Journeys: Discover Scotland

Arrive at any time.

Included Experiences

• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Explore Scotland’s hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You’ll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and David’s Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket.

Included Experiences

• Guided Walk of Edinburgh: Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Scotland's capital city. Walk through the historic streets from the iconic Royal Mile to the enchanting Grassmarket. Marvel at architectural wonders like St. Giles Cathedral and infamous Victoria Street. Snap photos of Edinburgh Castle all while learning about the city's rich historical past.
• Free Time: Take advantage of a free afternoon to partake in the optional activities available in Edinburgh. Opt in for an underground vault tour, visit the National Museum of Scotland, or the Royal Yacht Britannia. Other activities include a ghost tour, admission to the botanical gardens, or a gin distillery tour.
• Edinburgh Castle Visit: A historic fortress dominating the skyline of the city from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the city. Explore the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum all during this immersive audio tour of the castle. Please note that both the entry ticket to the castle and the audioguide are included.

Optional Experiences

• Ghost Tours of Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh's fascination with the underworld. Famous for witch burning, grave robbing and mysterious murders, this tour takes you down Edinburgh narrow alleyways and gruesome graveyards with plenty of stories to tell.
• Edinburgh Food Tour: Tour the narrow streets of Edinburgh while sampling some of it's most famous dishes including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. Learn about Scottish whisky and end the tour with a traditional afternoon tea and local Scottish cakes.

Marvel at some of Edinburgh's most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you’ll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you’ll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you’ll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you’ll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You’ll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Stirling Castle Visit: Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. The scenery will take your breath away. Explore the fascinating history of this castle up on the crag of what was once Scotland's capital. Look out over the city at the edge of the Highlands and home to the Stewart Kings and Queens, who held court and other grand celebrations at Stirling Castle.
• The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit: The Scottish Crannog Centre is a museum situated on the banks of Loch Tay. The Centre Trust was formed to protect and grow the research of Crannogs, which are houses built on artificial islands over water, usually with a bridge or causeway joining them to the shore. They are found in Ireland and Scotland. This particular Centre is dedicated to learning about the first Crannogs in Scotland, built in the Early Iron Age about 2500 years ago. These structures are incredible not only because of the skills and technologies required to build and maintain them, but also for the ways in which they preserve a vision of how life was lived here in the past. They offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric everyday life and reveal unprecedented levels of preservation. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum with an expert and try the interactive demonstrations of ancient crafts and technologies.

Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town’s history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. The walk finishes at the Blair Athol Distillery, which is situated in the open moorland south of the town. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you’ll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish and mellow quality. You’ll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery’s exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town from Blair Athol and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen’s View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry or you may choose to visit Blair Castle and Gardens. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Pitlochry Guided Walk: Stories are the very fabric of Scottish culture. Set out on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local specialist and learn the history of the town, the landscape, and hear tales of local life in the surrounding rolling hills. Delve into the customs, the culture, and the pastimes of Pitlochry. The guided walk will finish at the Blair Atoll Distillery for a Whisky tasting experience.
• Blair Athol Distillery Visit: Standing at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and located in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol Distillery is a beautiful place to enjoy a dram. This central Perthshire town sitting on the banks of the River Tay has had a distillery since 1798, making Blair Athol’s plant one of the oldest legal whisky-making sites in Scotland. The original name was Aldour after the water which supplied the distillery with its process water. While on tour, experience the distillery’s unique history as an experienced guide leads you through the journey of Blair Athol’s single malt from grain to glass. Made from the water of the Allt Dour burn, the whisky has a mellow, deep-toned aroma with a strong fruity flavor and smooth finish. The tour finishes with a tutored whisky tasting of three drams and a complimentary memento to bring home.
• Queen's View: Drive to Queen's View in Highland Perthshire and enjoy the view of Loch Tummel. The site's name is said to have been named after Queen Victoria, following her visit to the area in 1866. From here travel back to Pitlochry or opt to visit Blair Castle & Gardens.

Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort William, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you’ll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Kincraig, continue to the quaint town of Aviemore, located in the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy lunch in town before heading out on the final leg of the day’s journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you’re placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center’s 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, travel to Loch Ness for a scenic drive along the shoreline and make stops at Loch Ness Viewpoint in Fort Augustus and the Loch Lochy Viewpoint. On the way, you’ll see the Commando Memorial and Inverlochy Castle. Continue on to Fort William, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.

Included Experiences

• Sheepdog Farm Visit: Enjoy a visit to a sheepdog Farm for a demonstration of these animals in action. Meet the dogs, learn about their training routines, and gain a deeper understanding of the use of commands to control them as they are herding. The man who owns the land is a Scottish laird who will also tell stories of Highland culture as you tour the farm grounds.
• Culloden Moor Visit: Visit the infamous Culloden battlefield, site of the Battle of Culloden, known as the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Here, Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart were decisively defeated by Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland which therefore put an end the Jacobite rising. Explore the battlefield and moor at your own pace, or opt to join a guided tour.
• Scenic Drive Along Loch Ness: Enjoy a scenic drive along Loch Ness. This freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands is best known for alleged sightings of Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Begin at the viewpoint of the loch in Fort Augustus. Along the way pass by the Commando Memorial and Inverlochy Castle, built by the 'Red' Comyns, and the Lords of Badenoch and Lochaber.

Set out on a full-day excursion stopping first at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo op. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye–a stunning island which was occupied in prehistoric times, then settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. Meet your expert guide and head to Dunvegan, for a short lunch break, then explore Dunvegan Castle dating from the 13th century and the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, stop by the town of Skeabost on the way to Portree with its picture-perfect harbour. As the island's "capital," Portree is the perfect place for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. On the way back, make one last stop in Kyleakin, a traditional fishing village with deep Viking roots before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Included Experiences

• Eilean Donan Castle: Visit one of the most recognized and photographed castles in Scotland. Strategically located on its own small island, overlooking the Isle of Skye and surrounded by the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle is a sight to see. Visit the castle and learn about it's connection with the Jacobite Risings as well it's historical significance in Scottish history.
• Isle of Sky Day Visit: Experience a full-day trip to the Isle of Sky. Take in the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle for a photo stop before continuing on to Sligachan, a small settlement with views of the Black Cuillin mountains. Transfer to Dunvegan Castle, known to be occupied by the same family for more than 800 years, then to Skeabost, at the head of the sea loch, and finish off in Portree.
• Free Time: Enjoy some free time to explore in Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. This bustling port and thriving cultural centre is full of things to do, from walking along the shoreline, to having a dram of whiskey in the local pub.

In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way, like the Three Sisters Viewpoint. Arrive at Loch Lomond, where you can relax and get lunch on your own. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows’—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.

Included Experiences

• Glencoe Visit: Scotland's most famous and most scenic Highland glen, Glencoe is also steeped in history. Also known as the weeping valley, it was the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Visit Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount and learn about the intricate history of this natural paradise.
• Loch Lomond Boat Cruise: Take to the water on an hour cruise through Loch Lomond. Sail north past the waterfalls at Inversnaid, and take in the sprawiling green glens and rocky peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Listen to live commentary on board featuring tales of the loch and insights into the history and geology in this part of Loch Lomond.

Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in a street art tour with a local guide, who will point out stunning murals and share the stories and inspiration behind each piece and the artists that created them. You’ll discover how the art scene in Glasgow has developed dramatically over the last decade as you stroll through alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the wall art taking the city by storm. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Included Experiences

• Glasgow Street Art Tour: Get to know Glasgow on a street art tour with a local expert guide. Discover the history and culture of this city and their little-known thriving street art scene. Experience the REAL Glasgow as you meander down alleys and under centuries old bridges to uncover some of the most beautiful pieces of art in the entire city. Enjoy a stop at a Glaswegian pub along the way for the true experience of a local.
• Free Time: Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

Optional Experiences

• Brewery Tour: Nestled in the historic heart of Glasgow, between the Cathedral and Necropolis, Drygate Brewing Co. can be found in a converted former box factory. Enjoy a through-the glass tour and afterwards observe the brewery in action through the panoramic glass wall while sampling the finished product with a tasting of four beers.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers 22 galleries ranging from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Depart at any time.