Itinerary:
Day 1: Glasgow Tour | Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Your tour departs from your Glasgow hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of central Glasgow’s highlights, including red sand-stone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once important for shipbuilding. Visit the extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. Your evening is free to dine independently.
Day 2: Loch Lomond Cruise | Inveraray Castle
Embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Browse around Inveraray and have lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven.
Day 3: Isle of Skye | Loch Ness
Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit Armadale Castle, a romantic ruin surrounded by magnificent gardens. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness before arriving at your hotel.
Day 4: Culloden Battlefield | Sheepdog Trials
A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield where the British government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the battlefield and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel through the high peaks of the Grampian mountains to your hotel.
Day 5: Blair Castle |Whisky Tasting |Pitlochry
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum or shopping in Pitlochry.
Day 6: Glamis Castle | St Andrews | Scottish Evening*
Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Enjoy free time exploring the medieval town of St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” including the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. After arrival at your hotel near Edinburgh, enjoy a Scottish evening with traditional food, music, and dancing.
Day 7: Edinburgh Panoramic Tour | Edinburgh Castle
Explore Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining.
Day 8: Independent touring in Edinburgh
Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. You will receive a taxi voucher to bring you from your hotel to the city center. Explore and dine as you wish in this fascinating city.
Day 9: Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast.
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, all hotels and visits are subject to change until departure
Good to Know:
- Airfare- please note air should be booked to allow for arrival one day prior to tour departure.
- Insurance
- All documents typically arrive approximately 2 weeks prior to departure.
- In order to maintain private coach, we must have a minimum of 10 guests.
- While our tour is private, we may expect to gather with a larger group during certain visits and/or meals.
- All hotels and visits are subject to change until departure.
- If we do not reach our minimum of travelers (10) we may be eligible to join an already existing group.
- Optional insurance must be purchased at the time of deposit.