Scotland: Highlands and Islands

We arrive today in Edinburgh and transfer by coach to , where we check in at our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day. Late this afternoon we gather with our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director for a briefing on the journey ahead. Then we enjoy a welcome dinner at either the acclaimed National Piping Centre or the well-appointed Corinthian Club.­ D Glasgow

This morning’s tour highlights “Glasgow Style,” the city’s distinct architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though Glasgow has a rich medieval history, very few structures from that time survive; it is the Victorian-era buildings of red or blond sandstone with long lines that define the city’s historic built environment. Among the standout buildings we see: Glasgow Central Station, the Royal Exchange, and Glasgow City Chambers. We also visit Sir John W. Simpson’s immensely popular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing an excellent collection of arms and armaments, and European artwork including Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John on the Cross. Following our city tour we visit Pollok House, ancestral home of the Maxwell clan and now a museum with the United Kingdom’s greatest collection of Spanish art. We take a privately guided tour of the Edwardian country house after we enjoy lunch here. Then we return to our hotel mid- afternoon; the remainder of the day is at leisure. B,L

We leave Glasgow this morning by motorcoach, bound for the scenic Highlands, Scotland’s sparsely populated historic northern region. We stop by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Great Britain’s largest lake and part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We tour the island-dotted loch by coach before continuing on to Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful spots with deep valleys flanked by steep-sided mountains, rushing rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Then we travel on to Fort William, the Highlands’ second largest settlement, arriving late afternoon. B,D

We embark on a full-day excursion to the Isle of Skye, the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, known for its vivid history, strong Gaelic influence, and stunning scenery. En route, we make a photo stop at Glenfinnan Monument honoring “Bonnie Prince Charlie” for his leadership in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Then we board a ferry for Armadale on the southern tip of Isle of Skye, where our touring begins with a visit to Armadale Castle and Gardens, where we have lunch. Next we set out on a scenic drive through the imposing Cuillin Hills (or “Black Cuillin”). Returning to the mainland via the Skye Bridge, we stop to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle then dine tonight at our hotel. B,L,D

 We depart today for the Northern Highlands, stopping en route at fabled Loch Ness. We enjoy a boat ride on the 23- mile-long lake best known for the unearthly creature alleged to live in its deep waters. We also visit the ruins of lakeside Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Dating to at least the 13th century, the castle sits surrounded by water on three sides, giving it a once-formidable advantage in battle. Then we travel on to the historic Culloden Moor battle site. After time on our own to tour the museum here, we tour the hallowed grounds, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. Early this evening we arrive in Inverness on Scotland’s northeast coast and cultural capital of the Highlands. We dine tonight at our hotel.   B,D

Our exploration of the High­lands continues on today’s excursion along the Pictish Trail, sites connected with the late Iron Age/early Medieval Celtic people who once lived here. We visit striking Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, where we see a falconry demonstration then embark on a tour and tasting at a small local distillery that has been producing hand-crafted single malt whisky for generations. We continue our drive along the scenic coastal road flanked by small farms with sheep, cows, and Shetland ponies before returning to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner together tonight. B,D

Today’s first stop is Kincraig, where we watch a sheepdog demonstration with working border collies, known for their herding abilities. We travel on to the holiday town of Pitlochry in the heart of Scotland, where we enjoy some free time before continuing on to legendary St. Andrews late this afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own in this charming town. B

Home of Scotland’s oldest university (St. Andrews) and renowned as the home of golf, where the game has been played for some 600 years, delightful – and compact – St. Andrews measures just one mile across. This morning we embark on a walking tour of the medieval seaside town, followed by lunch together then free time to explore on our own. Later this afternoon we continue on our way to Edinburgh. Dinner tonight is on our own in the Scottish capital, which boasts a robust culinary scene. B,L

Our morning tour of this stately city built on seven hills features both the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old Town” – together, the districts form a UNESCO site. In the Old Town, we pay an inside visit to Edinburgh Castle, symbolic heart of the country. We also travel the Royal Mile, the warren of medieval streets that form the thoroughfare stretching from the castle to Holyrood Palace, official residence of the Queen when in Scotland. This afternoon is at leisure to discover Edinburgh as we wish; museums, galleries, and shops abound. Guests on select August departures will enjoy an evening performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. B

This morning we again encounter the Royal Mile, with its mix of attractions, shops, and restaurants. We tour Holyrood, as it is called, and see where British royalty schemed and slept as we tour the State Apartments. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Tonight we celebrate our Scotland sojourn over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

We transfer this morning to the Edinburgh airport for our return flights to the U.S. B

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included