Scottish Lochs & Castles - 8 Days/7 Nights

Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Glasgow hotel with a panoramic tour of central Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once important for shipbuilding. Explore historic trains, ships, cars and motorbikes at the interactive Riverside Transport Museum. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers before dinner at your hotel. (D)

Drive to historic Stirling Castle, the childhood home of some of the most famous people in Scottish history. Hear tales of Mary, Queen of Scots, and William Wallace – then hear how to storm a castle and fire a cannonball. Visit Bannockburn Heritage Centre and learn about the battle fought against the English in 1314, the most celebrated in Scottish history. Embark on a scenic drive through the lochs and wooded glens of the Trossachs National Park and Glencoe before arriving at your hotel in Fort William. Enjoy dinner with your group in the evening. (B, D)

Travel along the Caledonian Canal, constructed in the 19th century, to Loch Ness where you’ll embark on a short cruise to admire enchanting scenic views – see if you spot “Nessie”, the legendary monster said to dwell in the lake. Next, have fun participating in a mini Highland Games, as you playfully compete in traditional Scottish fun. Your hotel tonight is in Aviemore. (B, D)

Continue your journey through majestic Highland scenery. Visit a farm to see trained dogs hard at work herding sheep. View the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains as you travel to magnificent Blair Castle, the 700-year-old home of the Atholl family; the furnishings of the castle give a unique glimpse into Scottish history. Travel on to the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, a gracious manor-style hotel. (B, D)

An interactive nature experience with Highland Safaris will introduce you to the local wildlife and habitat of the region. At the Red Deer and Barn Owl Encounter, learn about Britain’s largest native land mammal. You will have an opportunity to pet, feed, and photograph the animals and go into the forest with a ranger. Have lunch there before enjoying a free afternoon in Pitlochry, a bustling resort town. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. (B, L, D)

Drive to St Andrews, known as the “Home of Golf,” to enjoy some free time. On your way to Edinburgh, stop off for a relaxing boat cruise on the Firth of Forth, admiring the beautiful panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline and the Three Bridges. Later, enjoy a Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes, kilts, and Highland dancing. (B, D)

Explore Edinburgh with a guide. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of Edinburgh. Then enjoy an independent afternoon. You'll have a voucher for your choice of walking tours to explore the city. August 14 departure tour enjoys the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.   >