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 a free evening to explore and dine as you wish.
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 for a free evening.
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 for dinner.
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 before dinner at your hotel.
Embark on a 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.
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 manor-house hotel near Aberdeen this evening.
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.
Travel to Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Take a panoramic drive through the city of Dundee to see its transformed waterfront, with its impressive architecture and urban beach. Continue 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.
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 29 – August 19 departures will instead dine independently and then attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. You will receive a taxi voucher to travel from your hotel to the city center. Explore and dine as you wish in this fascinating city.
Your 11-day tour ends after breakfast.
