Immerse yourself in Scotland’s history and legends on this 9-day journey, where you’ll step back in time on visits to spectacular castles, Iron Age museums and famed ruins that capture the Scotland of yore. Journey along the Scottish Highlands from Pitlochry to Portree and discover charming villages, glistening lochs and famed distilleries. Soak up the country’s scenic splendor as you travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, stopping to relish the rich history and folklore of this storied land.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Scottish Crannog Centre Visit, Stirling
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pitlochry Guided Walk, Pitlochry
Your G for Good Moment: Glasgow Invisible cities tour, Glasgow
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Edinburgh orientation walk. Edinburgh Castle Visit & Audio Tour. Pitlochry orientation walk. Sheepdog farm visit. Loch Ness scenic drive. Isle of Sky day visit. Culloden Moor visit. Stirling Castle visit. Whisky distillery tour and tasting. Glencoe visit. Loch Lomond Scenic Boat Cruise. Glasgow street art tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Experience the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on a tour of Scotland’s capital city, Delve into Scottish history with a visit to Stirling Castle—a national symbol of Scottish pride and independence, Join an expert guide on a tour through Pitlochry—one of Scotland’s most charming villages—and finish with a dram tasting at a local distillery, Embark on a full-day trip to the Isle of Skye where you’ll explore the island’s most famous sites.
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels – 8nts.
Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
Edinburgh
Explore Scotland’s hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You’ll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and David’s Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket.
Edinburgh/Pitlochry
Marvel at some of Edinburgh's most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you’ll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you’ll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you’ll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you’ll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You’ll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Pitlochry
Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town’s history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. Your walk concludes at a local distillery, where the next part of your journey begins. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you’ll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish and mellow quality. You’ll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery’s exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen’s View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry to complete the day. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.
Pitlochry/Fort Augustus
Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort Augustus, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you’ll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Aberfeldy, continue to a quaint town where you'll enjoy lunch before heading out on the final leg of the day’s journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you’re placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center’s 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. After pausing at the local viewpoint to take in the vistas, you'll check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
Isle of Skye Day Trip
Set out on a full-day excursion, stopping first for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo stop. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye—a stunning island occupied in prehistoric times and later settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. After meeting your guide, enjoy a short visit to Sligachan before heading to Dunvegan to explore its 13th-century castle, the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, continue to Portree, famed for its picture-perfect harbor. As the island's capital, Portree serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. Finally, head back to Fort Augustus for the evening to enjoy dinner with the group and share stories of your full day exploring the Isle of Skye.
Fort William/Glasgow
In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows’—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.
Glasgow
Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in an invisible cities walking tour with a local guide, who'll provide a unique perspective into the city and connect with a powerful human narrative. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Glasgow
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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