12-Nights Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities from $4,703

Itinerary Details

Brendan Vacations: Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

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.
Accommodations: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Dinner

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.
Accommodations: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - A Day of Abbeys, Landscapes and History
A scenic day's excursion brings you to view 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.
Accommodations: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Breakfast

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.
Accommodations: Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Leonardo Aberdeen
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Venture to Culloden and Inverness
Today, wind your way along the River Tay, through Pitlochry and skirt the Cairngorms National Park before arriving to the historic battlefield and visitor center of Culloden. 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.
Accommodations: Columba
Meals: Breakfast

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 chateau-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.
Accommodations: Pentland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.
Accommodations: Pentland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 passed 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.
Accommodations: Kings Arms
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.
Accommodations: Royal Hotel Oban
Meals: Breakfast

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.
Accommodations: Royal Hotel Oban
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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, or a more relaxed night out featuring hearty food and a dram or two.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Uncover Stirling Castle’s Secrets Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter
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.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.
Meals: Breakfast