Scottish Highland Escape

Today, we explore Edinburgh in the company of a local expert. Our tour begins with a drive through the neo-classical New Town, where we can see grand squares, elegant terraces, and impressive gardens. Learn about the many famous authors, scientists and thinkers who lived in these imposing Georgian townhouses.

Later, head over to the medieval Old Town to visit massive Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and to admire the views from the battlements.

On a drive down the famous Royal Mile, hear tales of medieval life in this overcrowded thoroughfare before viewing the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The King's official residence in Scotland and the nearby modern Scottish Parliament building.

This afternoon, enjoy free time for independent sightseeing. Tonight, why not enjoy a Scottish Evening to experience Highland dancing, the skirl of the Pipes and a wee taste of Haggis?

Our tour starts by crossing the Forth Bridge to reach the Kingdom of Fife. St Andrews is famous as the home of golf. During our visit, see the Old Course and the Clubhouse of the Royal & Ancient, which was founded in 1754.

Cross the River Tay and drive through Highland Perthshire to reach the Victorian resort of Pitlochry, where we'll make a stop. Our journey continues through the Grampian Mountains and the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.  

On the outskirts of Inverness lies Culloden Moor, the site of the fierce battle between the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Government troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. This event took place in April 1746 and was the last battle fought on British soil. The outcome of this bloody encounter changed life in the Highlands forever, as we will discover.

It's a short drive to our hotel overlooking the River Ness.

Enjoy a traditional Highland breakfast before leaving Inverness and making the short drive to Loch Ness. Everything about this mysterious body of water is vast - 24 miles long (38 km) and up to 800 ft (240 m deep). We'll drive the entire length of the loch, so keep a careful watch, just in case "Nessie" pops up to say hello!

Loch Ness is one of four attractive lochs that are part of the Great Glen, a massive fault line that cuts through the Highlands from Inverness to Fort William. We'll tour through the picturesque scenery of this impressive valley, stopping to view the lofty peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain.

At Fort William, we will stop at Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. Join a guide for a tour to discover how expert distillers produce Scotch Whisky using traditional methods handed down through the generations. Our visit ends with a tutored tasting of a fine malt.

Glen Coe is famed for its natural beauty, so we'll make a photo stop before heading to Oban, a bustling port on the Firth of Lorne known as the "Gateway to the Islands".   

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning with free time in Oban before heading through the picturesque Western Highlands to reach Loch Lomond and a tour along the "bonnie, bonnie banks".

Upon arrival in Glasgow, enjoy a panoramic tour that showcases Scotland's largest city.

Discover the bustling West End to view the imposing façade of Glasgow University, then drive along the banks of the River Clyde to see the medieval Cathedral and Glasgow's oldest house, Provands Lordship. Next, take a tour through the city centre to see the magnificent Victorian architecture before heading to our hotel.

Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner served at our hotel