Scottish Escape

Our tour of Scotland starts with a drive to pretty Glengoyne Distillery, where, during your visit, you can discover how three simple ingredients, water, barley and yeast, combine to create Scotland's national drink – whisky. Later, enjoy a tutored tasting and the opportunity to buy a souvenir at the distillery shop.

A scenic drive will bring us to Stirling, where there is a visit to Stirling Castle, once the sumptuous residence of the Scottish Kings and Queens.

Back in Glasgow, enjoy an orientation tour which will let you see the historic 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral, the impressive Victorian architecture of the city centre, and the leafy West End, which is dominated by Glasgow University and delightful Kelvingrove Park.

Leaving the city behind, we head to the "bonnie, bonnie" banks of Loch Lomond, then travel over the wilderness of Rannoch Moor before reaching incredible Glen Coe, scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692.

Travel through Fort William, which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain. A drive through the Great Glen brings us to Loch Ness. As we travel along the banks of this mysterious loch, look out for any signs of its famous resident - Nessie!

On the outskirts of Inverness lies the evocative Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle fought on British soil. It was here in 1746 that the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie met the Government forces under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. A bloody battle followed, and you can learn all about the outcome at the award-winning Visitor Centre.

After breakfast, depart the Highland Capital of Inverness and head for the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Tour through the Grampian Mountains to reach Highland Perthshire.

Enjoy free time in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, an excellent place for souvenir shopping or a relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Tummel.

St Andrews is famed as the home of golf, but there is much more to discover in this historic town. Look out for the ancient University, founded in 1413; St Andrews Cathedral and the ruined castle, once the home of Scotland's leading bishop.

Golf fans will want to seek out the famous Old Course and the R&A, the body that makes the rules of the game for most of the World.

Later in the afternoon, travel across the Forth Estuary to reach Edinburgh, our home for the next three nights. Why not join your fellow travellers for a fun Scottish evening complete with traditional Highland dancing, music and even a wee taste of Haggis?

After breakfast, join a local expert to explore Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. First, see the grand squares, magnificent architecture and glorious gardens of the Georgian New Town.

Next, head into the medieval Old Town to visit mighty Edinburgh Castle to see the Honours of Scotland and the splendid Royal apartments.

Later, tour along part of the famous Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a Royal residence forever linked with the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots.

This afternoon, why not enjoy an optional excursion to the nearby Port of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia? Follow in the footsteps of the many World leaders who visited this impressive vessel to attend glittering State banquets as the guest of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family.

Today, you can relax in Edinburgh to do your own thing. Why not visit one of the city's popular galleries or museums? If some retail therapy is on your mind, you will find a wide range of independent retailers, designer labels and artisan craftworkers all ready to welcome you.

If you would like something more structured, you can join the optional Outlander themed excursion that will visit several of the locations used in the filming of the popular TV series.

Tonight, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner served at your hotel.