In early November 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting a luxury familiarisation trip over the course of three days, with a jam-packed and fun-filled agenda.
Visiting 22 local businesses over the course of the trip, and information of a further 50 members and the wider membership. Nicole and Emma from the team were proud to showcase what the destination has to offer, which the guests found to be much, much more than a monster!
Our guests were DMC’s;
Barnett Baker
Andrew Burnet & Company
Exclusive Scottish Visits
Adam’s & Butler
Hello Scotland
Tiernan Travel
Day 1
The agenda included visiting and staying at the elegant Ness Walk, followed by a glorious afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel and Spa, viewing rooms available to stay in at both properties, and showcasing areas available for meetings. There was information provided about the upcoming Inverness Castle Experience, and our guests travelled in style to Tomatin Distillery for a tour, and a dram or two…or three!
Back in Inverness, they were treated to a true Highland evening at MacGregors Bar, with entertainment that will stay long in the memories, including pipers and Highland dancers!
Day 2
The next day, the clients sailed down the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness on a luxury yacht hosted by Beastie Boats, docking at Aldourie Castle for a breathtaking tour of the stunning exterior and interior of the Castle and its grounds. Boarding back on the boat with pastries from XOKO Bakehouse, and gifts from Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, the guests arrived in style at Urquhart Castle with a tour, after a very luxurious lunch and show around at Loch Ness Lodges. After a history lesson, it was fun all round on the rib boat driven and hosted by Cruise Loch Ness, landing in Fort Augustus. Greeted by Highland Club, views were a-plenty! The jam-packed day did not end here, as axe-throwing was scheduled by In Your Element to build up an appetite. Staying at The Lovat, guests were then dined, with an impressive 3-course meal, followed by storytelling by the Scottish Folklore Podcast host, Jenny Johnstone.
Day 3
The morning soon arrived, and after a hearty breakfast, the group made their way to Singleton Glen Ord Distillery to hear more from the distillery themselves, Fish Loch Ness, Loch Ness Centre, Prickly Thistle/Rebel Row, and Highland Tour Company, who were their enthusiastic tour guide and driver for the entire trip. Achnagairn Castle bound, the guests travelled once more by driver Lewis, for a show-around and lunch in this impressive establishment.
We are absolutely delighted our guests rated the trip extremely highly.
Feedback from Andrew Burnet
"One of the best DMO fam trips I have been on in the last 23 years."
Feedback from Marina Schmitz of Adams and Butler
“I want to thank you for the opportunity to experience this incredible FAM Trip. I loved everything, the whole trip was very well organised which, honestly, is quite a feat. Thank you for the best FAM Trip ever."
John from Exclusive Scottish Visits
"As a buyer, I demand the highest standards for my 5* clients and I believe that what you have been able to show us is that Inverness/Loch Ness is right up there with the very best. My heartiest congratulations. I’m really quite excited to be bringing future guests to your area to share with them the venues and activities that we encountered on our tour."
Zoe Wilmshurt, Hello Scotland
"Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality and organising such a fantastic FAM trip! It was all so well planned, and I can't wait to bring lots of groups up to Inverness and Loch Ness!"
Familiarisation Trip Feb 2025
Want to see another example of an familiarisation trip we have hosted? Take a look at what we put together for a group of Scottish DMC's in February 2025.
Uk Inbound Fam Trip March 2025
Want to see another example of an familiarisation trip we have hosted? Take a look at what we put together for UK Inbound in March 2025.
FAM trips (Familiarisation trips) pose great opportunities to learn what’s new within a destination, as well as brushing up on existing knowledge on an area. We thoroughly enjoy being able to showcase Inverness and Loch Ness, and the businesses within the place we are lucky enough to call home.
If you have enjoyed reading about these experiences and would like to arrange a trip for yourself or your team, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can help to curate itineraries and connect you with the right people, and we look forward to hearing from you.