Best of Scotland

Get lost among the enchanting cobbled lanes of Edinburgh - the quirky Scottish capital with a mystical air that combines ancient heritage with the verve of a modern city. Spend your day at leisure exploring its rich history and embracing the warm culture of the Scots before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with a light meal and drinks.

Join your Local Specialist this morning for an intriguing sightseeing tour of the city. Ascend Castle Rock and visit Edinburgh Castle, watching imposingly over the surrounding cityscape. Meander through the picturesque Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse before enjoying time at leisure to soak up the city's charming atmosphere. If your travel dates coincide with the Edinburgh Festival, your visit will include tickets to the magnificent Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews, the home of golf en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive brings us north and across the Dundee Firth to the picturesque village of Pitlochry. Spend your afternoon rambling through the village's charming river-side setting, browse its woollen crafts or join an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end over a cosy dinner at our hotel sharing tales of the day with our fellow travellers.

Meandering to the coast, we arrive in Mallaig where we'll board our ferry and cross to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Heather-clad peaks provide a stunning backdrop for our scenic drive around the breathtaking Sleat Peninsula where we will have some free time to enjoy lunch before crossing a road bridge back to the mainland. The rugged beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue your journey past the lochs and glens of the Highlands to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the fierce final battle of the Jacobite Uprising before returning to your hotel this evening.

Our first stop today sees us commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, where we admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak - Ben Nevis. We journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond the quaint village of Glencoe to see the "Glen of the Weeping" and remember the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred in 1692. Continuing towards the River Clyde, we arrive in our final stop for the day - Glasgow.

Madainn mhath! While your Gaelic may be a little rusty, your fascinating orientation tour around this edgy city will be anything but. Begin your day seeing Glasgow's iconic sights. Enjoy views of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the regal George Square and River Clyde, for over 200 years the epicentre of shipbuilding. Spend some time at leisure before we travel to visit the hilltop fortress of Stirling Castle. Today a symbol of national pride, the royal residence was once the seat of Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's independence. Later, we indulge in a Cultural Insight at Glengoyne Whisky Distillery and enjoy a wee dram before we join the Wood family at their 15th century historical farms on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-taping Ceilidh tunes.

The rugged beauty and warmth of Scotland's people forever in your memories, we enjoy one last hearty breakfast with our travel companions before wishing them and your Travel Director a fond farewell. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.