Our Extraordinary, Women-Only Tour of the Scottish Highlands
At a Glance
Trip Description
Deep Into the Highlands
EARLY BIRD PRICING till Sept. 30th.
The prehistoric site that inspired the time-travel stones in Outlander. The viaduct seen in the Harry Potter films carrying the Hogwart’s Express across the country. Traditional Ceilidh dancing. Sheepdog fun. Shaggy “heylan coos” (highland cows). Castles. Wine tastings. New Scottish friends.
There’s so much to experience in the Scottish Highlands, and we have curated the heck out of this itinerary to make sure we get to it all, without the typical “walk and gawk” of a traditional “tour.”. We start in Edinburgh and take a beautiful drive north, where we stay in delightful inns and dine in remarkable restaurants with sophisticated menus (in other words, so much more than haggis).
Interested? Learn more about the trip and meet our guide. Watch our information session here.
Come and get ready to be wowed by the landscapes: lush riverbanks, artful stone ruins, mist-shrouded ‘murdochs,’ and glistening lochs that may—or may not—be home to sea monsters. Come ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland, with its distinctive characteristics and cultural tokens appreciated world-wide: kilts, bagpipes, and the Sean-Connery brogue. Come ready to make new friends–not just among your fellow travelers, but with Scottish women who will welcome you into their hearts and homes.
Through our guide’s local friendships and connections, we’ll have unique opportunities to meet some Scotswomen and get deeper into the culture than a solo tourist could.
NOTE: NextTribe members receive a $100 discount on price.
5 Reasons We Love This Trip
- Dancing a traditional Ceilidh dance in one of Edinburgh’s dance clubs and hiking through awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Visiting sites made famous by the Outlander TV series and by films such as the Harry Potter series and Monty Python.
- Getting to know Scotland’s distinctive animals—adorable Highland Cows (“Heylan Coos”), who have a flop of hair over their eyes, and Border Collies, who ply their craft with a herd of sheep.
- Nestling in cozy inns and exploring small towns full of history and charm.
- A chance to meet dynamic Scottish women at a special reception and in their homes.
Our Guide: Johanne McInnis
Johanne McInnis (“Jo”—to most of us) is from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, but her heart is in Scotland, the land of her ancestors. Her work takes her frequently to Scotland, where she’s developed deep connections, which she’ll share with us.
Jo’s sense of humor and nurturing nature add an extra layer of enjoyment to this wonderful itinerary she has helped us create. She is keen to share her love of all things Scottish with NextTribe travelers.
Seeing Scotland for the first time was more than my expectations, and traveling with Next Tribe for the first time made it special. We covered so much of the beautiful country, experienced multiple sites and special activities, stayed in nice hotels, and had amazing dinners. The special treat was to meet local women who shared their stories with us in a beautiful restaurant pub.
- Michelle Jameison
I have wanted to go to Scotland forever! This trip exceeded all my expectations! NextTribe takes traveling to the next level, providing experiences you can’t get with anyone else and the opportunity to make friends who become sisters!!
- Jeannette LaFontaine
Photos
Map
Sample Itinerary
MONDAY, June 9th
Arrive in Edinburgh. After settling into our hotel, we'll enjoy a guided two hour walking tour through this fascinating city.
We'll continue getting to know each other over dinner at one of the city's many great restaurants.
TUESDAY, June 10th
After breakfast, we'll hit the streets of Edinburgh. You'll have a choice of climbing Arthur's Seat, exploring Edinburgh Castle or going on a Harry Potter tour of the city.
After an early dinner together, we'll kick up our heels at a traditional Scottish Ceilidh dance at a dance club.
WEDNESDAY, June 11
What would a visit to the Scottish Highlands be without a stop at Loch Ness? We'll make our way to the fabled body of water through stunning landscapes of towering mountains, known as "murdochs" and velvety green valleys.
We'll stop for a picnic lunch at Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is known worldwide for the scenes in the Harry Potter movies where the Hogwart's Express travels through the countryside.
After we arrive and get settled into the charming Loch Ness Inn, we'll enjoy dinner at their very own restaurant.
THURSDAY, June 12th
After breakfast, we'll board the "Nessie Hunter" for a guided tour of the famous Loch Ness
We'll get up close and personal with some iconic and adorable Highland Cows and enjoy tea at Drumbuie Farm
After a day of exploring, we'll enjoy another dinner at a local restaurant
FRIDAY, June 13th
We'll start the morning with a tour of the historic Urquhart castle on the shores of Loch Ness. This castle has been featured in several film and makes an appearance in the Outlander novels.
After our castle visit, we'll head East to Aberlour with a stop for lunch in Inverness at a restaurant on the River Ness. After lunch, we'll visit the Clava Cairns, which inspired the time-travel stones in Outlander and Nairn Viaduct
Dinner at The Spey Inn Aberlour, known for its traditional Scottish fare and locally sourced ingredients.
SATURDAY, June 14th
This morning will be relaxed to allow time for you to hike, bike, or make arrangements to fish in the River Spey or ride horses nearby.
In the afternoon, we'll head to the famous Glenfiddich Distillery for lunch and, later, a tour of a nearby facility.
Dinner will be in the town of Huntley at the elegant Bank Cafe'.
SUNDAY, June 15th
Today you'll have another morning of free time to explore and hike with lunch on your own.
We'll visit the home studio of Ann Miller, who will talk about what women have contributed to Scotland's whisky culture.
We'll then meet at the elegant, woman-owned 1881 Hotel for a special wine-tasting reception for female entrepreneurs and artisans in the Speyside area. Prepare to be insipired.
Dinner at the lovely women-owned Dowan's Hotel
MONDAY, June 16th
After breakfast, we'll make our way through the stunning Cairngorm National Park, then on to Kingcraig. Here, we'll get to see a sheepdog demonstration at a working farm.
We'll stop for an early dinner at the home of one of our guide's friends. Last year, we were treated to a home-cooked meal overlooking a pasture filled with sheep (but no canine minder).
Then it's back to Edinburgh for our last night.
TUESDAY, June 17th
Take the opportunity to extend your stay in Edinburgh, to see more of this wonderful town. Or head to the Edinburgh airport to return home.
PLEASE NOTE: ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE. When an itinerary meets the real world, we often have to pivot slightly. If we have to make a change, the replacement will be of equal or greater value.
Logistics
Fly into and out of Edinburgh (EDI) and make it to our hotel in Edinburgh by 2 pm on the first day of the trip. The best way to do so is via taxi, Uber, or Shuttle.
Before the trip, we will be gathering for a Zoom meet and greet and you will also get a schedule of everyone's flight, so you can see if there will be someone on your flight you can share a taxi with from the airport.
Our hotel info is:
Voco Hotel Royal Terrace
18 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AQ
T: +44 131 557 3222
Check In: June 9, 2025
Check Out: June 11, 2025
Check in again: June 16, 2025
Check out: June 17, 2025
Loch Ness Inn in Drumnadrochit
+44 1456 450991
Check-In: June 11, 2025
Check Out: June 13, 2025
Craigellachie Hotel in Aberlour
+44 1456 450991
Check in: June 13, 2025
Check out: June 16: 2025
For reference, temperatures hover in the 60s during June in the Highlands. Rain is always a possibility so make sure to pack a good rain jacket.
Bring about $500 USD or equivalent in British Pounds, more if you're a shopper.
No special vaccines are necessary.
Please check to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the trip.
Electrical outlets are three-pronged British plugs (type G).
The Internet is provided free of charge at the hotels.
We will ask everyone going on the trip to download What's App, so that we can use it for communication before and during our trip. Please familiarize yourself with What's App.
If you want to extend your stay before or after, we can work with the hotel to arrange this.
If you have questions, please direct them to Marcy Mitchell, our travel manager, at travel@NextTribe.com.
What's Included
- 8 nights Accommodations
*2 in Edinburgh at the beginning of the trip, 2 on Loch Ness, 3 in Aberlour and 1 on our return to Edinburgh
- 7 Dinners
- 5 Lunches
- Daily Breakfasts
- Receptions with Local Women
- Tea at a Highland Cow Farm
- Sheepdog Demonstration
- Loch Ness Boat Ride
- Urquhart Castle Entrance
- Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Ceilidh Dance
- Transportation
*In comfortable mini-bus
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Alcohol (unless specifically mentioned in an itinerary activity or purchased as an add-on)
- Tips
*Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids, and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees; and items not expressly listed as included.
Additional Add-Ons
Hotels
Our travelers love us (yay!)
Colleen M., California
What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.
”Courtney M., Texas
What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.
”Donna B., Washington
I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.
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I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.
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Frequently asked questions
What’s different about your trips?
We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.
Where do you go?
We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!
What do you mean by transformational travel?
NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!
What if I travel solo?
If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.
What if I don’t like group travel?
We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.
What’s the price range of your trips?
We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.
What’s included in the price?
Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.
Do you have payment plans?
We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.
How do I get trip discounts?
Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.
What’s the average age of women on the trips?
We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.
What’s the activity level of the trips?
Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.
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