Essential Scotland

Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Glasgow. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, join the Tennent's Brewery Tour or take a stroll along the River Clyde – once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and get to know them over a whisky or two.

This morning, take a scenic train trip through the Scottish Highlands to Oban – a seaside town surrounded by countryside. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk.

The rest of the day is then free for you to continue exploring the town at your own pace. Maybe visit the Dunstaffnage Castle or stroll along the Corran Esplanade.

Tonight, you might like to wander through the town and find a local restaurant for dinner. (B)

Today, set off on a daytrip to the Isle of Mull. When you arrive, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a hike, taking the time to slow down and enjoy the fresh air.  Follow the trail past Tobermory Harbour into the woodlands of Aros Park. Wander through Scots pine trees and winding garden paths, with views over the Sound of Mull and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Then, join a tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm – a 50-year-old family-run dairy farm powered by renewable energy. Learn how the farm was originally part of the village hall in nearby Salen, meet farmers responsible for producing and storing the cheese and wander through the ornamental vines. Return to Oban this evening for a relaxing night or to grab dinner with your group.   (B)

Look for the famous mythical creature as you drive past Loch Ness on your way to Inverness this morning. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in Inverness – the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands – the rest of the day is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe visit Inverness Castle, explore the Culloden Battlefield or hear stories of the famous Loch Ness monster on a cruise along the loch. (B)

Take a daytrip to the Isle of Skye today. Connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge, this area is known for its rugged landscapes, small fishing villages and medieval castles. With your local leader, explore some of Skye’s most beautiful landscapes along the Trotternish Peninsula. Pass Eilean Donan Castle, see the towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and visit Portree. Then, take in the panoramic views from Rigg Viewpoint, explore Quiraing and hear the folk tales about fairies as you explore the Fairy Glen.

Tonight, head back to town for dinner – maybe try haggis (savoury pudding) or stovies (a potato and oat dish). (B)

Take the train to Aberdeen this morning. This port city in northeast Scotland is also known as the Granite City for its many enduring grey-stone buildings. When you arrive, get your bearings on an orientation walk through the city with your local leader.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time – maybe visit the Maritime Museum, stroll through Duthie Park or learn about the army regiment at the Gordon Highlanders Museum. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Edinburgh. When you arrive, set out on an orientation walk through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – a series of streets that make up the Old Town. Known for its literary heritage and cobbled stones, the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander through The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse, join a Scotch Whisky Tour or visit Edinburgh Castle. With many comedy clubs, art venues and live music bars to visit, Edinburgh’s nightlight scene is central to the city’s creative spirit.

Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled! (B)

As there are no further activities, your Scottish adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to explore Edinburgh some more, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)