Overview
Itinerary
Take a stunning drive along the “Road to the Isles” past Eilean Donan Castle and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Sound of Sleat. Then, visit Armadale Castle & Gardens and the Museum of the Isles to learn about island life and the history of Skye.
Conclude your visit with views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland at Mallaig. Returning to Ballachulish along the same road, pass through Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. (B/D)
Grab your windbreaker – it's time for an adventure on the Orkney Islands. Ferry to this former Viking stronghold off the northernmost coast of Scotland, where artists admire the ever-changing clouds rolling across the sky like a time-lapse at double speed. On the crossing, feel the wind in your hair as you view the abundant bird life and, if you are lucky, porpoises and seals.
A local guide introduces this ethereal place that few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit Skara Brae and discover the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Continue on toward the prehistoric Standing Stones of Stenness, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Make your way through the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland. (B)
Today visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Then, it's your choice! Choose to get acquainted with this regal capital on a locally guided tour of the Old Town and New Town via motorcoach, -OR- for a different perspective you may join a local expert and explore the Old Town and Royal Mile on foot.
This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist. Enjoy a lively and interactive cooking experience at one of Scotland's premier culinary institutions. With a “wee dram” in hand, toast the end of a wonderful journey. (B/D)
Your tour opens in Glasgow, Scotland's Victorian city. Start your Scottish adventure with a visit to the National Piping Centre.
After a demonstration and lesson with a renowned piper, it's your chance to give it a go! Then, join your fellow travelers for a lively welcome dinner at the Centre's farm-to-table restaurant. (D) Stay: Maldron Hotel
This morning, bid Glasgow farewell as you travel to Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles'.
After free time for lunch, it's your choice! Take a walk up to McCaig's Tower with your Tour Manager -OR- visit Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. Admire the verdant green hills and mountainside waters as you arrive at your remote countryside hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe. (B/D) Stay: Ballachulish Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, take a ferry ride to the stunning Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle).
Upon arrival in Armadale, a local guide from the island will join you to share the history of this magical place and what it is like to live there today. Visit the capital of Portree for some time to explore, then continue north for stunning views of the Storr. End your day by returning to Ballachulish via the Skye Bridge and a scenic drive along the “Road to the Isles”. (B/D)
Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you journey further into the Highlands. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes). Visit the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before enjoying a cruise on Loch Ness, one of Britain's most famous bodies of water. Keep your eyes open — you never know when Nessie will appear! Travel off the beaten path to Thurso, one of Scotland's most remote towns on the North Coast. Embrace the rustic environment of the Scottish Highlands as you settle in for your 2-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Pentland Hotel (2 Nights)
Grab your windbreaker – it's time for an adventure on the Orkney Islands. Ferry to this former Viking stronghold off the northernmost coast of Scotland, where artists admire the ever-changing clouds rolling across the sky like a time-lapse at double speed. On the crossing, feel the wind in your hair as you view the abundant bird life and, if you are lucky, porpoises and seals. A local guide introduces this ethereal place that few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit Skara Brae and discover the remains of a Neolithic village built before the Great Pyramids in Egypt.
Continue on toward the prehistoric Standing Stones of Stenness, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Make your way through the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland. (B)
As you make your way back from the northern coast, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle which dates back to the 1300s. The Castle is built in the style of a French château and is home to the Duke of Sutherland. Next, visit the powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield of Culloden, where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Enjoy an overnight stay in Inverness, capital of the Highlands. (B/D) Stay: Best Western Palace Hotel
Begin your day with a visit to a family-run farm set in the heart of the Highlands. See sheepdogs at work while surrounded by the mountain wilderness of Cairngorms National Park.
Continue on to the vibrant Victorian town of Pitlochry for some time at leisure to explore on your own. End your day in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu (2 Nights)
Today visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh's new town, before your local expert takes you on a walking tour up to the magnificent castle. Enjoy an afternoon of free time.
This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist. Enjoy a lively and interactive cooking experience at one of Scotland's premier culinary institutions. With a “wee dram” in hand, toast the end of a wonderful journey. (B/D)
Your tour of Scotland comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit a working farm and meet a shepherd and his sheepdogs.
- Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the largest loch in the Highlands.
- Discover the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae.
- Explore the legendary Isle of Skye while soaking up the dramatic views.
- Visit magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.
- Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.
- Enjoy an interactive cooking experience at one of Edinburgh's premier culinary institutions.
- Learn the art of producing Scotch whisky during a distillery tour and tasting.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Arriving Flight: The closest arrival airport is Glasgow International Airport (GLA) Airport
- Departing Flight: The closest departure airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Airport
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visit a working farm and meet a shepherd and his sheepdogs.
- Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the most famous loch in the Highlands.
- Discover the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae.
- Journey through the stunning Isle of Skye while soaking up the dramatic views.
- Visit magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.
- Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.
- Enjoy an interactive cooking experience at one of Edinburgh's premier culinary institutions.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Edinburgh. Cost: $175.
- Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option will not be offered on departures that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $177.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Discover Scotland' Reviews
The Tour Manager contacted ...read more us 2 weeks before departure preparing us with tips and advice. She happened to be a historian who is well informed, entertaining and a great storyteller. We were greeted on the first day with a warm welcome. She was organised and managed the group very well.
The itinerary was well paced with 2 nights stay at each town except for 2 places with a 1 night stay. Hotels were clean and well located. The beds were comfortable. Daily breakfast and most dinners were included, and they were very good. Activities included a visit to Isle of Skye and Orkney Island, bagpipe playing lesson, cookery class. Overall this has been an enjoyable trip and we would consider doing another trip with Collette.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2022-24)
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These 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.
