Scotland Landscape and Culture Photography Tour

2027 Scotland Landscape and Culture Photography Tour Travel Plans

Monday, August 23

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, today, or continue with Natural Exposures from the 2027 Greenland Full Moon Red Sails Photography Tour (flight suggestion from Greenland to remain with the group TBA). Overnight at the BrewDog Doghouse Edinburgh (or similar)

Tuesday, August 24 (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. A local guide/historian will introduce the group to the medieval Old Town of Edinburgh. Otherwise, spend the day at leisure, exploring along the Royal Mile and through the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle. Other highlights along the Royal Mile include Victorian-style houses, Holyrood Palace, and an extensive mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and pubs. Edinburgh is a beautiful city rich in history! Lunch will be on your own. We’ll gather for a group welcome dinner to chat about the days ahead.

Overnight at the BrewDog Doghouse Edinburgh (or similar)

Wednesday, August 25 (B)

Rise and shine1 Early this morning, Harry Martin, our local photography guide, will pick us up. We’ll head straight to Calton Hill, a prominent volcanic hill in central Edinburgh, to photograph its iconic Greek-style monuments and panoramic city views of Edinburgh Castle, the Balmoral Clock Tower, and Old Town bathed in warm, golden light.

Following, we’ll make our way to the Scottish Highlands, a mountainous region encompassing northwest Scotland, widely considered one of the most scenic places in all of Europe. High mountain peaks tower over deep lakes, or lochs, rolling glens, and historic old stone castles.

We’ll stay three nights at The Royal Hotel in Ullapool, a well-preserved countryside fishing village nestled on the shores of Loch Broom.

Thursday, August 26 and Friday, August 27 (2B)

We’ll have two full days to photograph and explore the Highlands. Dramatic mountains, sweeping valleys, rugged coastlines, and ever-changing light create endless opportunities for memorable images. We’ll visit some of the region’s most iconic locations, taking time to work with the landscape, weather, and natural light to capture its unique character. During the summer months, the landscape is transformed by the blooming heather, adding rich shades of purple and pink across the hillsides and providing beautiful foregrounds for sweeping mountain views.

Whether you enjoy wide panoramic landscapes, intimate details, wildlife, or atmospheric scenes, the Highlands offer something for everyone. Tap into your creativity, explore new perspectives, and make the most of the constantly changing conditions that make Highland photography so rewarding.

Overnight at The Royal Hotel

Saturday, August 28 (B, D)

One last sunrise shoot in the majestic Highlands, and then we’ll make our way back toward Edinburgh.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in at Dalhousie Castle, just a few miles south of Edinburgh. The castle is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited castle in all of Scotland, built by the powerful Clan Ramsay in the early 13th century. Over the centuries, the fortress has welcomed royalty, statesmen, and literary figures, including Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria. Be sure to seek out the castle’s secret passageways, old tapestries, and historic bottle dungeon. We’ll enjoy fine dining and flavorful cuisine in Dalhousie’s restaurants. Yes, this magnificent castle offers the perfect setting to relax, reflect, and savor the final moments of our Scottish journey.

Overnight at Dalhousie Castle

Sunday, August 29 (B, D)

Our last day begins with breakfast followed by an early morning drive around the Scottish Borders to an iconic location for photography, the impressive ruins of Melrose Abbey. An early Christian monastery, Melrose Abbey was largely destroyed by the English army around 1385, but the magnificent ruins of a church built on the site in the early 15th century provide a picturesque elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Decorated masonry in Gothic-style architecture, superb windows, and unusual sculptures surrounded by lush greenery make this a location a haven for photographic opportunities.

The afternoon is free to experience all that Dalhousie Castle has to offer. Optional add on participation may include the Falconry Experience, or take an archery class.  Wander and photograph the castle’s 11 acres of private parkland.  Tonight, we’ll visit Rosslyn Chapel after hours for exclusive photography opportunities in and around the chapel. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in the 15th century as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew. This church boasts the finest architecture in Scotland with its unique and mysterious carvings and ornate stonework. You may be familiar with Rosslyn Chapel from the blockbuster movie, The Da Vinci Code.

We’ll celebrate our newfound friends and memorable experiences over a group farewell dinner at the castle.

Overnight at Dalhousie Castle

Monday, August 30 (B)

Depart Edinburgh today. Group transfer provided to Edinburgh by Dalhousie Castle.

Lang may yer lum reek!