Tailor-made Holiday · Scotland
Explore Ancient Scotland: LGBTQ+ Friendly Heritage Tour
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on a journey through Scotland, a land where rugged landscapes and ancient history converge to create a truly magical experience. From the enchanting Highlands to the windswept Orkney Isles, this itinerary takes you through vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, and prehistoric wonders. Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich culture, savor its timeless traditions, and let its breathtaking beauty capture your heart.
Begin in the historic city of Inverness, where the River Ness flows through a dramatic landscape of castles and cathedrals. Venture north to Caithness, where the cliffs meet the sea, and arrive at John O’Groats, a landmark of adventure and discovery. The journey continues to Orkney, where Neolithic treasures like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar unveil the mysteries of a bygone era.
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On the Isle of Hoy, marvel at the raw beauty of its landscapes, from the towering Old Man of Hoy to the serene beaches of Rackwick Bay. Discover Scotland’s vibrant heritage at royal castles and savor the flavors of world-class whisky at historic distilleries. Every stop offers a deeper connection to the land, its people, and its stories.
As your journey concludes, reflect on the unforgettable moments spent amid Scotland’s rugged beauty and timeless charm. This adventure is an exploration of a place where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create memories that will linger long after your return home.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy a warm welcome as your private driver escorts you to Kingsmills, where your stay in a Classic Room sets the stage for your adventure. A thoughtfully prepared Welcome Package awaits, complete with essential documents and tickets to ensure your journey begins seamlessly.
Dive into the storied history of Inverness on a guided walking tour. Marvel at the imposing Inverness Castle overlooking the River Ness, the intricate stonework of Inverness Cathedral, and the Celtic heritage of the Old High Church, before strolling the vibrant High Street, rich in Victorian and Georgian architecture.
Day 2: Venture North
Set out from Inverness and journey through the stunning Black Isle and Cromarty Firth, where tales of the Highland Clearances weave through the rugged beauty. Along the way, enjoy a picturesque coastal stop, learning about the traditional herring fishing industry and pausing for a relaxing lunch.
Travel to the dramatic landscapes of Caithness and visit the iconic village of John O’Groats, perfect for an unforgettable photograph. Stroll the cliffs of Duncansby Head, where seabirds, including puffins, nest amidst the striking sea stacks. Return to Forss House Hotel and unwind in your Standard Room.
Day 3: Enchanting Kirkwall
Board the ferry from Scrabster to the Orkney Isles, and let the wild beauty of this archipelago unfold before you. Check into The Kirkwall Hotel, where your Classic Room offers a comfortable base for exploration.
Discover the charming harbor town of Kirkwall, home to the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of 12th-century craftsmanship. Visit the evocative Italian Chapel and Scapa Flow, steeped in wartime history, as you explore the timeless allure of the Orkneys.
Day 4: Step Back in Time
Step back in time as you visit Orkney’s most famous Neolithic sites, starting with the Ring of Brodgar, an awe-inspiring stone circle. Continue to the Ness of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, uncovering ceremonial sites steeped in ancient history.
Explore Maeshowe, a passage grave ingeniously aligned with the winter solstice, and end your day at Highland Park Whisky Distillery. Enjoy a tour and a dram of Orkney’s finest before retreating to your Classic Room at The Kirkwall Hotel.
Day 5: A Historical Wander
Begin your day at Skara Brae, Western Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric village, and immerse yourself in ancient daily life. Return to modern comforts at Orkney Brewery, sampling local ales crafted from pure Orcadian water.
Continue to Marwick Head nature reserve, a haven for birdlife and breathtaking coastal views. Conclude the day at the Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre, where Scotland’s legends come to life, before returning to your Classic Room at The Kirkwall Hotel.
Day 6: Island Adventure
Venture to Hoy, Orkney’s second-largest island, where dramatic landscapes and Norse history await. Admire the serene Rackwick Bay and hike to the Old Man of Hoy, a towering sandstone sea stack crafted by time.
Explore the Dwarfie Stane, a Neolithic tomb shrouded in mystery, and enjoy panoramic views from Ward Hill. After a day immersed in nature and history, return to the comfort of your Classic Room at The Kirkwall Hotel.
Day 7: Scenic Sojourn
Bid farewell to Orkney and journey back to mainland Scotland. En route to Dingwall, stop at the regal Castle of Mey, a lovingly restored royal retreat with lush gardens.
Visit Glenmorangie Distillery, renowned for its towering stills, and indulge in a tasting of its exquisite whisky. Conclude the day at Tulloch Castle, where your Standard Room offers a relaxing end to the day.
Day 8: Farewell to Scotland
Conclude your journey with a private transfer to the airport, leaving Scotland with a treasure trove of memories. Your adventure through this breathtaking land, rich in history and natural beauty, will stay with you forever.
Our Experts
I'm Scottish so am very fond of this country. Windswept Highlands landscapes, stunning lochs, mountains and glens... it's a paradise for those who love dramatic scenery.
The cities of Scotland have an energy that isn't seen anywhere else on earth. Welcoming, vibrant, and with that famous Scottish sense of humor. Edinburgh is a must-see for those visiting this beautiful country.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.