Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Glasgow
Visiting: Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Dundee, Inverness, Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Oban, Isle of Mull and Iona, Glasgow, Stirling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHLDZM20
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland's majestic Highlands, enchanting islands, and vibrant cities with our "Scotland's Highlands, Islands, and Cities" tour. This meticulously crafted adventure invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Scotland's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the mystical Orkney Islands, and from the serene Isle of Skye to the bustling city of Glasgow, each day unfolds with new discoveries. Highlights include exclusive tours of Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, and the Blair Athol whisky distillery, alongside visits to iconic sites like Loch Ness and the battlefield of Culloden. With an expert Travel Director leading the way, luxury coach transportation, and cherry-picked accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable Scottish experience, complete with all the must-see sights and surprise extras. Whether you're witnessing the spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo or savoring the flavors of a traditional Scottish meal, this tour is a celebration of Scotland's unparalleled beauty and heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Centre/Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh/Delta Hotels by Marriott
Meals Included: Dinner
Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome 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: Novotel Edinburgh Centre/Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh/Delta Hotels 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: Jedburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Centre/Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh/Delta Hotels by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic day's excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which we 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. We 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 Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we 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 center stage as we 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 we travel 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 Hotel Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we wind our way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Center at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Our final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, where we’ll overnight.
Day 6: Journey To Loch Ness And Thurso
Location: Loch Ness
Accommodation: Pentland, Norseman
Accommodation Name: Pentland Hotel Thurso/Norseman Hotel Wick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The mystical haunt of Nessie is our 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, our home for the next two nights, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Day 7: A Day On The Orkney Islands
Location: Orkney Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pentland Hotel Thurso/Norseman Hotel Wick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After stopping at John O'Groats, we 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. We stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Day 8: Over The Sea To Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Kings Arms Hotel Kyleakin
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. We 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 we'll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in our hotel.
Day 9: Onwards To Oban
Location: Oban
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Hotel Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast
We return to the mainland following a beautiful route that takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. We pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, our Highland home for the next two nights.
Day 10: Sail To The Isles Of Mull And Iona
Location: Isle of Mull and Iona
Accommodation: Royal
Accommodation Name: Royal Hotel Oban
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 our journey back to Oban, we'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 Glasgow/Courtyard by Marriott SEC
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 Glasgow/Courtyard by Marriott SEC
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
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
Check out our Q&As
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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
Enquire for huge savings
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