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Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

Everyday Price From

£3,234

£3,675

13 days

No Countries

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.

Locations Visited

Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose, St. Andrews, Glamis, Dundee, Pitlochry, Culloden, Inverness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban, Isle of Mull, Iona, Glencoe, Glasgow, Stirling

Countries Visited

Scotland

Travel Style

Country Explorer

Accommodations

12 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Welcome to Edinburgh

Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.

  • Accommodation

    Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh


  • 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 Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Edinburgh City Tour

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.

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 Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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See Jedburgh Abbey

See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the centre of town. 

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See Melrose Abbey

View the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.

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 centre 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 travelling 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 Hotel & Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit the University Town of 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.

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Glamis Castle Visit

Visit Glamis Castle, and appreciate the building's illustrious history and picturesque setting.

Today, wind your way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre 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 Hotel Inverness


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Highlands Culloden Visitor Centre

At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

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 Hotel Thurso


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Dunrobin Castle Visit

Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle. 

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Explore a traditional whiskey distillery in the Scottish Highlands

Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

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 Hotel Thurso


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Discover Orkney Isles

Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.

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

    The Kings Arms Hotel Kyleakin


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands

Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.

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See Eilean Donan Castle

Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.

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 Hotel Oban


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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See the Glenfinnan Viaduct

See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series. 

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 Hotel Oban


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Visit to the Isles of Mull and Iona

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. 

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


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Glasgow Orientation

See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. 

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See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

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Sustainable Glasgow Sightseeing

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.

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


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

Highlights

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Lunch with the Wood Family at their 15th-Century Farm on the Shores of Loch Ard

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.

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Stirling Visit

Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.

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

Highlights

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 Centre 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

What's Included

Travel Director

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Hotels

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Meals

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Sightseeing

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Transport

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Ferry

  • Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
  • Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
  • Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona

Optionals

  • Optional Experiences and free time

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Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes

  • A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
  • Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
  • Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
  • Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.

Terms & Conditions

  • Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
  • Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login.
  • For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.
  • Other conditions may apply. 

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Conditions apply. Policies are subject to change at any time.