The Highlights of Scotland Tour - its history and culture uncovered

Day 1 - Glasgow

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Novotel Glasgow Centre (4-star)

Day 2 - Glasgow

Our Scotland tour begins at glorious Culzean Castle. This 18th-century castle is perched high on the Ayrshire cliffs and filled to the turrets with the treasures of its former inhabitants. Surrounding it is a 260-hectare estate planted with conifer and beech woodland and dotted with secret follies and fruit-filled glasshouses. Returning to Glasgow, we’ll visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral - the largest in Scotland (and one of the oldest). After our stop here, you’ll have free time to explore the city. There are some wonderful museums and art galleries, plus a fantastic mural trail that spotlights works by acclaimed street artists. Or go for a wander in the Botanic Gardens, which feature a wrought-iron Victorian glasshouse.

Novotel Glasgow Centre (4-star)

Day 3 - Glasgow - Fort William

Just outside Glasgow, we’ll briefly stop to snap photos of the Falkirk Wheel (the world’s first - and only - rotating boat lift) and the Kelpies (30-metre-high statues of horse heads). Next, we’ll enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens as we tour grand Stirling Castle, with its imposing Great Hall and peaceful gardens. Our final stop for the day is Dunblane Cathedral, one of Scotland’s few surviving medieval churches. From here, we’ll make our way north-west to Fort William.

The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William (3-star)

Day 4 - Glenfinnan - Cairngorms National Park - Aviemore

After a morning visit to Mallaig, we'll head to Glenfinnan House Hotel for an afternoon tea and then visit the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. On the way we'll pass the Glenfinnan Monument to capture views of the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (instantly recognisable for any Harry Potter film fans). We’ll then take the scenic route to Aviemore, passing mountains and munros as we travel through the wild landscapes of the UK’s biggest national park: Cairngorms.

Grant Arms Hotel (4-star)

Day 5 - Culloden - Inverness - Loch Ness

This morning, we’ll pay a visit to the battlefield at Culloden, scene of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. The visitor centre offers a poignant look at the conflict and its background. Next, we’ll head into the centre of Inverness, where you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll around the capital of the Highlands. Our final stop for the day is Loch Ness, where we’ll admire the cinematic scenery and perhaps scan the inky waters for a sighting of Nessie.

Grant Arms Hotel (4-star)

Day 6 - Aberdeen

Nestled in the beautiful Findhorn Valley is the sprawling Logie Estate, home to forest, farmland and a winding, salmon-filled river. We’ll stop here for a guided tour of the gardens on our way to Aberdeen. The afternoon is free to relax, or join us for an optional whisky tasting.

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen (4-star)

Day 7 - St Andrews - Edinburgh

This morning, you’ll have the chance to explore the lovely little town of St Andrews. Maybe wander in the atmospheric cathedral grounds or visit St Andrews Castle, included in your Scottish Explorer Pass. Arriving in Edinburgh, we’ll step aboard the former ‘floating palace’ of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia. Discover stories of life at sea as you explore five decks, from the state apartments to the gleaming engine room.

Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (4-star)

Day 8 - Edinburgh

Enjoy a free day in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most beautiful cities. There are some great museums and galleries, such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum of Scotland. Sightseeing highlights include the castle (you'll enjoy free entry with your included Scotland Explorer Pass) and the views over the city from Calton Hill.

Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (4-star)

Day 9 - Edinburgh

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Edinburgh