Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities - Signature
From CAD $7225
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Kinlochard: Join your hosts, the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
Brendan Experiences
- Wick: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Iconic Experience
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the center of town.
- Melrose: View the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.
- Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle and appreciate the building's illustrious history and picturesque setting.
- Golspie: Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle.
- Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
- Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series.
- Isle of Mull: Embark on a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, an ideal way to explore the sights and insights of the Scottish Highlands. At Iona Abbey, your Travel Director reveals its history, beginning with Columba’s monastery until the end of the 12th century followed by a Benedictine abbey. Iona Abbey Museum also houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. Then visit the Reilig Odhrain, a sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Glasgow: Explore Glasgow’s character through its striking street art on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Discover stories of shipbuilding, comedy, creativity and community as you pass powerful murals across the city. End your walk at The Clutha, a much-loved pub supporting young people through the Clutha Trust. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 11: Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
- Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Stirling and Glasgow
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Blair Athol whisky distillery in Pitlochry, the battlefield and Visitor Center of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, The Italian Chapel in Orkney Islands, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
- View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Inverness Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
- See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Top Rated Highlights
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist 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: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Inverness: Visit the site of the final Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated in 1746. Walk the battlefield and learn how this short but brutal conflict changed the course of Scottish history.
- Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it’s a favorite film location and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
What's Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
- Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
- Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Trip Details
Product Code: 29564
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Brendan Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 22.19B
Starts: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Finishes: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7225 ($556 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Voco Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Novotel Edinburgh Center, Delta by Marriott.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Leonardo Aberdeen
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Columba
Meals: Breakfast
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 château-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.
Accommodation: Pentland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Pentland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Kings Arms
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Royal Hotel Oban
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Royal Hotel Oban
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Brendan Vacations (CA)
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2025
Non stop adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2025
Everything was taken care of from rooms to transportation to most meals. All we had to do was sightsee and enjoy! Tour director gave us overviews and history of what we were seeing and bus driver navigated us along narrow country roads with precision. Saw small towns and large cities, along with castles and churches. Awesome landscapes. Great tour director and bus driver. Nice hotels and great meals. Especially enjoyed the optional tour to the sheep farm with the border collie demonstration. Wonderful trip. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2025
Victoria Martin - Traveled, May 2025
Look at what is included in the Trafalgar tours, not just the price. For a little more money, you get a lot more included. We are going to Ireland with them next. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our guide was an experienced native of the area of lowlands Scotland. She took us to the outer shores which are only accessible by one track roads. They are slower than the super highway, but worth the trip and time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2025
Glenda Ilsley - Traveled, May 2025
Tour guide was amazing her knowledge incredible and made the trip so Memorable.. The driver was also fun and friendly. I have told heaps if people in Ireland about my trip as well. I have made some friends to keep in touch with as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2025
Stephen Bressi - Traveled, June 2025
I address much of this in the first section. In summation, the service provided by Trafalgar was excellent, from dealings with the booking agents to the excellent service provided by Ian and Stephen on tour. We have taken tours with other companies (Gate One & CIE) and Trafalgar stands out as the best. Much of this was due to the hard work and extreme organization by our tour guide Ian Macgillivray. Ian kept a step ahead solving any potential issues before they were issues. He was sensitive to the individual needs of each of the 40 individuals on the tour. Nothing was a problem to do. He was also well prepared. He had a series of laminated sheets that he used as a guide as he explained the background and history behind all the places we visited and passed. We also had a excellent driver in Stephen. I felt extremely safe on his coach. In the evenings, after assisting with the baggage, Stephen would be seen washing and cleaning the bus. He kept the bus spotless and everything in working order. The luxury Mercedes coach was extremely comfortable. If I have any suggestion it is that the tour was intense. There was very little down time and some sites required considerable walking, A challenge for seniors. It was good that we had multiple nights at many of our hotels. This saved having to pack each night. We left having to see much of Scotland and we gained an understanding of Scottish culture, food and history. Pre-trip, I liked the fact that Trafalgar did not nickel and dime us. In fact, we were unable to sign up for an special experience before we were physically on the tour. We look forward to another Trafalgar tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2025
Joseph Gilkerson - Traveled, June 2025
The tour director and driver were outstanding! The events with the locals were excellent and made me feel like I was immersed in the local community. High marks for that!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2025
Melba Wagner - Traveled, May 2025
Thorough but a little complicated. Some of the details, possible weather conditions, clothing suggestions, luggage requirements etc... should be information given when researching tour or at least sat time of booking instead of just a few weeks/days before departure. The itinerary covered many of the most interesting, historical and beautiful sites and places in Scotland. However, it would be great to stay more than 1 night in several locations where there is so much to experience; people, pubs, food, sites, shopping on a on-your-own day. For those who do not care to be on their own, the "optional experiences" are a great alternative. All of the planned sites were exceptional and very worthwhile. What a beautiful, educational and exciting experience. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo* and coach driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* were outstanding!! Thanks so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2025
Rita B - Traveled, May 2025
It was top notch. When weather prompted cancellation of a day's travel to an island, our TD pivoted and filled our day with other amazing places, so we didn't really feel like we missed anything. Our itinerary was great...we had long full days, but loved every second. Our TD, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was EXCELLENT!!!! When weather caused cancellation of one of our island days, she quickly shifted gears and filled our itinerary with other great destinations, a couple turning out to be one of our favorites of the trip. We could not imagine going to Scotland for less than 12 days. Now, we feel we've really seen Scotland and fallen in love with its people and country. We could not have asked for a better experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2025
Ruth Lloyd - Traveled, May 2025
Trafalgar arranged all of my travel, lodging, outings allowing me to just enjoy my trip. Unique cultural experiences were provided. Pricing was reasonable. The Trafalgar tour director was extraordinary! She provided interesting cultural and historical points on our travels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2025
Claire Bellefleur - Traveled, May 2025
I absolutely loved my tour of Scotland with Trafalger!! This was my first international trip and it way exceeded my expectations. They really have a full itinerary - definitely worth the cost. I would highly recommend this tour with Trafalger and would not hesitate to take another tour with them in the future. My favorite part of the tour was driving the North Coast 500. The scenery was stunning!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2025
Download a personalized trip brochure!
