Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands

Arrive in Glasgow, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather with fellow guests for cocktails and a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy an exclusive before-hours visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to one of Europe’s great art collections. Next, explore the art of distilling as you cross the Erskine Bridge for a private tour of the Auchentoshan Distillery. Return to the city for lunch at the Willow Tea Rooms, emblematic of the local Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Venture to the shores of scenic Loch Lomond and embark on a private cruise across its waters, before continuing to Fort William, gateway to the Western Highlands. After time for lunch, proceed through the Great Glen past Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Pass Fort Augustus and travel to Loch Ness, home of fabled “Nessie.” Stop to view the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle before proceeding to your historic country house hotel. Tonight, celebrate Scottish tradition at your hotel, starting as the resident bagpiper plays you into dinner.

Start your day with a visit to Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age stone formation used as a setting for the Outlander series. Stop at Speyside Cooperage to discover the ancient art of barrel making, learning how coopers shape, shave and char oak casks for whisky. After lunch at a traditional local pub, explore Johnston’s Cashmere Mill. Return to Inverness, to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit Culloden Moor, the historic battle site where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746. Enjoy A&K-exclusive access to this poignant site before opening hours. Continue to Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, childhood home of the Queen Mother and, legend has it, one of the most haunted castles in Britain. After lunch, enjoy a tour and a stroll through its beautiful gardens. Then, journey to the lovely coastal town of St. Andrews, regarded as the home of golf and site of the Open, the world’s oldest professional golf championship. After an introduction to the historic town, check in to your hotel set on the famous links.

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Bike to a Nature Reserve along a quiet path that leads to Tentsmuir Forest and a lovely beach. Enjoy an Enhanced Whisky Tasting on a private tour of a modern distillery making craft whiskies. Embark by Sea Kayak on an excursion along the craggy local coastline, looking out for seals and other wildlife. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

Today, journey to Edinburgh, Scotland’s elegant capital. Begin your visit with a tour of Holyrood Palace (subject to cancellation in the event of an official function). Continue up the Royal Mile to the historic Signet Library, where you are invited to one of Edinburgh’s most substantial afternoon teas, featuring savory side dishes and sweets that make for a satisfying lunch. Afterward, explore Edinburgh Castle with an expert local guide and take in the stunning views over the city and beyond. Later, check in to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Begin your day with a private, before-hours visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, a proud vessel that served as a floating home to the Royal Family for over 40 years. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the local sights before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.