Enchanting lochs, haunting glens and soaring mountains: Scotland is home to many diverse treasures. On this tour of the historic Borders and scenic Central Belt, we’ll discover some of the country’s most spectacular views, fascinating stories and long-standing traditions – all of which are to be found in lesser-visited locations off the beaten track. Ready to discover another side to Scotland? This is the trip for you.
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 - Edinburgh
A land of magnificent historical treasures and imagination-firing landscapes – we’ll meet in Bonnie Scotland’s picturesque capital. After settling into our hand-picked hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a deliciously hearty welcome meal. Here’s to the incredible journey ahead!
Day 2 - Edinburgh - Doune - Perthshire
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and make our way to Doune – where a visit to the imposing Doune Castle awaits. After spending some time admiring the castle interior and views from the battlements, we’ll roll through the spellbinding Sma’ Glen en route to Perthshire – a region known for its picturesque lochs, looming mountain ranges and lush forests. Here we’ll indulge in delicious smoked salmon tasting at Dunkeld Smokehouse, before having the evening free to explore our surrounds or relax at the hotel.
Day 3 - Perthshire
Today is one for the nature-lovers amongst us! After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the vastness of the highlands with a kilted safari ranger – going off-road through wild terrain to take in the area’s spectacular mountain views. We may even be lucky enough to glimpse a golden eagle, mountain hare or grouse as we go. After an adventurous ride, we’ll move on to the Red Deer Centre – where we’ll have the opportunity to see Britain’s largest native land mammal up close. Then: we’ll return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Day 4 - Perthshire - Scottish Crannog Centre - Luss
Today we’ve an appointment to keep at the Scottish Crannog Centre. Walking in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers, we’ll immerse ourselves in a variety of craft, textile and cooking demonstrations – gaining a unique insight into Scotland’s extensive and fascinating history. Following our visit, we have a whisky tasting session to look forward to at the postcard-perfect Glengoyne Distillery. Continuing our journey, we’ll end the day along the western shore of Loch Lomond in the picturesque village of Luss – where a sumptuous group dinner awaits.
Day 5 - Luss - Glencoe - Luss
More breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as we take a day trip through the magnificent Glencoe valley. Sit back and enjoy the leisurely pace as we admire the towering mountain ranges formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial movement thousands of years ago. While we’re here, we’ll visit Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn the haunting story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Afterwards, we’ll savour an afternoon of leisure time when we return to Luss.
Day 6 - Luss - New Lanark - Scottish Borders
This morning, we’ll round off our visit to Loch Lomond with a scenic loch cruise. After losing ourselves amidst the views of islands, mountains and trees, we’ll head back to dry land for the journey to the Scottish Borders. Along the way, we’ll make a pit stop in New Lanark – home of the award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre (one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites of ‘outstanding universal value’). A region steeped in history and ancient traditions, we’ll savour a final group meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders tonight.
Day 7 - Scottish Borders - Edinburgh
Before our tour comes to a close, we’ve a couple of historical stops to make. First: we’ll pay a visit to Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland before continuing on to Melrose Abbey – the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce. Then: back to beautiful Edinburgh, where we’ll say goodbye.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Twin Share from $3,489per person / Sole use from $4,359 per person
Twin Share from $3,579 per person / Sole use from $4,479 per person
Please call our friendly travel team on 1300 414 198 to get a quote or make a booking. Why not extend your stay and see Europe? Our friendly Australian team can happily help arrange our flights, accommodation and travel insurance.
On your tour you will spend 6 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.
Where do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival? Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.
Do you provide airport transfers? For Europe and UK tours, airport transfers are not included in your tour price – however, we can book transfers for you as an additional service.
How much luggage can I bring? As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring? A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
What level of mobility do I need?: You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
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