Scottish Clans & Castles 11 day/10 night tour

Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel. Enjoy a Glasgow city tour to see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Park, and Glasgow University all featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Visit Stirling Castle, a mighty stronghold that dominates the surrounding plain, before some free time on your own for lunch. Visit the 14th-century Duone Castle, with its 100-foot-high gatehouse and well-preserved great hall. The formidable structure has been used as a film location for many productions, including "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Next, head to a whisky distillery for a sampling, then go back to Glasgow to dine at your hotel. (B, D)

Head into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Stop for photo opportunities along the route. Treat yourself to Scottish goods at a woolen mill and continue your journey north to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. (B, D)

Explore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time. (B, D)

Visit the ruins of Armadale Castle, a country house that was home to the MacDonalds. The house was abandoned a century ago but the gardens are still beautifully maintained. Embark on a ferry ride to Mallaig and transfer to a train for a ride through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery. Travel from Fort William to your hotel in Inverness. (B, D)

Photo opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ending the Jacobite rising. Return to Inverness for a walking tour before dinner at your hotel (B, D)

Tour Johnstons of Elgin to discover the history and craftsmanship behind their fine woolens, then enjoy some free time for lunch. Explore 16th-century Brodie Castle, with its fairytale towers and turrets set on spacious grounds. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own. (B)

Immerse yourself in farm life and enjoy a demonstration of dogs obeying commands to round up sheep. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Continue to Culross for a walking tour around the charming 16th-century town, recently used as a filming location for “Outlander.” Highlights include the Town House, Culross Palace, and the remains of Culross Abbey. Enjoy free time in Culross before heading to your hotel near Edinburgh for a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment. (B, D)

In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town are in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The rest of the day is free. July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. Enjoy a walking tour around parts of the city’s historic areas where you will have a selection of tours and routes. You will receive a taxi voucher to travel from your hotel to the city center, as well as a voucher to visit Edinburgh Castle where you may explore the historic buildings with great views of the city. (B)

Your program ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.   >