Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner to kickstart your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.

Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament Building and the Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

• Edinburgh City Tour

A scenic day's excursion brings you to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which you will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.

• See Jedburgh Abbey
• Visit Melrose Abbey

This morning, cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf - St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare's Macbeth takes centre stage as you visit Glamis Castle, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens, before travelling to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the legendary birthplace of marmalade.

• Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
• Glamis Castle Visit

Today, wind your way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Your final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.

• Highlands Culloden Visitor Center

The mystical haunt of Nessie is your first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Arriving in Thurso, your home for the next two nights, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

• Dunrobin Castle Visit
• Explore a traditional whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands

After stopping at John o' Groats, board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. Stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to your hotel for dinner.

• Discover Orkney Isles

Dramatic landscapes accompany your scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. Continue to the Isle of Skye for a visit to 57° Skye distillery. Here, local makers bring the island’s Gaelic heritage to life through a tasting of small-batch spirits during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You'll stay overnight on Skye and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel.

• Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
• Discover Skye’s Spirits at 57° Skye Distillery

Upon return to the mainland, journey to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 13th century, this dramatic stronghold sits on its own tiny island where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet. Linked to the shore by a stone bridge, the castle has watched over this strategic Highland crossing for centuries and remains closely tied to Clan Mackenzie and Clan MacRae. Pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.

• See Eilean Donan Castle

Set sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before your journey back to Oban, you'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings. Please note that ferry services are subject to operational conditions. In the event of disruption, the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona visits may be substituted with an alternative experience.

• Visit to the Isles of Mull and Iona

The beauty of Glencoe, scarred by the story of the MacDonald clan massacre, sets a dramatic scene en route from Oban to Glasgow. Visit St Mungo's Cathedral, a holy sacred place with deep historical significance the city of Glasgow is built upon. After an orientation of the city with your Travel Director, find a bite to eat for lunch with some free time. You may wish to take part in an Optional Experience to visit the towering Kelpies and the remarkable Falkirk Wheel. Later, enjoy a specially selected Optional Experience with your Travel Director—whether it’s an evening of Highland flair with dinner, bagpipes and a Highland dancer at The Corinthian.

• Glasgow Orientation
• See Glencoe

Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Visit Stirling Castle’s grounds and step into stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, King James V and Bonnie Prince Charlie. See the Royal Palace and renowned Stirling Heads, then Connect With Locals at a memorable Be My Guest experience. You’ll be hosted by the Wood family at their 15-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard. Enjoy good, Scottish home cooking and hear tales of Rob Roy, before returning to Glasgow for an evening at leisure.

• Lunch with the Wood Family at their 15th-Century Farm on the Shores of Loch Ard
• Stirling Visit

Our epic journey across Scotland’s highlands, islands and cities has come to an end. It’s time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable holiday comes to an end.