Enjoy an in depth look at Scotland on this 10 day tour taking you from vibrant Glasgow to the tranquility of the isle of Skye through the spectacularly rugged Highlands to the historic Scottish capital in Edinburgh. Along the way enjoy Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Aberdeen and St Andrews.
The Tour
Day 1 – Glasgow
Spend today exploring Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is a thriving, contemporary city with unique character. Discover the glamorous West End visiting the Kelvingrove Museum and Park before wandering down the famous Sauchiehall Street to central Glasgow where the air is often filled with the sound of the bagpipes of the street entertainers on Buchanan Street. View Glasgow Cathedral and discover the tales of St Mungo before a visit to George Square to see the Victorian Statues and Georgian facaded buildings. In the evening enjoy the fashionable Merchant city with its host of bars and restaurants.
Overnight Glasgow.
Day 2 – Braveheart's Stirling and Stirling Castle
From Glasgow travel through the rolling hills of the lowlands to historic Stirling closely linked with many great Scottish heroes including “Braveheart” William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Explore Stirling Castle , climb the Wallace monument to gain spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and discover the history of a famous Scottish battle at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre .
Overnight Stirling/Falkirk or Loch Lomond area.
Day 3 – Loch Lomond, Oban and Glencoe
Travel the shores of Loch Lomond through the stunning scenery of the Trossachs National Park (Rob Roy territory) as your head towards Oban, home of one of Scotland's best loved malts. After visiting the distillery and nearby Dunstaffnage Castle make your way north along the spectacular coastline to harbour town of Fort William. A short drive away is Glencoe, setting for a ferocious clan massacre in the 1600s.
Overnight Fort William/Glencoe.
Day 4 – Isle of Skye, the Cuillin Hills and Dunvegan Castle
Continuing north pass the Glennfinnan viaduct (made famous by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies) before crossing by ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye . Spend the day exploring this beautifully tranquil island home to the imposing cuillin hills, beautiful wildlife, ancient stone circles dotting the hillsides, dinosaur footprints, malt distilleries, and some of the most iconic images of Scotland in Eilean Donan and Dunvegan castles.
Overnight Portree (Isle of Skye)
Day 5 – The Highlands, Loch Ness and Inverness
From Skye cross the bridge back to the mainland to the Kyle of Lochalsh and journey south through the heather covered Highlands towards Loch Ness . Make a stop to visit the stunning twelfth century Urquhart Castle , or to wander the banks of the loch and try to get that elusive snap of the monster himself. Continue to the capital of the Highlands nestled on the banks of the river Ness and take time to explore Inverness and its Museum and Castle.
Overnight Inverness.
Day 6 – Culloden Moor and the Distilleries of Aberdeenshire
From Inverness visit nearby Fort George and Culloden Moor before venturing in to the Grampian Highlands a region home to stunning natural scenery, fortified castles and an abundance of whiskey distilleries. Stop at the home of malt Dhallas Dhu at Forres before visiting Elgin, where you'll find the Glen Moray distillery, Elgin Cathedral and Spynie Palace. South in Dufftown, the Georgian manor of Duff House, the famous Glenfiddich distillery and Balvenie Castle are all well worth a visit on route to Aberdeen.
Overnight nr Aberdeen.
Day 7 – Aberdeen, Glamis Castle and St Andrews
Explore the classic Georgian architecture and rich maritime history of Aberdeen before journeying south. Visit Dunnottar Castle then head to Forfar and the spires and turrets of Glamis Castle which featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth before crossing the Firth of Tay to St Andrews, a city which combines a vast history with a contemporary edge being home to Scotland's first university, a medieval castle, the spectacular ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and of course the most famous golf course in the world.
Overnight nr St Andrews.
Days 8 & 9 – Explore Edinburgh
Spend the final days of your vacation discovering the Scottish Capital; Edinburgh and its environs are entrenched in history. Explore Craigmillar Castle once a favourite of Mary Queen of Scots and visit the mystical Rosslyn Chapel linked to the Knights of the Templar and famed in the Da Vinci Code book and film. Within the magical city centre, wander the wide avenues of the Georgian new town and the winding, cobbled lanes of the medieval old town. Walk the Royal Mile, Visit the Spirit of the Tattoo and "Whiskey Experience" exhibitions, get panoramic views of the city from Arthur's Seat before visiting Holyrood Palace and of course the stunning Edinburgh Castle wrapped in history and home to the scottish crown jewels.
Overnight Edinburgh (2 nights).
Day 10 – Return Home
Make your way back home having experienced the history, culture and contrasts of the great Scottish nation.
Purchase the Great British Heritage Pass offering entry and queue skip to a number of sites on your itinerary.
|
r
