Scotland: Art at the Heart of the Highlands

September 24–October 2, 2026

Blair Castle in Scotland sits in the distance. A meadow of yellow flowers and grass sit in the foreground.

With James Steward, the Nancy A. Nasher–David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976, Director

Legendary collectors, keepers of centuries-old castles, and guardians of prized cultural treasures will be your hosts on this nine-day journey through the dramatic landscapes and artistic treasures of Scotland. With Museum Director James Steward as your guide, you will experience some of the country’s most unique cultural gems, with unparallelled access to storied art institutions and private collections, intimate visits to artists’ studios and maker spaces, and expert-led tours of architectural masterpieces and breathtaking gardens. A specialist in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British art with deep connections throughout Scotland forged by his research, James brings both a scholarly and familiar understanding of the nation’s singular but often overlooked artistic heritage.

Visitors inside a gallery of the Burrell Collection in Scotland focusing on paintings hung on dark walls. — Burrell Collection

Your trip begins in the vibrant city of Glasgow, known for its thriving art scene, where the luxurious five-star Hotel du Vin—celebrated for its unrivalled service, world-class facilities, and prime West End location—will serve as your home base. While in the city, you’ll visit the world-renowned Burrell Collection, explore normally off-limits sections of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, experience the extraordinary decorative arts of Dumfries House, and investigate the rich history and art of Drumlanrig Castle.

A sitting room inside the Fife Arms hotel. A large painting is hung on a dark red wall. A patterned couch sits beneath with two leather chair facing the painting. — Fife Arms

After Glasglow, the group will move on to Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl, where members of the family will host you for lunch, followed by an archivist-led tour of the stunning estate and a walk through the enchantingly restored gardens. A scenic drive past rolling farmlands and rugged highlands will bring you to the spectacular Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, one of the world’s most remarkable hotels redeveloped by the cofounders of the acclaimed global gallery Hauser & Wirth, who have thoughtfully integrated 14,000 works of art—both antiques and special commissions—throughout every room, corridor, and corner. We will have exclusive access to this historic yet contemporary sanctuary in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains on the cusp of the Royal estates at Balmoral. Our stay at the Fife Arms will be punctuated by visits to one of Scotland’s most important private collections and local galleries, and it will provide ample time to explore and enjoy this unique setting.

Kinloch Lodge on Scotland's Isle of Skye. The white building exterior is illuminated from within as day turns to night. — Kinloch Lodge

Our journey continues to the majestic Isle of Skye, where you will stay for two nights at the renowned Kinloch Lodge—recently named Scotland’s finest small luxury hotel. Nestled within 20,000 acres of rugged beauty, the lodge is the seat of Lord and Lady MacDonald and provides an ideal base for discovering Skye’s breathtaking landscapes and artistic heritage. This leg of the journey will focus on artisan makers whose work and thoughtfully designed homes and studios reveal the intimate interplay between nature and art on this enchanting island.

At each stop you will enjoy private dining experiences in some of the finest restaurants in the country, where local and seasonal ingredients from Scotland’s waters and larders are masterfully prepared. Your once-in-a-lifetime trip concludes with a stay at Cameron House, a sumptuous retreat on the shores of Loch Lomond.

For more information, please contact us at museumtravel@princeton.edu or 609-258-4057.