Day 1: Welcome To Scotland
Welcome to Scotland’s capital!
Arrive in Edinburgh independently and make your own way to your hotel.
Option – Airport Transfer (not included): We offer an Airport Transfer service with prices from £84 per car (for 1-3 passengers) or £100 per car (for 4-8 passengers) between your Edinburgh Airport and your Edinburgh City Centre hotel. Prices are based on a standard saloon or MPV. Higher specification vehicles available – please ask us for a quotation.
Edinburgh - The Royal City
Edinburgh is a captivating destination that feels like a living storybook, beautifully contrasting its atmospheric, medieval Old Town with the elegant, Georgian avenues of its New Town. Dominated by majestic Edinburgh Castle perched high on a volcanic crag, the city invites travellers to wander down the historic Royal Mile, explore hidden stone closes, and soak in an incredibly lively food, pub, and festival scene. It is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to transition easily from the bustling shops of Princes Street to the serene, postcard-perfect charm of Dean Village or a scenic hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city and sea.
5:30pm - Meet your Tour Director who will be looking after you during your stay.
Enjoy a delicious included Welcome Dinner in the relaxing setting of your hotel.
Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 2: Edinburgh Full Day
After breakfast meet your guide and enjoy a day discovering the royal side of Edinburgh.
Private Guided Morning Tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King in Scotland and has been home to many notable royal figures, including King George V, Charles I and Mary, Queen of Scots. See the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie partied, discover the Royal Dining room, be dazzled by the Darnley Jewel and enjoy the 4-hectare Palace gardens.
This special tour highlights both the Palace's dramatic past and its important role today. Led by one of Royal Collection Trust's expert guides, our group will enjoy a private tour of the State Apartments before the Palace opens to the visitors of the day.
Go beyond the ropes in Edinburgh's Royal Palace, including the West Drawing Room, which is not normally open to the public. The West Drawing Room is used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room.
Then, explore the town centre on a relaxing walking tour of Edinburgh.
As we walk up Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile you will pass medieval closes, centuries-old pubs, street performers and landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral and imposing Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city.
Continuing to Princes Street, the atmosphere shifts from the Old Town charm to elegant Georgian grandeur, with sweeping views across Princes Street Gardens towards the castle, bustling shops, monuments, and the dramatic skyline that makes Edinburgh one of Europe's most striking capital cities.
Enjoy some free time to take lunch independently. In the afternoon, we visit the award-winning Royal Yacht Britannia – a floating Palace.
For over 44 years the Royal Yacht served the Royal Family, travelling more than a million nautical miles to become one of the most famous ships in the world. Britannia played a key role in major historic events., hosting magnificent state receptions and banquets. During your visit you will get to tour all five decks including The State Apartments - an elegant setting that entertained world leaders including Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronal Reagan and Rajiv Gandhi.
Dinner on this night is taken independently at or near your hotel.
Overnight bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 3: Edinburgh To St. Andrews To Aberdeen
On this day we depart Edinburgh, crossing the iconic Forth Bridge. As we enter the ancient ‘Kingdom of Fife’ we will take the coastal route. Along the way pass through picturesque fishing villages including Crail and Anstruther before arriving in medieval St. Andrews.
St. Andrews and Cathedral
St. Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland where Prince William met Kate Middleton. Enjoy a walk around the town before visiting its famous Cathedral. Once Scotland’s largest cathedral, its imposing walls are well preserved and its world class Museum brings to life the Cathedral’s incredible past.
*note: the museum at St. Andrews Cathedral is closed for refurbishment at the time of writing.
Afternoon Tea Lunch at The Old Course
Accompanied by breathtaking views over the iconic Old Course, savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats in a delicious Afternoon Tea lunch at the Rusacks Hotel in St. Andrews.
On this afternoon we visit the birthplace of Golf on a walking tour of the historic Old Course. Often referred to as the "Home of Golf", the Old Course is the world’s oldest and most iconic golf course, where the game has been played for over 600 years.
Located on Scotland’s rugged east coast, the course is famed for its wide double fairways, deep pot bunkers, and legendary landmarks such as the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker.
Hosting The Open Championship more than any other venue, the Old Course is both a revered pilgrimage site for golfers and a symbol of the sport’s rich heritage. Despite its prestige, it remains publicly accessible, preserving its spirit as the birthplace of the modern game.
Walk in the footsteps of legends at the oldest golf course in the world and hear the stories of St. Andrews fascinating past.
On arrival in Aberdeenshire, we will check into our hotel to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Enjoy an included dinner on this night at your hotel.
Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Aberdeenshire.
Day 4: Aberdeen To Inverness
As we depart Aberdeen en route to Inverness we enjoy an undoubted highlight of the tour.
Meet a passionate local farmer at the Aberdeenshire Cattle Farm
Meet a local farmer who has devoted her career to championing the Highland Cattle. Guests are welcomed with a traditional piping before walking down to meet the pedigree herd grazing in Deeside moorland. The experience includes hands on time grooming the iconic long haired coos, lively stories about their hardy hill rearing lifestyle, and insights into the breed’s importance to royal Deeside agriculture.
Enjoy a picture opportunity with the world-famous highland cattle.
Continuing through the Cairngorms National Park enjoy spectacular scenic views.
Free time for lunch in Ballater, Royal Deeside.
During our lunch stop in the Victorian village of Ballater, visit its Old Royal Station. The station used to be the main access point used by the Royal Family to reach nearby Balmoral Castle. The station was closed in 1966 but has been authentically restored. Today it houses the Queen’s Royal waiting room, an information centre, a restaurant and tearoom and a public library.
Taste the ‘Water of Life’ in an authentic Scottish Whisky Distillery (Royal Lochnagar or similar)
Royal Lochnagar distillery resides in the majestic heart of Royal Deeside. Using an open mash tun and the pure water of the crystal clear Scarnock springs, Royal Lochnagar creates a golden Highland single malt. Meet one of the team to discover the unique methods by which this whisky is produced and enjoy a dram of the ‘Water of Life’.
Arriving into Inverness we check into our hotel. Take some time to freshan up before dinner.
Enjoy an included Dinner on this night at your hotel in Inverness.
Note: The exact Whisky Distillery included on this day may vary.
Day 5: Inverness To Loch Ness To Inverness
On this day enjoy a breathtaking day in breathtaking Loch Ness.
Hunt for the legendary monster on a Loch Ness cruise.
A cruise on Loch Ness offers a tranquil yet mysterious journey through one of Scotland’s most iconic and storied landscapes.
As the boat glides across the dark, deep waters - famously linked to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster - enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Highlands, including the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle perched on the western shore. Learn about the loch’s geology, folklore, and history - a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient myth, and peaceful sightseeing.
Guests will have time to take lunch independently in the seaside town of Dornoch.
Explore Dunrobin Castle and an included falconry demonstration.
This afternoon we will explore Dunrobin Castle: a French-inspired castle with 189 rooms, a museum and conical spires. Perched gracefully on a rocky terrace above the Moray Firth in the northern Highlands, the Castle is the ancestral seat of the Earls (and later Dukes) of Sutherland and one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, with roots stretching back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Admire 189 opulent rooms filled with fine furniture, tapestries, portraits, and a vast library, while the formal gardens—modelled on those at Versailles—unfold below.
Guests will experience a falconry demonstration with Peregrine falcons and Harris hawks.
Dinner is taken independently at or near your hotel.
Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Inverness.
Day 6: Inverness To Glasgow
A thrilling day as we journey through Culloden, Dunkeld and Stirling to Glasgow.
Experience historic Culloden Battlefield with a costumed character.
We journey to the infamous Culloden Battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Uprising came to a tragic end. Walk the site of the last pitched battle fought on British soil, where in 1746 the Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart was brutally defeated by government forces.
Led by an expert costumed character from the National Trust for Scotland, the tour walks visitors across the windswept moorland, past clan marker stones, mass graves, and the haunting Memorial Cairn, while vividly recounting the tactics, events, and human stories of the battle.
The experience is enriched by the interactive visitor centre, which features weapon displays, battlefield maps, and an emotive 360-degree battle re-enactment that brings the tragic history of the Jacobite rising to life.
Continue to pretty Dunkeld where we will enjoy free time for an independent lunch. Its brightly coloured houses date from the 1700s.
Visit gritty Stirling Castle – Scotland’s military fortress.
We will visit Stirling Castle - arguably the most impressive castle in all of Scotland and a must-see experience. Dramatically perched atop a volcanic rock and surrounded by steep cliffs, Stirling is one of Scotland’s most historically and architecturally significant fortresses.
Once a favoured residence of Scottish monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, the castle played a pivotal role in the Wars of Independence and the nation’s royal history. Visitors can explore the lavishly restored Renaissance Palace, Great Hall, and Royal Chapel, while costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits bring the 16th century to life. With panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and views of the Wallace Monument nearby, Stirling Castle offers a rich and engaging glimpse into Scotland’s royal and military past.
Continue to Glasgow to check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
Dinner on this evening is taken independently at or near your hotel.
Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Glasgow.
Day 7: Glasgow Full Day
Enjoy a relaxing day in Glasgow.
Experience breathtaking views at Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis.
Our day starts with visits to Glasgow Cathedral – a shining example of Gothic architecture and the only Scottish Cathedral to survive the Reformation.
Glasgow Cathedral and the adjacent Necropolis form one of the city’s most atmospheric and historically rich landmarks. The cathedral, a magnificent example of Scottish Gothic architecture, dates to the 12th century and is built on the site of St. Mungo’s tomb, Glasgow’s patron saint.
Its soaring vaulted ceilings, medieval stonework, and beautiful stained-glass windows offer a glimpse into centuries of religious and civic history.
Just behind the cathedral lies the Necropolis—the Victorian ‘city of the dead’. Walk through elaborate monuments and mausoleums commemorating prominent Glaswegians, offering striking views over the city and a poignant sense of the past.
The Necropolis has been the setting of over 50,000 burials and has over 3,500 tombs.
Then enjoy expert insights and impressive views of Glasgow from the comfort of your coach.
Blending grand Victorian architecture with edgy modern design and street art, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city. Highlights include the stunning the futuristic Glasgow Science Centre, the iconic Clyde Arc bridge, and the stately Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. As our route weaves through bustling George Square, Merchant City, and along the River Clyde, catch glimpses of the city’s industrial heritage, thriving music scene, and renowned university district. Your tour will offer a lively, visual journey through Glasgow’s rich culture, creativity, and contrasts.
Lunch and the balance of the day is enjoyed independently at leisure in Glasgow.
Evening – Enjoy an included farewell dinner in a restaurant close to your hotel.
Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Glasgow.
Day 8: Farewell
This morning check out from your hotel and make your way independently on your onward journey.
Option – Airport Transfer (not included): We offer an Airport Transfer service with prices from £84 per car (for 1-3 passengers) or £100 per car (for 4-8 passengers) between your Glasgow City Centre hotel to Glasgow Airport. Prices are based on a standard saloon or MPV. Higher specification vehicles available – please ask us for a quotation. Transfers to Edinburgh Airport also available – please ask us for a quotation.
