Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities Reverse Summer 2021

Day 1: Welcome to Glasgow

Your epic journey across Scotland's highlands, islands and cities begins in feisty Glasgow. Spend your day exploring before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation tour that will see you view St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square with its statues of Britain's famous sons and daughters. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception to kick-start your turas through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.

Day 2: Uncover Stirling Castle’s Secrets

Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish kings and queens have made Stirling Castle their home over the centuries. Enjoy a visit to its grounds and delve into the history of this royal residence and fortress, besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. We'll visit the splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads, before venturing to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Later, we Connect With Locals, joining the Wood family this afternoon for a memorable Be My Guest experience at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard, amidst tales of Rob Roy. This evening, we return to Glasgow for time at leisure to enjoy true Scottish hospitality.

Day 3: Onwards to Oban

We follow the banks of Loch Lomond as we head north into the Highlands. A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the 'Glen of Weeping', marks our journey. Continue to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Sail to the Isles of Mull and Iona

Set sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before our journey back to Oban, we'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.

Day 5: Over the Sea to Skye

We pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis. Following a beautiful route that takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic, we journey 'over the sea to Skye' where tonight we'll stay on the isle and enjoy a dinner in our hotel.

Day 6: Off to Ullapool and Thurso

We pass the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a tiny island where three sea lochs meet. Dramatic landscapes accompany our scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. We then continue onward to Thurso, our home for the next two nights, where we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 7: A Day on the Orkney Islands

We board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the stretch of WWII causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit Skara Brae and see the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. We stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Day 8: Journey to Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands

Pass through Inverness and journey to Dunrobin for a visit to this stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Spend some time exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland, before continuing to the mystical haunt of Nessie. Visit the tragic battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated and the Visitor Centre at Culloden. Then, continue on to your hotel in the Scottish Highlands

Day 9: On to Creative Dundee

Pass rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains on your journey to Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a famous distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Hearts and hands warmed, you'll continue to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.

Day 10: Explore Glamis Castle and off to Edinburgh

Explore the beautiful gardens of Glamis Castle this morning, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens before continuing to the celebrated home of golf, St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Then, it's on to Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland.

Day 11: Discover Enchanting Edinburgh

Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, stopping to view the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. See the new Scottish Parliament Building and the Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to see the Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 12: A Day of Abbeys, Landscapes and History

A scenic day's excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which we will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. We take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.

Day 13: Farewell Edinburgh

Our epic journey across Scotland's highlands, islands and cities has come to an end. It's time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.