Discover Scotland

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
• 2 Edinburgh
• 3 Culross, Falkland, St. Andrews & Aberdeen
• 4 Aberdeen
• 5 Inverness & Aviemore
• 6 Inverness
• 7 Glasgow
• 8 Glasgow & Edinburgh
• 9 Edinburgh
• 10 Edinburgh/USA

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

• Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Edinburgh

Day 2 Edinburgh

• Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
• Balance of the day at leisure
• Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Most flights arrive early in the morning, but your hotel will allow you to safely store your luggage while you explore the city on your own. Today is yours at leisure to discover Edinburgh independently or relax at the hotel.  This evening join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Culross, Falkland, St. Andrews & Aberdeen

• Stop in the villages of Culross and Falkland
• Falkland Palace and Gardens, the hunting lodge of Mary, Queen of Scots
• Stroll through the charming town of St. Andrews
• Arrive in Aberdeen

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart Edinburgh for Aberdeen. Along the way, stop in Culross and Falkland, two stunning little villages featured in the hit television series, Outlander. Step into the Falkland Palace and Gardens, the hunting lodge of Mary, Queen of Scots and home of one of the few ‘Royal Tennis’ courts. Continue to St. Andrews, known worldwide as The Home of Golf and for the magnificent West Sands beach, where the iconic opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was filmed. This famous town also boasts Scotland’s oldest university and is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge for its defining presence and the collegiate feel it lends to the town. See for yourself on a walking tour of this charming and historic place during which you can see the exterior wall of St Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland. 

After some time to explore on your own, continue to Aberdeen and check in to your hotel.

Day 4 Aberdeen

• See the ruins of the cliff top fortress of Dunnottor Castle
• Visit the St Machar’s Cathedral
• Afternoon at leisure in Aberdeen

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, see Dunnottor Castle's ruins, perched on a cliff on the edge of the North Sea. The fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, at one time one of the most powerful families in Scotland. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Marquis of Montrose have graced the castle with their presence. However, the castle is most famously known for being the location where a small garrison held out for eight months against Cromwell's mighty army and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels from destruction. During the visit to Aberdeen, visit St Machar’s Cathedral.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure in Aberdeen. This evening, dinner at your hotel. 

Day 5 Inverness & Aviemore

• Learn how the world's most awarded Scotch Whisky is created at a local distillery
• Take part in the traditional working day of a Highland Shepherd and his dogs at a local farm
• Visit the Highland town of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, immerse yourself in learning about some of Scotland's great traditions! First, visit a local distillery and learn about every part of the Scotch whisky making tradition. Tour the distillery to see how artisans create whiskies with generations of understanding. See the still house where the stillmen capture the sweetest part of the distillate from unusually sized copper stills. View the generations of gently maturing casks. Learn how they achieve depth and flavor consistency through their range of exceptional whiskies. Conclude your visit with a guided tasting of Scotch whisky world-renowned single malts.

Next, head to a local farm for a sheepdog demonstration amidst some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. See up to eight dogs working as a team, maneuvering sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Learn the dogs' commands and how each responds to their whistles while their handler explains each move. Participate in the traditional working day of a Highland Shepherd and their dogs. Keep your camera handy as you're sure to make some unforgettable memories today!

Later, visit the Highland town of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. Return to Inverness and check in to your hotel.

Day 6 Inverness

• Try to spot the elusive Nessie during a morning cruise on Loch Ness
• Step back in time at the medieval Urquhart Castle

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a cruise along Loch Ness. Loch Ness is the most voluminous lake in the UK and contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. This area of the Highlands is world-renowned for its dramatic scenery, not to mention the mysterious tales of a giant monster living beneath the dark expanses of the loch! Disembark at Urquhart Castle, which offers a taste of the Highlands at their most dramatic. Experience a glimpse of medieval life and stunning views of Loch Ness from the ruins of the most extraordinary castle in the Highlands. The castle is home to a remarkable collection of artifacts left by its residents and historical replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine. Urquhart Castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's history. Acts of chivalry and defiance here inspired the Wars of Independence, where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power. Urquhart Castle's 1,000 castle ruins are rumored to be the best place to spot the Loch Ness Monster!

Later, return to Inverness with time to explore independently before returning to your hotel.

Day 7 Glasgow

• Depart the Highlands and journey to Glasgow
• En route, stop at the Scottish Crannog Center and learn what life in the Iron Age was like
• Visit the Falkirk Wheel

Glasgow Marriott or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, depart the Highlands and head south to Glasgow. Along the way, stop at the Scottish Crannog Center, an award-winning, interactive center that shows what life in the Iron Age was like in a reconstructed prehistoric loch-dwelling. Originally built as an archaeological experiment based on underwater discoveries, the thatched roundhouse in the shallows of Loch Tay is a living museum on the water. The center overlooks the remains of 4 of the 18 ancient crannog settlements preserved in the loch, with the picturesque village of Kenmore to the east and stunning views toward Ben Lawers and Killin to the west.

En route to Glasgow, visit the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift,  linking the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 114 feet above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering. At the Falkirk wheel, you also see the 30m high Kelpies sculptures representing Scotland's reliance on the heavy horse industry and the mythical Celtic creatures.  Enjoy a boat trip on the canal.

Arrive in Glasgow and check in to the hotel.

Day 8 Glasgow & Edinburgh

• Take a panoramic tour of Glasgow
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Set out on a panoramic tour of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. From the magnificent St. Mungo Cathedral to the People's Palace and Glasgow Green, explore Glasgow's rich past as a religious center and one of Britain's most important industrial cities. The Victorian architecture of the city center offers a striking contrast to the expensive parks of the West End. Among those, Kelvingrove provides a haven of peace in the city, with amazing views of Glasgow University's buildings and the Kelvingrove Museum. It is not hard to see why Glasgow is home to Scotland's most celebrated architect: Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Continue to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, one of Scotland's most visited attractions, housed in a magnificent building with 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8,000 pieces. The internationally significant collections are extensive and varied, covering natural history, arms and armor art from various movements and periods, and much more. Take an expert-led journey to the heart of one of the great civic museums of Europe with collections of major international significance, including Dali, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Enjoy an overview of the incredible displays of art, archaeology, natural history, world culture, and Scottish history.

Arrive in Edinburgh later today and check in to the hotel.

Day 9 Edinburgh

• Discover Edinburgh on a panoramic tour
• Visit Edinburgh Castle
• Spend your last afternoon in Scotland further exploring Edinburgh independently
• Farewell dinner at Grand Café

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Edinburgh is one of the world's finest capital cities, thanks to its cultural diversity and impressive history. The medieval streets run through the city, telling their story about Edinburgh's 1,000-year-old traditions and myths. The city is the medieval ‘Old Town’ and the Georgian 18th Century ‘New Town.' Throughout today's panoramic tour, get to know different parts of the city, such as the Royal Mile,  Palace of Holyrood house, the Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, and many more.

Visit Edinburgh Castle and learn about its long, rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress. Head up Castle Hill and retrace the footsteps of kings and queens as you explore the Crown room, home to the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny, which all Scottish and UK Kings and Queens are crowned upon.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city independently or purchasing some last-minute souvenirs.

This evening join your fellow travelers for farewell dinner at Grand Café in the 1905 Scotsman building on the North Bridge,  the previous home of the national newspaper – The Scotsman. 

Day 10 Edinburgh/USA

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh

First Class

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh is conveniently located at the heart of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. The hotel is just a few minutes from The University of Edinburg, Princes Street, Waverley Station, and the Edinburgh Tram on York Place. The property strikes a balance of Scottish heritage and innovative design. 

More information

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

First Class

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa is located in the center of Aberdeen, in one of the most historic buildings, the former Robert Gordon University, St Andrews Street Campus. The landmark building contributes to the architectural landscape of the city. The property includes a fully equipped fitness room and a signature spa where you can relax and unwind after a day of traveling. 

More information

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

First Class

Located in the heart of Inverness, a stay at River Ness Hotel will give you a taste of the Highlands in one of Scotland's most picturesque cities. The hotel is within walking distance of the River Ness, Inverness Castle Viewpoint, Inverness Town House, Highland Railway Company 1914-1919 Memorial, and St Columba High Church. Just 12 miles from the hotel lives Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, with the first reported sighting dates back to the 6th century.

More information

Glasgow Marriott

First Class

Glasgow Marriott is ideally situated in the heart of Glasgow near Hampden Park and the University of Glasgow and close to vibrant shopping areas, nightlife, and dining. The comfortable, modern style of the hotel offers a fantastic way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Enjoy the indoor pool or the modern gym and sauna.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Scotland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about the United Kingdom? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

Other Packages

On Sale Small Group Tour

Scenic Scotland

from $4899 w/ Flights from $3999 Tour Only 10 days

per person, double occupancy,* during sale**

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