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Journeys: Discover Scotland

9 daysUnited Kingdom

Journeys: Discover Scotland is a 9-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through United Kingdom. 54 departures are open from Apr 17, 2027 to Oct 9, 2028. The lowest current price is $4,349 per person (twin share), for the Apr 17, 2027 departure. Included: Accommodation: Hotels – 8nts, Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit, Stirling, Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pitlochry Guided Walk, Pitlochry, Your G for Good Moment: Glasgow Invisible cities tour, Glasgow and 16 more.

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s history and legends on this 9-day journey, where you’ll step back in time on visits to spectacular castles, Iron Age museums and famed ruins that capture the Scotland of yore. Journey along the Scottish Highlands from Pitlochry to Portree and discover charming villages, glistening lochs and famed distilleries. Soak up the country’s scenic splendor as you travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, stopping to relish the rich history and folklore of this storied land.

Length
9 days
Route
Edinburgh to Glasgow
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Price basis
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Trip type
Journeys
Activity level
Light-Moderate
Service level
Casual
Operated by
G Adventures

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Itinerary

  1. EdinburghDays 1–2
  2. Edinburgh/PitlochryDay 3
  3. PitlochryDay 4
  4. Pitlochry/Fort AugustusDay 5
  5. Isle of Skye Day TripDay 6
  6. Fort William/GlasgowDay 7
  7. GlasgowDays 8–9
Day 1EdinburghEdinburgh

Arrive at any time.

  • Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

Stay: Voco Edinburgh Haymarket, Edinburgh

Day 2EdinburghEdinburgh

Explore Scotland’s hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You’ll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and David’s Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket.

  • Free Time
  • Edinburgh Castle Visit
  • Guided Walk of Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Voco Edinburgh Haymarket, Edinburgh

Day 3Edinburgh/PitlochryEdinburgh/Pitlochry

Marvel at some of Edinburgh's most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you’ll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you’ll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you’ll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you’ll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You’ll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

  • The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit
  • Stirling Castle Visit

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Atholl Villa Guest House, Edinburgh/Pitlochry

Day 4PitlochryPitlochry

Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town’s history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. Your walk concludes at a local distillery, where the next part of your journey begins. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you’ll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish and mellow quality. You’ll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery’s exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen’s View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry to complete the day. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.

  • Pitlochry Guided Walk
  • Scottish Distillery Visit
  • Queen's View

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Atholl Villa Guest House, Edinburgh/Pitlochry

Day 5Pitlochry/Fort AugustusPitlochry/Fort Augustus

Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort Augustus, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you’ll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Aberfeldy, continue to a quaint town where you'll enjoy lunch before heading out on the final leg of the day’s journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you’re placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center’s 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. After pausing at the local viewpoint to take in the vistas, you'll check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

  • Culloden Moor Visit
  • Scenic Drive Along Loch Ness
  • Sheepdog Farm Visit

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: The Inch Hotel, Pitlochry/Fort Augustus

Day 6Isle of Skye Day TripIsle of Skye Day Trip

Set out on a full-day excursion, stopping first for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo stop. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye—a stunning island occupied in prehistoric times and later settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. After meeting your guide, enjoy a short visit to Sligachan before heading to Dunvegan to explore its 13th-century castle, the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, continue to Portree, famed for its picture-perfect harbor. As the island's capital, Portree serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. Finally, head back to Fort Augustus for the evening to enjoy dinner with the group and share stories of your full day exploring the Isle of Skye.

  • Isle of Skye Day Visit
  • Dunvegan Castle and Gardens Visit
  • Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Inch Hotel, Pitlochry/Fort Augustus

Day 7Fort William/GlasgowFort William/Glasgow

In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows’—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.

  • Glencoe Visit
  • Loch Lomond Boat Cruise

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, Fort William/Glasgow

Day 8GlasgowGlasgow

Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in an invisible cities walking tour with a local guide, who'll provide a unique perspective into the city and connect with a powerful human narrative. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

  • Glasgow Invisible cities tour
  • Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, Fort William/Glasgow

Day 9GlasgowGlasgow

Depart at any time.

  • Departure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

Edinburgh

2 nights

Voco Edinburgh Haymarket

Edinburgh/Pitlochry

2 nights

Atholl Villa Guest House

Pitlochry/Fort Augustus

2 nights

The Inch Hotel

Fort William/Glasgow

2 nights

Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow

What’s included

Included

  • Accommodation: Hotels – 8nts.
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit, Stirling
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pitlochry Guided Walk, Pitlochry
  • Your G for Good Moment: Glasgow Invisible cities tour, Glasgow
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
  • Edinburgh orientation walk
  • Edinburgh Castle Visit & Audio Tour
  • Pitlochry orientation walk
  • Sheepdog farm visit
  • Loch Ness scenic drive
  • Isle of Sky day visit
  • Culloden Moor visit
  • Stirling Castle visit
  • Whisky distillery tour and tasting
  • Glencoe visit
  • Loch Lomond Scenic Boat Cruise
  • Glasgow street art tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • Transport: Private vehicle, walking.

Not included

  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Any activity not described in What’s Included
  • Meals on your own
  • Gratuities
Optional experiences
  • Ghost Tours of Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh Food Tour

  • Brewery Tour

    Paid on tour

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

Questions about Journeys: Discover Scotland

How much does Journeys: Discover Scotland cost?

The lowest current price is $4,349 per person (Apr 17, 2027 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.

When is Journeys: Discover Scotland cheapest?

April 2027 has the lowest current price, from $4,349 per person, among 14 months with priced departures.

When does Journeys: Discover Scotland depart?

54 departures are open in April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, July 2027, August 2027, September 2027, October 2027 and April 2028 and later. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.

What is included?

Accommodation: Hotels – 8nts, Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit, Stirling, Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pitlochry Guided Walk, Pitlochry, Your G for Good Moment: Glasgow Invisible cities tour, Glasgow, Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Edinburgh orientation walk, Edinburgh Castle Visit & Audio Tour, Pitlochry orientation walk, Sheepdog farm visit, Loch Ness scenic drive and 10 more. Not included: Airfare to and from destination, Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance, Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance, Visas, Any activity not described in What’s Included, Meals on your own and Gratuities.

Where does Journeys: Discover Scotland go?

The 9-day itinerary visits Edinburgh, Edinburgh/Pitlochry, Pitlochry, Pitlochry/Fort Augustus, Isle of Skye Day Trip, Fort William/Glasgow and Glasgow.

Where do you stay?

Hotels on this tour: Voco Edinburgh Haymarket, Edinburgh, Atholl Villa Guest House, Edinburgh/Pitlochry, The Inch Hotel, Pitlochry/Fort Augustus and Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow, Fort William/Glasgow.

How do I book Journeys: Discover Scotland?

Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.

From, per person$4,349

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