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Tour

Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warri...

This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors, and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.

(from USD 5,595)

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Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors, and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Must-see Highlights (do not use)

  • Explore Edinburgh 
  • Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Glasgow and Stirling
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle, Melrose Abbey, Glamis Castle, a whisky distillery in the Highlands, the battlefield and Visitor Center of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle in Golspie, John O'Groats, The Italian Chapel and Skara Brae on Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
  • View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th​ green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
  • See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Iconic Experience

  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the center of town. 
  • Melrose: Visit the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.
  • St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle, and appreciate the building's illustrious history and picturesque setting.
  • Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
  • Golspie: Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle. 
  • Wick: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
  • Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.   
  • Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it’s a favorite film location and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. 
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series. 
  • Isle of Mull: Explore the Scottish Highlands in depth as you travel to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Visit the Reilig Odhrain, sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings. 
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. 
  • Glencoe: Drive through Glencoe, a Highland valley known for steep mountains, open moorland and clan history. Your Travel Director shares context on the area’s past as you follow the road through one of Scotland’s best-known landscapes, with views that show the scale and character of the Highlands.
  • Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.

Be My Guest

  • Kinlochard: Join your hosts, the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Glasgow: Explore Glasgow’s character through its striking street art on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Start your walk at The Clutha, a much-loved pub supporting young people through the Clutha Trust. Discover stories of shipbuilding, comedy, creativity and community as you pass powerful murals across the city.  Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Details

Tour Operator
Trafalgar
Start City
Edinburgh
End City
Glasgow
Duration (Days)
13
Activity Level
Country Explorer

Highlights

  • Country Explorer
  • Country Explorer
Pricing & departures
Option From Departs Returns
Twin USD 5,975 June 8, 2026 June 20, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,975 June 8, 2026 June 20, 2026
Triple USD 6,125 June 8, 2026 June 20, 2026
Single USD 6,950 June 8, 2026 June 20, 2026
Twin USD 5,975 June 15, 2026 June 27, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,975 June 15, 2026 June 27, 2026
Triple USD 6,125 June 15, 2026 June 27, 2026
Single USD 7,195 June 15, 2026 June 27, 2026
Twin USD 5,975 June 22, 2026 July 4, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,975 June 22, 2026 July 4, 2026
Triple USD 6,125 June 22, 2026 July 4, 2026
Single USD 6,950 June 22, 2026 July 4, 2026
Twin USD 5,975 July 6, 2026 July 18, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,975 July 6, 2026 July 18, 2026
Triple USD 6,125 July 6, 2026 July 18, 2026
Single USD 6,950 July 6, 2026 July 18, 2026
Twin USD 5,650 July 20, 2026 August 1, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,650 July 20, 2026 August 1, 2026
Triple USD 5,790 July 20, 2026 August 1, 2026
Single USD 6,710 July 20, 2026 August 1, 2026
Twin USD 6,150 August 1, 2026 August 13, 2026
TwinShare USD 6,150 August 1, 2026 August 13, 2026
Triple USD 6,290 August 1, 2026 August 13, 2026
Single USD 7,460 August 1, 2026 August 13, 2026
Twin USD 6,575 August 8, 2026 August 20, 2026
TwinShare USD 6,575 August 8, 2026 August 20, 2026
Triple USD 6,725 August 8, 2026 August 20, 2026
Single USD 7,895 August 8, 2026 August 20, 2026
Twin USD 6,575 August 10, 2026 August 22, 2026
TwinShare USD 6,575 August 10, 2026 August 22, 2026
Triple USD 6,725 August 10, 2026 August 22, 2026
Single USD 7,695 August 10, 2026 August 22, 2026
Twin USD 6,575 August 15, 2026 August 27, 2026
TwinShare USD 6,575 August 15, 2026 August 27, 2026
Triple USD 6,725 August 15, 2026 August 27, 2026
Single USD 7,895 August 15, 2026 August 27, 2026
Twin USD 6,350 August 24, 2026 September 5, 2026
TwinShare USD 6,350 August 24, 2026 September 5, 2026
Triple USD 6,495 August 24, 2026 September 5, 2026
Single USD 7,375 August 24, 2026 September 5, 2026
Twin USD 5,995 August 31, 2026 September 12, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,995 August 31, 2026 September 12, 2026
Triple USD 6,150 August 31, 2026 September 12, 2026
Single USD 6,975 August 31, 2026 September 12, 2026
Twin USD 5,695 September 5, 2026 September 17, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,695 September 5, 2026 September 17, 2026
Triple USD 5,850 September 5, 2026 September 17, 2026
Single USD 6,775 September 5, 2026 September 17, 2026
Twin USD 5,850 September 12, 2026 September 24, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,850 September 12, 2026 September 24, 2026
Triple USD 5,995 September 12, 2026 September 24, 2026
Single USD 6,925 September 12, 2026 September 24, 2026
Twin USD 5,850 September 19, 2026 October 1, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,850 September 19, 2026 October 1, 2026
Triple USD 5,995 September 19, 2026 October 1, 2026
Single USD 6,925 September 19, 2026 October 1, 2026
Twin USD 5,895 September 26, 2026 October 8, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,895 September 26, 2026 October 8, 2026
Triple USD 6,050 September 26, 2026 October 8, 2026
Single USD 6,975 September 26, 2026 October 8, 2026
Twin USD 5,895 September 28, 2026 October 10, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,895 September 28, 2026 October 10, 2026
Triple USD 6,050 September 28, 2026 October 10, 2026
Single USD 6,850 September 28, 2026 October 10, 2026
Twin USD 5,595 October 3, 2026 October 15, 2026
TwinShare USD 5,595 October 3, 2026 October 15, 2026
Triple USD 5,750 October 3, 2026 October 15, 2026
Single USD 6,850 October 3, 2026 October 15, 2026
Day by day
  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Edinburgh

    Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world. Locations: Edinburgh

  2. Day 2

    Discover Enchanting Edinburgh

    Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, 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 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates. Locations: Edinburgh

  3. Day 3

    A Day of Abbeys, Landscapes and History

    A scenic day's excursion brings you to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which you 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. Take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River. Locations: Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose, Edinburgh

  4. Day 4

    Explore Glamis Castle and on to Creative Dundee

    This morning, cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf - St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare's Macbeth takes center stage as you visit Glamis Castle, 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 traveling to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the legendary birthplace of marmalade. Locations: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Glamis, Dundee

  5. Day 5

    Venture to Culloden and Inverness

    Today, wind your way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Center at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Your final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Locations: Dundee, Pitlochry, Culloden, Inverness

  6. Day 6

    Journey to Loch Ness and Thurso

    The mystical haunt of Nessie is your first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Arriving in Thurso, your home for the next two nights, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Locations: Inverness, Thurso

  7. Day 7

    A Day on the Orkney Islands

    After stopping at John o' Groats, board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. Stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to your hotel for dinner. Locations: Thurso, Orkney Islands, Thurso

  8. Day 8

    Over the Sea to Skye

    Dramatic landscapes accompany your scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. Journey to Eilean Donan Castle, built in the 13th century, perched on a tiny island, where three sea lochs meet, then continue to the Isle of Skye where you'll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel. Locations: Thurso, Ullapool, Isle of Skye

  9. Day 9

    Onwards to Oban

    Upon return to the mainland, follow a beautiful route that takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. Pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights. Locations: Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban

  10. Day 10

    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 your journey back to Oban, you'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings. Please note that ferry services are subject to operational conditions. In the event of disruption, the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona visits may be substituted with an alternative experience. Locations: Oban, Isle of Mull, Iona, Oban

  11. Day 11

    Off to Glasgow

    The beauty of Glencoe, scarred by the story of the MacDonald clan massacre, sets a dramatic scene en route from Oban to Glasgow. Visit St Mungo's Cathedral, a holy sacred place with deep historical significance the city of Glasgow is built upon. After an orientation of the city with your Travel Director, find a bite to eat for lunch with some free time. You may wish to take part in an Optional Experience to visit the towering Kelpies and the remarkable Falkirk Wheel. Later, enjoy a specially selected Optional Experience with your Travel Director—whether it’s an evening of Highland flair with dinner, bagpipes and a Highland dancer at The Corinthian. Locations: Oban, Glencoe, Glasgow

  12. Day 12

    Uncover Stirling Castle’s Secrets

    Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. 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. Visit the Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads. 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. In the afternoon, return to Glasgow. Join an expert guide to unlock Glasgow’s stories through its vibrant murals on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience before the rest of the evening is yours to explore or relax in this vibrant city. Locations: Glasgow, Stirling, Glasgow

  13. Day 13

    Farewell Glasgow

    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. Locations: Glasgow

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