Globus Tour Details

Bonnie Scotland 2025 - 7 Day Tour from Glasgow to Edinburgh

Bonnie Scotland 2025

7 day tour from glasgow to edinburgh, tour description:.

Rolling hills and rugged coastlines, mythical creatures, and elusive monsters, quiet fairways, and boisterous bagpipes, this tour of Scotland is a study in stark contrasts among the most beautiful of classrooms. Hitting the highpoints of the Highlands from Glasgow to Edinburgh, you’ll cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond, ferry to the dramatic Isle of Skye, and visit the home of golf, St. Andrews. More lush landscapes await as you search for the mysterious Nessie along the banks of Loch Ness, stand before the famous Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films, and swoon over the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle nestled on a tidal island and featured in numerous films. If green means go, you have the go-ahead to pack your tams, tartans, and knickers for vibrant and verdant Scotland.

Dates & Pricing

Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner

Request a Quote

Never pay retail for any . For our UNADVERTISED Price, fill out this form for real cash savings.

Destination & Sightseeing

Accommodations.

  • Contact an Expert
  • Globus family of brands

A world beyond. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

Adventure is knocking. Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

Cruising Elevated. Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Discover Tours

Ways to travel, trip planning, the globus difference, europe and britain, north america, south and central america, africa and middle east, australia and new zealand.

  • Eastern Europe
  • Greece and Turkey
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands and Belgium
  • Western United States
  • Eastern United States
  • Southern United States
  • Eastern Canada
  • Western Canada
  • Central America
  • South East Asia
  • Israel and Jordan
  • South Africa
  • New Zealand
  • Find Your Way to Travel

Tour Styles

Tailor your holiday with complimentary YourChoice excursions

Go off-the-beaten-path in Europe and North America

Combine the benefits of touring with the freedom of independent travel

Explore the world with tours of only 18-24 guests

Enjoy thinner crowds & thicker wallets by travelling in the low season

Hand-pick your travelling party on a European Private Tour

Go beyond on a world-famous train journey

Combine land and sea on a cruise and tour holiday

Tour Themes

Feel rejuvenated and renewed on a Globus Faith-based tour

Taste your way through favourite foodie hotspots

Experience it all on a multi-country tour of Europe

Globus makes it easy for solo travellers to see the world

Discover some of North America's biggest festivals and events

Visit America's most picturesque National Parks

Latest Deals

Before you book.

  • Book with Confidence
  • Health & Safety
  • Welcome Back Credit

Before You Travel

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Visa Services

Meet Globus

Travel in style on a Globus tour

Lighting the path to a better tomorrow

Meet the rest of the family

Join the Globus family of brands team

We've spent 95 years perfecting your holiday

Why true travellers tour

Explore the world your way

Get Inspired

Follow the adventures of Carla, our Globus Guru

View our e-brochure

Travel stories to feed the soul

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Start planning your next holiday

  • Globus Family of Brands
  • Agent portal

A Bonnie Adventure

Tartans, castles, bagpipes, lochs, a rich history, and beautiful scenery – this is Scotland! With Globus, you'll have the chance to really experience this marvellous country. Admire the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle, visit a whiskey distillery, and explore the Scottish Isles. In addition to the must-see sights, Globus trips to Scotland include unique features you won't get anywhere else. Practice your swing at the St. Andrews Golf Practice Centre, enjoy coffee and shortbread at Scone Palace, and witness a falconry display at Dunrobin Castle.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland Highlights

Edinburgh castle.

Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with an 11,000-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain”. Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the lake’s shimmering waters

St. Andrews

See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews. After exploring the famous grounds, why not practice your swing on the golf range?

Popular Scotland Tours

Explore the best of scotland.

Qantas Points Logo

Check out our current Globus offers

Cosmos First-Class Escorted Tours

Affordable Touring

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

River Cruising

Monograms All-in-One Vacation Packages

Vacation Packages

Toll Free: 1800 425 3575 (India)

+91.97391.75333

[email protected]

9 AM - 6 PM IST - Mon-Fri

10 AM - 1 PM IST - Saturday

Celtic Highlights ( GD)

13 Day Tour from Glasgow to Glasgow

Celtic Highlights

Starting at: $ 3699

View My Favorite Tours »

2025 Tour Details  2024 View Tour Details »

  •  Tour Highlights & Sightseeing
  •  Itinerary and Meals

 Tour Director

 accommodations,  optional excursions.

  •  Know Before You Go

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

2025 Tour Details  2024 Tour Details »

Knobby knees? Skinny calves? Thick ankles? No matter here. You can show them off with pride on this tartan-filled tour through the kilted and Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland and Wales with the added bonus of England’s postcard-perfect Lake District. Whether you’re in search of heritage, haggis, rolling glens or smooth Guinness, there’s so much to discover on this Celtic tour of Britain and Ireland. Ancient castles? Check. Legendary lochs? Indeed. Sparkling seascapes and hallowed battlefields? You can bet your boots. Speaking of betting, you’ll visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, a working stud farm and the beating heart of Ireland’s esteemed thoroughbred racehorse industry. From the storied cities to the tiny towns, you’ll feel your own heart beat as you savor the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

To know more about Indian Restaurants, click here

Save $500 per couple on select 2025 Globus Europe and North America Tours*

*Book and deposit a select 2025 Globus Tour to save an additional $250 off per person on the land price. Booking must be made and under deposit between July 1 - November 8, 2024, for select travel dates in 2025. Offer applies to select tours only. Does not apply to Custom Tours, Escapes by Globus or Independence by Globus single city stays. Offer combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits, consumer promotions, and select partner promotions. Applies to new bookings only. The applicable promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. Available from participating GFOB offices only. Promotional offer is in USD. PRMX0861 PRMX0861

 Meals

 meals & itinerary,  itinerary.

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

LF

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

" I'm passionate about bringing each country and region to life, highlighting their character through stories, music and culture. Born in Northern Ireland with Scottish ancestry, married to a Welshman and living in England, I very much look forward to showing you around! "

CLAYTON HOTEL GLASGOW

Mercure inverness hotel, marriott courtyard, the municipal hotel liverpool- mgallery, royal marine hotel, scotts hotel kilarney, clayton hotel limerick, sligo park hotel and leisure club, stormont hotel.

The following optional excursions may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).

Want help finding a vacation?

WhatsApp us

Globus

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about Globus and help you find what you’re looking for. Just fill out information below and a Globus expert will be in touch with you shortly. If there is something we can help you with right away, simply call Mobile: +91.97391.75333.

How can we help you? Planning/Booking my vacation An existing reservation Vacation for 8 or more people

Are you a travel agent? Yes No

Your personal information will be used solely for purposes of responding to your request and to provide you with updates and information. Additional information is available in our Privacy Policy .

Globus

Get Your Vacation Quote

We can make planning your tour easy – all you need to do is complete the information below. A Globus specialist will get in touch with you to provide you a quote on your escorted tour. You can also call us at +91.97391.75333. to speak to someone right away.

Country* Please select United States Canada Mexico United Kingdom Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea Korea Kuwait Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten (Netherlands) Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia & S. Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Are you an travel agent? * Yes No

Destination Interested* Please select Europe USA Canada Africa Australia Asia Central & South America Religious Vacations

Expected Travel Date

How did you hear about us? * Please select Search Engine Google Ads Facebook Ads Received an Email

Please provide additional quote details (e.g number of people, age of children – if any, desired travel dates, pre or post nights)

We use your personal information only for the purposes of responding to your requests.

GET A GROUP VACATION QUOTE

September Sale   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Scottish Highland Fling

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Fully Guided
  • Personalized
  • Coach / Bus
  • Sightseeing

Traveled in September 2023

Places You’ll See

Edinburgh

  • Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels
  • Attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Tour St. Andrews, the home of golf
  • Visit Culloden and Dunrobin Castle
  • Taste whisky at a traditional distillery
  • Introduction
  • Day 1 ARRIVE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
  • Day 2 EDINBURGH
  • Day 3 EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESS
  • Day 4 INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–DUNROBIN–THURSO
  • Day 5 THURSO. EXCURSION TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDS
  • Day 6 THURSO–DURNESS–ULLAPOOL–GAIRLOCH
  • Day 7 GAIRLOCH–ISLE OF SKYE–FORT WILLIAM–GLENCOE
  • Day 8 GLENCOE. EXCURSION TO THE ISLES OF MULL AND IONA
  • Day 9 GLENCOE–LOCH LOMOND–GLASGOW
  • Day 10 GLASGOW

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Additional Services

Adventure Type

  • Group of 50 travelers max.
  • Fast booking confirmation
  • Carefully planned itineraries
  • Travel with like-minded people
  • Choose your preferred dates and duration
  • Upgrade your accommodation
  • Customize the itineraries

Globus

Operated by

Number of tours

5 to 80 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

It began more than 90 years ago, when a young man purchased a boat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single boat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies? Today, the Globus family of brands is a global company reaching every...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
  • Itinerary Good 4.0
  • Guide Excellent 5.0
  • Transport Excellent 5.0
  • Accommodation Good 3.5
  • Food Good 4.0
  • Tour Operator Globus 5.0
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A Ronald · 4th May 2023 Great trip except for the fact we were always behind another Globus tour bus. Always battling for parking spaces and bathroom breaks. Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Adele · 3rd May 2023 Tour guide Gavin, so knowledgeable and enthusiastic has really added meaning to the trip. Good pace Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Dale · 20th October 2023 Very good organization of tours Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Anonymous · 15th October 2023 Pleasantly surprised. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Anonymous · 15th October 2023 We were pleasantly surprised by the tour Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Leslie · 11th October 2023 organized agenda tour guide very knowledgeable and personable, Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A William · 11th October 2023 Informative, safe, and something I wanted for an lifetime. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A William G · 11th October 2023 To Scotland for my first time, Clive our tour guide was very informative, and Steve our driver did so like a pro. never was I unsatisfied, though I wished to see more this was my intro to a land my dream came through, thank you so much to Globus. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Sandra · 10th October 2023 This was a trip we had planned for 2020 and so glad we were able to do it this fall Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
  • A Susan · 10th October 2023 If it had not been raining a good part of the time, it would have been fantastic!! Clive and Steve (and Annie too); did a great job to keep us safe. When I went into the hospital in Oban with what turned out to be a kidney stone, both the hotel and... Show more Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus

Dates & Availability

Why book with tourradar.

  • Flexible payment options
  • Trusted and vetted operators
  • Rated excellent on
  • Best price guarantee
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Earn €50 in travel credits

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Austria, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

  • Upcoming departures
  • September 2024
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • August 2026
  • September 2026
  • October 2026
  • Thursday 26 Sep, 2024 Saturday 5 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €2,894 See Similar Tours For These Dates
  • -3% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 24 Apr, 2025 Saturday 3 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,165 €3,075 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 1 May, 2025 Saturday 10 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,796 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 4 May, 2025 Tuesday 13 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 8 May, 2025 Saturday 17 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 11 May, 2025 Tuesday 20 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,796 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • -7% Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 15 May, 2025 Saturday 24 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 €3,138 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 18 May, 2025 Tuesday 27 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 22 May, 2025 Saturday 31 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
  • Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 25 May, 2025 Tuesday 3 Jun, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €3,363 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

What our customers ask about this tour

You can find the cancellation policy by visiting the Globus website and searching for our terms and conditions under the search section.

Depending on the departure, our tours can be grouped into Standard Group Tours with a maximum of 46 passengers, or Small Group Discovery Tours with a maximum of 24 passengers.

The age range for the Scottish Highlands Fling tour typically ranges from 40-60 years old, but all ages are welcome.

While some hotels and restaurants may be able to accommodate gluten-free meals, we cannot guarantee this. Guests should communicate directly with the hotel manager, maitre d', and restaurant staff to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Travelers can join the Scottish Highland Fling tour at any age as long as they are comfortable with the activities involved and can keep up with the group. There is no upper age restriction.

Good to Know

  • Currency £ Pound Sterling England and Scotland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

  • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
  • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • For any tour departing before 18th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 18th November 2024, a minimum payment of €250 is required to confirm your booking with Globus. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
  • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Globus will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
  • The following cards are accepted for "Globus" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
  • TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Globus. Please familiarise yourself with the Globus payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
  • Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
  • Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
  • USA East Coast Tours
  • Heritage and Arts of Romania and Bulgaria (UN…
  • 10 Best Northern Lights Tours in January
  • Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries (with Reviews)
  • Manaslu Circuit
  • TourRadar's Tour the World Campaign Wins Two …
  • Welcome to Mato Grosso do Sul
  • Undiscovered Britain
  • Time to Tour with Globus
  • Globus Undiscovered Places

Undiscovered Britain

Similar Tours

Enchanting Eastern England Tour

Keep Exploring Europe

  • Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
  • 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
  • 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025
  • Europe from Edinburgh
  • Europe In-depth Cultural
  • 10 days Europe
  • From Edinburgh to Glasgow
  • Operators in Europe
  • Scottish Highland Fling Tours in Scotland
  • In-depth Cultural Tours
  • Northern Scotland Tours
  • Scotland Tours
  • Europe Tours
  • Family Tours
  • Group Tours
  • Fully Guided Tours
  • Personalized Tours
  • Coach / Bus Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Historical Tours
  • Northern Scotland
  • Scotland tours
  • England tours

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Fitness & Wellbeing
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance Deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Climate 100
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Wine Offers
  • Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.  

Uber has launched seaplane flights over an iconic Scottish loch – and they are completely free

As the tech giant branches out with a new experience in a beautiful stretch of the highlands, benjamin parker takes to the sky – and wonders if there’s anything they can’t uber, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Loch in: The seaplane cruising over the water

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

R ocked back and forth by gentle winds – and the occasional stronger gust – there was little else to do in this 10-seater plane than peer down at Scotland beneath me, Highlands , lochs and coast drifting by.

Like an unfinished painting, the scenery is patchy and blurred in spots, but the hint of detail pulls you in: the white of a lighthouse, the depth of a gorge, contrast of ruined buildings being swamped by nature. The sun flickered off the sea, as though the waves were wrapped in cellophane, and there was no hint of restlessness in the water. The scale of the region is humbling, especially from that vantage point.

My mind, preoccupied with a thought: “Is there anything they can’t Uber ?”

I was soaring over the western border of Scotland for a first taste of the new experience being offered by the ubiquitous US tech firm. For three days later this month, Uber Seaplane will take to the skies from a jetty on the bank of Loch Lomond, following a route that almost mirrors the majestic West Highland Way – and incredibly, it’s free.

The weather can be hit or miss, but Loch Lomond is a beauty at all times

Read more: The best hotels in Edinburgh

Pilot John DiMarco – who previously flew seaplanes around the Maldives archipelago – brought the aircraft to life once our seatbelts were fastened. Every seat is a window seat on the Cessna 208 Caravan; you’re low enough to almost feel the splash of loch water during take-off, smoother than one might expect – a gasp of stillness when you’re finally in flight. A short climb and the horizon filled with scarped hillsides, covered with greens and browns. The crisscross of roads and scattering of houses peeled away.

With each tilt of the wings, Scotland ’s raw beauty was on show. Clouds clung to the peak of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, as we stream past. The route takes in miles of the Glencoe Valley and the Trossachs, where from up high, oak, pine, and birch trees soften otherwise craggy terrain. You’ll spot the sweep of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognisable from scenes in the Harry Potter film series when the Hogwarts Express steams across.

And what’s that in my ear as we gazed down? The velvety brogue of Alan Cummings, Scottish actor and host of The Traitors US , who provides an audio guide for the tour. In his wonderful timbre, he talks through the highlights of the flight while bringing some life to the Highlands below with tales of his upbringing and affection for the area.

Only a small number of people will be able to experience Uber Seaplane

Read more: The best Scotland islands

We went beyond the expected route, which would normally last 30 minutes, glancing over the Inner Hebrides – appearing as the smallest spits of land from high in the cabin – before swooping around and returning to Loch Lomond, barely a shudder as the floats met water.

It’s quite a departure from pulling up the Uber app to catch a taxi home from the pub after a few too many, or using it to order something deep-fried and delicious to your doorstep (which, I find, can often follow that evening in the pub).

But the company has come a long way since it was simply a ride-hailing or food delivery app. You can book trains through Uber, as well as flights. Bikes and scooters can be hired across cities. It’s taken to the water in London with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and launched yachts in European holiday hotspots such as Ibiza and the Greek islands ; in Venice , the company jostles with gondoliers with their ‘Limo Boat ’ , for on-demand journeys around the Lagoon.

Oh, and did I mention, hot air balloons in Turkey ’s otherworldly Cappadocia region, Uber Sleigh – which saw reindeers lead guests through the wintry landscapes of Finnish Lapland  – or, during weekend of King Charles’ coronation, horse and carriage rides (in a replica royal carriage) around Dulwich Park in south London?

High-flier: Pilot John beside the plane as it waits on Lock Lomond

Read more: How to spend your summer in Scotland

So why the skies above this pocket of Caledonia to add to Uber’s already quirky roster? For Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK , it’s simple.

“The Scottish Highlands are one of the most beautiful sights in the world,” he says, adding that it’s a “special place”.

It also happens that there’s been a jump in Uber trips in Scotland – 30 per cent year-on-year – while train journeys booked with the app were 448 per cent in July versus the same month in 2023. Uber says the “roaring success” of the show The Traitors , and events such as the Highland Games and Edinburgh Fringe, are behind this rise – and shows the push to diversify the firm’s offering.

For this strictly limited opportunity – especially when potentially prohibitive costs are removed – it’s a promise of surveying the beautiful, wild Highland’s from a remarkable angle that is reason to book.

“What makes it special and unlike the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon, is that the Scottish landscape not only has magnificent colours but changes every half mile,” says David West. He’s the chief pilot and owner of Loch Lomond Seaplanes, which has partnered with Uber, and has been flying for over 40 years.

“Every few moments, the view out the window changes from a castle to a beautiful loch, to an imposing mountain and is continuously changing.

From Loch Lomond the flight route takes in some serious Highland landmarks

Read more: Visit the Scottish town that is at its best in winter – before the golfers return and take over

This is more rough-and-ready adventure than the other Uber experiences – or, to use the Uber taxi terminology, it’s not like you’re booking an Uber Lux. It’s bumpy, loud, and, at times, you’ll feel the change of altitude in your stomach. I’m told that sitting at the back is not the best for those sensitive to the whims of the aircraft; I’m inclined to believe the person who told me, as she promptly threw up once we returned to shore.

If you do want to bolster the flight with something more luxe, the obvious option is a stay at Cameron House ; you’ll board on the loch just metres from the front door of the main building, or ‘Auld House’. Inside the baronial manor, grand hallways – polished mahogany, high ceilings strewn with chandeliers, plush soft furnishings all around – give way to warren-like corridors.

Otherwise Glasgow – my favourite Scottish city, with its vibrant, unapologetic energy – is only 30 minutes away by car, meaning you can easily pair rural with urban; the Caledonian Sleeper takes under eight hours to reach Glasgow from London (a delightful overnight journey that, as I have been reminded several times, one can book using the Uber app).

During the evening, I asked Andrew Brem what might be next for Uber – whether he believes that if one can travel on it, one would (or should) be able to Uber it. He paused, then said with a smile: “Absolutely.”

I’m not even sure he was joking; I’m sure Uber camel was mentioned over dinner, though that may have been the effects of the single malt I’d been supping. For a brief spell this month, though, it’s all about watching the Highlands unfold from the sky.

How to do it

The Uber Seaplane experience is available 21–23 September 2024; the experience is free, though passengers must pay a £50 deposit that is refunded after the flight. Includes pick up and drop off in Glasgow and within 30 miles of Loch Lomond Seaplanes; over 18s only.

For more information, visit uberseaplanescotland.co.uk

Read more: The best walking holidays in Scotland

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

COMMENTS

  1. Scotland Tours

    Scottish Highland Fling. Edinburgh Glasgow 10 days, 1 country United Kingdom. From: (USD) $3,299. View Tour. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare.

  2. Scotland Vacation Package: Explore Bonnie Scotland

    Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus). Immerse yourself in the allure of Scotland with this Globus Bonnie Scotland vacation package. Visit Stirling Castle, picturesque Isle of Skye and more!

  3. Tour in Scotland

    ORKNEY ISLANDS Sightseeing includes Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. Join a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery, and have a light lunch at the Tasting Hall café. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. 47 mi / 76 km. breakfast lunch dinner.

  4. Scotland Vacation Package

    Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

  5. Globus

    Globus tours offers the best places to travel in the USA, Mexico, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. ... See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country's breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins ...

  6. Scottish Highlands & Islands

    Take a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness. (B,D) 200 mi / 325 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews. DAY 6: INVERNESS.

  7. Bonnie Scotland by Globus with 368 Tour Reviews (Code: GG|7 ...

    Bonnie Scotland, a 7 days tour from Glasgow to Fort William, Isle of Skye and 6 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments ... Trip date: April 2023. ... The following cards are accepted for "Globus" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. ...

  8. Globus

    Tour Description: Rolling hills and rugged coastlines, mythical creatures, and elusive monsters, quiet fairways, and boisterous bagpipes, this tour of Scotland is a study in stark contrasts among the most beautiful of classrooms. Hitting the highpoints of the Highlands from Glasgow to Edinburgh, you'll cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond, ferry ...

  9. Globus Scotland Tours

    Scotland tours operated by Globus with 1,781 reviews (7 tours in total). Book and save with TourRadar.com - Best Price Guarantee. Shop 2,500 operators. 4.5 stars on ... Becky, traveled in September 2023 . Destinations Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, ...

  10. Scottish Escape (8 destinations) by Globus with 238 Tour ...

    〉 Scotland Tours 〉 In-depth Cultural Tours 〉 Scottish Escape (8 destinations) From ... Trip date: March 2023. Review collected by Globus. A. ... The following cards are accepted for "Globus" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.

  11. Scotland Tours

    6 Day Tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Take an exciting Caledonian adventure through the highlands from Edinburgh to Glasgow on this guided vacation in Scotland! Enjoy the moors even more by visiting during the off season, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Begin in Edinburgh to visit the Castle and admire Scotland's Crown Jewels.

  12. Uncover Scotland's Charm

    ORKNEY ISLANDS Sightseeing includes Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the brewery's Tasting Hall café. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. 47 mi / 76 km. breakfast lunch dinner.

  13. Scotland Tours and Holiday Packages

    Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions. Tartans, castles, bagpipes, lochs, a rich history, and beautiful scenery - this is Scotland! With Globus, you'll have the chance to really experience this marvellous country. Admire the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle ...

  14. Scotland Tours

    Edinburgh Glasgow 10 days, 1 country United Kingdom. From: (CAD) $4,389. View Tour. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, and non-commissionable taxes and fees are included in the price shown.

  15. Guided Tours

    Save $1,000 per couple on select 2025 Globus Europe and North America Tours*. booking window: July 1, 2024 through November 8, 2024. travel window: December 31, 2024 through December 30, 2025. view details.

  16. Scotland Tours

    There's still time to tour in 2024! Enjoy savings of up to £1,200 per couple on select 2024 tour and flight packages. Limited availability, so don't miss out! To find out which tours and packages are eligible for these exclusive savings, call our friendly experts at 0333 0165 644 today. For more deals on escorted touring click here.

  17. Globus (14 Days From Glasgow to Glasgow)

    Scotland Tour delivers 3 Denise, QLD, Australia, Jun 2023 . This was my 3rd tour that I've booked with Georgie at Global Journeys (and first Globus tour). There were 35 people on this tour including 6 solo travellers of which I was 1. ... Our Globus tour of Scotland was wonderful with perfect weather for us to enjoy the stunning scenery. The ...

  18. Scottish Escape (9 destinations) by Globus with 238 Tour ...

    For tours departing after November 12th, 2024, a minimum payment of $250 is required to confirm your booking with Globus. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour.

  19. Scottish Highland Fling

    120 mi / 193 km. TOUR HIGHLIGHT. HISTORIC SPOT At Culloden moor, hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish clans. On 16 April 1746, the two armies met. Over 1,500 Jacobites were killed or wounded, while British government forces lost about 100 soldiers.

  20. Scotland and Ireland Tours

    We can make planning your tour easy - all you need to do is complete the information below. A Globus specialist will get in touch with you to provide you a quote on your escorted tour. You can also call us at +91.97391.75333. to speak to someone right away.

  21. Celtic Highlights

    UK Tours Globus UK & Ireland Tours Coach Tours Scenic / Sightseeing Tours Festivals & Events. Scottish Highlands & Islands. 14 Days Glasgow Glasgow. Operated By: Globus. From 6,320. Save 288. From the Shannon to the Thames. 13 Days Limerick London.

  22. Scottish Highland Fling by Globus with 269 Tour Reviews ...

    For tours departing after November 14th, 2024, a minimum payment of $250 is required to confirm your booking with Globus. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour.

  23. Comedy in Scotland: 15 comedy tours arriving in the area before the end

    4.Ed Byrne. Ed Byrne's vast tour of the United Kingdom comes to Scotland this month, with the comedian performing at the Rothes Hall in Glenrothes on September 19, the Alhambra Theatre in ...

  24. Uber seaplane: US tech firm launches Loch Lomond adventure in Scotland

    It also happens that there's been a jump in Uber trips in Scotland - 30 per cent year on year - while train journeys booked with the app were up 448 per cent in July compared to the same ...

  25. Scotland and Ireland Tours

    EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's Crown Jewels. Free time in the afternoon. THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Tattoo performance. (Departures August 5 through August 19 only). breakfast.