Great Country Houses, Castles, and Gardens of the Scottish Highlands

This tour is currently sold out. Please contact [email protected] or 413-446-8728 to be added to the waitlist.

The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this exclusive tour of the Scottish Highlands. During the course of the tour, participants will have the rare opportunity to view the great country residences, historic castles, and beautiful gardens of this region. The tour will be led by private art consultant and former Sotheby's agent Mark Donnelly, Scottish architect James Simpson, and Lani Summerville.

This program begins with an overnight stay in historic Edinburgh at the elegant and centrally-located Principal Hotel on George Street. In addition, a welcome dinner is planned a private stately-residence. Participants will go on to enjoy stays at Raemoir Manor near Aberdeen, Culloden House in Inverness, as well as the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel.

This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note that a registration form and deposit must be submitted to Classical Excursions and a confirmation of receipt must be received from Classical Excursions in order to be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $500 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. To inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728 or Tom Hayes [email protected] or 413-243-4155.

Please note a fully tax-deductible donation of $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.

Image: Dunrobin Castle

House of Dun

Designed by William Adam in 1743, the House of Dun is a beautiful Georgian country house featuring tremendous plasterwork.

Brechin Castle

Participants will visit the 13th Century Brechin Castle, the seat of the Earl of Dalhousie. During the 18th Century, Brechin Castle was largely reconstructed by architect Alexander Edward.

Blair Castle

The tour includes a visit to Blair Castle in the village of Blair Atholl. The residence has been home to the Duke of Atholl, and features magnificently-designed interiors. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 13th Century, while the majority of the existing structure was constructed in the 15th and 16th Centuries.

Scone Palace

Scone Palace, rebuilt and enlarged by architect William Atkinson in the early 19th Century, features stunning interiors and a tremendous furniture collection with pieces by Robert Adam and Chippendale.

Dunrobin Castle

Participants will visit the private Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland, featuring French Renaissance style architecture and gardens by 19th Century architect Sir Charles Barry. The present owner is the 24th Countess of Sutherland, chief of Clan Sutherland.


Duff House

Participants will tour the 18th Century Georgian estate Duff House, originally designed by William Adam.

Craigievar Castle

The tour includes a visit to beautiful Craigiever Castle, one of the best-preserved historic houses in Scotland with its pink exterior having been unchanged since its completion in 1626 for the Forbes family.

Crathes Castle

Designed in the 16th Century by Alexander Burnett of Leys, Crathes Castle features a collection of beautiful antique furniture and a tremendous walled garden, with hedges originating from 1702.

Cawdor Castle

Participants will visit stunning Cawdor Castle, dating back from the 14th Century and still home to the Cawdor family today. The Castle features a collection of fine furniture, paintings, and tapestries.

What’s included

  • Stays at the Principal Hotel in Edinburgh, Raemoir Manor near Aberdeen, Culloden House in Inverness, and Gleneagles Hotel.
  • Private meals at historic residences throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Scone Palace (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Ingo Mehling)



Dunrobin Castle



Craigiever Castle (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Neil Williamson)



Crathes Castle (Wikimedia Commons/T. Thielemans)



AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the architectural history of the Scottish Highlands upon viewing such significant castles and residences as Dunrobin Castle, Craigievar Castle, and more.

2. View structures dating back from as long ago as the 13th Century and understand the movements that influenced architecture within this region -- including the French Renaissance style, Georgian style, and more.

3. Gain knowledge of the building methods, materials, and architectural techniques employed by the architects of many of the structures visited during the tour.

4. Learn about many important architects who contributed to the architectural history of the Scottish Highlands, including William Adam, Alexander Edward, William Atkinson, Alexander Burnett of Leys, and more.

Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program

Approved LUs and Type: 25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: May 29, 2022

Prerequisites: None

Program Level: Introductory

Advance Learner Preparation: None

Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

FAQ

How do I register for an ICAA travel program?

If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program. The contact information for ICAA tour operators is included on individual travel pages. Kindly note that the ICAA works with three different consultants for program offerings. If you are unsure which travel consultant to contact for a given program, you may email [email protected] or call 212-730-9646 x109

What does the required $500 donation fund?

Your $500 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.

Am I required to pay a $500 donation for each travel program I register for?

Yes, a donation of $500 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.

How do I make my $500 donation to the ICAA?

You can make your $500 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.

Do I have to be a member of the ICAA to participate in an ICAA travel program?

No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.

I don’t see the full itinerary for the tour I am interested in. When will it be released?

For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.

What kinds of trips does the ICAA offer?

Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].