Scottish Dream 2021

Arrive in the thriving city of Glasgow where your Scottish trip begins (group transfers from Glasgow Airport available dependent on flight arrival time). At 2:30pm meet your tour director at your city hotel and set out on an introductory tour of Glasgow; see the sights of the city from the elegant architecture of George Square to the imposing Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for its shipbuilding industry. In the West End we'll see the varied art collections in the impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum set within the leafy Kelvingrove Park area. By evening join your tour director and fellow travellers at a welcome drink before dining independently.

Overnight: Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor, Glasgow

Departing Glasgow, we drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond where we embark on a short cruise on the loch to appreciate the remote tranquillity of the waters and admire panoramic highland views. Passing west we see the town of Inveraray before visiting Inveraray Castle, home of the Campbell family for centuries; you may recognise this elegant turreted, 17th century manor as it featured in season IV of "Downton Abbey". Later, we continue across the desolate Rannoch Moor and through the breath-taking scenery of Glencoe. By evening we enjoy dinner at our loch-side hotel.

Overnight: Isles of Glencoe Hotel or Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

This morning we journey north via Fort William and take the scenic "Road to the Isles" stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument with views of the famous viaduct. At Mallaig we cross by ferry to the "Misty Isle", the Isle of Skye to visit Armadale Castle. Crossing a scenic part of the south of the island we return to the mainland by bridge and enjoy a scenic highland drive that takes us along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, where you can keep an eye out for the legendary "Nessie" monster! Later we arrive at our highland hotel where dinner awaits.

Overnight: Newton Hotel, Nairn

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

A short drive from our hotel we visit Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre dedicated to the infamous 18th century battle where the British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie; wander the eerie moorland and learn about the battle in the excellent visitor centre. Making our way south we pass through the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains to a Highland farm where we see the resident farmer and his skilful dogs herd their flocks of sheep. Passing through the Grampians we arrive in our gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.

Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel, near Pitlochry

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

A short drive from our hotel brings us to Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to the 13th century, the site has been transformed through the ages, from medieval stronghold to Victorian baronial manor; we’ll hear tales about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria's famous stay. Later we visit Blair Athol Distillery to discover the art of whisky making; we'll tour the facilities and, of course, sample a wee dram or two ourselves. Your afternoon is at leisure to spend in the hotel grounds or the Victorian Highland town of Pitlochry.

Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel, near Pitlochry

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Today we pass south to visit Glamis Castle a fairy-tale castle of towers and turrets; Glamis is the legendary setting of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. We then cross Tay Bridge in to the rolling Fife countryside to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf". We'll enjoy free-time to explore this old university city and its dramatic castle and cathedral ruins. After making our way south to our hotel on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, we enjoy a Scottish Evening of food and traditional song, dance and story-telling. *On selected departures in August (between 1 to 22, 2021) enjoy an evening free to explore and dine independently.

Overnight: Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner (at Scottish evening) included

This morning we explore Edinburgh on a panoramic tour taking in the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town and the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses of the old town. We end our tour at the city's crowning glory at Edinburgh Castle where you can explore the historic buildings and see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of city independently. *On selected departures in August (1 to August 22, 2021), enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place on the Castle Esplanade.

Overnight: Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Today our programme ends after taking a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. You are then free to return to the airport for a return flight to your home nation (group transfers to Edinburgh Airport available at set times). Alternatively, make your way in to central Edinburgh to explore further independently or to embark on your onward travel within Scotland or England. Please let us know if you require onward rail travel to London.

Meals: Breakfast included