Wander on Islands through Highlands and Experience the Rich Scottish Culture
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly direct to Edinburgh from Toronto.
We arrive and travel to Edinburgh stopping at The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. In mid-afternoon we will check into our hotel with time to relax before our Welcome Dinner.
We explore the city’s Old and New towns and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, used by the Royal Family to sail over a million miles! This evening we’re off to the unforgettable Edinburgh Tattoo.
On our way to Inverness, we’ll stop at St. Andrews, home to the famous golf course and the university where William met Kate. Our walking tour takes us to the castle, the ruins of St. Andrews cathedral, and the university grounds. After free time to explore, we travel through the highlands to Inverness.
We stop at Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1745, and visit Dunrobin Castle, perched like a fairy-tale above the North Sea. Overnight in Thurso.
At the northernmost tip of Scotland, we board a ferry for South Ronaldsay, one of the Orkney Islands, to see the Italian Chapel and the Standing Stones of Stenness “Orkney’s Stonehenge”. After visiting Kirkwall, the island’s Viking capital, we visit Skara Brae Prehistoric Village. We travel back across the island to the ferry for our journey back to the mainland for an evening of Scottish entertainment.
There are few places that can rival the drama and beauty of Scotland’s north-west coast. We will visit the Smoo Caves, which are the largest limestone caves in Britain, and then the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.
We continue along the coast, taking in the spectacular vistas of the Summer Isles, and arrive at Inverewe Gardens, a lush oasis perched on a rugged peninsula.
Today we explore the magical Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, and see magnificent Kilt Rock, a 90 metres basalt column that looks like a pleated kilt. After some free time in picture-postcard Portree, we head back to the mainland and the Highland village of Drumnadrochit for a 2-night stay. Tonight enjoy a delicious meal at a local inn.
Our Loch Ness experience starts in Fort Augustus, where we see the ladder locks of the Caledonian Canal. We visit the Clansman Centre, circumnavigate the Loch to take in its spectacular views, enjoy a narrated Jacobite Cruise to the 1,000-year-old Urquhart Castle.
We take the scenic route along Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy with a stop at the Commando Memorial Monument, dedicated to the British Commando Forces who fought in WWII. Then we board our ferry to the Isle of Mull for a 2-night stay.
Today we hop another ferry to the sacred island of Iona. Known as the cradle of Christianity, this wee isle attracts thousands each year for its religious significance and unspoiled beauty.
Today it’s back to the mainland for a scenic drive through Glen Coe and a visit to Stirling Castle, once a residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Then we proceed to Glasgow for our last 3 nights.
Culture, incredible Victorian architecture, friendly people—there’s nothing you won’t love about this charming city. Our tour takes us to the City Chambers, Central Station, Glasgow Cathedral and more. We visit the Clydeside Distillery to taste some famous Lowland-style single malt and learn about Glasgow’s whisky history.
A day at leisure, with time to explore Glasgow’s museums, galleries and tempting shops. This evening at our Farewell Dinner, it’s time to raise a glass to say slàinte (cheers) to a brilliant tour!
We fly non-stop to Toronto from Edinburgh airport.
Please note: Excursions that involve a ferry trip are subject to weather conditions. If a sailing is cancelled by the boat/ferry company, a suitable alternative will be provided.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
