Scottish Highlands & Islands
Scottish Highlands & Islands
Tour Overview
What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliff-hangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins—stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert—this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Glasgow,Scotland
Location: Arrive In Glasgow, Scotland
Meals Included: Dinner
Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Welcome to Glasgow! Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
GLASGOW-CITY-CENTER.jpg ...more ...less
Day 2: Glasgow,Falkirk,Royal Burgh Of Culross,Linlithgow,Edinburgh
Location: Glasgow, Falkirk, Royal Burgh Of Culross, Linlithgow, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
GLASGOW–FALKIRK–ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS–LINLITHGOW–EDINBURGH Sculpted Horses & Scottish Heroines ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS Take a walking tour with a Local Guide.
FALKIRK See The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world.
STIRLING Visit [LF] a whisky distillery
LINLITHGOW See Linlithgow Palace ruins, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a filming location for the Outlander TV series. (B)
102 mi / 164 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The Royal Burgh of Culross is considered one of Scotland’s most picturesque examples of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. No wonder it is the filming location for many film and television productions, as well an inspiring destination for history lovers. Its well-preserved buildings with red-tiled roofs line steep cobblestone streets from the market cross to the hilltop abbey.
ROYAL-BURGH-OF-CULROSS.jpg
Day 3: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Traditions & Treasures EDINBURGH City sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, rules with a 1,100-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
EDINBURGH-CASTLE.jpg
Day 4: Edinburgh. Excursion To Abbotsford
Location: Edinburgh. Excursion To Abbotsford
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH. EXCURSION TO ABBOTSFORD Regal Manors & Royal Music ABBOTSFORD Take a guided tour of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House.
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Tattoo performance. (Departures August 3 through August 17 only). (B)
80 mi / 129 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The 19th century comes alive with echoes of triumph and tragedy at Abbotsford House, where Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots baronial architecture began. Learn how the “Great Scott” popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote, and reclaimed his country’s Crown Jewels.
ABBOTSFORD-HOUSE.jpg
Day 5: Edinburgh,St. Andrews,Pitlochry,Inverness
Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESS Scottish Highlands & Scenic Drives ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and famous university town then drive across the Firth of Tay via Dundee to Pitlochry.
PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort. Take a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness. (B,D)
200 mi / 325 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
ST-ANDREWS-GOLF.jpg
Day 6: Inverness. Highlands Excursion
Location: Inverness. Highlands Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast
INVERNESS. HIGHLANDS EXCURSION The Bronze Age & Brave Battles THE HIGHLANDS Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns. See the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Visit Cawdor Castle.
INVERNESS Free time the remainder of the day. (B)
45 mi / 70 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LITERATURE & ARCHITECTURE In The Bard’s words, ‘This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.’ Walk through history in the dramatic countryside of the Scottish Highlands to visit Cawdor Castle, the ancestral home of the Campbells of Cawdor. Discover the castle’s literary connection to The Scottish Play by William Shakespeare - also known as Macbeth.
HIGHLANDS-CAWDOR-CASTLE.jpg
Day 7: Inverness,Thurso
Location: Inverness, Thurso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
INVERNESS–THURSO Gardens & Grandeur DUNROBIN Visit the castle and gardens.
THURSO Free time this afternoon. (B,D)
109 mi / 176 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Perched in the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth is Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. One of the oldest continuously inhabited “Scottish great houses,” the castle evokes images of a French château with towering spires and grand gardens inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
DUNROBIN-CASTLE.jpg
Day 8: Thurso. Excursion To The Orkney Islands
Location: Thurso. Excursion To The Orkney Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THURSO. EXCURSION TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDS Breathtaking Views & Brews SCRABSTER Ferry crossing to the Orkney Islands.
ORKNEY ISLANDS Sightseeing includes Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. [LF] Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the brewery’s Tasting Hall café. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
47 mi / 76 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDS & LORE Orcadian water, the best malt, hops, and yeast are the only four ingredients of hand-crafted ales such as Orkney Dark Island, Northern Light and the world-famous Skull Splitter named after a vicious Orkney Earl. Join a guided tour of the brewery and learn the traditions of beer making and a long, long history of brewing quality ales.
ORKNEY-ISLANDS-RING-OF-BRODGAR.jpg
Day 9: Thurso,Ullapool,Isle Of Skye
Location: Thurso, Ullapool, Isle Of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THURSO–ULLAPOOL–ISLE OF SKYE Scottish Fish Stories ULLAPOOL Visit the fishing port and enjoy [LF] a traditional fish & chips lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
219 mi / 353 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Walk along the whitewashed cottages with views of lovely Loch Broom in the charming harbor town of Ullapool. Feast on traditional fish and chips, a Scottish specialty that never fails to satisfy.
ULLAPOOL-FISH-AND-CHIPS.jpg
Day 10: Isle Of Skye
Location: Isle Of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ISLE OF SKYE Sea & Skye ISLE OF SKYE Drive across the Inner Hebridean island; visit the Museum of Island Life; stop in the picturesque island capital of Portree and take in the views of the Cuillin Hills. (B,D)
100 mi / 161 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Magic abounds on the Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes to enchant the senses. With magnificent mountain ranges, miles of captivating coastline, and heroic history, Skye casts a spell with its breathtaking beauty and sense of island adventure.
ISLE-OF-SKYE-PORTREE.jpg
Day 11: Isle Of Skye,Glenfinnan,Fort William-Oban
Location: Isle Of Skye, Glenfinnan, Fort William-Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ISLE OF SKYE–GLENFINNAN–FORT WILLIAM-OBAN Brave Lads & Bonnie Lands ISLE OF SKYE Visit Museum of the Isles. Ferry crossing on the Sound of Sleat to mainland.
GLENFINNAN See the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous Glennfinnan Viaduct.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.
GLEN COE Scenic drive en route to Oban. (B,D)
109 mi / 175 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Long before it was made famous by the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was hailed one of the most visually stunning railways in Scotland. Flanked by rolling green hills that are home to the iconic Scottish red deer, the elevated curves of the longest concrete railway in Scotland traverses through a world of adventure and history.
GLENFINNAN-VIADUCT.jpg
Day 12: Oban. Excursion To Isles Of Mull And Iona
Location: Oban. Excursion To Isles Of Mull And Iona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
OBAN. EXCURSION TO ISLES OF MULL AND IONA Highland Isles & Miles OBAN Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull.
ISLE OF MULL Take a scenic drive across the island.
ISLE OF IONA Continue to Iona with a ferry to the island and visit the center of Celtic Christianity before returning to mainland. (B,D)
75 mi / 121 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Called “Eagle Island” by wildlife watchers, the Isle of Mull is a paradise for birds of prey keeping a watchful eye on the wonderful wild landscapes below. Watch for Scottish red deer, iconic Highland cattle, and rolling hills that paint a picture of quintessential Scotland.
ISLE-OF-MULL-HIGHLAND-CATTLE.jpg
Day 13: Oban,Inveraray,Glasgow
Location: Oban, Inveraray, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
OBAN –INVERARAY–GLASGOW Glasgow Sights & Grand Heights INVERARAY Take a scenic drive over the mountainous Pass of Brander.
LOCH LOMOND Stop for photos.
GLASGOW Enjoy an orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Free time this evening. (B,D)
108 mi / 174 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS In Scotland’s most populous city, Glasgow’s uniquely rich architectural heritage ranges from 19th-century masterpieces to the modern designs of the unique style of Glasgow-born Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Discover exciting experiences around every corner!
GLASGOW-WHISKY.jpg
Day 14: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
GLASGOW Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
GLASGOW-CITY-CENTER.jpg
What's Included
-
Fully Guided
Globus Tour Directors
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary or similar
-
Meals
Breakfast 13,Lunch 2,Dinner 9
-
Transport
Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less
UNESCO Sites
Forth Road Bridge|Heart of Neolithic Orkney|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 9 three-course dinners
Accommodation
Glasgow:DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central
Edinburgh:Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
Inverness:Mercure Inverness Hotel
Thurso:St Clair Hotel
Isle of Skye:Dunollie Hotel
Oban:Oban Bay Hotel
Oban:The Royal Oban Hotel
Glasgow:Radisson Blu Glasgowr>
...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus 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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Scottish Highlands & Islands
14 Days Starting and ending in Glasgow, UK
Visiting: Arrive In Glasgow, Scotland, Glasgow, Falkirk, Royal Burgh Of Culross, Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Edinburgh. Excursion To Abbotsford, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Inverness. Highlands Excursion, Thurso, Thurso. Excursion To The Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Isle Of Skye, Glenfinnan, Fort William-Oban, Oban. Excursion To Isles Of Mull And Iona, Oban, Inveraray, Europe ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GJ-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
23 - 46
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology