Country Roads of Scotland

 Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith 

 Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Monument, then see the 18th-century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith 

 Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the current Prince and Princess of Wales first met. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner Hotel: Kingsmills, Inverness 

 Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning during a scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre. Next, with Insight Choice discover the fishing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskies. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Pentland, Thurso 

 Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquility supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water’. Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II, the old Norse town of Kirkwall, 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Dunollie, Broadford 

 This morning explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ballachulish, Glencoe 

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Radisson Blu, Glasgow 

Optional Tours that will be offered in Edinburgh

Royal Edinburgh - We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland.  Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.   

Edinburgh - The Untold Story - Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.  

Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu - Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where you’ll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three course meal and live Ceilidh music. Don’t miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony—a true highlight of the Scottish experience. *This experience is subject to seasonal availability and is offered only during the summer months, from April to October. 

Option Tours offered in Highlands/Inverness Area

Blair Castle Visit - Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria.  

 An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture - A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry  

 Isle Of Skye Tour - A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed. 

Option Tours offered in Glasgow

 Loch Lomond Boat Trip - Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savor the stunning scenery. 

Glasgow Dinner - In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night. 

Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow - Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious three-course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.