Scotland for the Queens
We have waited and waited for it to be our time. We have raised our kids, tended to our marriages, climbed our corporate ladders and taken care of aging parents.
This is our time. Our time to act like the Queens we are and be taken care of. To breathe. To reset.
We are going to Scotland on a Ladies trip. Everything will be DONE FOR US.
The hotels are set, the transportation booked and activities planned - and we didn't have to do the work!!! Let me repeat that - WE DIDN'T DO THE WORK to plan this. Wait! What??
A vacation where you didn't have to do all the planning?? A vacation where you aren't asking if people have their shit together?? A vacation JUST FOR YOU.
This is a time to laugh!
This is a time to worry about ONLY you!
This is the time to say YES to you -- FINALLY!
This trip is intentionally planned for 10 guests, plus me and Charlotte (my newly graduated assistant). I want to be able to spend time getting to know everyone and for you to get to know each other. Let's make new friends and fantastic memories.
This is our ABOUT ME phase of life.
You have to take back yourself. Get back to the person you were before you gave it all to the kids, husband, and that pesky job.
I'm not saying life has been bad. What I am saying is it is time to take it up a notch. See the world on your terms.
No more saying -
"Maybe one day"
"It is not the right time"
This IS THE TIME. YOUR TIME.
Your time to be IN the pictures. Your time to not worry if everyone else is OK. Your time to enjoy YOUR TIME.
Welcome to Tiaras that Travel. Where we are heading to Scotland to treat ourselves like queens.
We are going see the beautiful, wonderful things and not worry if someone is hungry, cranky or bored.
Our vacation is about making US happy. Because we made everyone else happy, so our turn. And we are worth it.
It is an ambitious trip designed to make our time in Scotland full of magic...plus time to stop and smell the Heather (see what I did there???)
Scotland Itinerary
Day 1 - The Tolbooth Tavern -Our first dinner is going to be at The Tolbooth Tavern - built in 1591. You heard that right. Its original use was to collect tolls to the burgh at Cannongate. We are going to have a meal in a building that has had many purposes over hundreds of years, but it became a restaurant in 1820 - 200 years to perfect their menu!! We will be treated to a 3-course prix-fixe menu to kick this trip off right!!
Day 2 - Edinburgh Castle - One of the oldest fortified places in Europe. A castle for us. We will tread on the stairs where many Queens have come before us - including one of my favorites - Mary, Queen of Scots. We will be surrounded by more history than I can put here, so google the castle!!!!
The Royal Mile - this is "THE ROAD". It connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along this road is history, but for us it is great views and SHOPPING. Because who doesn't need her goodies!!
Day 3 - Palace of Holyroodhouse - yes, a Palace. This is a real working palace. King Charles III hangs here when he's in town. We will be treated to many royal stories, including more about Mary, Queen of Scots.
Know the difference between a CASTLE and a PALACE?? The short answer is a castle is a fortified building. Built for protections. A PALACE is built for luxury, comfort and a show of wealth.
Activity!!!! We are going to make our own souvenirs! I'm seriously stoked - we are making our own bespoke Harris Tweed mini satchel! We choose the color of the bag (wonder what Heather will pick), our Harris Tweed cloth lid and our straps - then they show us how to put it together!!! Forever you will remember your Tiaras that Travel trip!
Dinner Show - Spirit of Scotland Dinner Show with Scottish food, music and full on Scottish entertainment. The menu if you want to decide in advance. But we start with CEREMONY OF THE HAGGIS. Seriously, this is going to be so much fun!! Bagpipes, dancing and fiddle players. What an AMAZING WAY to end our day.
Day 4 - Coos!!! Highland Coos!!! We are going to Rothiemurchus Hairy Coo Safari. A ranger is going to take us to see the wee Coos on the farm. We will view them through a fence, but OK fine...I'll take what I can get. We will see the farm and hear more about it.
So cute...I can't wait.
Day 5 - Inverness!!! Let's see the city! A walking tour of this city that is steeped in clan history with a mix of historic architecture and a perfect blend of tradition and modern charm. We will see the Victorian Market with local merchants selling offerings we won't find on the high street.
Inverness Castle - (a tiara day!) the Spirit of the Highlands. This is called the Inverness Castle Experience. It will be more than a mere tour! This Castle dates back to "early times", its existed in some form since the 6th century....WOW. We get to go through these halls where so much history has gone before us.
Afternoon Tea at Inverness Castle - a proper tea. Where we sit and chat and giggle over tea and cute sandwiches, scones and more!! Their menu brings local stories to life, with dishes inspired by Highland folklore like kelpies and river spirits. I mean, I'm ready!!
Day 6 - Loch Ness Cruise - Let's go search for Nessie! Our boat will take us out to the deepest part of Loch Ness and use sonar to help us hunt for our friend Nessie. Along the way, we will be regaled with stories of Loch Ness and the near by Urquhart Castle. And to add to the fun, we will have afternoon tea on board too. I'm calling dibs on keeping Nessie if we find her!!
Day 7 - Stirling Castle - (a tiara day) - Stirling Castle is done in gorgeous Renaissance architecture. This castle is very important in Scottish history. My girl, Mary, Queen of Scots, grew up here. There is a long history here for Scottish Royals and we are going to see how they lived.
Day 8 - Glasgow Cathedral - a gorgeous medieval cathedral. It highlights Scottish Gothic architecture and is still a working parish church. Cathedrals like this really make me so happy. The fact they built this magnificent building without modern equipment, just fascinates me. The church is dedicated to St Kentigern (or St Mungo), a Christian missionary in the area during the 6th century AD - guess what, he is buried there.
St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art - this is a very different museum. It displays artifacts and history of world’s six largest religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. All in one place. I'm so excited to see how they blend this into one cohesive museum exhibit. Learning about so many different all at once, to me, this is what travel does to help us grow as members of the human race.
Day 9 - Playing the Bagpipes - did you ever think you would play the bagpipes?? I did not have that on my BINGO card. We are going to tour the Museum of Piping and along the way we can become Bagpipe experts (or at least try). I make no guarantees I won't kill your ears.
Day 10 - Dalhousie Castle. (a tiara day, for sure) This is the day of the Queen! Let me tell you what our last day and night look like!
Dalhousie Castle Owl and Raptor Experience - We get to fly and handle the castle owls. We also get to see their Harris' Hawk, common buzzard or Kestrels flying. OMG, I cant tell you how exciting this will be! If you aren't comfortable with handling the birds you can watch from a distance.
We get to explore and experience the castle and the grounds - oh boy - we get to run amok in the castle.
They do have a spa which is not included, but I can arrange spa time for you.
Then....wait for this....we are having dinner in a DUNGEON!!! We are going to experience a Scottish tasting menu dinner in the Dungeon Restaurant. A real dungeon under the castle. And it is adults only. We can enjoy our last night together in a very special place.
We will be in the CENTER of Edinburgh's cool stuff. It is a 4⭐️ hotel. There are 98 rooms so this is not some big mass market Hilton. We will feel like the special ladies we are!!
Some of the features:
- Air-conditioned rooms (I like history, not sweat)
- Free minibar items and espresso makers.
- Down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets.
- 43-inch Smart televisions with digital programming
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- Bathrooms feature showers, designer toiletries, and hair dryers.
We will be able to walk to all the activities and sights of Edinburgh....because that is the fun part....what you see at a stroll.
Yes please! Another 4⭐️ and the word palace, my lady. This hotel dates back to the 1890s and is right on the River Ness. I took this from their website because I couldn't say it any better....
Hotel Bedrooms here at the Palace - you’ll enjoy all the facilities you expect to help you sleep, at a stylish Inverness City centre hotel, plus a few extra touches which make the Palace that little bit special. The Palace offers more than just accommodation in Inverness, it offers you a unique stay in a unique location!
Each room is individually styled, combining the traditional period features and the comfort of modern living; with elegant modern fabrics and sophisticated finishes. If you like period drama we have lots to offer, grand high ceilings and cornicing, with large windows bathing the rooms in light and of course offering fabulous views.
Also included:
- Comfortable beds
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Leisure Club Access
- Flat Screen TV
- Desk space
- Iron and ironing board (we aren't required to use it!!)
- Hair dryer
- Free Wi-Fi
- Smart Phone Charger
- Non smoking
- Still Mineral Water & Shortbread (guess what made me giddy!)
This prime location with view of either the River Ness or Castle Inverness - tiaras ready!
When we roll into Glasgow, we are going city center. Let's be in the action. There is so much in Glasgow, we need to be able to walk out of our door and just be there! I love a city center! The heart and soul of the city.
In our rooms:
- En-suite Bathrooms: Each room features a private bathroom equipped with a power shower.
- Flat-screen TVs: Enjoy entertainment with modern flat-screen televisions.
- Complimentary Tea and Coffee: Facilities for making tea and coffee are provided.
- Fast and Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with high-speed internet access.
- Hairdryers: Conveniently available in each room.
- Ironing Facilities: Includes an ironing board and iron for your convenience.
- 24-hour Room Service: Available for guests at any time.
Plush Bedding: Comfortable beds with high-quality linens.
Mood Lighting: Designed to create a relaxing atmosphere.
This hotel has a distinctive boutique style with modern elegance and comfort, featuring well-appointed rooms and unique character. I love a unique character!!
We are going back to Edinburgh for our last night for practical reasons for flying, but why make our stay practical??? This place is really fit for a Queen. Put that tiara back on!
From Dalhouse - Since the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle has been host to royalty, celebrated poets and wonderful guests....this castle has seen some history.
Thoughts from me!!
- It has a dungeon and we are going to have dinner there.
- They have falcons and other beautiful birds and we get to see them.
- Their magnificent grounds, you will see me walking them.
- And wandering a castle with no one to stop me....I might bring a period dress just for this occasion. Walk around like I'm Queen of Scotland for a few hours. I read too much and have a very rich fantasy life.
It is like saving the best for last. This was the castle that started me down the entire Tiaras That Travel rabbit hole!!
First, ME!
Second, 10 new friends
Last, the memories of a life time
- 10 nights
- 2 Castles
- 2 - 4⭐️ Hotel (no mass market stays for us)
- Edinburgh - 3 nights
- Inverness - 3 nights
- Glasgow - 3 nights
- Dalhousie Castle - 1 glorious night
Included meals
- 10 Breakfasts - daily at our hotel or castle
- 2 Afternoon Teas
- 4 Amazing and Unique Dinners
- Car service to and from Edinburgh airport
- Private car service in between the cities of Scotland we visit
- Private car service to any activity we can not walk to from our accommodations.
- Tolbooth Tavern 3 Course Dinner
- Edinburgh Castle & the Royal Mile
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Islander Handbag Workshop
- Spirit of Scotland Dinner Show
- Rothiemurchus Hairy Coo Safari
- Inverness Walking Tour
- Inverness Castle Experience
- Loch Ness Cruise
- Stirling Castle
- Afternoon Tea at Inverness Palace
- St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Bagpipe Experience
- Dalhousie Castle Owl & Raptor Experience
- Dungeon Restaurant Tasting Menu at Dalhousie
You have waited so patiently
As you can see, this is going to be more than a "vacation", it is going to be AN EXPERIENCE.
You're not just putting another vacation on your calendar.
This is a thoughtfully curated, intimate luxury journey with only 10 guests, unique experiences, Scottish highlights, exceptional accommodations, and every detail handled from the moment you arrive in Scotland.
This price includes everything listed above.
Double Occupancy (2 people per room) - $7,535 per person*
Because remarkable memories deserve to be planned with ease, flexible payment plans are available. You can choose from:
- Monthly - 6 equal payments after the deposit from August 2026-January 2027 (If you make your deposit later than August this will be adjusted accordingly)
- Other - 3 equal payments after the deposit due in September, November and January
A non-refundable deposit of $1,400 per person is due at the time of booking.
Receive a special gift from Heather upon arrival in Scotland if you make your deposit in July or August.
Final Payment is due January 10, 2027.
Not everything is included and there are good reasons.
- Airfare and baggage fees to and from Scotland - I can help you arrange your flights or you can coordinate with the rest of our party and take care of your own flights. I cannot handle flights you may want to book with points. I also do not book flights on "discount internet sites" I also do not book basic economy flights.
- Meals (not listed) - Some lunches and dinners are not part of the package. Not everyone eats 3 meals a day. Some days we will have a bigger lunch so I don't want to "force you" to have a dinner. And above all, sometimes you want the flexibility to grab and go as we are walking around without thinking about having to eat a big lunch or dinner later.
- Souvenirs - Other than our handbag activity, anything you wish to buy for yourself or others is not included in the pricing.
- Travel Insurance - I can't force you to buy it so it is listed below as a separate item. I can't stress how important it is to protect your investment.
- Spending money - You bring what you want to spend. This is your own decision.
- Anything not specifically listed above - I'm good, but not perfect. If I didn't write it down here, it is not included.
The Really Boring Adult Stuff
If you have been a part of my Facebook group, you know I am a HUGE, GIGANTIC beliver in travel insurance.
Why??
- U.S. health insurance does NOT work in foreign countries
- We are old and shit happens. One good fall over a tiny nothing and off we go to the ER.
- Emergency medical treatment in foreign countries often requires you to PAY UP FRONT before they treat you.
- Illness doesn't confine itself to the U.S.
It covers more than sickness or injury. It can cover:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interuption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- and some other things you should read their website for - Heather is not an insurance agent!!
The actual cost of your insurance policy is not included in the pricing because
- It can vary by state
- It can vary by age
- It can very by the amount of coverage you wish to purchase (just like car insurance)
There is a range from $400-$700 and I can get you the detailed quotes after you make your deposit.
I cannot force you to get coverage, because, well...America. But I CAN STRONGLY SUGGEST IT and if you chose not too....there will be additional paperwork!!
I'm the lady in mid-life looking at all of her options. My kids are grown. I work from home. It's getting harder to make real, lasting friendships at this age and I'm always looking for friends to travel with.
So I created my own fun...a trip and I am hoping you will come with me.
I also know not everyone likes to plan a trip. Not everyone wants to spend hours, days......weeks finding just the right hotel or activity for each and every day of their vacation. If you have done this for your past family vacations, you know exactly what I mean.
TA-DA. The trip you get to enjoy without all the work. Just for you.
Still doesn't tell you why you would go with me...Right?!
I'm the fun traveler. I go with the flow and I am up for (almost) anything. I want you to go with the intention we are going to have a blast. Chatting, exploring, doing 15K-20k steps a day and living our best lives.
At home, I love quite time and a good book (I do bring a book on trips). On vacation, I like to go go go till I drop. I didn't fly thousands of miles to sit on my ass all day (some sitting is required because I'm "at that age" and my feet hurt)
I called this Tiaras That Travel because we are Queens. We have been running our own Queendoms (aka home and offices) and subjects (aka kids and husbands) for many years. Now we need to step away and take care of ourselves. Plus, no one has ever looked bad in a tiara!!
I'm excited for you to grab your tiara and join me on an adventure in Scotland. Show the world how a queen wears her tiara!! Let's go.
If the answer is not here, reach out!
What is not included in the price?
Flights to and from Scotland - I can help you arrange your flights or you can coordinate with the rest of our party and take care of your own flights. I cannot handle flights you may want to book with points. I also do not book flights on "discount internet sites" I also do not book basic economy flights.
Meals (not listed) - Some lunches and dinners are not part of the package. Not everyone eats 3 meals a day. Some days we will have a bigger lunch so I don't want to "force you" to have a dinner. And above all, sometimes you want the flexibility to grab and go as we are walking around without thinking about having to eat a big lunch or dinner later.
Souvenirs - Other than our handbag activity, anything you wish to buy for yourself or others is not included in the pricing.
Travel Insurance - I can't force you to buy it so it is listed below as a separate item
Anything not specifically listed above - I'm good, but not perfect. If I didn't write it down here, it is not included.
What will the meals I have to buy on my own cost me?
That will be up to you. We will be ordering off the menu so you can select what works for you. In some cases, you may not be hungry and decide to skip the meal. I want to allow for that. Not everyone eats 3 BIG meals a day.
Why are there no alcoholic beverages included?
I don’t want to guess what you want to drink. Since this is not an “all inclusive” resort, it is too much for me to figure out on your behalf. And I don’t drink so I didn’t see any point in including the cost of something I’m not going to do. That’s the facts!
Exchange rate. Dollars vs Pounds
Just a reminder I’ve listed the price of our trip in US dollars, but all of our vendors will be paid in Pounds as per the local currency. It is another reason I can give you estimates on costs of anything not included in my pricing, the exchange rate can be wrong if I tell you something today.
How will I communicate with you? You need to make sure you have access to them all!!
Email - they will come from Heather@PurpleSuitcaseTravel.com. Make sure I’m not going to your spam.
Facebook Group - Tiaras that Travel exclusive community. You will get the link with your deposit confirmation.
Zoom meetings - closer to the trip departure date, I will schedule several chances for us to meet up “face to face”. They aren’t required. They are designed to make sure we arrive in Scotland feeling comfortable with each other, not total strangers.
Text group or (maybe, I haven’t decided yet) WhatsApp. I don’t want both, it is too much. WhatsApp lets us talk in Scotland via Wifi and not using our phone plans (more on that later)
What if I don’t like what is on the prix-fix menus at the chosen restaurants?
Well, we are adults. This is just like showing up at someone’s party and having to make do. You will be free to order what you like, but at your own expense. Where they are included, the meals are already paid for, so there will be no refunds just because you don’t like the offerings.
What if I don’t like or want to do one of your planned activities/tours/events?
- Still adults here. If it is included in my “what’s included” list, it is already paid for in the pricing. There are no refunds or discounts or other switches/exchanges/changes/or other words to explain that if you decide not to participate. That said, you are an adult and can choose not to participate when you want as long as you understand there is no money back.
What is the cancellation policy for this trip?
- Once you make your $1,400 non-refundable deposit, you can drop out of the trip by October 1, 2026 without any other penalties. Restating, the $1,400 is non-refundable as that goes to the vendor to start our bookings.
- If you are in any way hesitant, you can ask me for a quote for Cancel for Any Reason Insurance. It MUST be done within 14 days of making your deposit and will refund to you the non-refundable parts you have paid.
What payment plans are offered?
- Monthly - 6 equal payments after the deposit from August 2026-January 2027
- Other - 3 equal payments after the deposit due in September, November and January
A non-refundable deposit of $1,400 per person is due at the time of booking and your payment plan is based on the balance still due.
Payment plans CANNOT be made on flights or travel insurance.
How will I get a roommate?
I’m going to try to match people based on their booking forms. It is not scientific, but this is vacation and only 10 days not a year long dorm commitment. Unless you bring your own roommate, then the two of you will be put together. Please feel free to bring a friend as one of the 10!!
What if I want my own room?
Well, you will pay more. A lot more. But if you insist, we can look into it. You will need to reach out to me directly. Heather@purplesuitcasetravel.com.
Can I choose my hotel room?
The short answer is no.
The long answer is nope (see there, just more letters). We have a group of rooms and they will be assigned to me as a group. Then, I will give them to you. I’ll be honest, unless there is something horribly tragic with your room, we won’t play musical rooms. Why be so mean, Heather? Most of the rooms will be the same (or as close as possible based on what was booked), so moving around is unnecessary.
Do I have to have travel insurance?
I can’t force you to buy travel insurance. I will STRONGLY SUGGEST it. I will send you a million emails to give you the chance to get it. You will sign many forms to limit my responsibilities if you decide to not buy it. Yes, I know it adds onto the final tab, but I’ve seen so many accidents that are seemingly minor that become trip ending issues. This trip is a financial investment in you.
What if my passport information doesn’t match the information I give you?
I’m going to ask for a copy of your passport. However, if you type your own name wrong into my system and I rely on it, there are penalties to correct it. Airlines and my supplier will be booked based on what you type into my system. Double check. I cannot be responsible for your type-o and any fees will be left to you to deal with. Double check!!
This is just of list of things I have thought you might have questions about. Reach out if I have missed anything you want to know. Just a note: just because I did or did not include it here, this is just informational not any sort of binding agreement.
This trip is about you and me stepping away from reality and enjoying ourselves. It is not about sitting and relaxing. It is about relying on ourselves to take care of just ourselves.