Day 1 : Fly to Scotland

We begin with a relaxing overnight flight across the pond.

Day 2 : Glasgow

Upon arriving in Scotland, our Scottish Blue Badge Guide greets us at the airport. We enjoy their expert insight enhancing each day of this incredible vacation. Our exploration begins with viewing over 6,000 years of history at The Burrell Collection. This museum houses thousands of items collected by Sir William Burrell, including artifacts from ancient civilizations, Chinese art, medieval treasures, and masterpieces by French artists. Later, we settle into our accommodations and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : City Tour & Stirling Castle

This morning, we enjoy a guided city tour of Glasgow’s best sights, such as the 12th-century cathedral and Victorian Necropolis. After lunch at leisure, we travel northbound to one of Scotland’s largest and most historically important castles, Stirling Castle. Countless kings and queens have been crowned here, including the famous monarch, Mary Queen of Scots! Next, our journey continues to the historic town of Dunkeld, where we savor dinner together and check in to our luxury country estate, nestled along the banks of the River Tay.

Day 4 : Pitlochry & Scottish Highlands

Today’s destination is Pitlochry, a beautiful town along the River Tummel. We arrive late morning and enjoy time at leisure to browse Scottish crafts at local shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint cafes. This afternoon, we tour Blair Athol Distillery to discover the process from grain to glass and are treated to a wee dram of whisky while learning how to properly enjoy this national spirit. Next, we watch working sheepdogs in action at a family-owned farm in Kingussie. Marvel at how the shepherd uses a whistle and Gaelic commands to direct each dog individually amidst the gorgeous landscape. Later, we take in spectacular vistas of the Scottish Highlands as we reach Inverness.

Day 5 : Loch Ness Cruise & Culloden Battlefield

Our morning begins with a relaxing cruise on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, steeped in ancient tales of its legendary namesake monster. As we glide along the glistening waters, enjoy awe-inspiring scenery of the Scottish Highlands, Great Glen, Aldourie Castle, Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and more while listening to the area’s captivating folklore. This afternoon, we have a poignant visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Battle to support restoring the Stuart line to the throne. Although this brutal fight lasted only an hour, it changed life in the Highlands forever as over 1,500 men were slain. The evening is yours to explore Inverness as you wish.

Day 6 : Scone Palace

We depart for Perth today and travel through the United Kingdom’s largest national park, Cairngorms. Enjoy vistas of soaring mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and majestic wildlife along the way. Arriving at our destination, we explore the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings: Scone Palace. Walk in the footsteps of royalty as you venture through meticulously landscaped gardens before admiring the renowned art and architecture inside the palace. We then drive to Edinburgh, stopping along the way for two amazing photo opportunities: The Kelpies, a pair of 100-foot steel horse heads steeped in ancient myths, and The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift! Once reaching Scotland’s capital city, we check in to our accommodations.

Day 7 : St. Andrews & Scottish Dinner Show

Today, we make a brief stop in the charming fishing village of Anstruther before reaching the seaside town of St. Andrews. Our local guide joins us for a tour of the most iconic attractions, such as The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, medieval cathedral ruins, and areas frequented by J.K. Rowling while writing Harry Potter. Continue exploring on your own and savor local delights during time at leisure, then we return to our accommodations in Edinburgh later this afternoon. Tonight, we attend the riveting Spirit of Scotland dinner show! Delight your taste buds with authentic Scottish fare, like sweet cranachan, and watch a captivating performance of traditional music and dancing.

Day 8 : Edinburgh

Our day begins with a guided city tour of Edinburgh, featuring the history of Georgian New Town and medieval Old Town. The rest of the day is yours to pursue personal interests! You may enjoy viewing Scotland’s crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle, visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, shopping along the Royal Mile, or visiting one of the world’s most haunting graveyards at Greyfriars Kirkyard. This evening, we celebrate our travels over a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We return home today with incredible memories of our time in Scotland.