Scottish Highlands & Islands
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 14-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, historical sites, and local experiences. From the bustling city of Glasgow to the picturesque Isle of Skye, from the historic Edinburgh Castle to the tranquil Isle of Iona, this tour is a feast for the senses. Enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine, explore ancient ruins, visit renowned distilleries, and marvel at the stunning architecture of grand castles. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
Full buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 9 three-course dinners
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
Motorcoach; ferries to/from the Orkney Islands, the Isles of Skye, Mull, and Iona.
13 night accommodation
An expert guide is included.
GLASGOW Welcome dinner; orientation drive; farewell dinner
DOUNE CASTLE Explore the 14th-century stronghold
ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS Guided tour of the 17th-century village
EDINBURGH Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace
ABBOTSFORD Guided tour of Sir Walter Scott’s house
MELROSE Visit the abbey
ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of golf
INVERNESS Visit the Highland capital
CLAVA CAIRNS Visit the sacred prehistoric site
CULLODEN MOOR Visit the battle site’s visitor center
BRODIE Visit the castle
GLENMORANGIE Guided tour of the whisky distillery
DUNROBIN Visit the castle and gardens
JOHN O’GROATS Take the ferry to and from the Orkney Islands
ORKNEY ISLANDS Board a local coach for a driver-guide commentary and visits to the Churchill Barriers, Skara Brae and Skaill House, and Kirkwall; visit the Orkney Brewery and enjoy lunch at the Tasting Hall café
ULLAPOOL Fish & chips lunch
ISLE OF SKYE Visit the Museum of Island Life and the Museum of the Isles
ARMADALE–MALLAIG Cross the Sound of Sleat by ferry
GLENFINNAN Take pictures of the monument and the Harry Potter viaduct
LOCHALINE–FISHNISH Take the ferry to the Isle of Mull
ISLE OF MULL Visit Tobermory
ISLE OF IONA Take the ferry to the island and visit the center of Celtic Christianity
CRAIGNURE–OBAN Take the ferry back to the Scottish mainland
LOCH LOMOND Take photographs of this stunning spot
Headsets throughout the tour
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Glasgow
Day 1: Welcome to Glasgow
Your Scottish adventure begins in the vibrant city of Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at your hotel at 6 pm.
Day 2 – Day 2: From Glasgow to Linlithgow
Day 2: From Glasgow to Linlithgow
Embark on a journey through Scotland's history and culture. Start with a guided walking tour of the picturesque Royal Burgh of Culross, a perfect snapshot of 17th and 18th-century life. Marvel at The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures in Falkirk, and visit a whisky distillery in Stirling. End the day in Linlithgow, where you'll see the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Linlithgow to Edinburgh
Day 3: From Linlithgow to Edinburgh
Travel to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. A local guide will take you on a tour of the city, showcasing the contrast between the New Town and the Old Town. The highlight of the day is a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle, where you'll get to see Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Edinburgh to Abbotsford and Back
Day 4: From Edinburgh to Abbotsford and Back
Take a guided tour of Abbotsford House, the home of legendary Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Learn about his life and work, and how he popularized tartan and saved the Scottish banknote. In the evening, if you're visiting between August 3 and August 17, you'll have the chance to attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Edinburgh to Inverness via St. Andrews, Dundee, and Pitlochry
Day 5: From Edinburgh to Inverness via St. Andrews, Dundee, and Pitlochry
Journey to the Scottish Highlands, starting with a visit to St. Andrews, the home of golf. Drive across the Firth of Tay via Dundee to Pitlochry, a charming Victorian mountain resort. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Inverness
Day 6: Exploring Inverness
Spend the day exploring the rich history of the Scottish Highlands. Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns, see the Culloden battlefield site, and explore Cawdor Castle. Enjoy some free time in Inverness in the afternoon.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Inverness to Thurso via Dunrobin
Day 7: From Inverness to Thurso via Dunrobin
Travel to the Northern Highlands to visit Dunrobin Castle, one of the oldest continuously inhabited 'Scottish great houses'. Its grand gardens and towering spires are reminiscent of a French château. After exploring the castle and its gardens, continue to Thurso, where you'll have some free time in the afternoon.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Thurso to the Orkney Islands via Scrabster
Day 8: From Thurso to the Orkney Islands via Scrabster
Take a ferry from Scrabster to the Orkney Islands, where you'll enjoy a day of sightseeing. Visit the Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae, and Skaill House, and take in the ancient mystery of the Ring of Brodgar. Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery and a light lunch at the brewery's Tasting Hall café before returning to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Thurso to Ullapool
Day 9: From Thurso to Ullapool
Travel to the charming harbor town of Ullapool, known for its whitewashed cottages and stunning views of Loch Broom. Visit the fishing port and enjoy a traditional fish & chips lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Ullapool to the Isle of Skye via Portree
Day 10: From Ullapool to the Isle of Skye via Portree
Drive across the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye, known for its enchanting landscapes and sense of adventure. Visit the Museum of Island Life and stop in the picturesque island capital of Portree. Take in the stunning views of the Cuillin Hills.
Day 11 – Day 11: From the Isle of Skye to Oban via Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glen Coe
Day 11: From the Isle of Skye to Oban via Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glen Coe
Visit the Museum of the Isles on the Isle of Skye before taking a ferry across the Sound of Sleat to the mainland. Stop in Glenfinnan to see the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Pass through Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, and enjoy a scenic drive through Glen Coe en route to Oban.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Oban to the Isle of Iona via the Isle of Mull
Day 12: From Oban to the Isle of Iona via the Isle of Mull
Take a ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, known as 'Eagle Island' for its abundant birdlife. Enjoy a scenic drive across the island before taking another ferry to the Isle of Iona, the center of Celtic Christianity. After exploring Iona, return to the mainland.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Oban to Glasgow via Inveraray and Loch Lomond
Day 13: From Oban to Glasgow via Inveraray and Loch Lomond
- Battery Park
- More
Take a scenic drive over the mountainous Pass of Brander to Inveraray. Stop for photos at Loch Lomond before continuing to Glasgow. Enjoy an orientation drive to see Glasgow's landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. You'll have some free time in the evening to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 14 – Day 14: Farewell to Glasgow
Day 14: Farewell to Glasgow
Your Scottish adventure comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before saying goodbye to your fellow travelers and heading home. Safe travels until we meet again!
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