Country Roads of Scotland

Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on the tranquil Orkney islands as you explore the 1000-year-old Norse Town of Kirkwall and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, enjoy cream tea at Atholl Palace.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D), 8 Breakfast (B), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Authentic Dining

Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers. , Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat over 130 years ago, hosts your afternoon tea. You’ll be welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet., Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful evening enjoying the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients.

Top Rated Highlights

Edinburgh: A hush descends, and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo., Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close., Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert 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., St. Andrews: Spend time in St Andrews, a coastal university town shaped by old quadrangles, sea air and open links. Walk to the stretch of West Sands Beach where Chariots of Fire filmed its iconic scene, then look across the Old Course, regarded as the birthplace of modern golf., Inverness: With your Travel Director, see the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city., Inverness: At the Culloden Visitor Centre, you’ll discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever., Loch Ness: Travel along the shores of Loch Ness, taking in wide views and hearing stories of the legendary creature said to lurk beneath its dark water., Orkney Islands: Visit the Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, the prehistoric homes of Skara Brae and the stone circle of Brodgar on a full day across the islands., Isle of Skye: Take in Scotland’s wild beauty, from the jagged Cuillin Hills to the harbour village of Broadford., Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch., Fort William: Stop at the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William, where bronze figures stand against a sweep of Highland landscape. From this quiet hillside, you get one of the clearest views of Ben Nevis, its ridges rising sharply above the glen., Glencoe: Join your Travel Director for a gentle introduction to Glencoe, a Highland village set on the edge of Loch Leven. As you walk, mountain ridges rise on all sides and the stories of the glen help you understand the landscape that shaped them., Loch Lomond: Spend time along the shores of Loch Lomond, where wooded islands, mirrored water and soft Highland light earn it the title ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’. Wander the lakeside paths, take in the mountain views or simply pause to enjoy the stillness that settles over this iconic landscape., Glasgow: Led by your Travel Director, take an easy orientation through Glasgow, where broad streets and bold Victorian architecture set the tone. Pause in George Square to take in its statues and grand civic buildings before continuing to St Mungo’s Cathedral, its dark stone and soaring interior hinting at the city’s medieval roots.

Insight Choice

Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive. The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. , Wick: Share a wee dram with a master distiller during a whisky tasting.

Make Travel Matter

Glencoe: Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities, Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive. The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. , Wick: Share a wee dram with a master distiller during a whisky tasting.