Scotland Highlands Journey

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and a city of UNESCO listed Old and New Towns whose landmarks range from medieval fortifications to Enlightenment era planning. Around 6pm, we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers in the hotel reception to get to know each other and hear about the adventures ahead. If you arrive early, you can explore the New Town, browse art galleries or shop along Princes Street. Our tour leader then arranges a group dinner for a warm Scottish welcome. If you would like more time in Edinburgh, you can add extra nights before the tour through your sales representative. You can also upgrade to a superior room – speak to your sales representative for details.

Led by our tour leader – an official Edinburgh guide – we set out on a walking tour, beginning outside Edinburgh Castle before continuing to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We wander into the Old Town and along the Royal Mile, soaking up the city’s rich history. We finish by ascending Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano said to be linked to the legend of King Arthur; the climb takes about two hours 30 minutes and rewards us with wonderful city views. If you prefer to relax, you can sit this out. You can upgrade to a superior room – speak to your sales representative for details.

We begin at the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, joining a guided tour to learn how it has inspired writers and artists through the ages. This afternoon, we visit Midhope Castle, the ancestral home of the fictional Jamie Fraser in Outlander, known as Lallybroch. We end the day with a scenic 10 miles (16km) journey on the heritage Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, tracing the Forth Estuary through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. We then transfer about 30 minutes to our next hotel in Dunblane. You can upgrade to a superior suite – speak to your sales representative for details.

We visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most significant strongholds, exploring the Great Hall, chapel, palace vaults, Queen Anne Gardens and the exhibitions. We then see Stirling Old Bridge, associated with Sir William Wallace’s defeat of Edward I’s army in 1297. Continuing our journey, we visit the Battle of Bannockburn site, where Robert the Bruce faced Edward II in 1314; you have free time to explore the visitor centre and enjoy the award winning Battle of Bannockburn Experience. You can upgrade to a superior suite – speak to your sales representative for details.

We travel for about one hour to Loch Lomond through the Trossachs National Park, home to a small mountain range. On arrival, we take a leisurely boat trip of around an hour, enjoying views of Ben Lomond and passing stately homes and castles. After a café lunch, we follow a serene 3–4 miles (5–6.5km) walk along the loch shores before transferring back to Dunblane for the evening. You can upgrade to a superior suite – speak to your sales representative for details.

Our first stop is Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold and filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail; you have free time to explore. Next, we visit the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander, where you can browse traditional tweed, enjoy a coffee and meet resident Highland cows Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly. After lunch, we journey north to the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay, where a local specialist shares insight into life on the loch 2,500 years ago. We then transfer about 30 minutes to Pitlochry and our next hotel. You can upgrade to a superior room – speak to your sales representative for details.

We transfer for approximately one hour to Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park. We have time to explore and visit the Highland Games Museum before a leisurely walk to the Balmoral estate, the Highland home of the Royal Family; depending on operating hours, you can visit the gift shop or simply enjoy the grounds. We finish with a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery – a one hour tour led by an in house expert with two tastings of their single malt. We return to Pitlochry for a farewell dinner at the hotel, a chance to relive the highlights and perhaps enjoy a final dram. You can upgrade to a superior room – speak to your sales representative for details.

Our adventure ends today as we transfer for about 1 hour 30 minutes back to Edinburgh, arriving by midday. If you wish to extend your time in the capital, you can book extra nights after the tour through your sales representative.