Discover my unforgettable Scottish adventure with Globus—from a snow-dusting, castles and Highland legends to scenic drives and historic cities. A week of rich culture, cozy pubs, and magical moments across Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
Day 1: Flying Into Adventure
I left home at 9:30 a.m. with a heart full of excitement, kicking off my long-awaited journey to Scotland. My first flight took me from Atlanta to Newark, where I grabbed a some dinner and a bottle of bubbly, since I had quite a long layover. I watched travelers from all walks of life heading off on their own adventures. My friend who was meeting me, had a drink with me at her airport and I enjoyed a bottle at mine while we enjoyed our layovers “together” on video chat. I had originally booked both legs of my trip for just myself, but ended up adding traveling companions to both legs of my journey.
As I boarded my overnight flight to Edinburgh, I felt like I was walking into a dream; I just couldn’t wait to see my Scottish heritage and the infamous Highlands. With every mile across the Atlantic, the excitement built. I barely slept, too eager to arrive (and of course in quite a bit of pain from sitting; the nagging pain in my back has just gotten worse and worse since last summer) in the land of lochs and legends.
Day 2: Arrival & Wandering Old Town Edinburgh
I touched down in Edinburgh at 7:50 a.m. under gray skies and cool winter air. Passport control was a breeze, thanks to facial recognition, and by 8:30 a.m., I had met my friendly Globus transfer driver. I arrived at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel by 9:00 a.m., I was able to check in, I rested and waited on my travel companion to arrive.
Once she arrived, with just a quick refresh, we headed out to discover the city on foot. Our first stop was what was left standing of the quirky Meat Market from 1884. Then we climbed the Miss Jean Brody Steps for a unique view of the Edinburgh Castle and wandered through the bustling Grassmarket Market, where we browsed handcrafted goods and chatted with local vendors. I had a fabulous vegan mint chocolate cupcake! Old Town Edinburgh felt alive with stories—every alley and cobbled street echoed with history.
Victoria Street, with its rainbow of storefronts and whimsical curves, was a highlight. I could see why it inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. For dinner, we stopped at Mariachi, where we shared plates of pork, fish, and barbacoa tacos, plus a five-salsa sampler that lit up my taste buds. We ended the evening with some relaxed shopping and tucked in early, ready for the adventures ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket
Weather: Low 32°F / High 46°F
Day 3: Harry Potter Magic & the Royal Mile
After a warm breakfast, we made our way to the National Museum of Scotland to begin our Harry Potter walking tour. The tour guide was a true storyteller, weaving J.K. Rowling’s inspirations with Edinburgh’s mystical charm. I am not even a Harry Potter fan, but my best friend is, so I booked this one for her! It was very interesting to know the interworking and why behind the stories. I enjoy that kind of story more so than the story itself.
During the during, we first walked to Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to tombstones like Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall. We passed George Heriot’s School, which mirrored Hogwarts with its four historic houses. Next up we saw some of Edinburgh’s legendary sites and some that were used as inspiration in J.K. Rowling’s novels: Bedlam Theater, Napier’s Apothecary (Scotland’s oldest pharmacy), and The Elephant House Café (sadly had a fire and only has its online shop open for now)—a writing haven for Rowling.
There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.
J.K. Rowling
We wandered through the Grass market (where we heard the story of half hung Maggie Dickson), revisited Victoria Street, and continued through the Royal Mile. I even saw J.K. Rowling’s handprints at the City Chambers, where she received the Edinburgh Award. The whole experience made me feel like I was walking through the pages of a book.
After the tour, we had lunch at Luckenbooths (where I ran into some folks that work with me indirectly; how odd, all the way around the globe), then took a stroll to Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, and The World’s End pub. We even spotted rabbits hopping around near Edinburgh Castle on our way back to the hotel.
That evening, our Globus tour officially began when we met up with our Globus group for a welcome dinner and drinks at the hotel. The connections we began forming that night would shape the entire week.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket
Weather: Low 32°F / High 39°F
Day 4: City Sights & Journey North
We started the morning with breakfast at 7:00 a.m., followed by a short city bus tour at 8:30 a.m. with our Globus guide. I wasn’t feeling my best and dozed through most of the ride, but it gave me a chance to recharge before diving into one of the most iconic stops on our trip: Edinburgh Castle.
Our tickets were included with the tour, and we began a guided walk through the sprawling fortress perched high above the city. Inside, we saw the Scottish Crown Jewels—no photos allowed, but their majesty was unforgettable. We explored St. Margaret’s Chapel, stood beside Mons Meg, the mighty medieval cannon, and even found a cemetery dedicated to soldiers’ dogs—a touching tribute that made the entire place feel more human.
After the castle, we had free time to explore on our own. We wandered down toward Princes Street, pausing at the dramatic Scott Monument and listening to a street performer playing both a violin and a horn contraption—a one-man orchestra in a city of sound. We even popped into the New Balance store before heading deeper into lesser-known parts of the city.
From there, we explored The Lodge of Edinburgh, a striking building filled with Masonic mystery, and stumbled across a red telephone box converted into a mini Scottish history exhibit. We passed the Catherine Sinclair Monument, admired the view from St. Bernard’s Well, and found ourselves walking along Miller Row in what looked like an old industrial village beside a charming waterfall.
We ended the afternoon at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, its spires silhouetted against the cloudy sky.
As an extra excursion (£ 88) dinner and show at The Scottish Engineer, that evening, we were treated to authentic Scottish culture with performances from accordionist David Vernon, who has been playing since he was six; bagpiper Andy Coulter; and a lively group of Spirit of Scotland dancers. The rhythm, the pipes, and the kilts brought the day to a perfect Highland crescendo.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket
Weather: Low 39°F / High 46°F
Day 5: Hunting Legends at Loch Ness
We were up early—bags out at 6:45 a.m., breakfast at 7:00, and boarding the bus by 8:00 a.m. As we left Edinburgh, we passed by Craigleith School, then crossed the middle of Scotland’s iconic three Forth Bridges: the Forth Bridge (railway, built 1890), the Forth Road Bridge (1964), and the newest Queensferry Crossing (2017). These engineering marvels span three centuries and connect Fife and Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth.
As we continued through the countryside, we passed through Auchtermuchty, and spotted Elmwood College, an agricultural school near Cooper. On our left was Eden Bay, a peaceful view as we approached St Andrews.
Our first stop of the day was at the legendary Old Course at St Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world. We snapped a photo at the iconic 18th hole, where the wind off the North Sea added to the drama. We grabbed a delicious second breakfast at The Niblick, browsed the gift shop, and enjoyed the setting where “Chariots of Fire” was famously filmed.
Driving on, we passed through Guardbridge, home of the Eden Distillery, and got a glimpse of the University of St Andrews, where many historic minds have walked before. We reached Dundee, then stopped for lunch in Pitlochry at McKay’s, where I had some fantastic fish and chips.
The afternoon included a guided tour at the Blair Athol Distillery, which dates back to 1746 (officially licensed in 1798). This small distillery produces about 3 million liters a year, but only 0.3% is bottled as single malt—the rest blends into Johnnie Walker. I learned that scotch whisky must be aged at least 3 years and 1 day in oak and undergo double distillation. Their motto: “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.”
We left the distillery around 3:00 p.m., making our way through the mountains, passing the highest point of the journey at 1,500 feet. We cruised by the Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve, and saw the haunting ruins of Ruthven Barracks. Built after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715, the barracks stood strong against a 1745 attack before falling in 1746. After Culloden, the remaining Jacobite troops rallied here before surrendering.
By 5:00 p.m., we reached Inverness, Scotland’s second-newest city (established in 2000). We checked into the stylish AC Hotel by Marriott, and then headed to Hootananny, a local favorite, for dinner. We ended the evening walking along Church Street, spotting Leakey’s Bookshop, the Three Virtues sculpture, The Steeple, and Inverness Town Hall. The charm of the Highlands was settling in nicely.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: AC Hotel Inverness
Weather: Low 35°F / High 46°F
Day 6: Culloden, Distilleries & Western Roads
We had another early start with bags out at 7:00 a.m., breakfast at 7:00 a.m., and wheels rolling by 8:15 a.m. Our first stop was the Culloden Battlefield, where the final clash of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746. Walking the grounds, I could feel the heaviness in the air—a solemn start to the day but an important one.
We looped back through Inverness, heading south toward Loch Ness. The loch spans 23 miles and plunges 230 meters deep, with near-zero visibility just two feet below the surface. It maintains a consistent temperature of 5°C (41°F) year-round. We passed the Dores Inn, the site of the first documented Nessie sighting, and paused at a lookout near Urquhart Castle for photos.
Our next stop was the Commando Memorial, with a sweeping view of the Ben Nevis range—the highest point in the UK. The contrast between somber remembrance and rugged Highland beauty was striking.
Lunch was a quick 45-minute break at Spean Bridge Mill, where I grabbed soup and a sandwich in a cafeteria-style café. It was just what I needed before we pressed on.
We then made our way to Glenfinnan, home to the famous viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. Even without the Hogwarts Express crossing, it was awe-inspiring to see it curve through the valley.
We reached Oban Bay Hotel, which had been tastefully refurbished during COVID, and had just enough time to freshen up before our optional pub excursion at 4:15 p.m. We crossed the narrow Bridge Over the Atlantic—yes, it’s a real place!—on our way to Seal Island. The journey was half the fun, with single-track roads winding through postcard-perfect countryside. It was quite the trek on the huge Globus motor coach; as usual the Globus drivers always blow me away with their precision and skill driving these big vehicles through the narrow streets and tight curves.
Our destination? As an extra excursion (£ 32), a quirky pub known as the House of the Trousers, where stories flowed like the pints. Back in Oban, we enjoyed a cozy dinner at the hotel at 7:30 p.m. It was a day full of legends, landscapes, and lively local flavor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Oban Bay Hotel
Weather: 42°F to 37°F
Day 7: Through the Trossachs to Glasgow
We had a relaxed start today—bags out by 7:15 a.m., and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Unlike previous mornings, breakfast was made-to-order from a menu, not buffet-style. Though our guide, Gavin, warned it might take a while, the service was surprisingly quick. Pro tip: if you want extra time to explore Oban before departure, get to breakfast early.
We had free time until 10:30 a.m., so we decided to hike to McCaig’s Tower. Google said the route was mostly flat—but we quickly learned that depends on which route you take! We climbed up one way and took a different, easier route back down. If you’re looking for the flattest path, follow the roundabout route near the Muthu Alexandra Hotel and Sutherland Hotel.
The view was worth every step. We learned about the area’s claim to having the world’s first freshwater recovery system—a dam and hydroelectric project that involved hollowing out part of the mountain. A light rain accompanied our visit, adding a touch of misty drama to the moment. We also made a feline friend who followed us around while visiting McCaig’s.
We headed back towards the hotel and made a pit-stop at a local grocer to grab some snacks before we met back up with the group and bus to leave at 10:30 a.m.
Around 11:30 a.m., we made a quick stop at The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum—a 30-minute snack and shopping break. I grabbed a delicious ham and cheese toastie and browsed through Scottish souvenirs.
We made a photo stop at Loch Lomond, but the rain and fog kept most of us on the bus. Sometimes, staying dry wins over getting the shot! Once again, I hadn’t been feeling well, so another reason to stay dry and warm.
Driving into Dumbarton, we passed one of the earliest known defendable positions in Scotland—an enormous rock that looked like an island. Fun fact: Kodak once had a film production site here.
We arrived in Glasgow around 2:30 p.m., after a brief city bus tour that gave us a feel for its bold architecture and cultural vibrancy; once again I napped through. I was having problems regulating my blood sugar and was very tired and sick feeling a lot of the trip.
We had booked a rental car, because I surprised my best friend with a trip to see Sorbie Tower, since she is a member of the Clan Hannay for her Scottish Heritage. When we arrived to the city, we picked up the rental car, found parking and met back up with our Globus group back at the hotel.
We then had a chance to freshen up before drinks at 5:30 and a farewell dinner at 6:00 in the hotel.
As the evening wound down, we learned that a RED weather warning had been issued for the following day. Storm Éowyn was forecast to bring dangerously high winds starting at 10 a.m. Friday. We were advised we MUST stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and be prepared for possible disruptions. It was a dramatic note to end on—but somehow, it felt fitting for Scotland’s wild, windswept soul. I reached out to Steve Hanna, convener at the Sorbie Tower and we both knew it was best that we not try to make the 2-hour trek to Sorbie Tower the next day as we had planned.
Hind site, we made the best decision because if we had travelled when there was a CODE RED weather warning and something happened in the rental car, we found out we would not have been covered insurance wise, nor would there have been anyone available to help if we were broken down or had a flat tire. It was sad that I didn’t get to take her to see her family heritage site, but it will have to happen at a later time for everyone’s safety! After the storm passed, I reached out to Steve and they did incur some damage at Sorbie Tower and quite bad weather, so we had definitely made the right decision to not go.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Weather: 37°F / 43°F with steady rain
Day 8: Stormy Skies & Sweet Goodbyes
Storm Éowyn rolled in overnight, bringing fierce wind and torrential rain. We were strongly advised to stay indoors. We lazed around at the Clayton Hotel sipping cocktails and reminiscing about the week and I was making preparations for my next leg of the trip in Greece. Though the weather was wild, it was a poetic farewell—Scotland showing its full dramatic flair.
We watched the storm from the window, heart full and suitcase packed, knowing this was only the beginning. Scotland had enchanted me. And one day, I know I’ll return. The tour officially ended today after breakfast, but we had purchased an additional night, so we could visit Sorbie Tower and explore more; unfortunately Storm Éowyn had other plans for us, and we just got to relax all day in the hotel, no exploring at all.
Everyone had their flights delayed or cancelled and had to wait to be rebooked due to the storm. Most people were booked to fly out of Glasgow, but since I was headed to Athens, I flew out of Edinburgh because Edinburgh was the only airport that had flight availability for me when I needed to get to Athens.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel: Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Weather: 36°F / 45°F, gusts over 60 mph
Day 9: From Highland Snow to Aegean Sun – Next Stop Athens, Greece
I made the decision to leave Glasgow at 3:00 a.m. to get to Edinburgh, and in hindsight, I was grateful I did. Snow had recently fallen overnight due to Storm Éowyn, and some roads were still icy in patches. Let’s just say I had a few classic “Sarah moments”— taking wrong turns more than once on the winding Scottish streets, navigating a last-minute search for fuel for my rental car before returning it to the rental car return, and getting lost in a parking lot that I mistook for the rental car return.
Despite the chaos, there was something serene about watching the snow-covered city awaken in the quiet of dawn. After arriving in Edinburgh and returning the car, I grabbed breakfast at the airport and hopped on my 7:40 a.m. flight to Athens for my next leg, a Globus tour in Greece. My best friend later headed back to the states while I was making my way to Zurich, Switzerland and onto Athens, Greece to meet up with my next travel companion and onto my next adventure. I haven’t gotten the entire blog written for the week in Greece, but I have written about our favorite restaurant 48 Urban Garden.
Though the day marked the end of my Scottish itinerary, I carried every memory—from castle views and coastal pubs to Highland legends and city spires—with me into the next leg of my travels. The stormy skies overhead mirrored the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.
This journey through Scotland was more than a vacation. It was a deep connection to story, culture, and wild natural beauty. From cobbled lanes to windswept cliffs, every step felt like coming home to a place I never knew I needed. Thank you, Globus, for the seamless journey—and thank you, Scotland, for the magic.
XOXO
-S
