Scotland

We start our day exploring the ancient city of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. The tour takes us through the heart of the city, past St Giles Cathedral founded in 1124 and along the Royal Mile, which stretches from Edinburgh castle to Holyrood Palace and the houses of Parliament. The most charming part of Edinburgh are the little alleys and hidden courtyards which give the city a distinctly medieval feel. After lunch there is free time to explore further and see the Tartan Weaving Mill with high quality cashmere and lambswool products mill closed to public during the pandemic).

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Edinburgh, stopping on the way to admire the famous bridges that span the Firth of Forth before heading for Kellie Castle. After lunch on the coast we continue to St Andrews to stroll its picturesque streets see the castle ruins and university quads. Here we have the possibility to stroll along the beach and see the famous Old Golf Course. Now we make our way to our restful hotel in Pitlochry where we can relax after dinner in readiness for our scenic historical walking trail next day.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the pretty Loch Dunmore a lovely walk proceeds along Loch Faskally to Tenandry Kirk. and through native woodland to Killiecrankie where we hear the story of the Jacobite rebellion and the infamous Soldier’s Leap. After a picnic lunch we visit Blair Castle, the home of the Atholl dukes since the 13th century and the Atholl Highlanders ceremonial infantry regiment! The castle has a colourful history and a huge collection of old armoury and is brought to life with fine 18th century furnishings, portraits of Stuart Royalty and splendid grounds including a nine-acre walled garden. We tour a traditional Scottish malt whiskey distillery and then you are free to dine at your leisure.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch

The mysterious waters of Loch Ness are world famous. Legend has it that a serpentine beast, the Loch Ness Monster, lurks beneath its surface. As we explore the lake surrounded by breath-taking scenery of the Highlands we keep our eyes out for Nessie. We will have the chance to see and explore the ruins of the historic Urquhart castle located on the shores of the loch. This afternoon we journey to the Isle of Sky, to the town of Portree where we will be spending the next two nights and doing some more hiking.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s time to take a hike. Today we head up north on the Peninsula of Skye to enjoy some of the most breath-taking scenery yet. A pleasant walk will take us up to see one of the most photographed places in Scotland: The Old man of Storr with its spiky pinnacles of rock set against the backdrop of rocky mountains, rolling green hills and the coastline of the Isle of Skye. After a picnic lunch we will head just so slightly further north and walk out to Brothers Point, and see Kilt Rock and the Mealt waterfalls, where water gushes off the cliffs and drops down into the ocean far below. After a relaxing afternoon we drive out to a country inn for dinner tonight.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Portree and the Isle of Skye behind us and make our way to Armadale, to catch the ferry. We cross the Sound of Jura to the bustling fishing port of Mallaig which prides itself on fresh seafood and smoked kippers. From here after lunch, we will board the famous Harry Potter / Jacobite Steam train and journey for a couple of hours through the Scottish Highlands. We pass silvery beaches on the rugged coastline at Glenfinnan on Loch Shiel where in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie landed and raised his father’s Standard for the Jacobite campaign to restore King James II of England (VII of Scotland) to the throne. The train finishes its journey in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britan’s tallest mountain (1345m).

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We awake in Glencoe where we take a short morning walk in the woodland of An Torr and hear about the sorrowful 1692 Glencoe Massacre of Clan Macdonald. We travel south through awe-inspiring volcanic mountains and spectacular glacial glens to reach the National park of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in Great Britain, and the second largest by volume after Loch Ness! After some free time to explore the village of Luss on the lake we have a light lunch. We cross to the eastern shore of the loch by boat (weather permitting) and visit the village of Balmaha where you can relax and take in the atmosphere or join us on a short lakeside walk along the West Highland Way. We continue to Glasgow, our last stop on our Scotland journey.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, vibrant and ancient with lots to offer. This morning we will first follow a river trail (3km) along the Clyde and then go on a guided walking tour of Glasgow city centre (3km) discovering its history and culture. Once you have had the chance to get yourselves oriented you will be free to enjoy the rest of your day exploring the city at your own pace. Glasgow truly has something to offer for every taste. If time permits and you still have the energy, we can make our way to the Kelvingrove park and museum (optional 3km). We meet in the evening to enjoy a delicious dinner and end our Scotland tour.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Dinner

Our tour ends after breakfast. There is an optional drop off at Glasgow airport. If you are returning to Edinburgh you can take the train directly from the centre of Glasgow.

If you wish, we can help you make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to your required destination.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast