Scottish Outland Adventure
Take a journey into the fabled land of adventure on this affordable vacation in Scotland. From the elegant Georgian squares and 12th-century cathedral in Glasgow, you’ll travel to legendary Edinburgh, stop in Stirling to admire the prized castle of Scottish kings and symbol of the country’s independence. Enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing in Edinburgh, including 200-year-old New Town—home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. Visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels and, for specific departures, be thrilled by the Royal Military Tattoo presented on the castle’s esplanade in a mass spectacle of Scottish pipe bands, music, dance, and pageantry by performers from around the world:
7 Days
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Destination
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Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover Scotland’s great cultural city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for dinner at the hotel.
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Day 2: Glasgow-Stirling-Culross-Edinburgh
Start your day with an orientation drive taking in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares. Continue on to Stirling where you will have time to admire the castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and preferred residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Pause in Culross featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” After arrival in Edinburgh, why not join an optional excursion: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis?
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Day 3: Edinburgh
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, join an optional tour with dinner. For departure August 11 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
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Day 4: Edinburgh–st. Andrews–pitlochry–culloden Moor–strathpeffer
A day of memorable sightseeing. Take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing, then cross the Firth of Tay and head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then proceed to your Highland destination.
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Day 5: Strathpeffer. West Coast Excursion
More spectacular Scottish scenery: Dornoch Firth, the Kyle of Sutherland, the Falls of Shin, the Mountains of Assynt, and Knockan Crag. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this afternoon: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a lake cruise, followed by supper.
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Day 6: Strathpeffer–isle Of Skye–glenfinnan–fort William–glasgow
More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. Pause at Glenfinnan to see the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous viaduct well known to “Harry Potter” fans before reaching Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way back to Glasgow.
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Day 7: Glasgow
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.