Scottish Dream

Arrive in the thriving city of Glasgow where your Scottish trip begins. At 2:30pm meet your tour director at your city centre hotel and set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow; see the sights of the city from the red sandstone Victorian buildings to green parks, see the imposing Glasgow Cathedral and travel along the banks of the River Clyde, once famous for its shipbuilding industry. Visit extensive and varied art collections in the elegant Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which dates back over a century and is set within the leafy Kelvingrove Park. By evening join your tour director and fellow travellers at a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel.

Overnight: Jurys Inn Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow

Meals: Dinner included

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 surrounding 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. We continue across the desolate Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe valley, renowned as the infamous site of the Clan Macdonald massacre at the hands of the Campbells in 1692. We continue to the Ballachulish coast for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Isles of Glencoe 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; here we visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to discover the history of the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Crossing a scenic part of the South of the island we return to the mainland by bridge, stopping for photos at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle which featured in the Highander movie. A final scenic highland drive takes us along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, where you can keep an eye out for the legendary monster before arriving in the highland town of Nairn for our overnight stay.

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 to see various monuments commemorating troops and discover the history to this bloody battle and how it changed the traditional Highland way of life amongst the clans forever. Making our way South we pass through the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains to Leault Farm where we see traditional farming methods first-hand as the farmer and his dogs herd their flocks of sheep in a demonstration of skill. Later we arrive in our gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.

Overnight: Athol 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; hallmarks from each era can still be seen today across the 30 rooms on full display. 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, Scotland’s Water of Life. Tour the facilities and sample a “wee dram” at the end of the tour. Your afternoon is at leisure to spend in the hotel grounds or the Victorian Highland town of Pitlochry, just a short walk from your hotel.

Overnight: Athol Palace Hotel, near Pitlochry

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Today we pass south to visit Glamis Castle; the legendary setting of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother this majestic building is filled with an array of priceless and unique artefacts and antique furnishings. We then cross Tay Bridge in to the rolling Fife countryside to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf." Here we see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to browse the town - you may shop in golf specialty stores or simply wander the medieval town with its ruined cathedral, castle and Scotland's oldest university. After making our way south to our hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, we enjoy a Scottish Evening of food and traditional song, dance and story-telling.

Overnight: Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner (at Scottish evening) included

This morning we explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour taking in the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town" and the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Along the way we'll see the key sites and areas of the city. We end our tour at the city's crowning glory at Edinburgh Castle where you can explore the historic buildings see the Stone of Destiny and gain splendid views of Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of city independently. On departures from July 29 to August 19 we'll also enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place on the Castle esplanade.

Overnight: Holyrood Hotel, 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, or to 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