Scotland

Any proper introduction to Scotland should start in Edinburgh. The cosmopolitan city is rightfully celebrated for its Gothic and Georgian architecture, its cobblestoned streets and its 12th-century castle — a hilltop fortress that overlooks it all.

In the capital, Gray guides love the renowned Balmoral Hotel for its central, historic location and top-notch service. Start your day with an early morning hike up from the hotel to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the heart of town, for sweeping North Sea and city views. Then, travel back in time and learn of medieval tales as you take in the Gothic architecture of the Old Town and the Georgian style of the new – all with an expert historian in tow. See Holyrood Palace (the British King’s residence), and shop in New Town for a custom kilt followed by afternoon tea.

Departing from Edinburgh, experience one of the world’s most luxurious sleeper trains, Belmond’s Royal Scotsman. Journeys span in length from two to seven nights, but all highlight the best of Scotland through immersive experiences including clay pigeon shooting, loch plunges and whiskey tastings.

Alternatively, a one-hour drive north from Edinburgh delivers you into the Perthshire foothills, perfectly positioned en-route to the dramatic Highlands. In this part of Scotland, Gleaneagles Hotel serves as the ideal launching point for active ventures. Horseback ride, golf, shoot, ATV tour, hike, road bike and fish your way through this world-class, 850-acre outdoor playground. Another one-hour transfer north leads you to the family-owned 13-bedroom former private state, Dun Aliunn. Overlooking the vibrant market town of Aberfeldy and the River Tay, it provides plenty of classic highland experiences right outside its doors, all catered to your group’s wishes by on-trip producers at the helm.

Continuing north, the colorful and art-filled Fife Arms, a 46-room hunting lodge, sits in the close-knit Braemar. Owned by the powerhouses behind the contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth, the hotel doesn’t shy from color with art-filled walls. Deep within the Cairngorms National Park, this stay offers myriad workshops from the community’s extensive range of talented suppliers in addition to outdoor adventures aplenty. Our Producers have scouted the terrain – it’s best explored on two wheels, by kayak, or on two feet. Further north still, nestled amid 500 acres of gardens and woodlands on the shores of Loch Ness, Aldourie Castle proves perfect for the sort of grand buy-outs that define the best milestone celebrations.

Off Scotland’s northwest coast, the Hebrides islands form a wild archipelago. Gray prefers to cruise guests from the mainland to the islands, and then to explore the surrounding waters by private charter. That’s simply the best way to discover the birdlife and marine species, including basking sharks, and the most efficient way to maximize your time in the region. The Isle of Skye, accessed by car bridge, stands out for its misty landscapes, fairy lore and iconic Talisker whisky. It’s the place to hike dramatic cliffs, explore the Fairy Pools and take in some of Scotland’s most cinematic scenery from the charming and quaint Kinloch Lodge. The colorful harbor town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is only a car ferry away and charms with its 18th-century cottages. Charter to the island of Iona, home to the historic Iona Abbey which is known as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Take another charter boat journey to tiny Staffa, famed for Fingal’s Cave, which inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture.

Back on the mainland, the Michelin-rated Glenapp Castle, in the countryside located South West Scotland, delights with unparalleled service. Here, golf enthusiasts enjoy easy access to more than five top courses, including Trump Turnberry, Prestwick Golf Club, Royal Troon and Dundonald Links. Seafarers, meanwhile, can delight in an excursion to Aisla Craig to venture through a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to more than 40,000 bird species, puffins not least among them. Or head to Scotland’s southernmost island, the Isle of Islay, by way of a short charter flight or a commercial ferry. Only 500 square kilometers in size, it’s home to a plethora of whiskey distilleries. The island’s newest boutique hotel, the 12-room, LVMH-owned Ardbeg House, impresses with surreal decor by Russell Sage Studio and standout service. It’s a stylish, sophisticated base for private active trips with family, friends or colleagues!