the democratic process. The beauty of the building is in its symbolism and distinct character. Your behind-the-scenes tour of the city takes you from the stone walls of feudalism to the open windows of democracy, set within the backdrop of Edinburgh.

What's Included: breakfast, transfer, tour, accommodation

Day 10: Scottish Royalty in the City

Welcome to Edinburgh, a city overflowing with comfort and extravagance set between historic palaces and the stunning natural landscape. Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that stands 823 feet above sea level, watches over the edge of Edinburgh. The British royal family's residence sits at the end of Royal Mile with splendor and grace. At the city center, you find the famous Edinburgh Castle standing atop a bluff. A castle has stood on Castle Rock since the 8th century.

The grounds continue to hold the opulent Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honors of Scotland. The jewels date back to the 16th century and have ben used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots. The swords are gilded and embellished with precious stones. The crown is plush with a golden frame. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the airport. As the flight soars into the air you wave goodbye to the comforts of historic royalty, hidden in the beautiful gothic facades of Old Town.

What's Included: breakfast, transfer