Scottish Isles and Glens 2021

Arrive in the thriving city of Glasgow where your Scottish trip begins. At 2 pm 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. By evening join your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and first group dinner in your hotel.

Overnight: Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel, Glasgow

Meals: Dinner included

Today, we are headed off to the Isle of Bute via ferry. We will first be taking the scenic Highland route and over the mountain pass of "Rest & Be Thankful". We then visit the opulent Victorian manor at Mount Stuart House, built in the late 1870s for the 3rd Marquess of Bute; we discover the highly decorated chambers and many Victorian comforts and innovations of the time. Finally, we spend some time in Rothesay, the main town on the island before returning to the mainland. In Glasgow, enjoy free time and dining independently.

Overnight: Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel, Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included

Leaving the Lowlands, we travel along the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond, renowned for its unsurpassed beauty then through the deep valley of Glen Coe, notorious for the Campbell massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. We pass through port town of Fort William before continuing north to visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle; constructed at the meeting point of three lochs and with parts dating back to the 13th century it is an undoubted icon of Scotland. By evening we check in to our hotel near Kyle of Lochalsh and enjoy a group dinner.

Overnight: Balmacara Hotel, near Kyle of Lochalsh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Today is dedicated to exploring the majestic Isle of Skye; we'll see parts of the enchanting Trotternish peninsula in the far north of the island and visit Dunvegan Castle, a stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Here we'll view priceless family heirlooms and stroll through the elegant formal gardens. Later we stop in the isle's main town of Portree to see the brightly-painted houses that cluster around the harbour. Return to your hotel for free time before dinner.

Overnight: Balmacara Hotel, near Kyle of Lochalsh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Today we enjoy a journey of spectacular highland scenery as we make our way north along the west coast to visit Inverewe Gardens. Created in the 1800s, Inverewe spans more than 50 acres and is set on a remote headland; the gardens provide a lush sub-tropical oasis amidst the rough terrain of the Highlands. Later we continue to Ullapool, a charming fishing and ferry port perched high on the far north-west coast; we enjoy a brief drive around the town before checking-in to your hotel and enjoying group dinner.

Overnight: Royal Hotel, Ullapool

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Our exploration of the far northern Highlands continues as we journey along segments of the renowned NC500 trail through one of Scotland's most sparsely-populated regions; see barren landscapes of bog tracts, moors, heather-strewn hills, rugged mountains and dramatic coastline. We learn about the Highland Clearances, a tragic period of history when many peasants were forced off the land and emigrated to the USA, Australia and elsewhere. Later we continue to the far north of the British mainland before taking the nearby ferry to Orkney - we enjoy our evening meal as we travel on board the ferry.

Overnight: Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall, Isle of Orkney

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we discover the enchanting Isle of Orkney and a host of historic and pre-historic sites. Firstly, we cross the Churchill Barriers, created during World War II to deter German submarines and see the Italian Chapel constructed by Italian prisoners of war. Then we make our way to the fascinating Skara Brae an excavated village dating back more than a 5,000 years and view the stunning Ring of Brodgar, a circle of prehistoric standing stones pre-dating Stonehenge. By afternoon we return to Kirkwall, the island's main town and enjoy some free-time to explore and dine independently.

Overnight: Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall, Isle of Orkney

Meals: Breakfast included

Returning by ferry to the Scottish mainland we make our way south through the remote landscapes of Caithness with views of off-shore sea-stacks and coastal cliffs. We visit Dunrobin Castle, a stately house, whose elegant, turreted structure resembles a glorious French Chatueau; wander the stunning interiors of the house, an array of priceless artefacts and view the beautiful manicured gardens. Later we continue south to our hotel in the heart of Inverness, Capital of the Highlands and dine together as a group.

Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

This morning we enjoy a visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle on the weather beaten shores of Loch Ness; after a stroll around the castle we embark on a loch-cruise - keep an eye out for "Nessie"! Later we stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the conflict where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746; walk around the eerie moor and see monuments to the various regiments. Later, we return to Inverness for free-time for a stroll along the River Ness before dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Making our way south, we pass through the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains to a Highland Farm where we see the farmer and his dogs herd their flocks of sheep in a demonstration of skill. We then pass south to Pitlochry to visit Blair Athol Distillery set in a picturesque location outside the town; we see how whisky is distilled and enjoy a tasting a wee dram at the end of the tour. Later we make our way to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital where we enjoy an evening of traditional Scottish food and entertainment. *On departures between July 31 to August 14, 2021 enjoy an evening free to explore and dine independently.

Overnight: Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner (at your Scottish evening)* included

This morning, discover Edinburgh on a panoramic tour; we see the wide avenues and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town" and walk along part of the Royal Mile to see rambling, medieval houses. We end our tour at the imposing Castle where we gain panoramic city views and can wander the historic buildings to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Tonight spend evening at your leisure and dine independently. *On departures between July 31 to Aug 14, 2021 attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.

Overnight: Apex Grassmarket 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 (group transfers available at fixed times). Alternatively, continue to explore Edinburgh independently or to make your way to the nearby railway station to embark on your onward travel within Scotland or England.

Meals: Breakfast included