Scotland: History & Highlands

Arrive at any time. Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

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. Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh (B)

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. Stay: Atholl Villa Guest House (B)

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. Stay: Atholl Villa Guest House (B)

Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort William, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop in Kincraig 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. Stay: Moorings Hotel (B)

Explore the Isle of Skye on a full-day excursion to this stunning island which was occupied in prehistoric times, then settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. Along the way, stop at the famous Fairy Pools, a natural waterfall phenomenon whose frigid pools are a vivid aqua blue. Legend has it that selkies would come here, shed their skins, change into human form for the night and bathe in the pools under a full moon. Enjoy lunch, then visit Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. Spend time wandering the bustling port and thriving cultural center. On your way back, stop at the Glenfinnan Viewpoint to gaze at the impressive views and perhaps a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train—also known as the Hogwart’s Express in the Harry Potter novels and films. While here, travel across the Glenfinnan viaduct, 100 ft (30 m) above the ground. Return to Fort William for an evening on your own and dinner at your leisure. Stay: Moorings Hotel (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Indigo (B)

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, join a brewery tour, or hop on a bike and ride around the city. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Stay: Hotel Indigo (B/D)

Depart at any time. (B)