Day 1: Glasgow Panoramic Tour & Welcome Drink
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a panoramic tour of Glasgow, seeing sights like George Square, Kelvingrove Park, the cathedral and the university, all featured in the popular TV series “Outlander”. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining at your hotel.
(D)
Day 2: Stirling Castle & Glengoyne Distillery
Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent strong-hold that was the childhood home of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Next, sample a dram at Glengoyne Distillery and learn about its two centuries of whisky making. Return to Glasgow, where you will be free to explore and dine as you wish.
(B)
Day 3: Glencoe & Eilean Donan Castle
Journey into the majestic Highlands, along Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular places. Stop for photos along the way, then continue on to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle before arriving at your hotel on the shore of Loch Alsh.
(B, D)
Day 4: Isle of Skye Full Day Tour
Spend a full day exploring the Isle of Skye, a scenic island that was once a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time.
(B, D)
Day 5: Loch Ness Cruise & Sheepdog Demonstration
Embark on cruise of Loch Ness. The home of the legendary monster boasts splendid mountain scenery and lovely photo opportunities. Next, take in the beauty of your route as you drive along the edge of the Cairngorms National Park on your way to a farm for a demonstration by skilled sheepdogs working with the farmer to herd their flock. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 6: Culloden Battlefield & Fyvie Castle
Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie to end the Jacobite Rising. Proceed to Aberdeenshire to visit Fyvie Castle, Garden and Estate. Discover 800 years of the castle’s history and see the extraordinary collection of art, arms, and armor gathered by a local man who made his fortune in the American steel industry. Dine at your luxurious manor-house hotel in Aberdeen this evening.
(B, D)
Day 7: Highland Cows & Drum Castle
Visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle to meet a farmer raising Highland cows. See and photograph these famously gentle, long-haired creatures up close. Next, tour Drum Castle, Garden and Estate and see its imposing medieval tower and impressive Victorian library. Return to your hotel to dine with your group.
(B, D)
Day 8: Dundee and St Andrews
Visit Dundee, once known as the city of “jute, jam, and journalism” for its local industries, and now a cultural hub and the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design. Take free time to explore the transformed waterfront, with its impressive architecture, museums, and an urban beach. Travel on to St Andrews, known as the home of golf and rich in medieval heritage. Take a panoramic drive and explore the city independently before departing for your hotel near Edinburgh. Your evening is free to dine independently.
(B)
Day 9: Panoramic Tour, Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle & Scottish Evening*
In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town stand in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. Next, visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and great views of the city. Enjoy a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment. July 24 – August 14 departures dine independently and attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B, D*)
Day 10: Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- July 24 - August 14 departures will have reserved seats for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. All other departures will experience an exclusive Scottish Evening with dinner and traditional entertainment.
- Meet some shaggy, long-horned Highland cows up close on a visit to a working farm.
- Discover 800 years of history as you explore Dunvegan Castle - home to Clan MacLeod for 30 generations.
Trip Highlights:
- Fyvie Castle
- Culloden Battlefield
- Dunvegan Castle
- Edinburgh Castle
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Isle of Skye
- Sheepdog Demonstration
- Highland Cow Farm Visit
- Stirling Castle
- Scottish Evening*
Dining Experiences:
- 9 hot breakfasts (B) and 7 Dinners (D)
*Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
Hotels:
- Sandman Signature Hotel, Glasgow (2)
- Balmacara Hotel, near Kyle of Lochalsh (2)
- Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport, near Inverness (1)
- Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen (2)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing, near Edinburgh (2)