Wild Scotland & The Isle of Skye
Itinerary
You'll start your grand Scottish adventure with the Secrets of the Royal Mile walking tour and revel in the stories and charm of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Your Local Specialist will lead you down cobbled streets, winding closes and into hidden courtyards en route to Edinburgh Castle. There, you'll see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and St. Margaret's Chapel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Board the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former seafaring residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and step into a world of royal history as you explore the State Apartments, crew's quarters and elegant decks. Then continue to the Johnnie Walker Experience for a journey through flavour, Scottish traditions and culture, complete with interactive projections, live performances and specially crafted cocktails. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Later, travel to the Highlands before this evening's dinner at Old Manse of Blair.
Venture north and pause at the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay to learn how Iron Age communities once lived in loch-dwelling crannogs. Then take a detour literally off the beaten path at Highland Safaris. Join a kilted ranger for a 4x4 safari of majestic scenery. Look out for wildlife such as red squirrel, deer and golden eagles before stopping in a bothy for a dram of local whisky, a bite of shortbread and stories. Then, onwards to enjoy dinner back in your hotel.
Travel through the Highlands to Dundreggan for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where a rewilding expert shares how native species such as the red squirrel and beaver are being reintroduced and how efforts are underway to restore the ancient Caledonian pine forest.
Continue to see Eilean Donan Castle, one of the country's most photographed strongholds, dramatically set where three sea lochs meet. Then cross to the Isle of Skye, as the scenery shifts from mainland glens to expansive coastal views. Along the way, take in the island's rugged charm, from sweeping shorelines to the first glimpses of the Cuillin mountains.
This evening, settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner before a restful night on the island.
Get ready for a day spent outdoors as you explore the main attractions on the magical, mystical Isle of Skye. Known for its incredible natural formations like the pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
Today you'll visit Armadale Castle and Gardens, exploring the ruins of the historic seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat set among 40 acres of manicured grounds and woodlands. Sail back to the mainland with views of the Cuillin Mountains before continuing to Glenfinnan Monument, which marks the raising of the Jacobite standard in 1745.
Later, travel south to your lochside hotel on Loch Lomond, where dinner is served this evening.
Experience the serenity of Loch Lomond on a relaxing cruise. Take in views of towering Ben Lomond and stately homes as you glide to Inchmurrin Island and see the ancient ruins of Lennox Castle, once a shelter for Robert the Bruce.
After, continue to Glasgow for afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms. Refreshed, journey through the world of street art in Scotland's largest city. Join a Local Expert to explore hidden alleys, buildings and walls adorned with striking murals, each telling a story and reflecting Glasgow's creative spirit. Later, return to Edinburgh for the evening.
Transfer to the airport for your return journey home.
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the Secrets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, off-roading in the Scottish Highlands, hiking on the Isle of Skye
- Visit Holyrood Palace, Culloden Battlefield, Dundreggan Rewilding Center, and Armadale Castle and Gardens
- See the iconic Highland cattle the "Hairy Coo", and Eilean Donan Castle
- Journey along the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)
- Cruise along Loch Lomond
- Edinburgh: The Secrets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour offers an immersive journey through Edinburgh's most historic and iconic landmarks. This guided tour is the perfect way to uncover the hidden stories, fascinating characters and rich history that have shaped Scotland's capital city.
- Edinburgh: Explore a journey of Scottish traditions, culture and flavour mixed with sensory expressions from around the globe at the home of the most recognized name in Scottish whisky. Enjoyed by whisky aficionados and novices alike, this is a five-star experience with interactive projections, live performances, and three cocktails that are specially crafted to match your flavour profile.
- Inverness: Explore the heart of the Highlands and the great outdoors on a Land Rover off-road experience with a kilted Highland Safari Ranger. Journey through the high peaks to catch breathtaking views. Spot wildlife and learn the about the heritage and history of the legendary Scottish Highlands.
- Pitlochry: Discover how people in Scotland lived 2,500 years ago in an Iron Age loch-dwelling crannog and reconstructed village. Iron Age interpreters share stories of daily life as you explore roundhouses, see original and replica artefacts and watch demonstrations of ancient crafts and technologies.
- Isle of Skye: A magnificent Highland estate and the ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat, Armadale Castle and Gardens spans 40 acres of manicured grounds and sprawling woodlands. Walk around the ruins of Armadale Castle against a backdrop of the Sound of Sleat, or soak up the atmosphere of its 1,500-year history in the Armadale Museum's seven dedicated galleries with its artifacts.
- Loch Lomond: There's no better way to experience Loch Lomond's network of islands and curious history than via the comfort of a cruise. Relax with a drink from the fully stocked bar as the cruise takes you on a stunning tour of the loch's south basin with its views of the towering Ben Lomond, stately homes and castles. Cross the loch to Inchmurrin Island, and revel in the splendor of the ancient ruins of Lennox Castle, which once sheltered then-fugitive Robert the Bruce before he became King of Scotland.
- Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland's most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it's a favourite film location and one of the country's most photographed landmarks.
Make Travel Matter®
- Inverness: Learn from a rewilding expert about the reintroduction of native animal species such as the Scottish red squirrel, lynx and beaver into the wild, and the reforestation of the Caledonian pine forest. Visitors to the rewilding centre directly contribute to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in Europe, that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Iconic Experience
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: Glenfinnan Monument marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised the Jacobite standard in 1745. Standing at the head of Loch Shiel, the 18th century tower commemorates the Highland clans who supported his claim.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at The Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow
- Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing first night and dine together with your fellow guests at your hotel while enjoying Scottish inspired cuisine and charming atmosphere.
- Glasgow: The Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow are a stunning tribute to the city's Art Nouveau heritage, designed by the legendary Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in beautifully restored interiors that blend elegance with historic charm. A must-visit for culture and design lovers, the tea rooms offer a uniquely Glaswegian experience that feels both timeless and inviting.
- Dining Summary: 5 Dinners (D), 7 Breakfasts (B)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Brendan Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
