Scenic Scotland

Discover the best of Scotland: The port city of Glasgow; ancient Stirling; the villages of Culross & Falkland; iconic Scottish Highlands; historic Inverness; Loch Ness & the capital city of Edinburgh

Overview

from$5099Tour + Flights from$4199Tour Only 10days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 14, 2025 departure from NYC

$600 Instant Savings. Expires Jan 2, 2025.* All prices reflect savings.

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	April – November 2025	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture, Bucket List, City Stays
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness.
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Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich history of Scotland, beginning in Glasgow, Scotland's vibrant cultural hub, where Victorian architecture and modern landmarks blend seamlessly. Travel back in time and explore ancient Stirling Castle and Glamis Castle, each steeped in centuries of history and legend. Then venture off the beaten path to Dunnottar Castle and Balmoral Castle, nestled amidst Scotland's breathtaking scenery. In charming St. Andrews, experience the timeless traditions of Scottish life and enjoy exclusive whisky tastings in picturesque villages amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Set sail on Loch Ness, keeping watch for the elusive Nessie, and conclude your journey in Edinburgh, where medieval streets lead to iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Calton Hill, offering panoramic views of the cityscape below. With Friendly Planet, every moment is carefully crafted for an immersive and unforgettable experience in Scotland's enchanting landscapes.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from New York (NYC) to Edinburgh (EDI), including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
All ground transportation and transfers
8 nights in Deluxe and Superior First-Class hotel accommodations
14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
Professional, English-speaking tour guide

Optional add-ons

Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Optional visit to the battlefield of Culloden
Optional tour of the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street

Why you'll love it

Explore the highlights of Scotland's two most prominent cities: Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Explore the area of Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater lake.
Stand in the footsteps of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots at Dunnottor Castle.
Enjoy traditional afternoon cream tea in the villages of Ballater and Braemar.
Discover what life in the Iron Age was like at the Scottish Crannog Center.
Take part in a Scottish whisky tasting and learn how to make Cranachan, a typical Scottish dessert.
Enjoy a demonstration of a typical working day of a Highland sheepdog at a local farm.
Cruise along Loch Ness and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, rumored to be the best place to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster!
Stop in Culross and Falkland, two stunning little villages featured in the hit television series "Outlander."
Explore the collegiate town of St. Andrews, known worldwide as The Home of Golf, and where the iconic opening sequence of "Chariots of Fire" was filmed.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Arrive Edinburgh & transfer to Glasgow
3 Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Dunkeld
4 Dunkeld, Forfar, Stonehaven, Royal Deeside & Dunkeld
5 Dunkeld, Kenmore, Kingussie & Inverness
6 Inverness, Loch Ness & Fort Augustus
Optional Excursion: Culloden Battlefield, $25
7 Inverness, Glencoe, Callander & Edinburgh
8 Edinburgh, Culross & Falkland, St Andrews & Edinburgh
9 Edinburgh
Optional Excursion: Johnnie Walker Experience, $42
10 Edinburgh/USA

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $600 off if you book by Jan. 2, 2025!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Mon, Apr 14, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 14 – Apr 23	$5699	–$600	$5099	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, May 12, 2025 Finishes: Wed, May 21, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 12 – May 21	$6199	–$600	$5599	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Jun 9, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 9 – Jun 18	$6549	–$600	$5949	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 14 – Jul 23	$6549	–$600	$5949	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 11 – Aug 20	$6549	–$600	$5949	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Sep 15, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Sep 24, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 15 – Sep 24	$5999	–$600	$5399	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Oct 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Oct 22, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 13 – Oct 22	$5799	–$600	$5199	Select
Departs U.S.: Mon, Oct 27, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Nov 5, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 27 – Nov 5	$5799	–$600	$5199	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Tue, Apr 15, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 15 – Apr 23	$4799	–$600	$4199	Select
Starts: Tue, May 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, May 21, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 13 – May 21	$5299	–$600	$4699	Select
Starts: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 10 – Jun 18	$5649	–$600	$5049	Select
Starts: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 15 – Jul 23	$5649	–$600	$5049	Select
Starts: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 12 – Aug 20	$5649	–$600	$5049	Select
Starts: Tue, Sep 16, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Sep 24, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 16 – Sep 24	$5099	–$600	$4499	Select
Starts: Tue, Oct 14, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Oct 22, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 14 – Oct 22	$4899	–$600	$4299	Select
Starts: Tue, Oct 28, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Nov 5, 2025 Book by Thu, Jan 2, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 28 – Nov 5	$4899	–$600	$4299	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Scenic Scotland
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
May 12, 2025	$1319
Apr 14, 2025; Jul 14, 2025	unavailable
All other dates	$1399
Optional Excursions
Culloden Battlefield¹	$25
Johnnie Walker Experience	$42

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers¹
Arrival Transfer: Edinburgh airport to Glasgow Hotel	$140
Departure Transfer: Edinburgh hotel to Edinburgh airport	$50

1. Prices based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)¹	included

1. NYC departures will be from either JFK or EWR based upon availability.

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 2 Arrive Edinburgh & transfer to Glasgow

Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel in Glasgow
Discover the highlights of Glasgow during a walking tour, including a whisky tasting
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner

Clayton Hotel Glasgow City or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival in Edinburgh, meet our representative and transfer with your group to your hotel in Glasgow. This afternoon is yours at leisure to discover Glasgow independently or relax at the hotel. Later, embark on a guided walking tour of Glasgow with a whisky tasting before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Dunkeld

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Glasgow
Visit the impressive Stirling Castle
Drive through Loch Lomond National Park with a visit to the village of Luss

Dunkeld House Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Set out on a panoramic tour of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. From the vibrant streets of Merchant City and Glasgow University to George Square and Glasgow Green, explore Glasgow's rich past as a religious center and one of Britain's most important industrial cities. The city center's Victorian architecture 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's not hard to see why Glasgow is home to Scotland's most celebrated architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Next, depart for Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland. Upon arrival, visit the Stirling Castle. The castle is well-known for its impressive architecture, the crowning seat of Mary, Queen of Scots, and historical importance in William Wallace's fight for independence.

Continue to Loch Lomond for a drive through Trossachs National Park, stopping first at the charming village of Luss, located on Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater lake. Finally, make your way to Dunkeld for dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Dunkeld, Forfar, Stonehaven, Royal Deeside & Dunkeld

Visit Forfar's Glamis Castle
Stop at the ruins of the cliff-top fortress of Dunnottar Castle
Visit Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's private Scottish home
Enjoy a traditional afternoon cream tea

Dunkeld House Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, head out to Forfar to visit nearby Glamis Castle. Surrounded by extensive gardens and preserved grounds, the castle was the official residence of Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne for over 600 years.

Continue to Stonehaven to view the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff on the edge of the North Sea. The fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once 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 its location, where a small garrison held out for eight months against Cromwell's mighty army and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels from destruction.

In the afternoon, visit Balmoral Castle, a large estate house in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, owned by King Charles III. The estate was purchased in 1852 by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, and later expanded to present-day Balmoral Castle. Although this private property remains in the hands of the British Royal Family, it is not part of the Crown Estate. Instead, it was the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, who died there in 2022.

Later, sample traditional cream tea before returning to your hotel in Dunkeld.

Note: If Balmoral Castle is closed due to the Royal Family being in residence or other events, it will be replaced by a visit to Crathie Kirk, where the Royal Family attends church.

Day 5 Dunkeld, Kenmore, Kingussie & Inverness

Learn what life in the Iron Age was like at the Scottish Crannog Centre
Try your hand at assembling your own Cranachan
Witness a typical working day of a Highland sheepdog at a local farm

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, depart the Highlands and head south to Kenmore. Along the way, stop at the Scottish Crannog Centre, an award-winning, interactive museum 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 four 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.

Next, visit a local restaurant and sample a whisky or two. Choose the one that best suits your palate and assemble your own Cranachan, known as the king of Scottish desserts: a traditional confection made of cream, fresh raspberries, Scottish whisky, and oats. Enjoy lunch while the Cranachan chills, and later indulge in your delicious dessert.

Later, visit a local farm for a sheepdog demonstration amidst some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. Participate in the traditional working day of Highland Shepherds and their dogs and witness 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 handlers explain each move. Keep your camera handy, as you'll make some unforgettable memories today!

Continue to your hotel in Inverness for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Inverness, Loch Ness & Fort Augustus

Try to spot the elusive Nessie during a cruise on Loch Ness
Step back in time at the medieval Urquhart Castle
Witness spectacular views down Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a cruise along Loch Ness, the most voluminous lake in the UK, containing 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, offering 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 and historical replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine left by original residents. 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!

Then, stop at Fort Augustus. Lying on the impressive 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Ft Williams, Fort Augustus offers spectacular views down Loch Ness.

In the afternoon, head back to Inverness and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Culloden Battlefield, $25

Join an optional tour to Culloden, the site of the 1745 battle between the Scots and the English. The Battle of Culloden was the end of a ferocious war that set clan against clan. Here, the Jacobites took their last stand to restore exiled James III as King. The tired and exhausted Jacobites were defeated in less than one hour, leaving an estimated 1,300 men dead, 1,250 of them Jacobites.

Day 7 Inverness, Glencoe, Callander & Edinburgh

Admire the views of the Glencoe Valley
Stop at Rosslyn Chapel, made famous in Dan Brown's book, "The Da Vinci Code"

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Fort William, located on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Continue to one of Scotland's most photographed sceneries, Glencoe, a valley shaped by water, fire, and ice. Enjoy a short stop for photos at one of the viewpoints. Continue through the lower part of the Scottish Highlands with a stop at Callander, where you will enjoy a lunch at leisure.

Next, travel towards Edinburgh and visit Rosslyn Chapel, full of mysterious symbols, famous for its association with the Holy Grail and the film The Da Vinci Code.

Finally, relax and enjoy a dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.

Day 8 Edinburgh, Culross & Falkland, St Andrews & Edinburgh

Stop in the villages of Culross and Falkland, the filming locations for the "Outlander" series
Visit Falkland Palace and Gardens, the hunting lodge of Mary, Queen of Scots
Enjoy a fish and chips lunch
Stroll through the charming town of St. Andrews

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel to the Fife region, the heart of Scotland's history for six centuries. 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. Enjoy a traditional fish and chips lunch before embarking on a walking tour of this charming and historical place to admire the highlights, including the exterior wall of St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland.

Return to Edinburgh for your overnight stay.

Day 9 Edinburgh

Discover Edinburgh, one of the world's finest capital cities, on a panoramic tour
Learn about the rich history at Edinburgh Castle
Enjoy a 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 throughout the Old Town and New Town, telling their stories about Edinburgh's 1,000-year-old traditions and myths. Throughout the panoramic tour, learn about different parts of Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, and more.

Continue to Edinburgh Castle and learn about its rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress. Ascend 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 – with which all Scottish and UK Kings and Queens are crowned.

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

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at the Grand Café, located in the former home of the national newspaper – The Scotsman, whose first edition was published from this very building in 1905.

Optional Excursion: Johnnie Walker Experience, $42

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of whisky with our optional excursion to the renowned Johnnie Walker Distillery. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 90-minute immersive experience offers insights into the rich history and craftsmanship behind Scotland's most iconic whisky brand. Dive into the legacy of Johnnie Walker, learning about its origins dating back to the 19th century and its evolution into a global symbol of quality and refinement. Delight your senses with interactive projections, live demonstrations, and a personalized whisky tasting tailored to your palate. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation for whisky and indulge in three expertly crafted cocktails, all amidst the stunning backdrop of Scotland's picturesque landscapes.

Day 10 Edinburgh/USA

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Clayton Hotel Glasgow City

First Class

Clayton Hotel Glasgow City is conveniently located in the center of Glasgow, in a restored Custom House building, originally built in the 19th century, on the banks of the River Clyde. The hotel has historic charm with our modern amenities.

More information

Dunkeld House Hotel

First Class

The Dunkeld House Hotel is located in the heart of Perthshire, sitting on 280 acres of countryside with a beautiful view of the longest river in Scotland, the River Tay.

More information

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

First Class

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness is located in the Scottish Highlands in one of Scotland's most picturesque cities, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. The property is just a short distance from Inverness Railway Station, restaurants, and bars.

More information

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

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

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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.