Away from the Ordinary - Plan your dream vacation to Scotland

What we do

Away from the Ordinary is a travel company quite unlike any other.

Our founder, Aeneas O’Hara, and his dedicated team of travel experts craft tailor-made travel experiences in Scotland curated with you in mind.

Every single person is different, and we honour that when planning your trip to Scotland.

We value the rarer luxuries of time, stillness, and space.

We celebrate the Scottish qualities of humanity, hospitality, and honesty.

Our connections throughout Scotland enable us to offer you a holiday experience that is unique to your passions and interests.

From after-hours tours of historic castles, to private whisky tasting before your very own ceilidh, or a feast from Scotland’s glorious larder, Away from the Ordinary weaves holidays, family gatherings, special vacations, and retreats that are full of exclusive experiences, just for you.

Get in touch with our dedicated and passionate team now, and discover your very own tailor-made, luxury trip to Scotland.

Why Scotland?

Wonderful, wild, and brimming with history, Scotland is shrouded in myth and legend.

Scotland – and its people – are known to be both progressive and traditional, proud and humble.

This incredible country is an essential destination for any traveller.

Why choose us?

At Away from the Ordinary we make sure that your trip to our wonderful nation surpasses all expectations.

By getting to know you, Aeneas develops a hyper-personalised, detailed itinerary that reflects your interests and passions.

Below are just some of the experiences we can weave together for your delight:

“

For custom private tours, Away from the Ordinary crafts itineraries with eye-popping niche experiences – surfing on the Isle of Lewis; salmon fishing on the insanely scenic River Lochy, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest peak; sampling yet-to-be-released casks at micro whisky distilleries.

01 / 06

Sustainability

Deeply committed to both the environment and local Scottish communities, Away From The Ordinary is dedicated to protecting the land and investing in its people – so that Scotland’s natural beauty and unique culture can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Great Outdoors

From wild swimming to fishing, golf, and hiking (or even skiing, depending on the season), Scotland’s countryside is rich and bounteous.

With shimmering shorelines, stern mountains, and silver lochs, discover unforgettable vistas and views with Away From The Ordinary.

Gastronomy

Redefine fine food and drink – with a seven-course tasting menu in a Michelin starred restaurant, or freshly-caught langoustines and hand-dived scallops in a local pub.

Breathe in the briny air as you journey by boat to an island distillery for private tours and tastings, and discover the wealth of flavours in a single dram of whisky.

History

Experience Scottish history first-hand with exclusive tours, only available through our connections.

Retrace the steps of legendary figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns, or Robert the Bruce as you walk the countryside. And, later that same day, meet his descendant – Lord Bruce – as you are conducted on a private tour of his home, Broomhall House.

Welcome

Be certain of a warm welcome, wherever you go.

Aeneas’ black book of contacts ensures that your Scottish experience is authentic and genuine, offering real connection with the communities that make Scotland the incredible nation it is.

Heritage

Discover ancient bloodlines, thrilling tales, and unearth rogues, royalty, or romance as we delve into your own heritage. Working with a genealogist to trace your roots, we organise trips to the areas and villages where your ancestors resided for a glimpse of living history.

Let's plan your dream visit

Our hotels, private distillery tours, guides and restaurants were all recommended and booked by Away from the Ordinary. It felt like a concierge service... Everything exceeded our high expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending Away from the Ordinary for luxury travel in Scotland.

Hammad Hussain – Washington DC

I hope it is more than once (now twice) in a lifetime, for our family to journey to Scotland; whenever we are able to return, it will definitely be with Aeneas, Michael, John, and Chiara's assistance!

John Stuckey – Georgia

I worked with Aeneas in planning a trip to the Highlands, and couldn't be more pleased with his service… I don't think I would have been able to come up with such a detailed and thoughtful itinerary on my own (and I usually plan all our trips myself). You won't regret enlisting his expertise!

Lisa Stewart -Texas

I really can’t say enough about what an amazing experience it was working with Aeneas and would very highly recommend him to anyone eloping or traveling to Scotland!!

Steffani Campbell – New Hampshire

Away from the Ordinary was nothing short of exceptional to work with. From the early stages of planning - the seamlessness of communication. The lovely planner Chiara helped plan the most magical trip. Every accommodation we stayed at was out of this world. The meals were amazing. The itinerary was outstanding.

Liza Brown – Florida

This was an extraordinary travel agency to work with. Michael (in the US) was my first contact and he really understood what I was looking for and definitely delivered. Our trip itinerary to Scotland ticked off every wish-list point we requested and more. The guides were each different, interesting, professional, and knowledgeable.

Ellen Levy – New York

Aeneas is responsive, flexible and knows his Scotland. We couldn’t have done better. And you won’t either.

Barry Adler – New York

With the perfect planning by Aeneas, I just simply relaxed and enjoyed the trip. I was really impressed by the hotels and restaurants he picked for us.

Flora Ng – Hong Kong

Let’s start a conversation about your dream trip

Contact us

Discover more about your Ancestry

Find more inspiration

Get in touch

Away From The Ordinary is here to help you design your vacation whether it's your bucket list trip, honeymoon, birthday celebration or family reunion.

Contact us

Founder

Aeneas O’Hara

Aeneas O’Hara – Highlander, Ambassador, Scotsman – is your first point of call as you discover the magic of Scotland.

Brought up in the Western Scottish Highlands, Aeneas’ childhood was like that of a storybook. Part of a tiny community, he grew up with an innate appreciation for the things that make Scotland such a wonderful place to live and visit.

After a highly successful career in Financial Technology that took him around the globe, Aeneas realised one day in New York, that something away from the ordinary was calling him home.

Blending incredible attention to detail, native insight and a very exclusive black book of connections, Aeneas and his wife founded the company with one goal in mind: to sustainably share the wonder and majesty of Scotland with travellers from all around the world.

Offering the luxury of a slower pace of life, set against the magnificence of the Scottish landscape, Away from the Ordinary has delighted its clients from the very beginning.

By taking the time to understand you as an individual, Aeneas crafts an itinerary that surpasses all expectations: helping you to make memories to last a lifetime.

The latest from Instagram