The Highlights of Scotland Tour
From Loch Ness to St Andrews and Cairngorms to Culloden, this holiday introduces you to the true highlights of Scotland. Tour the historic castles, cathedrals and battlefields from the days of Bonny Prince Charlie, and explore the thriving cities of Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. Step onto the Royal Yacht Britannia for a flavour of royal life at sea. We finish up in beautiful Edinburgh, where you’ll have the chance to explore the castle, climb Arthur’s Seat or cosy up in a pub with a wee dram of Scotch whisky.
- 14 Meals - 8 Breakfasts & 6 Dinners
- 8 Nights In Hotel Accommodation
- Welcome Drink
- Scotland Explorer Pass (Including Edinburgh Castle)
11 Excursions & Visits
- Visits to Culzean Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Stirling Castle, Dunblane Cathedral, Culloden battlefield, Loch Ness, St Andrews, and the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Afternoon tea at Glenfinnan House Hotel and views of Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Scenic drive in Cairngorms National Park
- Guided tour of the Logie Estate gardens
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & Travel Insurance
Day 1 - Glasgow
Join your tour group at the hotel.
Day 2 - Glasgow
Our Scotland tour begins at glorious Culzean Castle. This 18th-century castle is perched high on the Ayrshire cliffs and filled with turrets with the treasures of its former inhabitants. Surrounding it is a 260-hectare estate planted with conifer and beech woodland and dotted with secret follies and fruit-filled glasshouses. Returning to Glasgow, we’ll visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral - the largest in Scotland (and one of the oldest). After our stop here, you’ll have free time to explore the city. There are some wonderful museums and art galleries, plus a fantastic mural trail that spotlights works by acclaimed street artists. Or go for a wander in the Botanic Gardens, which feature a wrought-iron Victorian glasshouse.
Day 3 - Glasgow - Fort William
Just outside Glasgow, we’ll briefly stop to snap photos of the Falkirk Wheel (the world’s first - and only - rotating boat lift) and the Kelpies (30-metre-high statues of horse heads). Next, we’ll enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens as we tour grand Stirling Castle, with its imposing Great Hall and peaceful gardens. Our final stop for the day is Dunblane Cathedral, one of Scotland’s few surviving medieval churches. From here, we’ll make our way northwest to Fort William.
Day 4 - Glenfinnan - Cairngorms National Park - Aviemore
After a morning visit to Mallaig, we'll head to Glenfinnan House Hotel for an afternoon tea and then visit the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. On the way, we'll pass the Glenfinnan Monument to capture views of the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (instantly recognizable for any Harry Potter film fans). We’ll then take the scenic route to Aviemore, passing mountains and munros as we travel through the wild landscapes of the UK’s biggest national park: Cairngorms.
Day 5 - Culloden - Inverness - Loch Ness
This morning, we’ll pay a visit to the battlefield at Culloden, the scene of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. The visitor center offers a poignant look at the conflict and its background. Next, we’ll head into the center of Inverness, where you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll around the capital of the Highlands. Our final stop for the day is Loch Ness, where we’ll admire the cinematic scenery and perhaps scan the inky waters for a sighting of Nessie.
Day 6 - Aberdeen
Nestled in the beautiful Findhorn Valley is the sprawling Logie Estate, home to forest, farmland, and a winding, salmon-filled river. We’ll stop here for a guided tour of the gardens on our way to Aberdeen. The afternoon is free to relax or join us for an optional whisky tasting.
Day 7 - St Andrews - Edinburgh
This morning, you’ll have the chance to explore the lovely little town of St Andrews. Maybe wander in the atmospheric cathedral grounds or visit St Andrews Castle, included in your Scottish Explorer Pass. Arriving in Edinburgh, we’ll step aboard the former ‘floating palace’ of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia. Discover stories of life at sea as you explore five decks, from the state apartments to the gleaming engine room.
Day 8 - Edinburgh
Enjoy a free day in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most beautiful cities. There are some great museums and galleries, such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum of Scotland. Sightseeing highlights include the castle (you'll enjoy free entry with your included Scotland Explorer Pass) and the views over the city from Calton Hill.
Day 9 - Edinburgh
Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Multiple Departure Dates departing Glasgow
11 May / 1 June / 31 August 2025
- From $5,158 per person twin share*
- From $7,034 per person sole traveler*
Call our team today to find out more on 1300 414 198. Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Please note: Exact itineraries may vary slightly depending on departure date - your full itinerary will be shown on your confirmation
Day 1: Novotel Glasgow Centre
Day 2: Novotel Glasgow Centre
Day 3: The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William
Day 4: Grant Arms Hotel
Day 5: Grant Arms Hotel
Day 6: Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Day 7: Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel
Day 8: Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel
Suggested arrival & departure - Glasgow
Each tour has been given a rating from 1 to 3, with 3 being the most strenuous. You must discuss with us your suitability for this tour before booking. This tour has been classified as:
Level 2 - A moderately paced holiday with more days that are longer and excursions may require moderate walking at a steady pace. You might be required to walk further distances, including over mixed terrain and up and down stairs.
Please note: This is a guide only. Please be aware that for each level you should also be comfortably able to manage the requirements set out in the lower levels. For cruising, this guide refers to the onboard experience and includes excursions only.