13 Day Scottish Highlands, Islands & Cities

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Itinerary

Scotland tours compared

Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh (3 Nights)

Relax or explore this fascinating capital city. This evening, meet your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception, which includes a true Scottish welcome with local specialties. (WR) Stay: Novotel City Centre

Day 2 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning, your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. During the Edinburgh Festival, your visit will include tickets to the dazzling Edinburgh Tattoo. (FB)

Day 3 Excursion To The Borders

This morning view the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey as well as the neighbouring Melrose Abbey, where the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is said to rest, before following the River Tweed back to Edinburgh. (FB)

Day 4 Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Glamis Castle - Dundee

Travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view the celebrated ancient university and the home of golf. Visit Glamis Castle, former home of the Queen Mother, birthplace of Princess Margaret, and the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and free time to enjoy the beautiful gardens. Later arrive in Dundee, a waterfront city in the Tay estuary which is the UK's first UNESCO City of Design. (FB) Stay: Apex City Quay

Day 5 Dundee - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness

This morning, gain a Cultural Insight into whisky distilling by visiting a local distillery for a tour and a 'wee dram'. Travel through untamed Scottish landscapes and the rugged Cairngorm Mountains. Visit the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's army was defeated in 1746. Lately, the site has featured in Diane Gabaldon's fictional novel 'Outlander'. Arrive later in Inverness. (FB) Stay: The Inverness Hotel

Day 6 Inverness - Loch Ness - Thurso (2 Nights)

Admire the beauty of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster, en route to visit Dunrobin Castle. Dunrobin Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland and resembles a French château with its towering conical spires. Stroll through the formal gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Royal

Day 7 Orkney Islands Excursion

From the north eastern tip of the British Isles, John O'Groats, take the ferry across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Island of South Ronaldsay. See the Churchill Barriers, built as part of naval defence to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow during World War II. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit Skara Brae and walk through the remains of the famous Neolithic village. See the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar en route to visit Viking Kirkwall before crossing the sea back to the mainland. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D)

Day 8 Thurso - Ullapool - Isle Of Skye

Enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning north west coastline. Visit the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. View the impressive Eilean Donan Castle before crossing to the picturesque Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Kings Arms Hotel

Day 9 Isle Of Skye - Ballachulish (2 Nights)

Enjoy a scenic drive to take your ferry from the isle of Skye to Mallaig. See the Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films. At Fort William, see Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, in all its glory before arriving in Ballachulish for the next two nights. (FB) Stay: Ballachulish

Day 10 Mull And Iona Excursion

Sail from Oban, across the mouth of Loch Linnhe, to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Enjoy a scenic drive across the remote island to Fionnphort for a short ferry crossing to the island of Iona. Visit Iona Abbey, a beautifully preserved medieval abbey, and the ancient burial ground of many Scottish Kings at Rèilig Odhrain. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D)

Day 11 Ballachulish - Glasgow (2 Nights)

This morning, travel south through Glencoe, 'Glen of the Weeping', site of the infamous massacre of the Macdonald clan by the Campbells in 1692. Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well-known Scottish song, before arriving in Glasgow. Your orientation tour includes views of the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry, as well as a visit to St. Mungo's Cathedral. (FB) Stay: Holiday Inn Theatreland

Day 12 Stirling Castle And Bannockburn Excursion

This morning enjoy a guided visit of the historic Stirling Castle and explore the Royal Palace of King James V. See the Stirling Heads making your way to nearby Bannockburn - the site of the famous battle between King Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II of England. Enjoy a Be My Guest Farewell Lunch on a working Scottish farm with your companions and Travel Director and after you'll have free time to further explore Glasgow. (FB/BMGFL)

Day 13 Depart Glasgow

Say a fond farewell to bonnie Scotland as your wonderful holiday draws to a close. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. (FB)