Day 2 - Mount Stuart House and Isle of Bute Excursion

Today take a short ferry ride to the Isle of Bute where a drive around the coast will reveal wonderful sea and island scenery. Take a guided tour of the highly-decorated chambers of Mount Stuart House, built in the late 1870s for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. See the many Victorian comforts that were highly innovative for the era. Spend some time in Rothesay, the main town on the island. Return to Glasgow to enjoy some free time before dining independently in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

Day 3 - Loch Lomond - Glen Coe - Kyle of Lochalsh

Travel alongside the famous banks of Loch Lomond, well-known for its unparalleled natural beauty. Stop to view the majestic scenery of Glen Coe, and hear the infamous tale of the massacre of the Clan Macdonald that took place here in 1692. At Fort William look out for the towering peak of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain before enjoying some retail therapy at the famous Spean Bridge Woollen Mill. Continue your drive north to visit the iconic 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 - Dunvegan Castle and Isle of Skye Excursion

Today discover the Isle of Skye and its strong connections with Bonnie Prince Charlie. He fled to the island, helped by Flora MacDonald, after his defeat at Culloden Moor. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. View priceless family heirlooms and stroll through formal gardens. See the stunning landscape of Skye, including magnificent Kilt Rock, before visiting Portree, the island’s main town. Take a stroll down to the harbour to see the brightly-painted houses that sit overlooking the bay. Return to your hotel for free time before dinner.

Day 5 - Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverewe Gardens - Ullapool

Enjoy fabulous Highland scenery as you drive north along the west coast to visit Inverewe Gardens, where an oasis of exotic trees and shrubs was created from 50 acres of bleak headland in 1862. The varied plantings thrive due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream. Continue to Ullapool, an active fishing and ferry port that was built in 1788 to provide a living for the people in this region. Take a brief drive around the town and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Royal Hotel, Ullapool (or similar)

Day 6 - Ullapool - John O’Groats – Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

Today explore more of the Highlands as you travel through one of Scotland’s most sparsely-populated regions with huge tracts of bog land, rugged mountains and coastline. Now popularised as North Coast 500 you'll travel along the coastline through remote hamlets and vast areas of open land. Learn about the Highland Clearances, a tragic period of history when many crofters were forced off the land and emigrated to the United States, Canada and other countries. Continue to Scrabster, on the northern coast of Scotland, to join the ferry for the ferry for the Orkney islands. Dinner will be served during the crossing. On arrival make for your hotel in Kirkwall.

Overnight: Ayre Hotel/Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - Exploring the Orkney Islands

After breakfast it’s time to explore the Orkneys. Drive across the Churchill Barriers, created during World War II to deter German submarines. Discover the charm of the tiny Italian Chapel, built from two Nissen huts with intricate paintings. View the Ring of Brodgar, a group of prehistoric standing stones. Visit Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village with remains of dwellings and then return to Kirkwall to see 12th century St Magnus Cathedral. There is leisure time in the afternoon and evening to browse around the town and enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 8 - Kirkwall - Dunrobin Castle - Inverness

Return by ferry to the mainland and drive down the east coast to visit Dunrobin Castle, which dates from 1275 but rebuilt in the mid-1800’s. With 189 rooms this is the largest mansion in northern Scotland. Visit the dining room, music room and library which has over 10,000 volumes and all containing priceless artefacts. Continue south to your hotel in the centre of Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.

Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 9 - Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield Excursion

Cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness to visit the mighty ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle which was destroyed in Jacobite wars. Later stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. It was here that the Jacobite Army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the Government Troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. This was the last battle ever fought on British soil and the outcome ended the clan system in Scotland.  There will be time to take a walk on the moor before returning to Inverness in time to relax before dinner.

Day 10 - Inverness - Pitlochry - Edinburgh

Drive past the majestic scenery of the Cairngorms National Park to visit Leault Farm where highly-trained dogs obey the commands from a shepherd to round up sheep. Continue south to Pitlochry to visit Blair Athol Distillery, to discover how whisky is distilled and enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour. Drive to your hotel in Edinburgh where August 1 – 15 departures will head to a Scottish Evening to dine on excellent Scottish cuisine followed by a lively show. All other departures will enjoy this experience on Day 11.

Overnight: Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 11 - Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle

This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. See the wide streets, grand squares and elegant townhouses of the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town” then take a drive along part of the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city where some houses reach 11 stories tall. Tour grand Edinburgh Castle to see historic buildings, the Stone of Scone and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Also appreciate great panoramic views over the city from the ramparts. The afternoon and evening are free. On 1 - 15 August departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle, or, for all other departures, enjoy a Scottish Evening with dinner and a lively show.

Day 12 - Tour Ends in Edinburgh

Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers are available.