From the places you choose to a journey that fits
No fixed tours and no published prices. Just your places, planned properly, and a personal itinerary and quote.
Choose your places
Tap them on the map, start from one of our journeys, or ask us to suggest places based on your interests.
We shape the route
We order your places sensibly, suggest how many nights each deserves, and tell you honestly where the driving is long.
A draft within 48 hours
A first itinerary with suggested hotels and a clear quote, based on your answers.
A call, then your full itinerary
If you like the draft, we talk properly before building the full journey, then confirm every booking.
Unhurried by design
We build unhurried days into every journey, so it never feels full on. For a seven to ten day trip, three or four places is usually best: two nights or more in most, time for an old pub, a kirkyard, a walk where the view is good.
Private tours only
We never run group tours. Your driver-guide and vehicle are yours alone, and you stay in the hotels you choose: castles, five-star luxury or comfortable four-star. That makes our journeys more expensive than a coach tour, and our guests tell us it is completely worth it.
Why there are no prices on this website
Two people in October with charming inns and a family of eight in July with castle stays can choose exactly the same places on the map and receive very different quotes. A "from" price would mislead one of them. So we ask a few questions, and send a personal quote that is accurate for you.
We do ask for a rough budget in the form. It helps us suggest the right hotels and experiences from the start, and saves you several emails.
Your guide, in both countries
In 2027 your Scottish driver-guide takes the ferry to Belfast with you in the same vehicle, and continues into the Republic of Ireland if your route goes there. One person who knows you, your pace and your luggage, from the first morning to the last.
Planning ahead
The small hotels we like best on Skye, along the Causeway Coast and in Dublin book up well ahead for the summer months. The earlier we start, the more choice you have.
Typically included
- Route planning around the places you choose, your pace and your dates
- Your own private driver-guide and vehicle, in Scotland and Ireland
- The Cairnryan–Belfast ferry for you and your vehicle
- Accommodation researched, reserved and confirmed
- Airport meet on arrival and transfer on departure
- Reservations and entries agreed in your itinerary
- One point of contact before and throughout your trip
Available to add
- Family history research and visits to family places
- Golf, whisky, private historians and specialist guides
- Extra nights in Edinburgh, Belfast or Dublin
- Exclusive-use houses and private dining for larger groups
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Meals and drinks not listed in your itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Common questions
Can we visit Ireland without Scotland?
In 2027 Ireland is offered as an extension to a Scotland journey, with your own Scottish guide and vehicle travelling with you. Standalone Ireland journeys with an Irish guide begin in 2028, and you are welcome to tell us you are interested now.
How do we get from Scotland to Ireland?
By car ferry from Cairnryan in south-west Scotland to Belfast, a crossing of about two and a quarter hours. Your guide drives the vehicle on board and you travel together, so there is no change of guide or luggage handover. The ferry fare for you and the vehicle is included in the price.
Do we need a passport between Northern Ireland and the Republic?
There are no border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. You will of course bring your passport for travel to the UK and Ireland; check the current entry requirements for your nationality before you book flights.
Why is there no price on the website?
Because every private journey is different. The places you choose, the season, the standard of hotels and the size of your party change the cost significantly. We would rather send you an accurate, personal quote than a misleading "from" price.
How many places should we choose?
Fewer than you think. We build unhurried days into every journey, so it never feels full on. For a seven to ten day trip, three or four places is usually best. You will see more of each one, and enjoy it more.
Is this a group tour?
No, never. We only run private tours: your own driver-guide and vehicle, just for your party. That makes it more expensive than a group tour, and our guests tell us it is completely worth it.
Where will we stay?
Your choice: castle stays, five-star luxury hotels and country houses, or comfortable, characterful four-star hotels. Many guests mix them, with a castle for a special night or two.
How long should a Scotland and Ireland trip be?
Most guests choose between ten and sixteen days. The trip builder suggests a length as you choose places, and we will advise honestly if your list needs more time.
Where do we fly in and out?
Most guests arrive in Edinburgh and fly home from Dublin, which has a wide choice of flights to North America and US pre-clearance before departure. Open-jaw tickets like this usually work well.
How much driving is involved?
We tell you honestly, day by day. Most days have two to three hours on the road, broken by stops. The drive south from the Highlands to the ferry is the longest part, and we break it with overnight stays.
Can we travel at a gentler pace?
Yes, and we often recommend it. Fewer bases, two nights in most places and unscheduled afternoons make for a better trip. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will plan around them.
What happens after we send our enquiry?
Within 48 hours we send you a draft itinerary and quote based on your answers. If you like the direction, we arrange a call to get to know you properly before we build out the full itinerary. Nothing is booked until you are happy with every detail.
Who will be looking after us?
Lindsay's Highland Tours, a Scottish family business founded in 2019 by Steven Lindsay and his father George. In 2027 our own Scottish driver-guides travel with you in both countries.
Your Scotland and Ireland journey begins with a few pins.
Tell us your journey style and the places you’d love to see. Within 48 hours we’ll send a draft itinerary and quote, then arrange a call to make it truly yours.
Private tours only. Castle stays and the best small hotels book early for summer, so the sooner we start, the more choice you have.