Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities Reverse Summer 2023

13 days
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4.2/5 Great
5 reviews  
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Group Tour
Visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and witness the beauty of Loch Ness. View the ruins of Melrose Abbey and visit Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
    • Discover of Glasgow, Stirling, Orkney Islands and Dundee
    • Visit Stirling Castel, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow, Isle of Iona, Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, Ullapool, Skara Brae, The Italian Chapel in Orkney Islands, John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle, the battlefield and Visitor Centre of Culloden, Glamis Castle and Edinburgh Castle
    • View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle, the 18th green at St. Andrews and Jedburgh Abbey
    • See the Battlefield at Bannockburn, Lock Lomond and Loch Ness
    • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
    • Connect With Locals
    • Dive Into Culture

What's this trip about?

    Visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and witness the beauty of Loch Ness. View the ruins of Melrose Abbey and visit Glamis Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityGlasgow
End CityEdinburgh

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

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 i...

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'...

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 R...

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 t...

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. ...

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, p...

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,650
Price per day$358
Last Updated: 10/16/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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Barbara

Jul 2018

had a wonderful time

We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't...

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Jo LaFalce

Jul 2018

it was fabulous!

My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about th...

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Mark

Aug 2022

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Find someone else

After waiting for 3 years we were finally scheduled to go to Ireland but 8 days before our trip we were informed that they had changed their vaccination policy and w...

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Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations

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Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.

Why we love this operator
They have a high level of personalized attention and curated itineraries for Ireland & Scotland.
What they’re known for
Experience the best of Ireland & Scotland travel handcrafted by local experts.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 1 Welcome Reception
  • 12 Breakfasts
  • 1 Be My Guest
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 3 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
  • Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
Trip ID
brendanvacations-BHLRN18

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