Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 : Glasgow City Tour
Your trip starts in Glasgow Airport with a group transfer to your hotel, departing Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. At 2:30 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901. Chat with your tour director about your trip with a welcome drink before dinner. (D)

Day 2 : Loch Lomond Cruise & Inveraray Castle
Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views of the Highlands. Then travel across the mountains to visit Inveraray Castle. This imposing Campbell family home with four conical spires was built between 1746 and 1789. A guided tour will reveal the history of the family and region as you view the magnificent Armoury Hall and many fine rooms with tapestries, porcelains and portraits. Browse around the nearby town, planned by the Campbell family. Journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, to Ballachulish on the coast. (B, D)

Day 3 : Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Centre
This morning head north via Fort William and take the “Road to the Isles” through some of Scotland's loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. At Mallaig cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye, sometimes called the Misty Isle. Visit the Clan Donald Centre to discover the history of the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Drive through part of the island and return to the mainland by bridge, stopping for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Then drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster. Continue to your hotel in Nairn where a Scottish Highland evening will feature haggis and other traditional foods with bagpipe music and dance. (B, D)

Day 4 : Culloden Battlefield & Glenfiddich Distillery
A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre. Learn about the battle and walk around the moorland where, on 16th April 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour. Drive through pleasant farming country into the gentle rolling hills of the Speyside region, where many of Scotland's famous distilleries are located. Stop in Craigellachie to visit the family-owned Speyside Cooperage which produces fine casks from American oak using traditional methods and tools. The casks supply a vital component to Scotland's whisky-making process. A few miles further on, tour the Glenfiddich Distillery and enjoy a “wee dram.” Drive to your 19th century manor house hotel near Blairs. (B, D)

Day 5 : Royal Deeside & Afternoon Tea
Drive along the charming River Dee Valley, called “Royal Deeside” as it was made popular by Queen Victoria. Pass Balmoral Castle where the Royal Family spends the month of August and visit the lovely Crathie Church. Stop in Braemar, where the Royal Family attends Highland games each summer and in Ballater, where many shops show royal warrants to indicate that the Royal Family uses their goods. Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular with local people. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked scones and enjoy a talk on Highland life. Return to your hotel for some free time to relax before dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 : Glamis Castle & St Andrews
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf." See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. In the evening enjoy a fun dinner at a popular restaurant followed by a ceilidh, Scottish musical entertainment. (B, D)

Day 7 : Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining. On July 29 to August 19 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 8 : Day at Leisure in Edinburgh
Spend an additional day in Edinburgh on your own. Use your voucher for an open-top bus tour - you have a choice of tours that feature different aspects of Edinburgh. You may stay on the coach for the full circular ride or get on and off as you wish to explore different parts of the city. (B)

Day 9 : Tour Ends Edinburgh Airport
Take a shuttle bus transfer to Edinburgh Airport on the final day in good time to check in for your flight home. (B)

B: Breakfast; D: Dinner