Highland Hearts: A LGBTQ+ Journey Through Scotland's Whisky Trails & Cultural Treasures

Touch down in Scotland’s capital and settle into the contemporary comfort of Eden Locke, where sleek design meets Scottish hospitality in the heart of the Old Town.

As afternoon light filters through ancient closes and wynds, lose yourselves wandering Edinburgh’s famous cobblestone streets—each stone worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. The Royal Mile stretches before you like a timeline of Scottish history, with St. Giles Cathedral’s crown spire piercing the sky.

As evening approaches, raise a toast to your Scottish adventure at The Devil’s Advocate, tucked beneath the city in a restored Victorian pump house, where expert mixologists craft cocktails that tell stories of Scotland’s botanical heritage.

Begin your morning conquest of Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on Castle Rock like a crown jewel overlooking the city. The Stone of Destiny and Honours of Scotland await within these ancient walls that have witnessed over a thousand years of royal drama.

Later, find tranquility in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where 70 acres of stunning landscapes provide the perfect counterpoint to the morning's historical intensity—the Victorian Palm Houses creating tropical oases beneath Scotland's changeable skies.

As darkness falls, descend into Edinburgh's mysterious underground vaults for an exclusive whisky tasting experience. Here, 18th-century stone chambers that once housed taverns and workshops now cradle five rare drams, each sip revealing centuries of Scottish craftsmanship while surrounded by the very foundations of the Old Town.

Board the morning train to Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural powerhouse, where Victorian grandeur meets cutting-edge creativity.

Spend your day exploring world-class museums—perhaps the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where Salvador Dalí's "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" hangs alongside a Spitfire, perfectly embodying Glasgow's eclectic spirit.

The city's rich industrial heritage tells stories of innovation and resilience at every turn.

As evening arrives, indulge in dinner at Ox and Finch, where modern Scottish cuisine reaches artistic heights through innovative small plates that reimagine traditional flavors for the contemporary palate.

A Harry Potter fantasy come to life

All aboard the legendary Jacobite Steam Train—the real-life Hogwarts Express that has captured hearts worldwide.

This full-day journey through the West Highlands unfolds like a living postcard, with the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct creating that iconic curved bridge moment from the films.

As the vintage carriages wind through Glencoe's haunting beauty, where ancient clans once roamed and Hollywood magic was made, every window frame reveals Scotland's most spectacular landscapes.

The journey to Mallaig and back becomes a meditation on Scotland's wild beauty, with each bend revealing lochs that mirror the sky and mountains that seem to touch the heavens.

Ancient traditions alive

Journey to the magnificent grounds of Drumtochty Castle for an authentic Highland Games experience that connects you to Scotland's warrior heritage.

Watch in awe as kilted athletes compete in traditional events: the caber toss, where massive pine logs are hurled end-over-end in displays of raw Highland strength; the hammer throw that echoes ancient battlefield skills; and the stone put that tests the mettle of modern-day Highland warriors. Bagpipe music fills the air as clan banners flutter in the Highland breeze, creating an atmosphere unchanged for centuries.

This isn’t a tourist show—it’s a living celebration of Scottish culture where local communities gather to honor their ancestors. The thunder of drums, the skirl of pipes, and the roar of appreciation create a sensory feast that few travelers ever witness in such authentic splendor.

Ferry to Islay

Set sail for Islay, Scotland’s whisky island, where the salty sea air mingles with the smoky aromas of peat fires. The ferry journey itself becomes part of the adventure as the Inner Hebrides reveal their rugged beauty.

Arriving in Port Charlotte, you’re welcomed into accommodations where Highland hospitality isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life.

The village, with its whitewashed houses facing the sea, embodies the inclusive warmth that makes Islay special. Here, every conversation feels like catching up with old friends, and every sunset over Loch Indaal paints the sky in whisky-colored hues.

Private whisky discovery

Today unfolds with your own private whisky guide, a local expert whose passion for Islay’s liquid treasures runs as deep as the island’s peat bogs. From the coastal distilleries where sea spray influences every drop, to inland gems where ancient traditions flow uninterrupted, you’ll taste the finest expressions the island produces.

Each dram tells its own story—some bold with maritime salts, others gentle with heathery sweetness. In this safe, welcoming environment, your guide shares not just technical knowledge but the soul of Islay whisky culture, where every bottle represents generations of craftsmanship and community pride.

The island’s eight working distilleries each offer their own interpretation of perfection, creating a symphony of flavors that could only exist in this mystical corner of Scotland.

Bid farewell to Islay's peaceful shores and return to Glasgow's vibrant energy, where the city's legendary pub culture awaits.

Join a carefully selected group pub tour that showcases Glasgow's diverse drinking scene—from Victorian gin palaces with their ornate mirrors and mahogany bars to modern craft beer havens where local brewers push creative boundaries.

Each pub tells a different chapter of Glasgow's story: the maritime heritage in dockside taverns, the industrial legacy in working-class locals, and the artistic renaissance in trendy West End establishments. The beer tastings reveal Scotland's brewing evolution, from traditional Scottish ales with their malty sweetness to innovative craft brews that incorporate everything from Highland heather to Islay seaweed.

Your fellow tour companions become temporary friends, sharing stories and laughter over pints while Glasgow’s famous wit and warmth create connections that transcend any differences. This is pub culture at its finest—inclusive, welcoming, and authentically Scottish.