Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
$4850
Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Oban, Isle of Mull, Glasgow, Stirling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHLDZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland's Highlands, Islands, and Cities, where history and breathtaking landscapes intertwine. Begin in Edinburgh, exploring its iconic castle and vibrant streets, before venturing to the ancient ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and the regal Glamis Castle. Discover the creative spirit of Dundee and the haunting beauty of Culloden's battlefield. Experience the mystical allure of Loch Ness and the fairy-tale charm of Dunrobin Castle. Sail to the Orkney Islands and the Isles of Mull and Iona, uncovering Neolithic wonders and monastic history. In Glasgow, delve into the city's sustainable initiatives and connect with locals over a traditional Scottish lunch. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Scotland's past and present, ensuring a memorable adventure from Edinburgh to Glasgow.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Meals Included: Dinner
Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
Day 2: Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, 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.
Day 3: A Day Of Abbeys, Landscapes And History
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic day's excursion brings you to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which you 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. Take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.
Day 4: Explore Glamis Castle And On To Creative Dundee
Location: Dundee
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Apex City Quay, Leonardo Aberdeen
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf - St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare's Macbeth takes centre stage as you visit Glamis Castle, 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 travelling to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.
Day 5: Venture To Culloden And Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Columba
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, wind your way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Your final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
Day 6: Journey To Loch Ness And Thurso
Location: Thurso
Accommodation: Pentland, Norseman
Accommodation Name: Pentland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The mystical haunt of Nessie is your first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Arriving in Thurso, your home for the next two nights, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 7: A Day On The Orkney Islands
Location: Orkney Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pentland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After stopping at John o' Groats, board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. Stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 8: Over The Sea To Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kings Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Journey to Eilean Donan Castle, built in the 13th century, perched on a tiny island, where three sea lochs meet, then continue to the Isle of Skye where you'll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel.
Day 9: Onwards To Oban
Location: Oban
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Upon return to the mainland, follow a beautiful route that takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. Pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.
Day 10: Sail To The Isles Of Mull And Iona
Location: Isle of Mull
Accommodation: Royal
Accommodation Name: Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Set 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 your journey back to Oban, you'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 11: Off To Glasgow Make Travel Matter
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the 'Glen of Weeping', marks our morning journey south to Glasgow. Join an expert guide to unlock Glasgow’s sustainable secrets on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 12: Uncover Stirling Castle’S Secrets Connect With Locals
Location: Stirling
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Mary, 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. 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.
Day 13: Farewell Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our 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.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
Return ferry to the Orkney Isles is included.
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Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig is included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy scenic ferry rides to the Orkney Isles, Isle of Skye, and the Isles of Mull and Iona. Experience seamless transportation with professional drivers and flexible sightseeing options.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, and Delta by Marriott in Edinburgh, Apex City Quay in Dundee, and Leonardo Royal Glasgow. Enjoy comfort and convenience with trusted accommodations throughout your journey across Scotland.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience where you join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch. Additionally, there is a 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®' experience in Glasgow, where you learn about the impact of climate change on the city and Scotland's role in the climate crisis.
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Are there any special events included in the tour?
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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What cultural activities are part of the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands where you can warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. There are also ferry rides included, such as the return ferry to the Orkney Isles and the ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There is also one lunch included as part of the 'Be My Guest' experience.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions