Explore your itinerary
Your epic journey across Scotland's highlands, islands and cities begins in feisty Glasgow. Spend your day exploring before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation tour that will see you view St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square with its statues of Britain's famous sons and daughters. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
Hotel
MaldronMeals
Welcome ReceptionHighlights
GlasgowMary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish kings and queens have made Stirling Castle their home over the centuries. Enjoy a visit to its grounds and delve into the history of this royal residence and fortress, besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. We'll visit the splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads, before venturing to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Later, we Connect With Locals, joining the Wood family this afternoon for a memorable Be My Guest experience at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard, amidst tales of Rob Roy. This evening, we return to Glasgow for time at leisure to enjoy true Scottish hospitality.
Meals
Breakfast, Be My GuestHighlights
Glasgow, StirlingWe follow the banks of Loch Lomond as we head north into the Highlands. A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the 'Glen of Weeping', marks our journey. Continue to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.
Hotel
RoyalMeals
BreakfastHighlights
ObanSet sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before our journey back to Oban, we'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Meals
BreakfastHighlights
Oban, Iona, Isle of MullWe pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis. Following a beautiful route that takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic, we journey 'over the sea to Skye' where tonight we’ll stay on the isle and enjoy a dinner in our hotel.
Hotel
DunollieMeals
Breakfast, DinnerHighlights
Isle of SkyeWe pass the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a tiny island where three sea lochs meet. Dramatic landscapes accompany our scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. We then continue onward to Thurso, our home for the next two nights, where we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Hotel
PentlandMeals
Breakfast, DinnerHighlights
ThursoWe board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the stretch of WWII causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit Skara Brae and see the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. We stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, DinnerHighlights
Orkney, Skara Brae, Gills BayPass through Inverness and journey to Dunrobin for a visit to this stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Spend some time exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland, before continuing to the mystical haunt of Nessie. Visit the tragic battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated and the Visitor Centre at Culloden. Then, continue on to your hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Hotel
CraiglynneMeals
BreakfastHighlights
Scottish HighlandsPass rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains on your journey to Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a famous distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Hearts and hands warmed, you’ll continue to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.
Hotel
Apex City QuayMeals
BreakfastHighlights
DundeeExplore the beautiful gardens of Glamis Castle this morning, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens before continuing to the celebrated home of golf, St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Then, it’s on to Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland.
Hotel
MarriottMeals
BreakfastHighlights
Edinburgh, St AndrewsLet your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, stopping to view the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. See the new Scottish Parliament Building and the Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to see the Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Hotel
MarriottMeals
BreakfastHighlights
EdinburghA scenic day's excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which we will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. We take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.
Meals
Breakfast, Farewell DinnerHighlights
EdinburghOur epic journey across Scotland's highlands, islands and cities has come to an end. It's time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Meals
BreakfastWhat's Included?
- 1 Welcome Reception
- 12 Breakfasts
- 1 Be My Guest
- 1 Farewell Dinner
- 3 Dinners
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
- Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
- Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
- Discover of Glasgow, Stirling, Orkney Islands and Dundee
- Visit Stirling Castel, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow, Isle of Iona, Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, Ullapool, Skara Brae, The Italian Chapel in Orkney Islands, John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle, the battlefield and Visitor Centre of Culloden, Glamis Castle and Edinburgh Castle
- View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle, the 18th green at St. Andrews and Jedburgh Abbey
- See the Battlefield at Bannockburn, Lock Lomond and Loch Ness
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
- Connect With Locals Join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish Be My Guest lunch, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
- Dive Into Culture Visit Blair Athol Whisky Distillery in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains for a tour and tasting of their single malt whisky.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Brendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2022-23
Craiglynne
Dunollie
Maldron
Marriott
Pentland
Royal
*Price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability; varies by inclusions and travel dates. CST#2084503-20