Scotland
In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
Program No. 20321RJ
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In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
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Participant Reviews
Based on 69 Reviews
SHOWING
I absolutely loved this program. Scotland is beautiful, the people are friendly, every place we visited was amazing. The tour group participants were wonderful traveling companions and enhanced the enjoyment of the program even more. Nikki, our tour leader, was so outgoing and did an great job of getting us to our destinations not to mention she had such a depth of knowledge that she shared with us. The amazing Steve, our main driver, excelled at getting us safely to our destinations. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left December 14, 2025
Our trip leaders, Ros and Emily were fantastic. And the group of people were very nice and cooperative and interesting.
The trip was poor overall.
Hotels were not up to reasonable standards. Especially the Ben Wyvis hotel in Strathpepper was terrible!! The rooms were awful, the grounds in disrepair and the breakfast was so bad that my friend and I went out on our own for breakfasts after the first day.
Overall the food on the trip was so disappointing. We had pre-selected meals of poor quality mainly. The packed lunches especially were white bread sandwiches of some kind of egg salad like options. We should have had time to go to restaurants and make our own choices-even if the meals were excluded from the trip cost and we got to choose ourselves. BUT, on that note, we stayed in places that were too far way from the day trip sites, and not in interesting areas. In looking back, if we had stayed in Inverness and not Strathpepper or Cromarty we would have had les traveling each day. Our one day in Edinburgh was the first day when we were all jet lagged and it was Fringe Fest so the city was incredibly busy. Overall the time in locations as compared to time on the bus was not acceptable.
The Isle of Glencoe hotel was fine but we could have made the day to Isle of Mull and Iona much more pleasant by staying much closer.
I have been on another Road Scholar trip to Southern France which was much better.
But, let me repeat: Ros and Emily were wonderful hosts, and managed everything they were given extremely well. Emily gave excellent tour information and kept the loooong bus rides as interesting as she could. And Ros managed logistics flawlessly. And when we experienced the tragedy of the motorcycle accident, Ros and Emily were ultimate professionals and helped us all tremendously.
This trip was really a disappointment and will keep me from considering future Road Scholar trips.
— Review left November 20, 2025
Where do I start? First of all very big thanks to Nikki our group leader, so caring and supportive ! Jill, our educator was engaging, amazing and never dull. Stevie our coach driver could thread the needle, he moved us through gorgeous little villages with ease. When I close my eyes I see Scotland. The beauty and history will stay with me forever. This is my 8th Road Scholar trip and it was a great choice.
— Review left October 28, 2025
This was a wonderful, educational program conducted by an outstanding Scottish guide and an enthusiastic, well-organized Road Scholar leader. I learned a great amount about Scottish history and culture, and I highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 27, 2025
We had a wonderful trip with delightful staff to guide us through at all times. The trip was educational, fun, and Scotland is beautiful.
— Review left October 15, 2025
Just where can I start?? The beauty of Scotland and oh...the history, was wonderful. Each day was busy, for sure, but so worth it. Culloden Battlefield, Edinburgh Castle, Island of Mull and Isle of Iona...getting there by bus and ferries. Cows and sheep in the road. Ahhh...Loch Ness. Our guide on the boat told us about what is probably "really" in the Loch. You will love the Folk Museum and oh....the Aigas Centre. I hugged Sue for bringing us there. Magical. Lucy was graceful and charming. That was one of my best days!
People often worry about the rain, but we brought the sunshine!! Rain was sporadic and it was never a downpour.
Hotels were ALL just wonderful and I was very happy with the food served at each hotel. Stirling Castle on the last day. We had a local guide there and he was fantastic.
Stevie, our Coach Driver, was masterful on the small roads and super funny. Elaine and Sue....what can I say? Elaine knows her history and is a fantastic storyteller. We enjoyed her stories, music she played, and her humor. So fun! Sue...such a talent and I don't know how she did it, but keeping us together and on our timetables, was amazing. BOTH women...superb job. I loved our trip with Road Scholar to Scotland. In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands.
— Review left October 2, 2025
Our first Road Scholar trip was quite enjoyable. There are two things we think could be done to improve the experience. First, a little “down time” each day to process the day, journal or sketch would be helpful. For example, arrive back at the hotel around 3 PM rather than 5 or 6 PM. Second, we would have liked to have more of Scotland’s natural history (geology, zoology, botany) interspersed with all the human history.
Group leader David Crowe was extremely thorough with all the organization involved, was always on top of things, and worked tirelessly to keep things going smoothly. He even rigged a fix to a seat belt on the bus that was causing pain for Karl’s leg. Dave also provided information about places and his own experiences that enriched our understanding.
Instructor Robin MacGregor has a breadth and depth of knowledge of Scottish history that is truly impressive. It was fun to learn a bit about the Gaelic language from him, and he always had interesting little details to tell us about a place or historic people. I especially enjoyed the times Robin would play a little music appropriate to the areas we were seeing, with explanations about the artists and why this music was written.
Both David and Robin were very approachable and helpful, with good senses of humor and a willingness to do anything that would make the trip better for everyone. They worked together seamlessly; it was hard to believe they never had worked together before.
We had a very congenial group of 24 travelers whose unique life experiences and viewpoints enhanced the trip for us.
A few highlights for us were the visit to Aigas Field Centre, a bagpiper demonstration, the Loch Ness cruise, the Highlands Folk Museum in Cairngorms National Park, dinner at Tulloch Castle, the Goam Pictish Museum, and the Isle of Skye. Each of these provided experiences unlike anything we’ve seen elsewhere and some were unlikely to be experienced by anyone trying to see Scotland on their own.
— Review left September 28, 2025
Wonderful program. I know more about Scotland and desire to learn more.
— Review left September 19, 2025
We had a wonderful experience in doing the Heart Of The Highlands tour.
— Review left September 18, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first visit to Scotland. I was not disappointed on either score. The Highlands are beautiful, and we learned a great deal about the history of the country, the troubled past of the Highlands, and Scotland's current political issues as a semi-independent part of the United Kingdom. We visited as many of the most important historical sites as one could hope for in a fairly short length of time. The accommodations and food were excellent, the logistics were handled professionally, and our group leader and instructor were capable and knowledgeable. I'm glad that our driver, Stevie, was driving the bus on the narrow roads in the Highlands, and not me! I am already beginning to plan my next trip with Road Scholar, and I would love to visit Scotland again, too.
Leanna -- class of 2025 -- San Jose, California
— Review left September 14, 2025
What a wonderful trip! Our driver, Stevie, the man in charge of logistics, Seamus, and our educator, Robin, were extraordinary; everything went perfectly, and we learned so much. The Scottish Highlands are among the most beautiful places I have ever visited, the accommodations were comfortable and well located, the food was as good as one can expect in Scotland, which is definitely not a foodie destination. One dental emergency was handled quickly, compassionately, and professionally. I walk with a cane, and I was able to keep up with the group; plenty of opportunities were provided for rest as needed. The only thing I would change about the program: fewer castles, more of Scotland’s sublime natural beauty.
— Review left August 29, 2025
We just completed the Scottish Highlands tour. It was awesome. We learned so much about Scotland that we never knew and now want to pick up where we left off and continue to learn more. It whetted our appetite for additional knowledge and the country was beautiful!
— Review left July 31, 2025
I loved this trip. Scotland is full of beauty, especially in the western Highlands and Islands. The culture and history of Scotland is fascinating. The length of the trip is good, but I would have liked one more day to explore Edinburgh and more time on the Isle of Skye in place of 2 of the 5 nights in Strathpeffer. The group leaders were delightful and insightful.
— Review left June 18, 2025
Highlights of the Scottish highlands was a wonderful trip. Great guides, very informative. Nice accommodations. Very active, you must be mobile and sure footed. Some of the food was less than satisfying.
— Review left June 16, 2025
I have been to Scotland 3 times before and still learned a lot from this tour. The description of the activity level accurately matched what actually happened (very important to me due to restricted mobility). Our instructor and tour leader were outstanding, makes me look forward to future tour leaders.
— Review left June 12, 2025
After years of independent travel my wife & I took a chance on Road Scholar. The Scottish Highlands trip was wonderful. There were 19 nice people and two leaders. We learned a lot. Experienced a lot. And, had a great fun time. Do it! You won't be disappointed.
— Review left June 11, 2025
Uncharacteristically sunny and bright through the Scottish Highlands so this enlightened our experience by enjoying our trip in short sleeve shirts and sunglasses. The total experience was beyond words and would love to do it again!
— Review left June 4, 2025
Christine was a very warm and attentive learn. Responded to groups needs very promptly and efficiently. Robin presented very informative and culturally aware and interesting lectures.
— Review left April 24, 2025
Interesting program!
— Review left October 22, 2024
The trip through The Highlands was packed with historic sites, nature and culture. We visited locations I would have overlooked on my own. Taking a Road Scholar tour is somewhere between independent travel and staying with a knowledgeable friend who lives abroad.
— Review left October 6, 2024
The Heart of the Highlands tour was amazing! The sites we visited were relevant and so interesting. Our group leaders were so wonderful and informative. They were a pleasure to be around. The landscapes of Scotland were dreamlike. It is so diverse and beautiful. It's great to see how earth friendly the country is. Recyling was everywhere and the meals so healthy. I would love to go back to Scotland and see more!
— Review left October 4, 2024
We had a wonderful trip for our first time with Road Scholar. The Scottish Highlands were beautiful and we learned so much about the history and culture of Scotland. We had the very best tour guides - Dorothy Rodger was our teaching guide, and Christina Holttum was our logistics guide. Christina arranged all of the gluten free/dairy free meals that I needed, and I have never eaten better on a trip. Even on the remote island of Iona, there was a perfect meal, including cake! It was a highlight of my trip. She also took me shopping in Inverness to find the groceries that I needed. I am so thankful for Christina!
Dorothy was so knowledgeable and knew the history and background of every mile that we traveled. She even had musical selections that corresponded to local events or the history of the area where we were. Cruising through the gorgeous countryside while listening to Scottish music was a great experience. She was able to answer all of our questions, from ancient history to modern alternative energy programs.
The places that we visited and had access to were very impressive. Christina made sure that we tackled some of the busiest venues at the beginning of the day when the crowds were not yet there. We all loved the Aigas Field Center visit and the lunch made by Lady Lucy, and she made us feel so welcome in her home. Dinner at a castle, and the time that we spent on Skye and Iona were also favorites. Thank you for giving us the trip of a lifetime!
— Review left October 1, 2024
If you wish to visit Scotland and learn about its rich and long history, this is the trip I would choose.
— Review left September 25, 2024
A beautiful area, wonderful instructor, fun and skilled bus driver and a friendly and organized coordinator.
— Review left September 6, 2024
Scotland is an incredibly beautiful country. Road Scholar curates experiences that give you a broader understanding of the country and its very interesting history with visits to historic buildings and beautiful gardens, forests and small islands. I got to see and learn about a great deal of Scotland in 10 days.
— Review left September 4, 2024
This program is a great overview of the Scottish Highlands. The guides, Dorothy and Peter, and the coach driver, Stevie, were outstanding. There is a lot of time on the coach, but the Highlands are big! The scenery is inspiring. The food is decent, but not outstanding except for a few cases. The "light lunches" were very light. The hotels are old with 2 single beds in each.
A couple of "free times" in small towns didn't have too much to see. We were in Portree on the Isle of Skye for lunch on our own. It was raining and crowded. We had a heck of a time finding any place to eat that wasn't full or closed.
Overall, I'd recommend this trip, especially if you love Scottish history.
— Review left August 16, 2024
This was my first experience with traveling outside the US and this kind of study tour. I'm still actively working full-time, so my main feeling was one of gratitude for all that could be included in the trip by having professionals who know the country well making all the arrangements. I celebrate the fullness of schedule and all that we experienced, but I would also be interested in trips with a slightly slower schedule to include rest and exploration of surroundings a tour gives us a good introduction to. I felt safe and supported throughout the trip - and that encourages me to look at other Road Scholar tours for the future.
Personnel:
Our guide, Peter, had all the details well organized and communicated each day's schedule clearly and positively. He also showed patience and gentle humor when 'herding' the group was needed. His support was invaluable throughout the trip!
Study leader, Dorothy, was an amazing resource. She provided information at multiple levels from ancient, formative geology about to area - to the history of clans and clearances - all the way to pointing out developing industries in each area of the Highlands we visited. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on environment and the goals Scotland has set a country for reaching net-zero carbon.
Driver, Stevie, was a positive and helpful resource. His skills brought us safely through extremely crowded streets, timely driving to make our schedule and the seemly impossible loading of all of the luggage of the group.
I appreciated all the arrangements and meeting our needs throughout the trip. I look forward to future trips!
— Review left August 14, 2024
Highlands of Scotlands is a beautiful tour and worth the time and money!!!
— Review left August 4, 2024
First of all, let us say that most of the trip was excellent. Our tour director Jen was fabulous. She was able to deal with a great many issues and still managed to keep us on schedule. Noreen, our study leader, was also excellent. She was knowledgeable, humorous, entertaining, and enthusiastic.
Our own personal highlights were the Highland Folk Museum, Cawder Castle, Aigas Field Center, Culloden Battlefield and the Bagpiper performance.
Some suggestions for improvement:
1. Eliminate Cromarty on the Black Isle. It was a waste of time and effort.
2. Eliminate the Priory stop in Beauly. It is covered in scaffolding and closed.
3. Shorten the time spent on the Isle of Iona and extend the time in Oban.
4. If possible, lengthen the boat trip on Loch Ness.
Finally, the hotels were inconsistent. The Apex Hotel in Edinburgh and the Doubletree Hotel Queensbury were both outstanding. Modern, clean, good food well located in both cases.
The Ben Wyvis hotel in Strathpeffer was okay but we feel that a hotel in Inverness might have been a better choice. While the staff was helpful and friendly, the location was remote and offered little.
The Ben Nevis hotel in Fort William was horrible. It is outdated and dirty. No elevators, the toilet paper holder in our room was missing, no facial tissue, leaky windows, and inaccessible outlets to name only a few of the negative aspects of this place. A one star hotel at best. Very disappointing. We expected better of Road Scholar.
Mike and Charlotte Roberts
— Review left July 7, 2024
Scotland is a beautiful country with friendly people and amazing geography. It has a wonderful mix of large historic cities and small, quaint towns and villages. The food is wonderful, fresh, bountiful, and offers a variety of choices.
— Review left July 3, 2024
We covered a lot of ground (geographically and historically) in an efficient and pleasant manner. Our Group leader (Nikki) and Guide (Jill)) were excellent and were absolutely delightful to be around everyday. If you are interested in Scottish history, particularly the of the Highlands, this fast paced trip is for you.
— Review left June 26, 2024
Going to the Scottish Highlands with Road Scholar was exactly what I wanted it to be and more. The activity level was just as it was explained before the trip.Not having to drive those narrow winding roads and not thinking about lodging or finding a restaurant made the trip more relaxing. Besides the beauty of the Highlands, I loved learning the history of that beautiful country.
— Review left June 23, 2024
Excellent way to gain insights into Scottish history and see the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
— Review left June 21, 2024
It was a rewarding trip that exceeded my expectations. It did not really rain, and then only for two days. So very educational. GO! RS cost for Scotland (no idea on other trips) might include your flights, even though the intake person cannot explain anything about travel. The hold time on their travel agent calls was ridiculous—they were only available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 to 12.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Great introduction to the natural beauty of the Highlands along with its history.
— Review left June 14, 2024
Great trip with beautiful scenery and so much history! I loved Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
— Review left June 13, 2024
This program is well worth the time and money I spent on it! The Scottish Highlands are absolutely beautiful and have a fascinating, if sometimes tragic, story to tell.
— Review left June 13, 2024
An enjoyable and informative trip, full of the natural beauty of Scotland as well as the cultural and historical information we were seeking. I was very sad to see it end. My thanks to the Instructor, Fran and the Group Leader, Roz for a super experience. (Not to mention Stevie our great driver!)
— Review left June 11, 2024
This was an excellent program on the Scottish Highlands. It more than met my expectation and hope for learning something new.
— Review left May 31, 2024
Wonderful experience, knowledgeable & adaptable guides. Highly recommend!
— Review left January 21, 2024
Go see and experience the Scottish Highlands with Road Scholar. It's right out of Robert Louis Stevenson. Make sure you spend time at Glen Coe
— Review left October 12, 2023
Wonderful experience!!! Scotland is more beautiful than I could have imagined.
Our guides were exstreemly informative with a wealth of information and history that made the trip educational and lots of fun.
— Review left September 29, 2023
I loved learning, exploring, and laughing with such a delightful, kind, interesting group of fellow travelers and guides. It was the perfect way to enjoy the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands.
— Review left September 28, 2023
The tour was a meaningful, enhancing experience filled with wonderful memories.
— Review left September 14, 2023
This is a fantastic learning, hands-on tour of the Scottish Highlands including the historical aspects and beautiful landscape scenery. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys photography and learning. The beauty of Scotland abounds on this tour!
— Review left July 5, 2023
We loved this program and enjoyed the time that we spent with our fellow travelers, our group leader Ros and instructor Barbara. Special thanks to Stevie, our coach driver who enhanced our experience with his fabulous sense of humor and amazing driving skills.
— Review left June 24, 2023
The Scottish Highlands were magnificent, the mountains, mists, clouds, the trees... These were enhanced by the quality of the Study Leader--Liz and Group Leader--Sue, as well as Stevie the bus driver.
— Review left May 15, 2023
We had a lovely time in the Highlands with Liz and Sue!
— Review left May 10, 2023
Great program. I feel like I really experienced Scotland
— Review left May 10, 2023
A wonderful opportunity to discover the history and culture of Scotland.
— Review left April 29, 2023
Just finished the Scotland trip had a ball if you have never been I recommend it
— Review left April 27, 2023
Incredible learning experience
— Review left September 29, 2022
This was an excellent tour. All of the appropriate locations in Scotland were covered. Both the instructor and leader went the extra mile to make this an outstanding experience! We learned so much about Scotland and its history while traveling to some very beautiful locations.
— Review left September 23, 2022
This is the best Road Scholar trip that I have ever taken. Our guide, Robin, was knowledgeable and interesting, and made the history of the Highlands come alive. An added bonus was our wonderful bus driver, Stevie, who—besides being an incredibly competent driver—provided comic relief at unexpected times. The chemiistry between Robin, our leader Tess, and Stevie made the trip a delight. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history and beautiful scenery and even for those whose interest in the Highlands has been inspired by Outlander,.
— Review left September 7, 2022
This program exceeded by expectations. The site visits, presentations, the organization and leadership were outstanding. The bus driver was a real asset. The accommodations and food were very good. Highly recommended.
— Review left September 7, 2022
This was an exceptional trip, made better by our tour guide, Kirsty, our group leader, Jenny, and our driver, Stevie. Kirsty has a PhD in Scottish history. Combine that with a delightful sense of humor and we could not have been in better hands. The scenery was magnificent, the hotels mostly charming, the itinerary stimulating and at the right pace. We were fortunate to be a very small group of twelve due to several cancellations. Thank you, Road Scholar, for the special memories!
— Review left August 29, 2022
As many of the other reviews mentioned, the scenery, the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands is incredible at every turn. Our team of Mark Hamilton (group leader), David Spooner (tour guide), and Stevie (bus driver) worked together like a well oiled machine even though it was their first time together. We learned something from each of them. The itinerary put together by RS was perfect. Especially enjoyed the private bag pipe concert at the hotel in Strathpeffer. David put together some wonderful musical selections to play on the bus that fit with the sites we visited. Yes, there were a lot of castles visited and the gorgeous gardens surrounding them. Highly recommend this small group trip that takes the participants back in time. Definitely 5 star.
— Review left August 23, 2022
Rich history and amazing landscapes were made all the rewarding by a most expert guide and strong leader.
— Review left August 3, 2022
Great program and staff, so much fun would recommend to anyone, you’ll love it.
— Review left July 21, 2022
Trip was made great by the team of Barbara Mclean, Stuart Findley, and Stevie our driver. I cannot imagine how I could have done this memorable trip and followed such a detailed itinerary on my own.
— Review left July 8, 2022
Seeing so many places and learning so much in a relatively short time and in such a comfortable and well-organized way is what Road Scholar does best and this trip was everything I hoped it would be and more.
— Review left July 8, 2022
The Heart of the Highlands was truly an immersion in Highland history, environment and way of life from architecture to food. I was completely satisfied and left knowing there was more to learn and understand about Scotland.
— Review left June 29, 2022
This was a wonderful trip. The local guide Alasdair Macdonald was informative and entertaining. He was the best guide I have encountered on the number of overseas travels that I have taken. My only complaint about the tour was the Ben Wyvis Strathmore Hotel in Strathpeffer. The single bed was so narrow that I fell out of it on three occasions and the mattress was incredibly lumpy. The food there reminded me of the almost inedible fare that was the staple of the British culinary scene fifty years ago but which I had thought was long forgotten. All other accommodations were excellent. The itinerary of this trip could not have been better. The scenery was achingly beautiful. I am already recommending the trip to all who will listen.
Thank you, Road Scholar,
— Review left May 4, 2022
Fabulous tour.
— Review left December 31, 2019
WE loved this trip!! Our guide, Kirsty, was so knowledgeable and fun. Kevin our logistics person was wonderful and our coach driver Stevie was the best. We could never have covered this much territory on our own!! The Highlands are spectacular and the itinerary offered just the right combination of beautiful scenery, historic castles, gardens and nature preserves. I would recommend it to everyone interested in Scotland.
We wold have loved a bit more time to explore at Dunvegan Castle and also at Glencoe. Otherwise we never felt rushed.
— Review left October 22, 2019
Our recent RoadScholar trip to the Scottish Highlands confirmed yet again that our trips have talented, knowledgeable leaders and interesting and engaging fellow travelers. The trip was a wonderful mix of experiences of this wonderful country.
— Review left September 28, 2019
In the Scottish Highlands was a highly rewarding tour. For a one-time or first-time visitor to Scotland, the itinerary is very comprehensive. If you are lucky enough to get Linda Fairbairn as your education leader, the tour will be magical.
— Review left June 26, 2019
You will enjoy your experience with Road Scholar. The program was well planned and thoughtfully put together to be able to get the most out of our tour of the area we visited.
— Review left June 3, 2019
In addition to what everyone else has said, if you're an Outlander fan, this program will give you a better basis for understanding the first two books. Road Scholar didn't plan it that way, but I was very satisfied. It sure beats a whirlwind tour of filming sites!
— Review left June 2, 2019