Find your castle in the sky. Revisit the past on this leisurely Scottish tour filled with castle ruins, ancient battlefields, and colorful stories from the country’s rich history.
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Day 1: Glasgow Panoramic Tour | Welcome Drink
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Glasgow, seeing sights like George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow University and Cathedral, all featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Stirling Castle | Whisky Distillery
Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent stronghold that was the childhood home of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots. Next, head to Glengoyne Distillery; learn about its two centuries of whisky-making and sample a dram. Return to Glasgow, where you will be free to explore and dine as you wish (B)
Day 3: Glencoe | Eilean Donan Castle
Head into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Stop for photo opportunities along the route as you continue your journey to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before arriving at your hotel on the shore of Loch Alsh (B, D)
Day 4: Isle of Skye | Dunvegan Castle | Kilt Rock | Kilmuir Graveyard
Explore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time. (B, D)
Day 5: Strathpeffer | Hugh Miller’s Birthplace | Inverness
Begin a scenic drive across the beautiful mountainous landscape of the Highlands, stopping off for photos in Lochcarron, a pretty lakeside village of whitewashed cottages. Visit Strathpeffer for some free time to explore this leafy Victorian spa town with its distinctive architecture. Proceed to Hugh Miller’s Birthplace in Cromarty to discover one of Scotland’s most famous 19th century figures; Miller was a fossil hunter, folklorist, stonemason, geologist and newspaper editor. Arrive in Inverness, and dine in your hotel (B, D)
Day 6: Urquhart Castle | Loch Ness Cruise | Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
Photo opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ending the Jacobite rising. Return to Inverness for a walking tour with your Tour Director before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 7: Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere | Brodie Castle
Tour Johnstons of Elgin to discover the history and craftsmanship behind their fine woollens, then enjoy some free time. Explore 16th-century Brodie Castle, with its fairy-tale towers and turrets set on spacious grounds. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own. (B)
Day 8: Sheepdogs Demonstration | Culross Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in farm life and enjoy a demonstration of dogs obeying commands to round up sheep. In Pitlochry, explore this Victorian town independently. Continue to Culross for a walking tour around the charming 16th-century town, recently used as a filming location for “Outlander.” Highlights include the Town House, Culross Palace, and the remains of Culross Abbey. Enjoy free time in Culross before heading to your hotel near Edinburgh. Enjoy a free evening with time to explore and dine independently. (B)
Day 9: Edinburgh Panoramic Tour | Palace of Holyroodhouse & Scottish Evening*
In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town are in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The rest of the day is free. Enjoy a Scottish evening with farewell dinner and traditional entertainment, July 29 – August 19 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (B, D*)
Day 10: Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)