Edinburgh to Oban & Back Again – October 1-9, 2024
Grab your best waterproof walking shoes and/or boots and join Jason & Tasha with a small group of others as we explore the Edinburgh and Oban areas of Scotland in October! You’ll have the chance to see everything from the medieval architecture of Edinburgh, to the stunning highlands surrounding Oban, to Oban Bay and the Firth of Lorn off its west coast.
Three special group dinners are included in your cost. We’ll use them to get to know each other, learn about wine pairings, and dance the night away in Scottish Ceilidh (pronounced kay-leigh) style!
We’ll take care of private airport transfers, hotels, trains, two tours, eight breakfasts, and three dinners (drinks not included)*. The rest is up to you!
You’ll need to book yourself a plane ticket with plans to meet us at EDI airport the morning of October 1st. We’ll get you squared away from there so the adventure can begin! But first, strap on your walking shoes, let’s get breakfast.
Also included is a two day (48 hour) Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass for exploring Edinburgh on your own to help you get your bearings. It includes entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and Holyrood Palace (Holyrood tour is only available the morning of Thursday, Oct. 3).
You are welcome to wander the streets of Edinburgh or book additional tours yourself to explore the surrounding area. Either way, there are endless options to keep you busy. We have a list of great choices to get you started.
This is a guided tour, but our goal is to teach you to travel comfortably on your own. Therefore, we want you to book your own excursions to make sure you see exactly what you want to while you’re in Scotland. But worry not – we’re here to help with suggestions and to point you in the right direction, so you don’t have to be entirely on your own if you don’t want to be.
Go on a hunt for Jamie Fraser and Outlander filming locations, take in local distilleries, travel to Stirling to visit its massive castle and National Wallace Monument, visit Linlithgow Palace: the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, take a drive south to Rosslyn Chapel or Hadrian’s Wall, or venture north via train to St. Andrews: the birthplace of golf – the possibilities are endless!
If you wish to stay closer to Edinburgh, there are endless walks, shopping opportunities, museums, chances for a cup of tea, and local tours to keep you busy. Our favorite tours involve making your own chocolate and visiting the underworld of Edinburgh (yes, we have many recommendations).
After we’ve all had a hefty dose of Edinburgh, we’ll get on the train at Waverly Station (a 15 minute walk with your bags – pack light). A quick change of trains in Glasgow, and we’ll be headed into the highlands to Oban. Be sure to watch the stunning scenery outside your window!
In Oban we’ll take a group tour of Oban Distillery, one of the smallest and longest operating distilleries in Scotland. Even if whisky is not your thing, this is a very informative tour with all sorts of industry, historical importance, and local tidbits. Plus there’s a chance for a taste at the end if you wish!
We’ll spend three full days in Oban where you will again have time to wander via your choice of tours and activities. Oban was once a quaint little fishing village, but it is now renowned for its seafood and connection to the isles – be sure to try the amazing seafood at one of the plethora of restaurants available and hop on a ferry to one of the islands.
Rent a car or book a tour for a journey into Glencoe for its breathtaking views and history, skirt around Loch Awe via rental car to Inveraray Castle: the home of the current Duke and Duchess of Argyll (leader of the Campbell Clan), or hop on the CalMac ferry and journey across the water to the isles of Mull and Iona. You will get a hefty dose of Scotland’s wild beauty and outdoors while we base in Oban. We’re big fans of strapping on our hiking boots and seeing where the day takes us!
After our final group dinner, we will head back to Edinburgh the following morning via train for a final evening together. Here you will have a chance to relax, say your goodbyes, and pack your bags for the flight home. The next morning we’ll get you back to the airport as needed via private taxi for your flight home. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the airport, it’s a long flight home!
We hope you’ll join us on this adventure! We’re so excited to share Scotland in October with you so you can see why we love it so much. See you soon!
*Your purchase also includes a digital download of the itinerary, tour options, and an FAQ section to set your mind at ease. You will receive two emails from us – a purchase confirmation and a second email with the group itinerary & tour/restaurant recommendations, a disclosure form, and links to Jotform with a photo disclosure and Zoom time sign-up. You must complete the PDF disclosure form and return it to us immediately so we can continue working together. Once all your forms are received, we will invite you to join our Facebook Group (Scotland – October 2024).
If you do not receive both emails within a few minutes, let us know. You will also be obligated to purchase your own travel insurance for any mishaps beyond anyone’s control along the way.
We have two payment plans available at purchase: Paypal Installments or Shop Pay. You must have or set up an account with either Paypal or Shop to make monthly or installment payments. You can also pay the amount in full with a credit card or PayPal.
