Overview
Itinerary
Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveller. As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow boasts more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival.
After you meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers, celebrate your first night of your tour over dinner. (D) Stay: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Embark on an orientation drive with your Travel Director who reveals Glasgow's grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
The morning continues with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Not only will you dine with a Baronet, your host will even be involved in the food preparation. Work up an appetite walking amid the beech trees while learning about the Shaw Stewart family. Then return to the castle for a sumptuous afternoon tea of finger sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients, freshly baked scones, cream, jam and cakes. (B/L)
Centuries old history and a massive structure rising above the River Forth – Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish national pride and once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots, awaits your discovery. Explore its halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge from its 16th-century walls.
After a morning exploring the lives of royals, arrive in scenic Scotland's Loch Lomond for an Optional Cruise and Lunch on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs' according to historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott. The evening finds you in Glencoe, a village located on the banks of Loch Leven. (B) Stay: Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre
Scenic Scotland conjures up images of green highlands and wind-whipped seas. Encounter them for yourself today on a ferry from Oban to Craignure, the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to Iona Abbey. Your curiosity will be piqued on this tiny island that has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship. It's even rumoured that the Book of Kells was made at Iona Abbey. Before returning to the mainland, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings. (B/D)
Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dundreggan, home to a pristine and fragile ecosystem, at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Meet a conservation expert to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature and regenerating the Gaelic cultural heritage. After an illuminating morning, the afternoon finds you tailoring your time with Insight Choice. Choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Uile-bheist Distillery. (B/D) Stay: Hotel B&B, Inverness
Full of curiosities, Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn how it has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with a history of both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, and extensive deer park, will have you reflecting on the castle's past.
Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where you could opt to experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, and live music. (B) Stay: Virgin, Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveler. Discover the sights and insights of the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Georgian facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Old Town. Your Local Expert then guides you inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle for the sights and insights into the lives of the royals.
With the afternoon free, you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Stroll past the charming buildings on the Edinburgh Mile or join an Optional Experience of Royal Edinburgh with a Local Expert who brings its ancient stories to life. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine. (B/D)
It's time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. (B)
Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveller. As Scotland's largest city, Glasgow boasts more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival.
After you meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers, celebrate your first night of your tour over dinner. (D) Stay: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Embark on an orientation drive with your Travel Director who reveals Glasgow's grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
The morning continues with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Not only will you dine with a Baronet, your host will even be involved in the food preparation. Work up an appetite walking amid the beech trees while learning about the Shaw Stewart family. Then return to the castle for a sumptuous afternoon tea of finger sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients, freshly baked scones, cream, jam and cakes. (B/L)
Centuries old history and a massive structure rising above the River Forth – Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish national pride and once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots, awaits your discovery. Explore its halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge from its 16th-century walls.
After a morning exploring the lives of royals, arrive in scenic Scotland's Loch Lomond for an Optional Cruise and Lunch on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs' according to historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott. The evening finds you in the resort town and seafood capital of Scotland, Oban, where you can opt to sample the local fare over a seafood dinner. (B)
Scenic Scotland conjures up images of green highlands and wind-whipped seas. Encounter them for yourself today on a ferry from Oban to Craignure, the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to Iona Abbey. Your curiosity will be piqued on this tiny island that has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship. It's even rumoured that the Book of Kells was made at Iona Abbey.
Before returning to the mainland, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings. (B/D)
Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dundreggan, home to a pristine and fragile ecosystem, at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Meet a conservation expert to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature and regenerating the Gaelic cultural heritage. After an illuminating morning, the afternoon finds you tailoring your time with Insight Choice. Choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Uile-bheist Distillery. (B/D) Stay: Hotel B&B, Inverness
Full of curiosities, Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn how it has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with a history of both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, and extensive deer park, will have you reflecting on the castle's past.
Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where you could opt to experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, and live music. (B) Stay: Virgin, Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveler. Discover the sights and insights of the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Georgian facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Old Town. Your Local Expert then guides you inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle for the sights and insights into the lives of the royals.
With the afternoon free, you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Stroll past the charming buildings on the Edinburgh Mile or join an Optional Experience of Royal Edinburgh with a Local Expert who brings its ancient stories to life. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine. (B/D)
It's time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- 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.
- 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.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- Stirling Castle: Delve into the insights of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland dating back to the 13th century. Learn how the castle has endured eight sieges and has witnessed the crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
- Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram' to compete your visit.
- Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
- Inverness: Over a visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, your rewilding expert shares information about the reintroduction of native tree species such as the Caledonian Pine, and animal species such as the lynx, red squirrel and beaver into the wild. Your visit directly contributes to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in Europe that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- Glasgow: Tonight you'll be greeted with genuine Scottish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow's city centre as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of local flavours and traditional delights. Let the evening unfold as you connect with fellow guests and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this bustling Scottish hub.
- Edinburgh: Enjoy a dinner of modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinners (D), 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- 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.
- 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.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- Stirling Castle: Delve into the insights of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland dating back to the 13th century. Learn how the castle has endured eight sieges and has witnessed the crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
- Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram' to compete your visit.
- Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
- Inverness: Over a visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, your rewilding expert shares information about the reintroduction of native tree species such as the Caledonian Pine, and animal species such as the lynx, red squirrel and beaver into the wild. Your visit directly contributes to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in Europe that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- Glasgow: Tonight you'll be greeted with genuine Scottish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow's city centre as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of local flavours and traditional delights. Let the evening unfold as you connect with fellow guests and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this bustling Scottish hub.
- Edinburgh: Enjoy a dinner of modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinners (D), 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Availability
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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