Secrets of Scotland

Arrive in to Scotland this morning and make your way to historic Stirling. Fixed-time shared transfers are available from Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports, alternatively Stirling is a short rail journey from central Edinburgh and Glasgow. Check-in from 2 pm at your hotel and spend afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of Stirling at your leisure. You’ll have complimentary tickets for Stirling Castle, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, the history of this hill-top castle rivals that of Edinburgh for its cultural significance. By evening meet your tour leader and the rest of the group where we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight – Hotel Colessio (or similar), Stirling (DBB).

This morning after breakfast we board the mini-coach and head into the Scottish countryside. First stop will be Glamis Castle. This elegant country house has an intriguing history with connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and more recently as the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Then it’s onward to St Andrews, a charming seaside town that is the renowned spiritual home of golf and where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met. There will be plenty of time to take lunch and explore before we pass North in to Aberdeenshire and to our hotel on the banks of the River Dee, where we’ll enjoy an included dinner.

Overnight – Maryculter House Hotel (or similar), Aberdeenshire (DBB).

Today we leave the coast and head in to the heart of Scotland; meandering along the course of the River Dee we’ll pass through Royal Deeside and pause at various points of interest including scenic waterfalls, unique castles and a church attended by the Royal family when they’re in residence in Balmoral. Later we turn North in to the dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorm National Park. Reaching the renowned Speyside Whisky region we’ll visit one of the many Scotch distilleries to tour the facilities, learn about the Scottish “Water of Life” and of course sample a dram or two. Later we continue to Inverness and our overnight base for the next two nights, where we dine together.

Overnight – Kingsmills Hotel (or similar), Inverness (DBB).

Today is completely free for you to spend at your leisure. Equipped with your complimentary open-top-bus tour tickets you can discover the “Capital of the Highlands” at your own pace. Take in the historic Cathedral, hill-top castle or simply indulge in some souvenir shopping in the many gift shops and boutiques of the town. Using public transport you may choose to visit the nearby Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the infamous battle which played a crucial role in Scottish history. Your evening is free to dine in one of Inverness’ many restaurants.

Overnight – Kingsmills Hotel (or similar), Inverness (BB).

Today we board the mini-bus for an epic journey over the Scottish Highlands. Departing Inverness we’ll follow the scenic shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle whose weather beaten ruins hide an intriguing history and whose ramparts offer a perfect lookout for Nessie. We then continue across the barren landscapes of the Highlands pausing at Eilean Donan Castle for a photo-stop before stretching our legs and enjoying free-time in a traditional highland village. The final leg of our journey today takes us over the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye, our destination and base for the next two nights. In the evening enjoy dinner together and share your impressions with fellow travellers.

Overnight – Hotel Eilean Iarmain, (or similar), Isle of Skye (DBB).

Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting of the Isle of Skye. We’ll head through the heart of the island past the imposing Cuillin Mountains to the Northern territories. Passing along the picturesque Trotternish Peninsula we’ll take in dramatic landscapes and seascapes as we spot the region’s unique geological features such as Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. There’ll be plenty of time to visit Portree, the island’s principle town, where pastel fishermen cottages bustle around the harbour. A day on Skye is one to remember.

Overnight – Hotel Eilean Iarmain, (or similar), Isle of Skye (BB).

Today we head for the South of the Isle of Skye to board the ferry for a journey over the water back to the mainland at Mallaig. Continuing south we’ll enjoy scenic Highland landscapes on our journey to Glenfinnan where we can climb to a viewpoint for stunning vistas overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter movies. There’ll be time for lunch in Fort William before we continue to our overnight stay in the Glencoe area and we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight – Ballachulish Hotel OR Isles of Glencoe Hotel (or similar), Ballachulish Area (DBB).

The final leg of our journey takes us through more dramatic landscapes as we pass South through the heart of Glencoe, over the Rannoch Moor and along the shores of Loch Lomond – we’ll pause at various view points for some final photo opportunities. Then as the landscapes mellow we’ll return to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city where we’ll visit the leafy West End and see Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery. Youmay leave the tour here in Glasgow mid-afternoon or enjoy a transfer back to Edinburgh where the tour officially ends.