Journeys: Discover Scotland - 9 Days

Arrive at any time.

Explore Scotland’s hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You’ll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and David’s Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket.

Marvel at some of Edinburgh's most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you’ll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you’ll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you’ll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you’ll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You’ll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town’s history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. Your walk concludes at a local distillery, where the next part of your journey begins. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you’ll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish and mellow quality. You’ll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery’s exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen’s View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry to complete the day. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.

Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort Augustus, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you’ll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Aberfeldy, continue to a quaint town where you'll enjoy lunch before heading out on the final leg of the day’s journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you’re placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center’s 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. After pausing at the local viewpoint to take in the vistas, you'll check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

Set out on a full-day excursion, stopping first for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo stop. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye—a stunning island occupied in prehistoric times and later settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. After meeting your guide, enjoy a short visit to Sligachan before heading to Dunvegan to explore its 13th-century castle, the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, continue to Portree, famed for its picture-perfect harbor. As the island's capital, Portree serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. Finally, head back to Fort Augustus for the evening to enjoy dinner with the group and share stories of your full day exploring the Isle of Skye.

In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows’—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.

Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in an invisible cities walking tour with a local guide, who'll provide a unique perspective into the city and connect with a powerful human narrative. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Depart at any time.