Discover Scotland your way — with comfort, freedom, and hidden places the big buses never reach. With Six Star Bespoke Tours of Scotland, every journey is tailored to your interests. Whether you’re after rugged coastlines, peaceful lochs, or charming villages, a private minibus tour lets you uncover the real Scotland — those untouched corners and secret treasures that most visitors never see.
This guide reveals ten hidden gems that make private touring truly worth it. Each destination offers something unique: history, scenery, solitude, and that unmistakable Scottish magic.
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
Remote, wild, and breathtaking — Sandwood Bay is often called one of Scotland’s most unspoilt beaches. Accessible only by foot through a scenic 4-mile trail, it rewards visitors with golden sands, towering dunes, and the sea stack “Am Buachaille” rising from the waves.
Why it’s perfect for private tours:
- Big coaches can’t access the narrow track.
- Ideal for couples or small groups seeking tranquillity.
- Your driver can time the visit for the best light and tide.
It’s one of those rare places where you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world.
Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig
Tucked away near Arisaig, Camusdarach Beach offers shimmering turquoise waters and soft white sands. It’s one of the west coast’s hidden treasures, with incredible views towards the Isles of Eigg and Rum.
Why it’s worth the detour:
- Far quieter than the famous Highland beaches.
- Easy to reach on a small-group tour.
- Ideal for photography and seaside walks.
This gem is best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon when the sea glows a deep emerald — a picture-perfect stop between Fort William and the Isles.
Inveresk Lodge Garden & Geilston Garden
For travellers who love peaceful moments and floral beauty, Scotland’s lesser-known gardens are a delight. Inveresk Lodge Garden near Edinburgh and Geilston Garden in Argyll offer colourful borders, ancient trees, and serenity that larger tourist spots lack.
Why include them:
- A quiet escape between castles and glens.
- Perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Rarely visited by tour groups.
Private tours let you slow down and appreciate Scotland’s gentler side — something large coaches rarely make time for.
Castle Tioram, Loch Moidart
Standing proudly on a tidal island in Loch Moidart, Castle Tioram is one of Scotland’s most dramatic ruins. The setting is wild and atmospheric, especially when the tide recedes, revealing the causeway to the castle.
Why it’s great for smaller groups:
- The road in is narrow and scenic, unsuitable for large vehicles.
- Offers stunning photo opportunities.
- Steeped in clan history and mystery.
On a bespoke tour, your guide can plan the stop perfectly around the tides — something that rigid coach timetables can’t match.
Balvaird Castle, Perthshire
Perthshire is full of hidden historical treasures, and Balvaird Castle is one of its best. This late-medieval tower house sits in peaceful countryside and remains beautifully preserved, yet it’s rarely included in standard tourist routes.
What makes it special:
- A chance to explore quietly without crowds.
- Fascinating history and architecture.
- Easily added to a central Scotland itinerary.
It’s a perfect mid-journey stop for travellers who appreciate heritage and a touch of adventure.
The Four Border Abbeys
In the Scottish Borders, four magnificent abbey ruins — Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh, and Kelso — tell tales of monks, royalty, and wars long past. While tour buses rush north to the Highlands, these abbeys remain peaceful, romantic, and deeply historic.
Why they’re ideal for a private itinerary:
- You can explore at your own pace.
- Rich history paired with scenic countryside.
- Ideal for history and photography lovers alike.
A private route through the Borders gives guests an authentic glimpse into medieval Scotland.
Twin Beaches of Vatersay, Outer Hebrides
For something truly unforgettable, venture to Vatersay — home to twin beaches separated by a narrow strip of land. The white sands and turquoise waters here are postcard-perfect, yet they remain blissfully quiet compared to other island spots.
Why you’ll love it:
- Best reached by small-group tours with flexible ferry planning.
- Ideal for adventurers and nature photographers.
- A reminder that the most beautiful places are often the least crowded.
If you’re seeking remoteness, this is Scotland at its most untouched.
Kildrummy Castle & Glenbuchat Castle, Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire boasts many castles, but Kildrummy and Glenbuchat offer a particularly authentic experience. These ruins stand amid rolling hills and rarely see the crowds that flock to Balmoral or Dunnottar.
Why visit:
- Discover peaceful, story-rich ruins.
- Enjoy the drive through quiet countryside.
- Perfect for those who love heritage away from the noise.
Private tours allow for spontaneous photo stops, picnic breaks, and nearby gourmet lunches — freedom big groups don’t have.
The East Neuk of Fife
The East Neuk is a string of small fishing villages along Fife’s coast, full of character and charm. Places like Crail, Pittenweem, and Anstruther boast cobbled streets, colourful cottages, and harbour views that look straight out of a painting.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Often overlooked by mass tours focused on St Andrews.
- Ideal for slow exploration, artisan shopping, and seafood dining.
- Easy to combine with Edinburgh or central Scotland itineraries.
Take your time wandering by the harbour, chatting with locals, and enjoying fish and chips by the sea — pure coastal bliss.
The Isle of Skye’s Lesser-Known Corners
While Skye is famous, few travellers see its quieter corners. Areas like Elgol, Tarskavaig, and Loch Coruisk remain peaceful havens of beauty and wildlife.
Why go off the beaten path:
- Smaller roads mean fewer crowds.
- Incredible mountain and coastal scenery.
- Perfect for private minibus groups with experienced drivers.
Our Scottish Highlands Tour can include these gems, designed entirely around your pace and interests.
Why Choose a Private Tour for Hidden Gems
Large coach tours focus on convenience and volume. Private tours focus on you. At Six Star Bespoke Tours of Scotland, we design journeys that fit your style, interests, and timeline — all with the comfort of luxury transport and a knowledgeable local guide.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Flexibility: Stop whenever you wish for photos, food, or a quiet walk.
- Personal service: Our expert drivers and guides ensure every moment feels special.
- Comfort: Enjoy scenic drives in a clean, comfortable, and spacious minibus.
- Tailored itineraries: From castles and distilleries to remote glens, your tour is made just for you.
If you want to experience Scotland beyond the tourist map, our personalised tours are your gateway to discovery.
Planning Tips for Your Private Tour
To make the most of your trip, consider a few insider tips from our team:
- Travel off-peak: Spring and autumn offer great weather without the crowds.
- Mix highlights with hidden gems: Combine famous landmarks with lesser-known spots for balance.
- Stay flexible: The best moments often come from spontaneous detours.
- Talk to your guide: Share your interests — history, whisky, wildlife, photography — so your itinerary suits you perfectly.
We’ll handle the rest — from route planning to timing, ensuring every stop adds something special to your Scottish story.
Make Your Journey Unforgettable
Every corner of Scotland has a story. With Six Star Bespoke Tours, you’re not just seeing the sights — you’re experiencing Scotland through local eyes, with time to savour the views, stories, and spirit of this remarkable country.
Whether you’re exploring the Highlands, the Islands, or the East Coast, our private tours offer the freedom to uncover the hidden gems that big coaches miss. Let us craft a route that’s as unique as you are.
Contact Us
Ready to plan your own bespoke adventure through Scotland? Our friendly team is here to help you design your perfect journey — contact us at [email protected], call 07999 161 852 or 01875 586 558 to get started.
Your hidden Scotland awaits — start planning your luxury private tour today through our contact page.