Official Sightseeing
Tours of Scotland since 1907

Day 2 - Stirling Castle & the Trossachs Excursion

Drive to Stirling to visit Stirling Castle. Walk through some of the many chambers and halls to learn about notable people such as "Braveheart” William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1314 King Robert the Bruce secured a famous victory over the army of King Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn. This was an important step in Scotland's fight for independence. We'll tour the battlefield and explore the exciting new visitor centre then experience the amazing 3D battle show. Return to your hotel in good time for dinner.

Day 3 - Drymen - Glen Coe - Kyle of Lochalsh

Today head up into the majestic Highlands. Journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Stop at Spean Bridge Woollen Mill then follow the banks of the Caledonian Canal to reach the long, narrow lochs in the Great Glen. Continue your drive north to visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. The first fortified castle was built in the 13th century, rebuilt several times and partially ruined in 1719. Check in to your charming family-owned hotel near Kyle of Lochalsh.

Overnight: Balmacara Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh or similar (2 nights)

Day 4 - Isle of Skye & Portree Excursion

Today cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge to explore this lovely island, sometimes called the "Misty Isle”. It has many strong associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie as he fled here after his defeat at Culloden Moor. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, stonghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Stop in Portree to get lunch on your own and take a walk to admire brightly-painted houses that cluster around a large bay.  Drive along the Trotternish Peninsula to view Kilt Rock, a sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Return to your hotel for free time before dinner.

Day 5 - Kyle of Lochalsh - Jacobite Steam Train - Inverness

Visit the Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum to discover the history of the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Take a ferry to Mallaig on the mainland and transfer to the famous Jacobite Steam Train for a fun ride through some of Scotland’s loveliest scenery. The rails run alongside the "Road to the Isles” so you may view Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument, another reminder of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The train crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, which was featured in some of the Harry Potter movies. Reboard your coach at Fort William and drive to Inverness.

Overnight: Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 6 - Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield Excursion

Embark on a cruise of Loch Ness to visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle which was destroyed in Jacobite wars. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the battle when British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie on 16th April 1746. The Visitor Centre shows the background to this bloody battle and how the battle brought an end to the clan system in Scotland. Stop for photos at Clava Cairns, a prehistoic burial place with a circle of standing stones that inspired the "Outlander" books. Return to Inverness in time to relax and, after dinner, take a gentle walking tour with a local guide.

Day 7 - Whisky Tasting & Brodie Castle Excursion

Drive through part of the Speyside region, where many distilleries are based close to sources of pure water from the River Spey. Join the famous Malt Whisky Trail to visit a distillery to learn about the simple ingredients and many steps involved in whisky making. Tour the facilities and sample a "wee dram.” Visit Brodie Castle, a 16th century tower house with fairytale towers and turrets that is set in spacious grounds. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and enjoy some free time for a stroll along the River Ness in front of your hotel.

Day 8 - Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Drive south through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm where dogs obey commands to round up sheep. Drive south through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains and stop for a look around the town of Pitlochry. Drive to the east coast to Culross for a relaxing walking tour around this charming 16th Century town. See the 1626 Town House, Culross Palace and the remains of Culross Abbey. In the "Outlander" TV series Culross acts as the fictional village of Cranesmuir. Drive south to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and your manor house hotel on the outskirts. Enjoy a Scottish Evening with dinner, lively singing and story-telling

Overnight: Norton House Hotel, Ingliston, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh City Tour & Palace of Holyroodhouse

This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along The Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of The Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The balance of the day is free. On July 26 to Aug 16 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle esplanade.

Day 10 - Tour Ends

Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers to Edinburgh International Airport are available - terms and conditions apply.