With discerning travelers increasingly seeking experiences that are both indulgent and environmentally conscious, Luxury Gold is launching a new tour in partnership with VisitScotland that proves luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
This exclusive 10-Day journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and storied cities takes you deep into the heart of this remarkable country, with every step promoting responsible travel and sustainability.
Coming soon, ahead of the tour’s release we offer a sneak peek at what lies in store.
Thoughtfully created, with sustainability in mind
“We’re thrilled to bring this new tour to the Luxury Gold portfolio, and it has been very exciting to work on,” says Karen Gower, Senior Travel Experiences Manager for Luxury Gold. “When crafting this 10-Day itinerary, I’ve combined all of the luxurious touches our guests expect from Luxury Gold, with the best that Scotland has to offer. This includes bucket list destinations and experiences, as well as hidden gems that we know our guests will love.
“But what really makes Spectacular Scotland stand out in our collection is its focus on sustainability. Working in partnership with VisitScotland, this has been at the forefront when sourcing every experience, supplier and even the pace of the itinerary. Guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on guests, our Travel Concierges are chomping at the bit to run this tour as they can see how fantastic it is!”
Luxury and sustainability at a glance
A special focus on activities that have a positive impact on the environment, including visits to Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe National Nature Reserve, Loch Fleet Nature Reserve and the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on the Isle of Mull.
A new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience developed specially for this tour – a Highland Tartan demonstration. While other itineraries usually only include one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, this one has four.
Mostly 2-night stays, which means a smaller carbon footprint in travel terms, as well as allowing guests more time to support the local economy in one area, avoiding areas where there is a strain on the local community due to visitor numbers.
Restaurant and hotel suppliers have been sourced with sustainability at the forefront of consideration, such as Michelin-starred Unalome by Graeme Cheevers in Glasgow, where you’ll dine on day 8.
Developed in partnership with VisitScotland
Created in partnership with VisitScotland, Rona Wallace, Senior Manager, Business Development join us for a Q&A to explain more about the sustainability ethos behind our new Spectacular Scotland journey.
Why is it important to offer responsible travel options?
“Scotland has welcomed visitors for over 200 years, and we want to ensure tourism provides sustainable economic growth for generations to come. Responsible travel is entirely possible and by working with organizations like TTC and their Luxury Gold brand, we can demonstrate how it can be achieved in Scotland.
“The principle of Responsible tourism means slowing down the consumer, allowing them to dwell longer and discover different places away. This in turn delivers more for local communities and allows clients on tours to relax and make those local connections which we know from consumer trends is what they are looking for. This in turn delivers a strong selling tour. Spending a longer time in a destination ultimately leads to less carbon production and benefits the hotels too.”
Do you believe luxury and sustainability in travel can go and-in-hand?
“Definitely. High quality immersive experiences benefit local businesses and communities, and many of our 5-star accommodation providers take responsible tourism very seriously – they are committed to climate action, social inclusion and giving back to their local communities, using an abundance of local food and drink in their offering while delivering on the expectations of luxury clients.”
What do you hope our guests learn about Scotland that they may have not already known?
“That memorable experiences go way beyond the standard bucket list – by working closely with the Luxury Gold team and our knowledge of Scotland businesses we’re able to suggest experiences that are unique to Scotland and will live long in the memory.”
Which experiences on the tour are you particularly excited about?
“It’s a hard choice, as all offer their own unique experience which clients will find memorable, and at times unexpected. The VIP Visit with Lord Bruce of Broomhall House will be a highlight, but my ultimate favorite has to be the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Highland Tartan Demonstration. I am sure the clients for Luxury Gold will have some serious fun here, whilst learning about one of Scotland’s ancient industries.”
What does the future hold for responsible tourism in Scotland?
“There’s a lot of desire amongst tourism businesses to do the right thing for sustainable growth. Public sector agencies are working in partnership with the private sector to co-ordinate our strategic plans and activity – as a country we’re the right size to deliver on this – small enough to have personal relationships across different sectors, but large enough to make meaningful change. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re definitely on the right path. We also want to share our learnings with other destinations and together we can make a difference.”
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Spectacular Scotland – a peak at the itinerary
Your luxurious journey through Scotland begins with two nights in its charming capital Edinburgh. Explore iconic landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, savor seasonal Scottish produce and foraged herbs at the renowned Wedgwood Restaurant on the Royal Mile, and meet the owners on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
A VIP visit with Lord Bruce, a descendant of Robert the Bruce, at Broomhall House in St Andrews takes you into the heart of Scottish nobility, and the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park unveils Scotland in all its natural beauty. Take a private tour of Balmoral Castle and estate and visit the historic battleground of Culloden, take a golf lesson on the championship course, and spot sea otter nests and seals at the serene Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.
Near Dornoch immerse yourself in Scottish heritage with Highland Tartan demonstration, before exploring the breathtaking Glencoe valley with a ranger, both MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. The next day sample the finest whiskies at the Tobermory Distillery on the picturesque Isle of Mull or round off your day with a visit to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your journey concludes in Glasgow with a Michelin-starred lunch at Unalome by Graeme Cheever and two nights in the acclaimed Cameron House Hotel. Personalize your final day with a scenic seaplane ride over Loch Lomond or a relaxing champagne cruise, ensuring a memorable finale to this remarkable experience.
For the ultimate combination of luxury and sustainability, Spectacular Scotland is coming soon, for departures in 2026.
