Sober Curious | Scotland in a Week | 2025
Sober Curious | Scotland in a Week | 2025
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
St Andrews, Scotland
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Loch Ness, Scotland
$1515
Tour Overview
Not afraid of frocking up in a kilt and jumping on the bagpipes? But not a big fan of whisky & spirits? Then you’ll love this 6-day trip, specially crafted for the sober curious. Home to mystical castles & glorious highlands - you’ll sample Haggis, spot the Loch Ness monster, and even see a show at the Fringe Festival! The only shots you’ll take on this trip? Epic sunsets, enchanting street views and group pics of a trip of a lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. And to get everyone grinning from the get-go, we've scored tickets to a comedy show at world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Day 2: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!). Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street. Up for a mini adventure? Then join us this afternoon for a hike to Arthur’s Seat - one of the city’s most famous spots.
Day 3: Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands
Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation Name: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales and a chance to compete in some optional traditional Highland games.
Day 4: Scottish Highlands to Glasgow via Loch Ness and Dundreggan
Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Dundreggan, Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness and hop on board for a cruise of the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced in the wild. We'll arrive into Glasgow, drop our bags and dive straight into all that makes this city glow. Think live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & a chance to savour a home-cooked meal too.
Day 5: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Stirling
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early today, and this city's all yours to explore. Plus, you've got the option to check out the nearby Stirling castle (and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeedom!"). And even learn & eat all about Scotland's national Dish - Haggis.
Day 6: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
High on life? Same, bestie. Same. But it's sadly time to say goodbye to our spirited love affair with this wonderful place. Grab your final breakfast of the trip, and bid your farewells. Don't be too sad tho, there are plenty more places just waiting to be explored!
What's Included
-
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Comedy Show
Tickets to a comedy show at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival are included.
-
Hike to Arthur's Seat
A hike to Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh is included.
-
Cruise on Loch Ness
A cruise along Loch Ness is included, with a chance to spot the mythical 'Nessie'.
-
Rewilding Centre Visit
Visit to a rewilding centre in the Scottish Highlands to learn about native animal species reintroduction is included.
-
Stirling Exploration
Exploration of Stirling and a visit to the memorial of the iconic Scottish knight are included.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Edinburgh Castle Tour
The tour of Edinburgh Castle with a local guide is optional and not included.
-
Optional Traditional Highland Games
Participation in traditional Highland games is optional and not included.
-
Optional Stirling Castle Visit
The visit to Stirling Castle is optional and not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland with ease, starting in Edinburgh and journeying to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glasgow, with stops at iconic locations like St. Andrews and Dundreggan, ensuring a seamless and scenic experience.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit, and Ibis Budget Glasgow, or similar accommodations, offering convenient locations and modern amenities throughout your journey in Scotland.
Dining Summary
- 5 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From?January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an?Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- London: What does sober curious mean? Sober curious travel means you’re interested in trialling a trip that doesn’t involve alcohol. (AKA travel without the hangover). Instead of spending evenings drinking in the pub, you’ll take part in whole range of other activities with your crew.
- London: Do I have to be completely sober to join this trip? Nope, this trip is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol & want to travel with like-minded people. You don’t have to live a completely sober lifestyle to join in.
- London: How will we fill our time? This trip offers most of the same Included Activities and Free Time Add-ons as our classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland - but you’ll swap those that revolve around alcohol for some extra special experiences (exclusive to our Sober Curious trips!) - all without stepping foot in a bar.
Included Experience
- Edinburgh: Wanna know what the buzz around Edinburgh Fringe Festival is all about? Here's your chance! We got you tickets to a comedy show at the festival. Get ready to witness this explosion of fun and creativity IRL.
- Edinburgh: You can't miss out on a hike to Arthur's Seat when you're in Edinburgh - it's practically a ritual!
- St. Andrews: If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.
- Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
- Scottish Highlands: Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.
- Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the 'Sober Curious' aspect of this tour?
The 'Sober Curious' aspect of this tour means that it is designed for people interested in trying a trip that doesn't involve alcohol. Instead of spending evenings drinking in pubs, participants will engage in a range of other activities with like-minded travelers.
-
Do I need to be completely sober to join this tour?
No, you do not need to be completely sober to join this tour. It is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol and want to travel with like-minded individuals.
-
What kind of activities can I expect on this tour instead of visiting bars?
This tour offers most of the same included activities and free time add-ons as classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland, but activities that revolve around alcohol are swapped for extra special experiences exclusive to the Sober Curious trips.
-
What is a modular trip?
A modular trip means that fellow travelers will join and leave at various locations. There will be some goodbyes, but also plenty of hellos with new like-minded travelers.
-
What is included in the tour regarding meals?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
-
What is the significance of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in this tour?
The tour includes tickets to a comedy show at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, offering participants a chance to experience this explosion of fun and creativity in real life.
-
Will there be opportunities to learn about local wildlife conservation?
Yes, during the tour, there is an opportunity to learn about how native animal species like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx, and Beavers are reintroduced into the wild, as well as how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested. This is part of a TreadRight supported project.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Sober Curious | Scotland in a Week | 2025
6 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Dundreggan, Glasgow, Stirling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBSCS20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
