Edinburgh’s vast collections of medieval and Georgian architecture, including numerous stone tenements, cause it to be considered one of Europe’s most dramatic cities. Be struck by the historical traditions of Scotland on your incredible journey through Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

Travel to Scotland aboard an overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Touch down in Edinburgh. Meet your Go Ahead representative, who will accompany you to your hotel. You’ll then have free time before this evening’s included dinner with the rest of your group. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Edinburgh

A professional local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour down the medieval Royal Mile, along Princes Street, past the Scott Memorial and the Holyroodhouse Palace, and up to Edinburgh Castle. The castle’s collection of royal treasures includes the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Destiny. Formerly called the Stone of Scone, this coronation symbol was stolen and smuggled to England many centuries ago and recently returned in 1997. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century home of poet Sir Walter Scott, and then visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the four Borders abbeys. (B)

$69 USD

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey Travel through the Borders region to the 19-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The romantic-style home is known as Abbotsford House and now serves as a museum for the Scottish artifacts Scott collected throughout his lifetime.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Spend a free day in Edinburgh. You might choose to browse the Royal Museum (admission is free) or take a tour of Holyrood, former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Now the British royal residence in Scotland, Holyrood is the site where Sir Sean Connery and other Scottish notables were knighted. Alternatively, opt to visit St. Andrews, located on Scotland’s east coast. Tonight, opt to enjoy a Scottish ceilidh.(B)

$115 USD

Scottish Ceilidh Enjoy this special evening of Scottish tradition.

$99 USD

St. Andrews Set on Scotland’s picturesque coastline, St. Andrews is a renowned university town as well as the birthplace of golf.

Day 5 - Inverness

On your way north to Inverness, stop in Perthshire, the gateway to the Highlands, for a visit to Blair Athol Castle. You’ll also visit the 18th-century Whisky Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, to learn the secrets behind traditional Scotch whisky. (B, D)

Day 6 - Inverness

Divided by the scenic River Ness, the city of Inverness is truly a hidden gem, with some of the friendliest locals in Scotland and a fine collection of shops, pubs and museums. Discover the city on your own today or venture into the surrounding highlands. Or join an optional excursion to historic Culloden Moor, site of the last battle fought on British soil. You’ll also see the pre-historic Clara Cairns and Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. (B)

$75 USD

Culloden Moor and Cawdor Castle Visit Cawdor Castle, the fictional setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth then travel to Clara Cairns, one of the oldest collections of prehistoric monuments in Scotland.

Day 7 - The Highlands

Travel southwest across the Highlands and stop at Loch Ness. This deep, mysterious lake is “home” to the fabled Loch Ness Monster, about whom legends and superstitions abound. Learn more about the famous creature and the amazing efforts to find it during a stop at the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition. (B, D)

Day 8 - The Highlands

Enjoy a day of leisure in the Highlands or join a full-day optional excursion to the evocative landscapes of the Isle of Skye, including a visit to romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in the world. (B, D)

$99 USD

Eilean Donan Castle & the Isle of Skye Set on a tiny island in the middle of a loch, one look at Eilean Donan Castle and you'll know why it's the world's most photographed castle.

Day 9 - Glasgow

Drive through historic Glencoe and pass by the “bonny” banks of Loch Lomond as you travel to Glasgow. It was once primarily an industrial city, but is now a haven of culture and fine architecture. Pass through George Square and along the banks of the River Clyde on your guided tour. Then visit the Burrell Collection, whose 8,000 exhibits feature everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Rodin sculptures. (B)

Day 10 - Glasgow

Depart for home, or remain in Glasgow for our two-night tour extension. (B)