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Ring of Brodgar
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4.8
Read 152 reviews

Explore Scotland's coasts and islands

Head a little off the beaten path on this tour of Scotland's rugged Highlands, coastal byways, and the archaeological treasures on Orkney and the Isle of Skye.

Trip details

Tour start Glasgow

trip-destination

Tour end Edinburgh

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Days

11 icon

Nights

18 icon

Meals

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Booking window

01 Apr 2025 - 30 Apr 2025

Group Discount

Repeat Guest Savings

Solo Traveler

Solo Travel

Highlights

Ring of Brodgar

This stone circle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Isle of Skye

Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.

Orkney Islands

These islands encompass dramatic vistas, Neolithic sites, tall sandstone cliffs and seal colonies.

Inverewe Gardens

Enjoy a garden of Eden in the unlikeliest of places, with 2,000 exotic plant species from around the world, including towering California redwoods, a "Savage Garden" of carnivorous plants, and rhododendrons from China, India, and Nepal.

Loch Ness Cruise

Cruise across this lake known for sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie".

Skara Brae

Discover the ruins of a 5,000-year-old village, unearthed by the sea more than a century ago.

Mount Stuart House and Gardens
Mount Stuart House and Gardens

This innovative Victorian and Georgian building will enthrall you. With dazzling design inspired by astrology, art, and mythology, it features an early telephone system and a Victorian elevator.

Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle

Looking like it came out of a fairytale with its magnificent spires, Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands has been continuously inhabited for over 700 years.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 27th to August 12th departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Glasgow Arrival
Depart from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a tour of Glasgow, famed for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. Once a prosperous port city due to international trade and shipbuilding, today Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural hub. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group and dinner at your hotel. (D)
Take a ferry to the Isle of Bute for stunning island scenery and a guided tour of the 19th-century Mount Stuart House. Spend time in Rothesay, the main town on the island. Enjoy a free evening in Glasgow and dine independently. (B)
Travel along famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its unsurpassed beauty. Journey through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions. Travel through Fort William and visit romantic Eilean Donan Castle, spectacularly situated on an island at the meeting of three lochs. (B, D)
Explore the Isle of Skye and its associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Tour Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and former stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod. Enjoy photo opportunities including stunning Kilt Rock. Stop in picturesque Portree with its brightly painted houses clustered around the bay. Enjoy free time before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Take in the Highland scenery as you head to Inverewe Gardens, a colorful lochside garden filled with rare species of trees and flowers from around the globe, created in the wilderness by a father and daughter in the 19th century. You’ll likely see wildlife including deer, otters, seals, and golden eagles, as well as huge California redwoods towering into the sky. Continue on to your hotel in Gairloch, where you can relax in tranquil and scenic surroundings before dinner with your group. (B, D)
Spend time in the historic town of Dornoch before visiting grand Dunrobin Castle, in a fairytale setting with breathtaking coastal views. With 189 rooms, the stunning architecture and majestic gardens were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Admire the amazing scenery of the Highlands as you continue on to Scrabster on the northern coast of Scotland. Take a ferry to the Orkney Islands, where you will spend the next two nights. (B)
Explore Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a scenic drive around the north of the main island, past the Earl’s Palace at Birsay. Visit Skara Brae to see this amazing 5,000-year-old village, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe. Explore 400 year-old Skaill House, filled with fascinating archeological items, art, and furniture collected by the twelve generations of Lairds of Breckness who once lived there. Travel on to the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial stone circle. Return to Kirkwall for a visit to St Magnus Cathedral. Your evening is free to explore the town and dine as you wish. (B)
Drive across the Churchill Barriers, causeways created during World War II to deter German submarines. Next explore the tiny Italian Chapel, a beautiful symbol of reconciliation built by Italian prisoners of war. Board a ferry back to the mainland, and travel south to Strathpeffer, an elegant Victorian spa town, where you’ll dine in your hotel. (B, D)
Embark on a scenic cruise along the historic Caledonian Canal, leading you to the legendary Loch Ness. Next, visit Culloden Battlefield, site of one of the most pivotal events in all of Scottish history. Visit a sheep farm to watch highly skilled sheepdogs demonstrate how they herd their flock. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)
Visit The Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, to discover the traditional art of whisky making and enjoy a tasting. Set in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, the Glenturret has been producing whisky since the 1700s. Then, it’s on to your Edinburgh hotel in the Grassmarket area of the old town. Relax before your festive Scottish evening, including a traditional dinner and lively entertainment. (July 26 – August 11 departures will enjoy an evening to explore and dine independently.) (B, D*)
Explore the wide streets and elegant mansions in Edinburgh’s Georgian “New Town” and the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Enjoy an evening to explore independently. July 26 – August 11 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner  >

Where you’ll stay

Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel

Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The 4-Star Novotel Glasgow Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant city. This...
Balmacara Hotel Exterior

Balmacara Hotel Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This traditional Highland hotel is beautifully located on scenic Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle...

Gairloch Hotel

Ayre Hotel

Ayre Hotel Kirkwall, Scotland

The Ayre Hotel is one of Orkney's finest hotels and is situated in the principal town of Kirkwall...

Highland Hotel Fort William, Scotland

The Highland Hotel is a charming chateau-style hotel nestled on peaceful grounds. Overlooking...

Crieff Hydro Hotel Perth, Scotland

Crieff Hydro Hotel is on a 900-acre estate with a Victorian spa, 18-hole golf course and over 60...

Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland

5 minutes' walk from Grassmarket, Novotel Edinburgh Centre features a hot tub and swimming pool....
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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

Dunrobin Castle

This holiday tour of Scotland was the second time I traveled with CIE. The best by far! I wouldn’t contemplate booking with any other company. Our brilliant tour guide Graham was so friendly and knowledgeable.

Vanessa
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See what people are saying about this trip

4
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 8 months ago
Good visit to Scotland, great selection of locations.

Sightseeing was great. Food was fine, breakfasts got repetitive. Same for the main meals, well done but very similar stuff every night. Loved local meals. Motels fine, some great. Bus was excellent, guide very knowledgeable but never stopped talking. I like more quite time. The one afternoon with time for shopping was on a Sunday, when everything was closed.

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 8 months ago

I enjoyed the stops made on the tour and the history provided.

5
Carol Constantian Lazell
1 year 8 months ago
Amazing tour director, amazing driver, amazing places--and amazing Orkney!

I loved this tour, mostly because of the fantastic tour guide Onya and driver Gordon and the locations, especially the trip up to Orkney, which has been a dream of mine for years (and it didn't disappoint). We were lucky enough to see the Ring of Brodgar surrounded by blooming purple heather. Feedback: TOO SCHEDULED: Although I loved all we saw, for me the tour was a little too jam-packed. I would have loved a few free afternoons or even a full down day; next time I might not check baggage and a day midway through to do laundry would be great. It was so much to absorb, and I myself would have preferred fewer castles. I'd also like some hotels with 3-night stays (and none with single nights). FOOD: I struggled with there being way too much food--and too rich food. I'd love an option for half portions, appetizer only, etc--or even food options besides heavy hotel dinners (such as sandwiches, pub buffet, salad night, afternoon tea). The food was making me feel sick by the end, although I skipped lunches and left a lot on my plate. ACCESSIBILITY: I was glad we had requested a shower rather than shower-in-bath but this was not honored at our first hotel, Novotel Glasgow. Along with several others, I really struggled with the slippery tub with super-high sides and high floor; we were talking about how scary it was and how awful if someone fell on the first night. After that, Onya made sure she phoned ahead to be sure. No grab bars anywhere. Also some gardens and castles had no handrails next to steep steps; once I fell outside in a garden. THEMES: I'd like to see some different theme tours (animals, archeology, etc.) or even just more animals (loved sheepdogs, birds of prey, Irish National Stud on previous tour).

4
Luke Hill Gordon
1 year 9 months ago
Great trip. great guide and driver. Issues with Apex Hotel - Grassmarket.

A great tour, in parts of Scotland not on most itineraries. Well worth it. Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands was a real treat.

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 9 months ago
Fantastic trip

We loved everything! Scotland was a dream vacation. Such a beautiful country our guide taught us so much history loved it.

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