Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
Experience Overview
This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Kinlochard: Join your hosts, the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
Dive into Culture
- Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Iconic Experience
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the center of town.
- Melrose: View the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.
- St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle, and appreciate the building's illustrious history and picturesque setting.
- Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Golspie: Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle.
- Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series.
- Isle of Mull: Explore the Scottish Highlands in depth as you travel to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Visit the Reilig Odhrain, sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Glasgow: From wind powered murals to historic sites, tenements to the Clyde - discover the real impact of climate change on Glasgow, and learn more about Scotland's role in the climate crisis on this fun and educative guided tour. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Edinburgh
- Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Glasgow and Stirling
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Pulteney Distillery in Wick, the battlefield and Visitor Center of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle in Golspie, John O'Groats, The Italian Chapel and Skara Brae on Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
- View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
- See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 28174
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 613.1647B
Starts: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Finishes: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
- Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
- Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,875 ($529 /day)
Itinerary
Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
Accommodation: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals: Dinner
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 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodation: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
A scenic day's excursion brings you to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which you 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. Take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.
Accommodation: Voco Haymarket, Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, 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 you 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 traveling to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.
Accommodation: Apex City Quay, Leonardo Aberdeen
Meals: Breakfast
Today, wind your 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. Your final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation: Columba
Meals: Breakfast
The mystical haunt of Nessie is your 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, your home for the next two nights, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Pentland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After stopping at John o' Groats, 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. Stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: Pentland
Meals: 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. 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 you'll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel.
Accommodation: Kings Arms
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Upon return to the mainland, follow a beautiful route that takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. Pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Royal
Meals: Breakfast
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 your journey back to Oban, you'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Accommodation: Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing trip! Amazing very helpful ! Always kept up to date with any information we need either by email or phone. It was my first visit to Scotland and I found the whole trip to be amazing . *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* where fantastic full of knowledge and made the adventure so enjoyable always ready to help with anything and had lots of laughs on the bus. Thank you so much Trafalgar they are a fantastic team!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Leslie Rutschmann - Traveled, May 2024
Wonderful trip! Absolutely loved this trip and would highly recommend to others. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our guide and driver, worked hard to bring the history and people of Scotland alive through their in-depth knowledge, stories and wonderful sense of humor. Their love of Scotland and its amazing landscapes was evident and they never seemed to tire of our questions. Scotland is a beautiful country and this experience definitely made us want to return.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
Historical, Beautiful Scotland! Our tour driver was *Personal information removed by Feefo* and provided us excellent service, courtesy and knowledge. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, gave us directions for each day's itinerary and was very knowledgeable of the history for each area. Our hotel accommodations were satisfactory, and the breakfasts/meals were adequate. Some of the additional cost excursions should have been a part of the regular itinerary, especially the Isle of Skye scenic trip. The itinerary covered all the sights that we were interested in seeing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Trafalgar Scotland Cities and Islands August 2024! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was brilliant. She was completely calm and unflappable. Nothing was too much trouble for her to do. She made herself available 24/7 and was informed and interesting in her commentary and in her responses to questions striking the perfect balance of history and general interest. Her knowledge of the places we saw and of Scotland and its relationship with England, Ireland and the rest of the world was exceptional. Our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was amazing. So competent and capable and also, like *Personal information removed by Feefo* he did the extras with a smile which made the trip so great. Excellent coverage of cities and islands. We saw almost all we wanted to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2024
Ronda Lynch - Traveled, July 2024
Professional! The staff gave me all the help I needed to plan this trip. They gave me the confidence to go forward on my first overseas experience! The trip was 12 days of magic! Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a joy and *Personal information removed by Feefo* our driver was skilled handling our coach!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2024
Beautiful Scotland! Our bus driver was fantastic. We enjoyed the accommodation and meals as well. It was perfect. We got to see the entire country of Scotland. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was an amazing tour guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Review From 2nd Time Trafalgar Travelers! Best trip ever! Saw so much and learned tons! Would love to do this again, only spending more time in each place. This was a fantastic trip that included a lot of fascinating and integral highlights to Scotland. A lot of ground was covered in a short period of time. Our tour guide (*Personal information removed by Feefo* and bus/coach driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*) were beyond amazing (incredibly professional, efficient, and entertaining)!! One suggestion is to have a mix and mingle ice-breaker/guest introductions etc. with all of the tour members/guests at the very onset of the trip, in addition to the group gathering at the end of the trip. Also, ensuring that each stop entails a minimum of at least 2 nights duration at the same hotel. One night stops are challenging.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2024
Kim Beattie - Traveled, July 2024
Our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was amazing and our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Very busy itinerary but well organized. Just had to jump on the coach at the right time. Hotel in Skye let the tour down. Disgusting place. Lost a bit of trust in Trafalgar for ensuring good standard accomodation. Lots of other nice places to see instead.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Scenery unforgettable! Attention to detail by *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent and fun even though I broke my leg and arm.. *Personal information removed by Feefo*went above and beyond to help us.. People make Glasgow is so very true and that’s what makes our trip special… Trip was very enjoyable and staff were always approachable and knowledgeable on all aspects of Scottish history..Itinerary was well planned and in-depth lochs highland and islands all covered well…
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Elizabeth Kingsbury - Traveled, September 2024
Absolutely the best! Service was top notch!!! Very caring and attentive to our comfort and safety. Again, our tour director paired with our bus driver added immeasurably to our Scotland experience. Both had knowledge and a deep passion and love for their country. This came through every day of the tour. Fabulous itinerary. Our tour director and bus driver were excellent with incredible knowledge of Scotland. We went places we never would have seen without this tour. Trafalgar is the best. Great accommodations, great food and incredible sights. Tour took us on different parts of Scotland and the diversity of this wonderful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
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