Stunning Scotland: Highlands & IslandsItinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S.

Day 2: Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland
Upon arrival to Glasgow Airport set off to discover Glasgow's landmarks and attractions during a guided panoramic tour. Notable sights may include the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow Cathedral, St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art, Merchant Square, Barras Market, the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Tonight gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, toasting to the journey ahead. 
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow (D)

Day 3: Glasgow | New Lanark | Glasgow
Following a hearty Scottish breakfast, take a guided tour of New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This award-winning attraction, situated in a picturesque village near the Falls of Clyde, brings a socially progressive story to life through an amazing set of beautifully restored buildings. Learn about life in the village throughout the years and the visionary ideals that inspired its Utopian foundation. 

Return to Glasgow for a two-course lunch and an afternoon at leisure to further explore this bustling city.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow (B,L)

Day 4: Glasgow | Stirling | Glencoe
This morning journey north to Stirling, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, for a self-guided tour of stately Stirling Castle and its lovely gardens. Known as one of Scotland’s grandest castles, it looms over many of the most important battlefields in Scottish history. View Stirling Bridge—the site of William Wallace's victory over the English in 1297. See Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the same adversary in 1314.

In the village of Killin, stop at family-owned Falls of Dochart Smokehouse. Meet the proprietors and learn about their guiding principles: "to produce and to serve the finest whisky smoked salmon." Hear about the smoking process and the importance of salmon in local traditions followed by a whisky tasting with salmon canapés.

Arriving to the hotel, refresh and unpack, and perhaps stroll the beautiful hotel grounds before rejoining the group for dinner.
Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel (B,D)

Day 5: Glencoe | The Scottish Highlands
Today visit Inverarary Castle, located on the western edge of Loch Fyne in Argyll. Its gardens include approximately two acres of formal lawns and a stunning collection of flowers. The castle is a magnificent, towered mansion and the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. The structure houses many interesting and lavishly decorated rooms, with collections of tapestries and paintings, and superb displays of weapons. Rob Roy MacGregor’s sporran and dirk handle are on display.

Stop in the charming village of Luss for a brief walk, admiring its quaint slate cottages and panoramic views of Loch Lomond. 

Continue to Loch Lomond for a relaxing boat cruise, taking advantage of photography opportunities of the stunning homes and castles dotting the shoreline, and spotting for local wildlife.

Conclude the exciting day with a lovely dinner at the hotel followed by a restful evening.
Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel (B,D)

Day 6: Loch Ness | Inverness
After breakfast, continue farther north to famous Loch Ness for a tour of Urquhart Castle. Once regarded as one of the greatest in all of the Highlands, Urquhart Castle bore witness to some of Scotland’s most dramatic historical moments. Control over the medieval fortress passed back and forth between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Independence. As those forces departed, the last government troops who occupied the castle destroyed it during the Jacobite Risings, leaving behind the ruins that stand today. Peer into medieval life—learning of the area's history from nearly 1,000 years ago—while observing a full-size trebuchet and a prison cell that is thought to have held the Gaelic bard, Dòmhnall Donn.

Next embark upon a narrated cruise along the mysterious waters of Loch Ness—a body of water so deep it holds more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. 

Later arrive to the idyllic city of Inverness on Scotland’s northeast coast for brief leisure time in town. Many know Inverness as the capital of the Highlands, though it doesn't officially hold this title. Inverness has only been considered a city since 2000.
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel (B,D)

Day 7: Inverness | Aberdeen
This morning see Culloden Battlefield—the site of the final Jacobite Rising. One of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history, the Battle of Culloden only lasted an hour but would change Scotland and Highland culture forever. Inside the Culloden Visitor Centre, learn more about the conflict from both sides through interactive displays and artifacts before walking the actual battlefield. Reflect on this rebellious event while viewing the headstones of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause. 

Following lunch, visit a Scottish distillery for an informative tour and tasting.

Retreat to Norwood Hall Hotel for dinner and this evening's stay.
Overnight: Norwood Hall Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 8: Aberdeen | St. Andrews | Edinburgh
Today visit Glamis Castle—a living, breathing monument to Scottish heritage—for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. First enjoy welcome refreshments in the castle's 16th-century kitchen. Your guide will escort you through this stunning architectural treasure highlighting remarkable paintings and unique furniture pieces. This castle was gifted by Robert the Bruce to the Bowes-Lyon family in 1372 and was originally a royal hunting lodge. It's perhaps best known as the childhood home of the Queen Mother, the birthplace of Princess Margaret, and the setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The estate comprises more than 13,500 acres and is accompanied by mysterious and ghostly lore including tales of secret chambers.

Later, at pastoral St. Andrews, drive by the Old Course and explore local cafés and boutique shops during leisure time. Admire the medieval architecture of the university and marvel at the perfectly manicured golf courses here, at what is considered to be the birthplace of golf. Gazing towards the water, notice an iconic piece of Scottish landscape—the West Sands—famous for the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire. 

This evening prepare for an unforgettable performance of the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo—as the sun sets against the backdrop of Edinburgh's grand castle. This event celebrates the skills of military bands and display teams from the British Armed Forces, the Commonwealth, and military teams throughout the world. Flaming torches, flying flags, an impressive light display, dancing, colorful uniforms and intricate marching formations complete the emotionally stirring pageantry. Be sure to dress in layers for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered.
Overnight: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel (B)

Day 9: Edinburgh 
After breakfast, join a guided panoramic city tour of Edinburgh—Scotland's beloved capital since the 15th century—through its Old and New Towns. This UNESCO World Heritage Site teems with remarkable architecture, medieval fixtures and Georgian-inspired buildings, all converging at Princes Street with a unique view of Edinburgh Castle.

Afterward visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the previous residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, that was founded as a monastery in 1128. This property once hosted other royalty including the Bonnie Prince Charlie and the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II. Tour the 14 historic state apartments and imagine life of yesteryear while marveling at the intricate drapery, old wood paneling and ornately designed ceilings. The Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Behold the natural beauty of the palace gardens' rolling lush green pastures, vibrant flowers and Wentworth Elm trees, which were previously thought to have been extinct.

Enjoy free time to shop and sightsee before this grand adventure concludes with a special farewell dinner to reminisce over the past week's adventures and bid soraidh ("farewell" in Gaelic) to Scotland. 
Overnight: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Edinburgh | Depart for U.S.
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Edinburgh Airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to follow a guide through paved and unpaved streets of even and uneven terrain at an average pace for two hours. Guests should have the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Due to the nature of some structures, handrails may not be present, and facilities for people with disabilities may be limited. Participation in itinerary activities is up to the individual.