2023 Scotland Photo Tour - 10 Days of Leisurely Touring and Great Photography!

July 12-21, 2023

Eilean Donan Castle

What is special about this Photo Tour? 

• See ancient castles and landscapes on the stunning Isle of Skye 
• Enjoy one of the World's Great Rides on the Jacobite Steam Train 
• Visit a traditional whisky distillery for tastings with expert guide
• Take a city tour of Edinburgh and its hilltop castle
• Photograph the incredibly curious Puffins on the Isle of Staffa 
• Featuring expertly selected premium hotels!

Unlike standard vacation tours, this small group tour is designed for those wishing to capture great photography and their partners who are interested in a great vacation. We'll tour the most beautiful locations and have time for sightseeing, shopping and great food everywhere we visit.

A special feature we offer is our own private coach with our guide and driver. Other than needing to be at our hotel each night, we have complete control over where we visit and how long we stay. No big busses that can't get everywhere and that require you to be back on the bus after an all-too-short visit before being herded off to the next quick stop. We decide on specific stops depending on the best options available and have a leisurely time exploring each place we visit.

Scotland is an incredible place to visit, explore and photograph! This 10-day tour provides a wonderful overview of the country from the capital city of Edinburgh, to the beautiful country vacation town of Pitlochry, to the picturesque beauty of the Isle of Skye to the lovely fishing village of Oban. We also plan to book seats on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig - voted one of the most scenic train rides in the world!

During all of our Photo Tours, everyone will have time to enjoy the sights and photographers will get plenty of time for shooting with two professional instructors each day. Non-photographers will never be left standing around waiting for their photographer partners as they will have options to sightsee and shop, but we will also offer instruction on how to get amazing photos with your camera phone if you're interested!

Our Itinerary

Each day will have touring, free time and photography time. Though some minor adjustments may be made, here’s our planned itinerary for the week:

Day 1 • Wednesday 7/12 - We’ll meet in Edinburgh at our hotel after pick up from the airport. Should you wish to arrive early (and/or stay late) we'll let you know exactly when and where we will meet. First up will be a tour of Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh City. Then we’ll have a free evening to get settled in and prepare for the next full day. (Overnight in Edinburgh - Intercontinental The George Hotel)

Day 2 • Thursday 7/13 - After breakfast, we’ll head up to Oban on the western coast of Scotland. This beautiful coastal town is the gateway to the Islands of Iona, Mull and Staffa. There are some castles in the area that will deserve a visit! (Overnight in Oban - Best Western Muthu Queens Hotel)

Day 3 • Friday 7/14 - Today we will take the Ferry from Oban to Iona and then to the Isle of Staffa where we will get to visit with and photograph the amazing Puffins that spend the Summer on this uninhabited island. We'll be back in Oban in time for dinner. (Overnight in Oban - Best Western Muthu Queens Hotel))

One of the adorable Puffins on the Isle of Staffa

Day 4 • Saturday 7/15  - From Oban, we head to the town of Fort William, home to Scotland's Highest Mountain, Ben Nevis. Our plan is a specail train trip on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and back! This journey is described as one of the great train journeys in the world, and you may also reconize the train as the "Hogwarts Express" from the Harry Potter movies. (Overnight Fort William - Nevis Bank Inn & Browns Restaurant)

Start of the Edinburgh Royal Mile

Day 5 • Sunday 7/16 - Today we ride from Fort William to the scenic area surrounding the entry to the Isle of Skye. We will visit some charming villages and sites along the way! (Overnight Portree - Portree or Tongadale Hotel)

Day 7 • Monday 7/18 - Todays' itinerary is a compoete tour around the Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. (Overnight Portree - Portree or Tongadale Hotel)

Day 7 • Tuesday 7/18 -  We head south to the charming village of Pitlochry, and as always, explore the sights along the way! (Overnight Pitlochry - Rosemount Hotel)

Wednesday 7/19 - After a morning visit and tour at the famous, smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and arguably the most unique, we will make our way back to Edinburgh this afternoon. (Overnight Edinburgh - Intercontinental The George Hotel)

Thursday 7/20 - Today will be a full day for exploring Edinburgh! The Royal Mile, the Edinburgh Castle, sightseeing, shopping and food. A day to both explore and relax!(Overnight Edinburgh - Intercontinental The George Hotel)

Friday 7/21 - Morning airport transfers to get you back home - all after a wonderful visit the the beauty of Scotland!

The Jacobite Steam Train as it Crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct

We've added two days to this trips compared to past years as we realized we needed a bit more time to take it all in while keeping a leisurely pace. Amazing scenery, private touring, wonderful attractions and professional instruction for everyone! The price of $4395 per person (dbl occupancy) includes touring, instruction, the Jacobite Steam Train, the Ferry Tour to the Isles of Iona and Staffa, the Edradour Whiskey Distillery Tour, lodging and breakfasts. Single travelers are also always welcome - send us a note if you need more details!