Family comes first on this 10-day Scottish ancestry tour, tracing the historic footsteps of your family heritage. Step beyond into the land of oral history and legend, where you clan name was your lifeblood. This custom tailored trip will take you to witness battlefields, grand castles, island life, and ancestral mythology. Traverse the magnificent landscape of Scotland and find the wonders that shaped your genealogical past. From ancient stones to Roman ruins, heritage archives to friendly local...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Edinburgh – The Family Tree
Arrive in Edinburgh and meet your private transfer at the airport. The city immediately sweeps you up in its historic streets and ambiance. The facades of Old Town are reminiscent of traditional British Gothic architecture. People crowd the Royal Mile, a 321-foot stretch of road that leads from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace. Antiquity runs deep and is palpable around Castle Rock, and stretches to the edges of the neighborhood of Cramond.
You find remnants of a 2nd century Roman fortress. The ground plan continues to take shape around the grassy plain. The aroma of the nearby sea sweeps across the old fort. A recreated bathhouse and headquarters has been pieced together over the last 50 years of excavations. The sounds of the rushing River Almond swivels past. You make your way to your hotel in central Edinburgh and have already found a culture whose history dates back far beyond what you imagined.
What's Included:
Day 2
Edinburgh – Searching the Tree Branches
Day 3
The Northern Highlands – Calling Macleod
Day 4
Isle of Skye – Noble Sights
Day 5
Isle of Skye – Rising Clan
Day 6
Isle of Lewis and Harris – Traditions Kept Alive
Day 7
Isle of Lewis and Harris – Connected Islands
Day 8
Isle of Lewis and Harris – Empowering Stones
Day 9
Edinburgh – The Gathering
Day 10
Edinburgh – Family Connections
Trip Highlights
- Visit the unique collection of Scottish heritage at the Scottish Genealogy Society
- Witness the memorable ancient ruins known as the Callanish Standing Stones
- Explore the famous Scottish Highlands, known for its intense and magnificent landscape
- Discover remarkable castles bordered by ethereal scenery
- Scour the historic archives at a number of visitor heritage centers
- Uncover the history of your family and clan, along with distant relatives connected by ancient alliance
- Wander the famous battleground at Culloden Battlefield
Detailed Description
The culture of Scotland has been shaped by its history: amassed in both the city and collected from the country at large, in Edinburgh. When you arrive, your Scottish ancestry tour of tracing the family heritage begins. Spend a full day exploring the city to witness its famous sites, from castles to cathedrals. You will also spend time at the Scottish Genealogy Society, which will help you trace your family name back to a specific clan. There were many clans that lived in the Scottish Highlands; after you connect your surname with your ancestry, you venture out into the Highlands, in this particular instance, in search of Clan Macleod.
On your way to Inverness, you take your time at Culloden Battleground. The grounds are filled with markers that commemorate the many clans that fought and lost members during the 18th-century skirmish. In Inverness, you can visit the Museum and Art Gallery, which provides you with insight into the Highlander mentality. Travel south to visit the Highland Folk Museum where the imaginative images of Highland civilization come to life through the stories that traveled in and out of the country. Explore the splendor of Eilean Donan Castle, a stronghold set within the breathtaking scenery.
On the Isle of Skye, you will find a deeper connection to the Macleod clan and the isle itself. Discover the Bloody Stone in Glen Sligachan and the Eros Experience at the fringe of the island’s capital of Portree. Meander through the old seat of Macleod power at Dunvegan Castle, home to the fabled Fairy Flag. Before reaching the Isle of Lewis and Harris, you can see a traditional Colbost Croft home. Once on the new island you can traverse the tremendous landscape and see the family connection.
Wander the Seallam Visitor Centre in search of a more recent history and familial connections and make your way to Rodel to visit the 16th century Church of St. Clements. Later you will arrive in Stornoway, the capital city of the island. Outside of the city you will come to the ancient marvel, the Callanish Standing Stones. The 5,000-year-old historic site connects forgotten culture to remembered landscape. Continue onward to the Ness Heritage Centre to scour the local archives and records.
Take a moment and reach out to local relatives that have always been separated by distance. Extend your stay to connect with family and hear stories that harken back to the beginnings of the clan. Your return to Edinburgh can wait. Upon your return to the capital city, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel to escort you to the airport on your final day in the city. You have traversed the Highlands and listened to legend to find your treasured heritage and it was well worth it.
For more vacation planning ideas, visit the tours of Scotland page.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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