Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities - 13 day tour

Day 2 - Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is a rugged and beautiful city. See Princes Street, the New Town, the Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat during your morning sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. Visit the apartments at the historic Edinburgh Castle with views of Holyrood House, the former residence of Mary Queen of Scots. A highlight of our visit will be a viewing of the Scottish Crown Jewels. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are also included.

Day 3 - Scottish Border Excursion

This morning into the beautiful Scottish Borders to see impressive 12th century ruined Jedburgh Abbey. Admire Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, before following the valley of the River Tweed back to Edinburgh.

Day 4 - Edinburgh - St Andrews - Dundee

See the spectacular Forth Bridge as we travel to St. Andrews, considered by many as the home of golf, take a photograph at the famous Old Course or enjoy discovering the ancient University - there is so much to enjoy. Later visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, birthplace of Princess Margaret and the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and free time to enjoy the beautiful gardens. Later arrive in Dundee, a waterfront city in the Tay Estuary which is the UK's first UNESCO City of Design.

Overnight: Apex City Quay, Dundee (or similar)

Day 5 - Dundee - Culloden Moor - Carrbridge

This morning visit a local malt whisky distillery to learn more about the distillers art and to sample a wee dram. Travel through dramatic Highland landscapes and the rugged Cairngorm National Park. Visit the site of the Battle of Culloden where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Lately, the site has featured in Diane Gabaldon's fictional novel "Outlander". It's a short drive to our hotel in Carrbridge.

Overnight: Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge (or similar)

Day 6 - Carrbridge - Loch Ness - Thurso 

It is a short drive to admire the beauty of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster. Visit Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland, which resembles a French chateâu with its towering conical spires. Stroll through the formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Enjoy wonderful sea views as we travel northwards to Thurso, our home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Pentland Hotel, Thurso (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - Orkney Islands Excursion

Visit John O'Groats, then take the ferry from Gills Bay across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Island of South Ronaldsay. See the Churchill Barriers, built as part of naval defence to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow during World War II. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit Skara Brae and walk through the remains of the famous Neolithic village. See the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar en route to visit Viking Kirkwall where we will see towering St Magnus Cathedral. Later we will cross the sea back to the mainland. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Day 8 - Thurso - Ullapool - Isle of Skye

The landscape along the northern coastline is stunning! See misty valleys and glens and visit the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool, which sits on Loch Broom. View impressive Eilean Donan Castle then continue via the Kyle of Lochalsh and over the sea to Skye, where we will see the towering Cuillin Hills.

Overnight: Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin (or similar)

Day 9 - Isle of Skye - Fort William - Ballachulish

The main town on the island is Portree, which sits overlooking its attractive harbour. There is time to enjoy Portree for yourself before joining the ferry for the short sailing to Mallaig. Tour the famous "Road to the Isles" and see the famous Railway Viaduct, which features in the Harry Potter movies and Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie rasied his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite uprising. At Fort William you will see Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in all its glory. Later arrive at your hotel in Ballachulish.

Overnight: Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 10 - Isle of Mull & Isle of Iona Excursion

Cruise from Oban across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, the fourth largest Scottish island and a jewel of moorlands, forests and cliffs. Drive to Fionnphort for a short ferry crossing to the island of Iona. It was here that St Columba built a monastery in 563. Visit the Abbey, one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Western Europe, before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Day 11 - Ballachulish - Glen Coe - Glasgow 

Enter dramatic Glen Coe, known as the Glen of the Weeping after the tragic massacre of 1692 of the resident MacDonald Clan. The beautiful scenery continues as we make our way over Rannoch Moor and via Tyndrum to Loch Lomond, where you can stop for photographs and perhaps take a cruise on the Loch. Later your orientation of Glasgow includes views of George Square, the impressive City Chambers and a visit to Glasgow Cathedral.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Theatreland/Novotel, Glasgow (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 12 - Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Excursion

This morning enjoy a guided visit of the historic Stirling Castle and explore the Royal Palace of King James V. See the Stirling Heads making your way to nearby Bannockburn - the site of the famous battle between King Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II of England. Enjoy a Farewell Lunch on a working Scottish farm with your companions and Travel Director and after you'll have free time to further explore Glasgow.

Day 13 - Depart Glasgow

Say a fond farewell to bonnie Scotland as your wonderful holiday draws to a close. Airport transfers are available at 07:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs. Conditions apply.