Scotland Tour 2

Oct 1st  – Oct 11th, 2023


SKU: 20230930-Scotland Category: Tags: , , ,

Description

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After a long wait and so many requests, we return! 
 
Imagine
A way to travel and photograph in Scotland,  working with top photographic instructors in a non-pressure environment. All while staying in beautiful locations and hotels and exploring some of the most scenic and historical areas in Scotland.  Each day will be unique and exciting. Every day and moment is a new adventure, with flexibility and no worries other than enjoying your time.  
 
Small-Group Tour
MPA has continued to work towards having smaller, more intimate groups and a higher level of accommodations on all our tours. This allows for an overall better group dynamic and avoids the large bus tour feel. We believe we are working towards creating even better photographic tours than ever and are excited about the direction we continue to head!  This tour represents a small group with excellent location accommodations, transportation, and top photography instruction.  to this magical location of stunning scenic beauty and castles!

Join the MPA team as we explore, chase light, and photograph the INCREDIBLE scenery of Scotland!

Guests with all levels of photographic experience, beginner through advanced are welcome!  Even if you are brand new to photography, there is NO NEED to feel intimidated about joining us! 

Come see why Scotland has turned into one of our FAVORITE locations in all the world to photograph! 
 

What this tour is NOT!

  • Large Group
  • Bus tour
  • Low-quality hotels
  • Touristy-only spots
  • High client-to-instructor ratio

What this tour IS!

  • Small-Group (10 photographers – 2 Instructors)
  • Off-the-beaten-path locations
  • Quality hotels with unique offerings
  • Luxury Vehicles with Private Driver-Guides
  • High client-to-instructor ratio (5-1-PLUS 2 local guides-photographers- No one offers anything close to this) 
  • Surprises we have in store for you! 
  • Editing teaching and workshop time
  • Worry-less travel with great friends, amazing instruction, and a flexible itinerary so we can do what we want, when we want!

Locations
Edinburgh
Fort William
Isle of Skye
Inverness
Aberdeen
East Lothian
 

Additional information

Registration Type

Non-Photographer, Photographer – Pay in Full, Photographer – Payment Plan

Details

 

    • Price: $7895.00 (Photographer) $7295(Non Photographer) 

Details:

        • Dates: Oct 1st – Oct 11th, 2023 
        • Cost: $7895 ( payments made over 10-12 months interest-free
        • Limited Space Available! (ONLY 10 photographer  spots)

     

        • Tour Price Includes:
        • Small-Group (10 max plus 2 nonphoto)
        • Off-the-beaten-path locations
        • Luxury Vehicles with Private Driver-Guides
        • Quality hotels with unique offerings
        • Meals included as in itinerary.  (All breakfast and 4 dinners.
        • Surprises we have in store for you! 
        • Editing opportunities
        • All entrance fees, ferry tickets, and internal travel on the tour!
        • Worry-less travel with great friends, amazing instruction, and a flexible itinerary so we can do what we want when we want!
        •  
        • Tour Price DOES NOT Include:
          • Airfare
          • Meals (outside of listed) Beverages, Alcohol, Misc. Personal Expenses
          • Trip Insurance – Required for international travel
      •  

    *NOTE – We strive to create the best photographic experience while maintaining the safety of our guests. Based on conditions and weather, itineraries, etc can change. 

 

The trip is not confirmed until the deposit is placed. Due to limited space, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this and it is on a first come first serve basis. Contact us with any questions.

Refund policies can be found here. 

Locations - Base Itinerary

Locations we will be exploring and photographing as well as accommodations. 

Locations
Edinburgh
Fort William
Isle of Skye
Inverness
Aberdeen
East Lothian

Edinburgh -The Holyrod Hotel

The Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh is situated in the city’s historic
and beautiful old town, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the
world famous Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament building.
This hotel in Edinburgh’s convenient location in the city centre
also means that you’re within easy walking distance of
Waverley Railway station and the bustle of the city’s main
thoroughfare, Princes Street. The Holyrood Hotel combines
comfort and elegance, right in the heart of historic Edinburgh.
Check In: 1 October
Check Out: 2 October
Room Type: 6 x Deluxe

Corriegour Lodge Hotel, Fort William

Situated in one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Glen
in the Highlands of Scotland – between Spean Bridge and Loch
Ness – is the Highland retreat you’ve been looking for. Make
the most of the private lochside beach, complete with jetty, or
simply stroll in the extensive gardens and enjoy superb
Scottish cuisine in the award-winning Loch View Hotel
Restaurant. Round off your day with a fine malt whisky beside
a cosy log fire in the residents’ lounge.
Check In: 2 October
Check Out: 4 October
Room Type: 6 x Superior

Skeabost House Hotel , Isle of Skye

Lovingly restored and stunningly refurbished, this iconic hotel
is an idyllic retreat in a jaw-dropping location on one of the
world’s favourite islands. Steeped in history, Skeabost is a
boutique hotel owned and run by Anne Gracie and Ken Gunn
whose accolades include Scottish Hoteliers of the Year and a
Gold Laurel as two of Scotland’s ‘most visionary
entrepreneurs.’ It is the only hotel on Skye with its own golf
course – a nine hole, 18 tee shoreline challenge. The fast
flowing River Snizort which runs through the grounds provides
excellent salmon and trout fishing. The hotel is situated in 23
acres of woodland on the edge of a loch, with views out to sea
and crofting hamlets.
Check In: 4 October
Check Out: 6 October
Room Type: 6 x Deluxe

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Set in 4 acres of beautiful gardens, this mansion hotel has a
spa, a swimming pool and free parking. Inverness city centre is
just one kilometer away. Guests have full use of the leisure
club, with a sauna, steam room, spa bath and gym. There is
also a hair salon. Many of the spacious rooms at Kingsmills
Hotel have garden views. Inglis Restaurant offers excellent
cuisine, with a menu of fresh, local produce. Guests at Hotel
Kingsmills can also dine in the garden conservatory brasserie,
which features an informal menu.
Check In: 6 October
Check Out: 8 October
Room Type: 6 x Luxury

Norwood Hall, Aberdeen

A country house hotel 10 minutes’ drive from Aberdeen city
centre, Norwood Hall features log fires, wooded grounds and
secluded gardens. Norwood Hall was built in 1881 on the site
of the 15th Century Pitfodels Castle and retains many of its
original Victorian features including sweeping staircases and
colonnaded entrances. The Library is open to guests and there
are seating areas in the garden. The Tapestry Restaurant
features fresh seafood from nearby ports and game from
Highland estates.
Check In: 8 October
Check Out: 10 October
Room Type: 6 x Executive

Cringletie Estate, East Lothian

A former Scottish Baronial home, Cringletie is located near
Peebles on the Scottish Borders. This is a unique house with
very special architecture and each bedroom has its own size,
shape and characteristics, from romantic turrets to feature
fireplaces. No two rooms are the same, but all have been
individually styled to reflect the character and charm of the
house and all offer wonderful views of the gardens or grounds
and rolling hills beyond. The hotel is set in 28 acre grounds
where guests can enjoy a woodland walk or a stroll through
our beautiful walled gardens.
Check In: 10 October
Check Out: 11 October
Room Type: 3 x Classic, 3 x Luxury

Itinerary

October 01: Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh
Arrive early at Edinburgh Airport and avail of a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. We will request an early check-in for you so your hotel will make your rooms available as soon as possible.

If rooms are not available immediately you will be able to
leave your luggage at the hotel allowing you to do some exploring while you wait. Take the rest of the day to rest up and get on “Scottish Time”.

October 02: Corriegour Lodge Hotel, Fort William
Your Driver Guide will meet you at your hotel today. Get to know him as you depart Edinburgh and travel as far as Stirling. Stop to visit Stirling Castle before travelling along the scenic route past Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park into
the Scottish Highlands.

Stop at the Visitor Centre in beautiful Glencoe and take in its stunning mountain scenery, which has been used in the filming of Harry Potter and James Bond movies. Drive through Fort William and about 9 miles (14kms) after Spean Bridge you will come to Corriegour Lodge, in the secluded heart of the Scottish Highlands.

The hotel enjoys outstanding views over Loch Lochy and is an ideal place for walking and photography enthusiasts. Approximate driving time today is 4.5 hours.

October 03: Corriegour Lodge Hotel, Fort William
Today head for Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque Highland glens. The glen is formed from the flank of Ben Nevis and two other mountains with the River Nevis flowing through it.

The movie Braveheart was filmed at the glen and you can find
out more at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. You might like to try one of the best short walks in Scotland here where the route heads through the dramatic and beautiful Nevis Gorge and leads to the awesome Steall Falls. It is a clear, well-walked path throughout,
but the path can be rough so good footwear and care is needed.

Another worth while stop is the Nevis Range mountain gondola, which allows you to enjoy the scenic ride whilst absorbing the stunning views and clear mountain air. It is the only mountain gondola of its kind in Britain and is built on the north face of Aonach Mor, the 8th highest mountain in Britain, on the outskirts of Fort William, originally as a way to transport skiers to the slopes. Approximate driving time today 2 hours.

October 04: Skeabost House Hotel , Isle of Skye
This morning take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Take in the expansive views of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct before making your way to Skye where you can enjoy a great day’s touring. Perhaps visit Armadale Castle & Gardens
and the nearby Clan Donald Centre. At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle.

These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos. The walk to the pools uses the same route there and back. The complete return distance to the first main waterfall and pool is 1.5mls, with the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes (with no stops).
Most people will spend some time working their way up the river from the first waterfall exploring the different pools. The walk is classed as ‘Short’ in length and ‘Medium’ in difficulty. Later, travel on to Portree and check in to your beautifully appointed hotel.
Approximate driving time today 4 hours and the ferry crossing from Mallaig to Armadale is 45 minutes.

October 05: Skeabost House Hotel , Isle of Skye
Today head towards Elgol. There is a good chance you have seen photos of Elgol’s famous mountain and seascape scenery. The village appears in postcards, Scottish books and even film scenes and television programmes – and for good reason! From
the larger Skye village of Broadford many visitors have ventured down the enchanting Elgol road completely unaware of the magnificent scenes that await them around almost every corner.

Your journey from Broadford to the village of Elgol will take your
breath away. This route is one of ever-changing vistas ranging from fjord-like sea lochs, picturesque crofting communities to the splendour of Blaven and the neighbouring Cuillin range. Add to this the area’s rich cultural and historical background and you have the perfect place to recharge and refresh. Approximate journey time today is 3 hours.

October 06: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Today head back to the mainland and stop to visit the stunning 12th Century Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Take some time to wander the banks of the loch and try to get that elusive snap of the monster himself. At the head of Loch Ness you
will find Inverness, the capital of the Highlands nestled on the banks of the river Ness. This evening you will check in to your hotel in Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’.
Approximate driving time today 3 hours.

October 07: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Today explore some of Scotland’s most famous sights which surround Inverness. Experience one of Scotland’s most evocative heritage sites; the eerie battlefield on the moors of Culloden where the interactive displays bring the Battle of Culloden to life.

This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites made their last stand and is also the site of the last pitched battle in Britain. If you wish to visit Bronze Age Clava Cairns this is about a 10 minute drive away. Then continue on to the 42-acre site that is the
imposing fortifications of Fort George, built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden as a secure base for King George II’s army and to defend against further Jacobite unrest.

Walk the grounds and see the superb collection of arms including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches to provide a fascinating insight into 18th Century military life. Back in Inverness take a stroll to Inverness Castle, currently used
as a courthouse, and St Andrew’s Cathedral, which dominate the River Ness and one of the most beautiful riverside settings in Britain. Approximate driving time today 1.5 hours.

October 08: Norwood Hall, Aberdeen

Bid a fond farewell to Inverness and travel by the Moray Firth as you reach Nairn and Cawdor Castle. Discover the romantic Highland castle, the 14th century home of the Thanes of Cawdor famed for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

According to legend, the castle is built around a thorn tree, dating from 1372, still visible today in the dungeon. It is also home to three beautiful gardens – the Walled, Flower and the Wild Garden. Carry on through Moray and onto Aberdeen where you will check
into your hotel.

Alternatively, you might prefer to travel via the Cairngorms, where a range of activities are on offer. Near Aviemore you will find Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, and you can make your way to Cairngorm Reindeer Centre if you would like to take a
guided walk among them. Or perhaps take a ride on Scotland’s only funicular railway.

At the top you will find the Ptarmigan Restaurant with its panoramic views from over 3,500ft.  Approximate driving time today 3.5 hours.

October 09: Norwood Hall, Aberdeen
Today, explore historic Aberdeenshire. With its magnificent blend of crumbling castles, historic towns and villages, fascinating museums and the beautiful Royal Deeside – an area with deep connections to the Royal Family and Queen Victoria – the history of Aberdeen City and Shire is a truly captivating one. See where the Royal Family have holidayed since the 19th century at Balmoral.

Delve into the region’s past and follow Scotland’s only dedicated Castle Trail which encompasses 17 of Aberdeenshire’s finest
castles. See everything from atmospheric cliff-top ruins to Jacobean tower houses and sumptuous Highland estates which have played host to a colourful cast of historic figures ranging from William Wallace to Queen Victoria.

You might like to visit the ruins of Slains Castle, where Bram Stoker is said to have stayed in 1895, and almost certainly where he got his inspiration for Dracula’s Castle. Also worth a visit are the dramatic 15th Century ruins of Dunottar Castle, which has huge historical significance to Scotland’s story. Find out its colourful story from the Jacobite Rising to Oliver Cromwell, and enjoy the amazing views of Old Hall Bay and the North Sea. Later,
return to Aberdeen and perhaps go for an evening stroll in Duthie Park. Approximate driving time today 5 hours to do the full Castle Trail or 3.5 hours to do a smaller loop.

October 10: Cringletie Estate, East Lothian
This morning visit the small city of Dundee. Here you can tour the HMS Frigate Unicorn, Scotland’s only example of a wooden warship built for the Royal Navy and launched in
1824. At Discovery Point, you can find about Captain Scott’s Antarctic adventures with a visit to RRS Discovery.

As you near Edinburgh Loch Leven is visible from the road.
On an island in this loch stands 14th century Loch Leven Castle which is where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive between 1567 and 1568. Stop by Falkland Palace and experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs. Falkland Palace was their
country residence for 200 years – and a favourite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. Later travel on to Cringletie to settle in to your fabulous Estate near the town of Peebles, just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Approximate driving time today is 4 hours.

October 11: Home
Your Private Transfer will get you to the Airport in plenty of time for your flight home. Your Vacation is over but the memories will stay with you forever. Haste ye back!

Instructors

  • Toby Gelston
  • Steve Scurich

Instructors are scheduled, however, they are subject to change as needed.

Tour Pack

Please download the Tour Packet from the link below.  Much of the information contained in this packet is also available under the Tour Prep page here on the website. However, this packet will also include some gear specifics for this tour.  Please note that specific flight information, arrival and departure times, accommodations, and other logistical information may not be in this packet. Those items will be emailed to you at various times in the planning process of each tour.

Scotland 2 2023

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