Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands

This trip starts in historic Edinburgh. Meet your tour leader at 4pm at the hotel reception for the welcome briefing. Then enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, in which we get to know each other a little better. If you arrive early, consider heading into the New Town to look around the art galleries or enjoy the varied shopping opportunities of Princes Street. Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)

Our Edinburgh city tour begins at its most ancient stronghold: Edinburgh Castle. It was the home of James VI, the king who united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603. We then head to King Charles’ official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We continue our tour into the Old Town and meander through the many bustling streets that make up the Royal Mile. We finish the tour by ascending Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and said to be the location of King Arthur’s Camelot. The climb, which you can sit out if you’d prefer to relax, takes around 2hr 30min and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the city from the top. Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)

Begin with a visit to the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, where we join a guided tour to learn how it has inspired the imaginations of writers and artists throughout the centuries. This afternoon, visit Midhope Castle, the ancestral home of the fictional Jamie Fraser from the TV series Outlander, where it was known as Lallybroch. End the day with a scenic 10mi (16km) trip aboard a steam train on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Our journey takes us along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. We then transfer (30 minutes) to our second hotel in Dunblane. Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Visit Stirling Castle today, one of the most historically significant castles in Scotland. Explore the great hall, chapel, palace vaults and Queen Anne Gardens, plus exhibitions and museums. Then visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge crossing the River Forth. It’s best known as the spot where Sir William Wallace of Scotland defeated Edward I’s English army in 1297. Continue our journey through history and visit the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, fought King Edward II’s army for Scottish Independence in 1314. We have free time to explore the site and peruse the visitor centre. Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Take a picturesque one-hour journey to Loch Lomond through Trossachs National Park, home to a small mountain range. Upon arrival, we join a leisurely boat trip around the waters. Over one hour or so, we enjoy scenic views of Ben Lomond mountain and pass several stately homes and castles. In the afternoon after a cafe lunch, enjoy serene views on a 3mi-4mi (5km-6.5km) walk along the loch shores. We then transfer back to Dunblane for the evening. Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Our first stop today is the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle, a filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where we have free time to explore. Next up, is the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander, a well-known Scottish shop where you can purchase traditional Scottish tweed, enjoy a coffee, and say hello to Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly – the resident Highland cows. After lunch, we journey north to visit the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay for an insight into the lives of the crannog dwellers who lived on the loch 2,500 years ago. We then transfer 30 minutes to Pitlochry and our next hotel. Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)

Transfer (approximately one hour) to Braemar village in the Cairngorms National Park. Here we have time to explore and visit the Highland Games Museum before taking a leisurely walk to the Balmoral estate, home of the late Queen Elizabeth II. We can take the opportunity to visit the gift shop (depending on operating hours) or walk around the awe-inspiring grounds. Finish the day with a whisky tasking at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which occupies a picturesque spot at the bottom of the Cairngorm mountains, beside the River Dee. Led by one of their in-house experts, we take a one-hour tour of the distillery and enjoy two tastings of their single malt Scotch whisky. We then transfer back to Pitlochry, where we have our farewell dinner at the hotel, an excellent chance to relive the highlights of the trip and, perhaps, order a last dram. Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)

Our adventure together ends today, and we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) back to Edinburgh to arrive by midday. With so much to see and do in the capital, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour. Speak to your sales representative to book.