Day 1 Edinburgh – Stirling – Western Highlands
This morning we depart Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and travel to Stirling. Known as the heritage capital of Scotland, Stirling boasts the finest concentration of historical buildings in Scotland. This is where the Wars of Independence were fought and won and three centuries of monarchs ruled. Here we wander through the old town and enter the spectacular cliff-top castle, one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. Driving by Loch Lomond we enjoy the breath-taking scenery on our way to the Western Highlands. On arrival we enjoy our first dinner together. (D)
Overnight: TBC, Fort William or similar
Day 2 Western Highlands – Loch Ness – Inverness
This morning we travel the back roads through glorious mountain scenery to Loch Ness. On the drive we will see Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, Neptune’s Staircase and the Commando Monument, a large statue commemorating thousands of allied troops from the Second World War. We continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, passing by Loch Ness, famed for its elusive monster. (B)
Overnight: Waterside Hotel, Inverness or similar
Day 3 Inverness – Culloden – Black Isle – Inverness
Our first stop today is at Clava Cairns, an exceptionally preserved prehistoric burial site, built about 4,000 years ago. Travelling a short distance we then visit Culloden, the site of the Battle of the same name, where we visit the museum, which brings the battle vividly to life, and learn about the events that unfolded here. This afternoon we visit the Black Isle Brewery, which makes world class beers using the finest organic ingredients. After a tour of the brewery enjoy a taste of the final product. We return to Inverness where we will enjoy an evening meal together. (B, D)
Overnight: Waterside Hotel, Inverness or similar
Day 4 Inverness – Elgin – Fort George – Inverness
This morning we visit Elgin, a lively market town full of character and charm, and home to a fine medieval cathedral. We will then explore Fort George, the largest artillery fortification in Britain and still a working British Army barracks. On our return to Inverness we visit the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre to learn about the fascinating history of tartan, see displays of tartan dress throughout the centuries and see the highland dress worn by Liam Neeson in Rob Roy and Mel Gibson in Braveheart. (B)
Overnight: Waterside Hotel, Inverness or similar
Day 5 Inverness – Cairngorms National Park – Ballater
Leaving Inverness, we travel through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The largest national park in the UK, it is home to traditional villages, ancient pine forests, arctic mountain tops, rivers, moorlands and a variety of fauna including eagles, otters, mountain hares, red squirrels and red deer. During the day we will visit the Royal Lochnagar whisky distillery, situated on the south side of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftsmanship produce one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies, which was a favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. A tasting after your tour will confirm that this is a malt whisky worthy of the ‘Royal’ prefix to its name. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together in the picturesque Victorian village of Ballater. (B, D)
Overnight: Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater or similar
Day 6 Ballater – St Andrews – Edinburgh
Today we drive south to St Andrews, known as the home of golf, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The medieval centre, with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets, leads to the now ruined cathedral and the adjacent church of St. Regulus. The tour ends upon our return to Edinburgh. (B)
