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4.7
Read 64 reviews

See the essentials of Scotland, distilled

Explore the very best of Scotland's gorgeous scenery and bustling cities on this short-and-sweet introductory tour. Discover the highlights of Glasgow, the Highlands, and Edinburgh.

Trip details

Tour start Glasgow

trip-destination

Tour end Edinburgh

6 icon

Days

5 icon

Nights

9 icon

Meals

Tour Highlights

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Experience one of Scotland's most iconic cultural events on departures from August 8 to August 22. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this world-famous spectacle showcases military bands, Scottish bagpipes, Highland dancers, and international performers - and you'll see it all from reserved seats on the Castle Esplanade.

Scone Palace

Scone Palace was the historic crowning place of Scotland's kings and remains one of the country's most important heritage sites. Explore elegant State Rooms and magnificent grounds.

St Andrews

St Andrews is known worldwide as the Home of Golf and is also home to Scotland's oldest university. Explore historic streets, coastal scenery, and one of the country's most famous destinations.

Loch Lomond Cruise

Cruise across Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch, and enjoy spectacular views of wooded hills, islands, and Highland scenery.

Loch Ness

Visit the legendary Loch Ness, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. Admire the dramatic Highland scenery and discover the stories behind the world's most famous lake monster.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital and has played a central role in Scottish history for centuries. Explore royal chambers, military treasures, and spectacular views over Edinburgh.

Glasgow

Discover Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, renowned for its Victorian architecture, vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, and lively atmosphere.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Glasgow Highlights

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a panoramic introduction to this vibrant, welcoming city, where grand Victorian architecture blends with a modern cultural spirit. View George Square and its monuments to famous Scots, the stately University of Glasgow overlooking leafy Kelvingrove Park, and the impressive Glasgow Cathedral with its soaring Gothic architecture. Enjoy a welcome drink before an evening free to explore and dine as you wish.
Journey through the stunning scenery of the Trossachs to Loch Lomond, where you’ll relax on a short cruise across its tranquil waters surrounded by forested hills. Afterward, travel through the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, steeped in history and legend. Stop for lunch as you continue north to the Highlands. Stop for photos and perhaps a bit of monster spotting along the legendary Loch Ness, whose deep, mysterious waters have inspired countless tales. Arrive in Inverness and dine with your group at your hotel. (B, L, D) 
Visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last pitched battle fought on British soil in 1746, and learn the story of the Jacobite rising. Continue to a family-run farm in Aberdeenshire for an authentic Highland cow experience, where you’ll meet the farmer, hear about life on the farm, and get up close to the iconic shaggy “coos.” Dine with your group at your hotel. (B, D) 
Travel to visit Scone Palace, a magnificent stately home that was once the coronation site of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Next, drive to St Andrews, the famed “Home of Golf,” where you’ll have free time for lunch and sightseeing. Then stop in a whisky distillery to sample a dram before continuing on to enjoy a free evening in Edinburgh. (August 8 – 22 departures attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.) (B)
Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh to see the main sights, from bustling Princes Street to the wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along the Royal Mile, where compact medieval houses reach several stories tall, then visit Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock, and home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city as you wish. Rejoin your group for a farewell dinner this evening. (B, D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>

Where you’ll stay

Clayton Glasgow Hotel

Clayton Hotel Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland

Perched along the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow, Clayton Hotel Glasgow blends contemporary...
KIN Hotel Scotland

KIN Hotel Inverness, Scotland

KIN Hotel Inverness, the stylish new boutique gem from Kingsmills Hotel Group, stands in the heart...

Ardoe House Hotel and Spa Aberdeen, Scotland

This gracious 19th century manor house hotel is set in landscaped grounds and features period...
Bruntsfield Hotel - Taste of Scotland 2027

The Bruntsfield Edinburgh, Scotland

Overlooking Bruntsfield Links Park, this classic yet contemporary hotel offers bright rooms with...
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Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

  • Full daily breakfast and many meals*
  • An evening of Scottish entertainment
  • Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary

 

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

  • A travel backpack
  • Travel adapter
  • Rain poncho
  • Luggage strap and tags
  • Water flask

From our travelers

St Andrews

The trip was very beautiful and filled with many lasting memories. Our accommodations and entertainment were top notch.

Jim and Linda Mielke, Minnesota
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See what people are saying about this trip

5
CIE Tours Customer
6 months 4 weeks ago
Scotland is beautiful, CIE does a great job selecting hotels.

CIE is a great company, excellent service with exceptional guides.

5
Pamela Anne Turner
1 year 1 month ago
A wee bit o' Scottish "craic!"

Our tour guides (Keith and Laurence) were great. They had an overwhelming knowledge of Scotland and Ireland. They knew how to handle all different types of personalities and any situation that came up. The food was great. All of the staff at the hotels were very friendly and helpful. The second hotel we stayed (Muthu) was a little dated. It seemed like it was slowly being updated. The bed was new and clean but the carpets and furniture were old, stained, and ripped. Not really anything to do there, but I think it was more of a place to sleep halfway through the tour. Overall, the trip was great, wish we had taken a longer trip because we drove through and near some places we would've like to have seen. Love the people of Scotland!

5
Amanda
1 year 10 months ago
2024 Taste of Scotland - 6 Days/5 Night
Wonderful honeymoon ! Well planned out trip with lots of exploring!

We enjoyed the knowledge that was shared with us and recommendations in each city. Our guides were personably and enjoyable to be around. The planned meals were filling and tasty. The coach itself was comfortable and we didn't experience motion sickness like we had feared. The planned sightseeing parts of the tour were great. Overall our biggest complaint was we only did a short trip and didn't have as much time in each city because of that. We wish we had time in Pitlochry to explore the city and would have loved more time in St. Andrews. The accommodations in Edinburgh were lovely, but a little difficult to get into/out of the city; we would commit the full day to going in so we didn't have to go back and forth multiple times.

4
CIE Tours Customer
2 years ago

Hotels were great. Transportation was great. Meals were okay. Sightseeing was good. We ventured off on our own to see what we wanted to see that wasn't offered on the tour. Wish we were able to stop at Culloden since we were so close. The group all knew each other and traveled together, same age group and 90% women so it was very different from what I am used to but overall good tour.

5
Marie Halligan
2 years 2 months ago
Taste of Scotland - 5 Days/4 Nights - Loved my Taste of Scotland tour

We seen a lot in 4 days, was a whirlwind but well worth it. I would definitely recommend this tour. Hope you get Laurence and Louise.

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