This itinerary offers deep connection with the beating heart of Scottish culture and a unique encounter with the soul of the wild highlands. Our journey takes us from the famed Edinburgh Festival – the biggest arts festival in the world – to an immersive experience with one of the six remaining master weavers in Great Britain: On a remote, working croft on the West Coast. Tom Kilbride and his clan produce tartan tweed the old way – from sheep and Gotland goats – to coats! We visit the magical Isle of Skye, with its green-blue Fairy Pools, castles drenched in historical drama, a whisky distillery tour, and endless views of hills and lochs that will take your breath away.
INTRODUCING SLIDING SCALE PRICING: Lower/discounted rates will be available at the time of booking until a particular date, or until they run out, whichever comes first. Note that discounted rates on these trips can only be applicable if the group size reaches 5 or more travelers. Should we deem necessary to cancel such a trip due to low enrollment, all funds will be returned to the traveler.
INCLUDED: All accommodations (double occupancy); full breakfast daily at the hotels, lunch and dinner per itinerary (B, L, D); local guides; guest speakers; all entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials; transportation/coach bus; bottled water; one CCJ trip manager.
NOT INCLUDED: International air travel from USA to Scotland; alcoholic drinks; meals not on itinerary. Excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel protection insurance.
TRAVEL PROTECTION: Cross Cultural Journeys is not responsible for cancellation expenses that you might incur before or during our trip. You may want to check first to see if your current insurance policy covers travel abroad, but we have found that most do not. We strongly encourage considering taking out travel interruption and evacuation insurance to cover any emergencies abroad such as evacuation, or reimbursement for cancellation due to your own illness or an illness in your family. Some plans require you to take out this insurance within 21 days of your deposit to cover pre-existing conditions. CCJ has partnered with TravelSafe. You can visit our online portal to explore different plans. We encourage you to choose a plan covers travel interruption before you depart, as well as during the trip. CCJ is not responsible for events beyond our control in this regard.
Please visit the Cross Cultural Journeys - TravelSafe online portal to find a plan that works for you. You can also call TravelSafe directly at 1-800-523-8020. Make sure you mention that Cross Cultural Journeys is your tour operator to receive our special rates.
Trip Manager
Cilla Utne
Cilla joined Cross Cultural Journeys as CEO in January of 2015. Since the late 90's, she has worked in the field of intercultural consciousness, facilitated cross-cultural training programs for executives living and working across cultures. A native of Sweden and a world traveler, she has lived for extended periods in Spain, the UK, Chile, Guatemala and the US. She holds an MBA in Sustainability from Presidio Graduate School and is often a speaker on the links between sustainability and cultural values. Cilla is also a budding author, working on a novel about her mother’s childhood, contemplating how unresolved trauma can impact future generations. Based in the US since 1998, she lives on Bainbridge Island, WA where she is co-parenting her teen son Mateo with her ex-husband Leif. She loves contemplating life’s purpose, yoga, cooking and good food, the outdoors, long walks with her French Bulldog puppy Lola always by her side.
Arrive in Edinburgh, explore on your own and settle in to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Airport pickup can be arranged.
Sleep: Edinburgh