A Scottish Journey 2023

Majestic landscapes, scenic roads and imagination-firing landscapes: Scotland delivers on every level. After meeting the group at our hotel, we’ll get to know each other over a delicious welcome meal.

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and take to the scenic route. Now, the journey begins! Travelling along the coast, we’ll stop in at tiny East Neuk fishing villages before reaching St Andrews: a small town with a big reputation for world-class golf. Next, we’ll visit the historic town of Dunkeld, enjoying a walk around to discover its medieval cathedral. Later today, we’ll check into our accommodation in the Cairngorms region.

Our day will begin in dramatic fashion this morning as we explore the stunning surrounds of Cairngorms National Park – heading to viewpoints specially chosen by our in-the-know Tour Leader. Then, we’ll swap natural beauty spots for man-made marvels at 16th-century Crathes Castle, where soaring turrets, intricately painted ceilings and enchanting manicured gardens await. Following an included lunch, the end of the day will be ours to spend as we wish.

Prepare to delve into a day of truly authentic Scottish experiences. First, we’ll stop at the open-air Highland Folk Museum, used as the filming location for the TV series Outlander. Then, a lesson in Scotch whisky awaits in Speyside – Scotland’s famed distillery region. We’ll uncover the centuries-old legends and intricate processes behind turning malted barley into ‘liquid gold’ – sampling a dram or two while we’re at it. Our final stop of the day will be Inverness, the welcoming capital of the Highlands. Tonight, we’ll come together to share stories of the day’s adventures over an included meal.

After this morning’s orientation tour, the city is your oyster. Visit Inverness Castle and Cathedral, explore the charming Victorian Market or simply hunt down a good pub to relax in. What you do today is completely up to you! For dinner tonight, why not take advantage of the array of local eateries filled with character and delicious Scottish fare.

Our path will lead us eastwards this morning as we make our way to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. Here we’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Highlands and gain a unique insight into the battle that took place on this vast moorland. Next, there’s a chance to spot the elusive Nessie in mysterious Loch Ness – binoculars recommended! Following our monster hunt, we’ll pay a visit to the quaint village of Plockton, where painted cottages cluster around a picturesque bay. After strolling the harbour and observing the passing yachts, we’ll continue on to our final destination of the day: the breathtaking Isle of Skye. At our hotel, we’ll share the excitement for tomorrow’s adventures over an included dinner.

Sensational landscapes, rare wildlife and imagination-firing history – the Isle of Skye delivers on every level. This is North Highland scenery on a grand scale! We’ll spend the day taking in the island’s unique geology and jaw-dropping scenery – including the extraordinary Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr. After a full day of exploring, we’ll have the evening free to dine at our leisure or relax in our idyllic surrounds.

Today we’ll continue our journey through soul-stirring Scottish scenery before taking a short ferry ride over to the breathtaking Isle of Mull. Here, the evening will be yours to spend as you please.

The best way to explore the bewitching Hebrides is by island hopping – so today, we’ll do just that. From Mull’s little village of Fionnphort, we’ll set sail to Iona: where a medieval abbey and revered pilgrimage site await us. After returning to our hotel on Mull, we’ll toast to our Scottish journey with a final dinner together.

Back to the mainland we go. It’s been a tour that’s delved deep into Scotland’s heritage, so it’s only right that we finish with a stop in historic Stirling. A drive through the Old Town will bring us to the magnificent hilltop castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive and significant monuments. Here, we’ll spend some time exploring the castle’s many rooms and soaking up the sweeping views from atop the castle walls. What better way to round off our tour before returning to Edinburgh?