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13-Nights Scottish Highlands & Islands - Undiscovered Globus from $4,699

Globus

OFFER ID 1515279

What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliff-hangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins-stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert-this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime.


13 nights from $4,699 per person

Itinerary
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Itinerary Details

Scottish Highlands & Islands

Day 1 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLANDWelcome to Glasgow! Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)



Day 2 GLASGOW–FALKIRK–ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS–LINLITHGOW–EDINBURGHSculpted Horses & Scottish Heroines ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS Take a walking tour with a Local Guide.
FALKIRK See The Kelpies, the largest equine sculpture in the world.
LINLITHGOW See Linlithgow Palace ruins, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a filming location for the Outlander TV series. (B)
72 mi / 116 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The Royal Burgh of Culross is considered one of Scotland’s most picturesque examples of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. No wonder it is the filming location for many film and television productions, as well an inspiring destination for history lovers. Its well-preserved buildings with red-tiled roofs line steep cobblestone streets from the market cross to the hilltop abbey.



Day 3 EDINBURGHTraditions & Treasures EDINBURGH City sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, rules with a 1,100-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.



Day 4 EDINBURGH. EXCURSION TO ABBOTSFORDRegal Manors & Royal Music ABBOTSFORD Take a guided tour of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House.
(B)
80 mi / 129 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 2, 9 and 16.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The 19th century comes alive with echoes of triumph and tragedy at Abbotsford House, where Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots baronial architecture began. Learn how the “Great Scott” popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote, and reclaimed his country’s Crown Jewels.



Day 5 EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESSScottish Highlands & Scenic Drives ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and famous university town then drive across the Firth of Tay via Dundee to Pitlochry.
PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort. [LF] Visit Blair Athol whisky distillery. Take a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness. (B,D)
200 mi / 325 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.



Day 6 INVERNESS. HIGHLANDS EXCURSIONThe Bronze Age & Brave Battles THE HIGHLANDS Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns. See the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Visit Cawdor Castle.
INVERNESS Free time the remainder of the day. (B)
45 mi / 70 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LITERATURE & ARCHITECTURE In The Bard’s words, ‘This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.’ Walk through history in the dramatic countryside of the Scottish Highlands to visit Cawdor Castle, the ancestral home of the Campbells of Cawdor. Discover the castle’s literary connection to The Scottish Play by William Shakespeare - also known as Macbeth.



Day 7 INVERNESS–THURSOGardens & Grandeur DUNROBIN Visit the castle and gardens.
THURSO Free time this afternoon. (B,D)
109 mi / 176 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Perched in the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth is Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. One of the oldest continuously inhabited “Scottish great houses,” the castle evokes images of a French chateau with towering spires and grand gardens inspired by the Palace of Versailles.



Day 8 THURSO. EXCURSION TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDSBreathtaking Views & Brews SCRABSTER Ferry crossing to the Orkney Islands.
ORKNEY ISLANDS Sightseeing includes Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. [LF] Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the brewery’s Tasting Hall café. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
47 mi / 76 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDS & LORE Orcadian water, the best malt, hops, and yeast are the only four ingredients of hand-crafted ales such as Orkney Dark Island, Northern Light and the world-famous Skull Splitter named after a vicious Orkney Earl. Join a guided tour of the brewery and learn the traditions of beer making and a long, long history of brewing quality ales.



Day 9 THURSO–ULLAPOOL–ISLE OF SKYEScottish Fish Stories ULLAPOOL Visit the fishing port and enjoy [LF] a traditional fish & chips lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
219 mi / 353 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Walk along the whitewashed cottages with views of lovely Loch Broom in the charming harbor town of Ullapool. Feast on traditional fish and chips, a Scottish specialty that never fails to satisfy.



Day 10 ISLE OF SKYESea & Skye ISLE OF SKYE Drive across the Inner Hebridean island; visit the Museum of Island Life; stop in the picturesque island capital of Portree and take in the views of the Cuillin Hills. (B,D)
100 mi / 161 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Magic abounds on the Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes to enchant the senses. With magnificent mountain ranges, miles of captivating coastline, and heroic history, Skye casts a spell with its breathtaking beauty and sense of island adventure.



Day 11 ISLE OF SKYE–GLENFINNAN–FORT WILLIAM-OBAN Brave Lads & Bonnie Lands ISLE OF SKYE Visit Museum of the Isles. Ferry crossing on the Sound of Sleat to mainland.
GLENFINNAN See the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.
GLEN COE Scenic drive en route to Oban. (B,D)
109 mi / 175 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Long before it was made famous by the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was hailed one of the most visually stunning railways in Scotland. Flanked by rolling green hills that are home to the iconic Scottish red deer, the elevated curves of the longest concrete railway in Scotland traverses through a world of adventure and history.





Day 12 OBAN. EXCURSION TO ISLES OF MULL AND IONA Highland Isles & Miles OBAN Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull.
ISLE OF MULL Take a scenic drive across the island.
ISLE OF IONA Continue to Iona with a ferry to the island and visit the center of Celtic Christianity before returning to mainland. (B,D)
75 mi / 121 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Called “Eagle Island” by wildlife watchers, the Isle of Mull is a paradise for birds of prey keeping a watchful eye on the wonderful wild landscapes below. Watch for Scottish red deer, iconic Highland cattle, and rolling hills that paint a picture of quintessential Scotland.



Day 13 OBAN –INVERARAY–GLASGOW Glasgow Sights & Grand Heights INVERARAY Take a scenic drive over the mountainous Pass of Brander.
LOCH LOMOND Stop for photos.
GLASGOW Enjoy an orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Free time this evening. (B,D)
108 mi / 174 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS In Scotland’s most populous city, Glasgow’s uniquely rich architectural heritage ranges from 19th-century masterpieces to the modern designs of the unique style of Glasgow-born Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Discover exciting experiences around every corner!



Day 14 GLASGOWSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)



Featured Destinations
Oban
Tucked into a bay at the top of the Argyll Peninsula on the central west coast of Scotland, Oban is a ferry port for the islands and a center for Gaelic history and culture. McCaig's Tower, a replica of the Colosseum of Rome, was built in 1900 by a local banker. Argyll, home of the Clan Campbell, was once the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada. In mist-shrouded Kilmartin Glen, one of the most beautiful in Scotland, are the ruins of Dunadd Castle, where a weathered rock inscribed with a boar head marks where Scottish kings were crowned until the 11th century. Nearby, stone circles attest to a civilization dating back 5,000 years. Loch Fyne is where the present head of the Campbells, the Duke of Argyll, makes his home at Inverary Castle. The 19th century castle was admired by Sir Walter Scott as a fine example of the Scottish baronial style.
Inverness
Inverness is an excellent tourism destination. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place well-known for its floral displays. Walk along the river banks and to the Ness Islands for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on little bridges and visit Bught Park. The Floral Hall has a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants and trees. Walk up the river in the other direction and see Ben Wyvis on the skyline. Inverness has an excellent museum and art gallery. Local history talks take place here. Eden Court Theater, situated near the cathedral, has events listings and incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' ghost of a wife of one of the bishops who hanged herself there. Also check out art.tm which is an art gallery and studio. The Spectrum Centre has a cafe and is the meeting place for local clubs and education classes. Look out for Scottish Showtime music and dance performances during the summer.

Excursions

Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

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Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

As you disembark your cruise you are welcomed to the Scottish Highlands by your local driver-guide, who is at your disposal for up to 8 hours today as you explore the lochs and mountains around Inverness.

Heading south discover Loch Ness, the famous loch long associated with ‘Nessie’, the mythical monster said to inhabit the depths. Try looking out for her as you wander through the ruins of Urquhart Castle, that dominate the central part of the loch. Loch Ness is drained in the north by the River Ness and the road follows this river to Inverness, the small but charming city considered the capital of the Highlands. One of the most important sites in Scotland’s history is located near Inverness – the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops to mark the end of his attempt to regain the throne for the Stewart family. Time permitting, explore the battle fields and discover the events surrounding this battle that played such a pivotal role in the country’s history. After your tour, return to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

  • Visit Loch Ness, which has long been associated with a mythical monster, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle
  • Explore The Highlands around Inverness, including the battlefield of Culloden Moor
Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours around Inverness
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

Edinburgh
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

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Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.

You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.

Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.

*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
 
Highlights:
  • Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
  • Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
  • Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light
 
Inclusions:
  • Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.  
  • Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities
  • Supplement for public holidays
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

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Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace. 

*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit

Highlights:

  • Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
  • At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local guide for 4 hours
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city and major tourist destination, possessing some of Britain's finest architecture and hosting a variety of cultural events and attractions.
Glasgow has been described as the finest surviving example of a great Victorian city. Of particular interest is George Square - lined by several buildings constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. Few buildings pre-date 18th century. The most prominent of these are Glasgow Cathedral, and Provand's Lordship, which is the city's oldest house (c. 1471) and now a museum. The cathedral, situated on high ground to the east of the city and dating in parts from 12th century, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The city has numerous parks and ornamental open spaces, including the Botanic Garden and zoological gardens. Glasgow grew around a church built in the 6th century by St Kentigern, who converted Scots to Christianity. The commercial growth of the community dates from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 and the opening up of trade in the 18th century when Glasgow became a major port and shipbuilder.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye in northwestern Scotland, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. The capital of the island is Portree. A popular tourist resort, Skye is also home to the Dunvegan Castle, which was erected during the 9th century. Dunvegan Castle is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Northern Scotland, having been occupied by the Chiefs of MacLeod continuously, for over seven centuries and still today remaining the Ancestral home of the present chief, John MacLeod of MacLeod, the 29th of the line, and his family. Breathtaking in every respect, the Castle should not be missed. Maybe while at the Castle you’ll learn the secret of the precious Fairy Flag.
Thurso
Thurso is mainland Scotland's most northerly town, and home to the country's most northerly railway station. Located on the north coast of Caithness, its seaward views are dominated by the distant cliffs of Dunnet Head to the north east, and those of the island of Hoy to the north. In more recent times the arrival of the Kylesku Bridge and many stretches of road wide enough to boast white lines down the middle have made the far north west much more accessible. But recent developments have done nothing to diminish the utterly superb scenery the area has to offer; and there remain some stretches of single track road to add interest to the trip. Also of interest, the sometimes turbulent seas of the Pentland Firth have led to Thurso becoming an unlikely center for surfing.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
10/04/2025 - 10/17/2025
from $4,699 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $4,699 per person
Length
13 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1515279

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