Journeys: Discover Scotland
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Your walk concludes at a local distillery, where the next part of your journey begins. 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 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 to complete the day. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.
- Pitlochry Guided Walk: Stories are woven into the fabric of Scottish culture. Join a local specialist for a guided walk through Pitlochry and discover the history of the town, its landscapes, and the traditions of Highland life. Enjoy a whisky tasting experience at a local distillery or whisky venue, where you'll learn about Scotland's whisky heritage and sample regional drams.
- Scottish Distillery Visit: Visit a local distillery standing in the gateway to the Scottish Highlights and learn about the Whisky making traditions. Experience the distillery's unique history as a professional guide leads you through the journey from grain to glass, perfecting the mellow, deep-toned aroma, strong fruity flavour, and smooth finish. The tour finishes with a tutored whisky tasting where you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each dram.
- 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.
Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort Augustus, 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 Aberfeldy, continue to a quaint town where you'll enjoy lunch 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, enjoy a scenic drive along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. After pausing at the local viewpoint to take in the vistas, you'll check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
- 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. Along the way pass by the Lords of Badenoch and Lochaber.
- 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.
Set out on a full-day excursion, stopping first for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo stop. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye—a stunning island occupied in prehistoric times and later settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC.
After meeting your guide, enjoy a short visit to Sligachan before heading to Dunvegan to explore its 13th-century castle, the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, continue to Portree, famed for its picture-perfect harbor. As the island's capital, Portree serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. Finally, head back to Fort Augustus for the evening to enjoy dinner with the group and share stories of your full day exploring the Isle of Skye.
- Isle of Skye Day Visit: Experience a full-day trip to the Isle of Skye. Take in the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle for a photo stop before continuing 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. Finish off in Portree, the vibrant heart of the Isle of Skye, which blends stunning coastal beauty with Gaelic culture, historic charm, and a welcoming harbor once visited by Scottish kings.
- Dunvegan Castle and Gardens Visit: Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of clan MacLeod for 800 years. Visit this castle originally designed as a defence fortress and learn the history behind Scotland's clan system. Afterwards explore the five acres of the Castle's formal gardens on property. Explore the stark contrast to the barren moor land and mountains that dominate Skye's landscape by getting lost in a hidden oasis of an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades and shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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 an invisible cities walking tour with a local guide, who'll provide a unique perspective into the city and connect with a powerful human narrative. 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.
- Glasgow Invisible cities tour: Join a unique walking tour that refines the standard historical tour into a powerful human narrative. A local social enterprise trains individuals who have experienced homelessness to become professional guides, meaning you aren't just hearing dates and names—you are seeing the city through the eyes of someone who has lived in its shadows and now stands proudly in its light.
- 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.
- 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.
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on a tour of Scotland’s capital city.
- Delve into Scottish history with a visit to Stirling Castle—a national symbol of Scottish pride and independence.
- Join an expert guide on a tour through Pitlochry—one of Scotland’s most charming villages—and finish with a dram tasting at a local distillery.
- Embark on a full-day trip to the Isle of Skye where you’ll explore the island’s most famous sites.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit, Stirling
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pitlochry Guided Walk, Pitlochry
- Your G for Good Moment: Glasgow Invisible cities tour, Glasgow
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Edinburgh orientation walk
- Edinburgh Castle Visit & Audio Tour
- Pitlochry orientation walk
- Sheepdog farm visit
- Loch Ness scenic drive
- Isle of Sky day visit
- Culloden Moor visit
- Stirling Castle visit
- Whisky distillery tour and tasting
- Glencoe visit
- Loch Lomond Scenic Boat Cruise
- Glasgow street art tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- Hotels – 8nts
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
- 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travellers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
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. 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. 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 G Adventures. 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.
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