Scotland may not seem the obvious choice if you’re planning a trip in Winter. Chilly weather coupled with long nights and short days may not be immediate attractions. But pause for a moment to think. Way back into the mists of time, the inhabitants of this small country have found ways of turning the depths of winter into a reason for feasting and celebrations.

The Norse brought Yule, the Celts had Samhain and in more recent times the Scots festivities focused on Hogmanay. Today, it’s one long party in the run-up to Christmas and on into the New Year. Scotland comes alive as she pulls on her winter woollies!  From Christmas markets to fire festivals, decorations to light displays……… not to mention our distinctive food and drink.

Days may be short, but the scenery is stunning. Imagine the Cairngorms, or the Cuillins of Skye, with their first fall of snow. Then imagine sitting by a roaring fire, dram in hand, as you listen to stories of this ancient land in the company of like-minded travellers. Avoid the tourist hordes and join the locals as the seasonal excitement builds…. this tour will get your own winter celebrations off to a flying start.

2027 TOUR

4.590,00 € per person – Single Sup. 600,00€ –   Dec. 4th – Dec. 13th 2027

The order in these daily activities might be altered, due to weather predictions, or if there is a special festivity in a nearby location that we think might be interesting.

All the possible changes, will be to try our best to make your staying with us, a real insider experience.

• Afternoon: Meet for a welcome drink and orientation. Known as “the greatest Victorian city in Europe” Glasgow in Xmas glows. The Market is unbeatable.
• Evening: Enjoy a festive dinner to kick off our adventure together, and get to know each other.

• Morning: We’ll explore the city’s origins from a simple fishing village to a major port with access to America and the New World
• Afternoon: Enjoy a delightful lunch at local Restaurant. Afternoon on your own to explore more of the city
• Evening: Dinner on your own, buut don´t forget to go to a pub for some live music, don´t forget that Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music after all!

• Morning: We start the day with a truly magical experience as we visit stately Pollock House all dressed up for Christmas. We will learn what life would have been like, both “upstairs” and “downstairs”.
• Afternoon: On your own.
• Evening: Dinner togueter, and we’ll attend a Pantomime, a typically British form of family entertainment that’s particularly popular at Christmas.

• Morning: What is Christmas without Chocolate? Today we will learn all about chocolate with a “chocolatier”
• Afternoon: We’ll make a visit to the famous Hettie’s Tearooms where owner Clare will really get us into the Christmas spirit as we make mincemeat pies and other Christmas treats.
• Evening: The evening concludes in Pitlochry with an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day,  attempt to play the bagpipes.

 Day 5:  Santa´s little Helpers

• Morning: The Cairngorm mountain range is home to Britain’s only reindeer herd. Today we’ll go out with the herdsmen and have the opportunity to pet and feed Santa’s helpers
• Afternoon: This afternoon we’ll head up to Inverness – capital of the Highlands.
• Evening: We head to Aviemore, our home for the next two nights.

Day 6: Cairngorm National Park

• Morning: Today we are visiting Cairngorm National Park,
  the largest of Scotland’s National Parks. 
• Afternoon: Weather permitting we’ll take a winter hike this afternoon to enjoy all the natural beauty of this area before retiring to our hotel.
• Evening: After dinner you’re invited to a Christmas Party as our dear friend Liz Lister invites you into her home for Christmas games and stories in the company of your fellow tour members, by now friends.

Day 7: Over the Sea to Skye.

• Morning: Today we’ll drive up the side of Loch Ness before taking the road to the isles and travelling over the sea to Skye.
• Afternoon: We’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cuillin  mountain range before settling in for our first of two nights at the Slig
  achan Hotel.

Day 8: Exploring Skye

• Morning: Our exploration of Skye continues today as we take advantage of the quiet roads and absence of tourists that the winter months offer.
• Afternoon: We’ll spend free time in Portree, the island’s largest town, and visit some examples of traditional artisan craftmanship before heading for a whisky tasting

Day 9: Edinburgh via the Valley of Glencoe.

• Morning: The valley of Glencoe and Rannoch moor are stunning at any time but if we are lucky we may see them with their winter clothes on!
• Afternoon: On reaching journey’s end in our capital city of Edinburgh, you have time to enjoy the festive lights and Christmas markets located close to our hotel.
• Evening: We’ll toast our travel companions, say fond farewells and exchange seasonal wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Guid’ New Year when it comes!

Day 9: Farewell Breakfast and Departure

• Morning: After breakfast, we say goodbye, taking with us memories of an unforgettable journey.

Here is what you will learn and experience on our “Scotland in Christmas Season Tour”:

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Any transportation from/to your home to the beguinning and end of tour .

Our tour starts in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh.

Our tours don’t include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you.

Here are the things that very often we overlook but that will change your experience of the tour:

FITNESS LEVEL

This is not a hiking tour, but be ready to walk up to 4 miles.

The name of our company is Traveling STEPS, so as you can imagine, all our tours are physically active! 

you’ll need to happily…

1. Carry/roll your luggage up the stairway of the house to reach your room.
2. Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to four hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
3. Sleep with no air conditioning.
4. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
5. yes it is going to be cold, but remember “there is no bad weather, there is a bad selection of clothing” Remember to pack a water prove heavy coat, and a good pair of warm shoes.