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1 Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Edinburgh – the capital city of Scotland, known for its hilly landscape, beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. If you arrive early, maybe see The Real Mary King’s Close, hike Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over town or visit Edinburgh Castle – home to Scotland’s crown jewels. After your meeting, head out for dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.
2 Edinburgh
After breakfast, set off on a guided walking tour of Edinburgh. Walk through the historic Royal Mile with an expert historian guide and discover the lives and legacies of Edinburgh’s renowned writers, poets and inventors. Then, visit St Giles’ Cathedral and the Edinburgh Writers Museum and see sites associated with Edinburgh's most famous characters from David Hume to Harry Potter along the way. This afternoon is free for you to explore Edinburgh at your own pace – maybe browse the boutiques of George Street or join a Harry Potter-themed walking tour and maybe visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle!
3 Aberdeenshire
This morning, travel north to Aberdeenshire. Along the way, stop at Stirling for a guided tour of Stirling Castle – the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Then, visit Radical Weavers where you’ll have lunch and join a tartan workshop. Learn about the significance of tartan and how to make it before trying your hand at weaving your own tartan. After, continue north and stop to see Dunnottar Castle – a ruined medieval fortress sat on the rocky headland above the coast. Later, check into your Feature Stay at Meldrum House – an 800-year-old manor house with views of the Aberdeenshire countryside.
4 Isle of Skye
This morning, travel to a distillery that is part of the Speyside Whisky Trail – a trail of seven world-famous working distilleries. Nicknamed the ‘Malt Whisky Country’, Speyside is home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries and is one of the country’s five whisky regions. When you arrive, join a guided tour of the distillery before sitting down for a tasting of the region’s local produce. After, drive to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll stay tonight. After settling into your hotel, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your local leader will have the best recommendation!
5 Isle of Skye
Spend today exploring the Isle of Skye – the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, known for its medieval castles and fishing villages. First, see the Old Man of Storr, then continue to the Rigg Viewpoints before heading to the Quiraing – a craterous hollow surrounded by tall rock sculptures. After, explore the otherworldly landscape and hear the mythical stories at Fairy Glen before continuing to Dun Beag Broch. If the weather is nice, you’ll also stop by Neist Point Lighthouse. Later, return to Portree where the rest of the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant and try some traditional dishes like cullen skink (a creamy soup) or scotch pie (mutton or lamb pie).
6 Glasgow
After breakfast, travel to Glasgow. Today is a bit of a long travel day, including a ferry to Mallaig, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book, favourite podcast or simply sit back and watch the changing scenery. Along the way, stop at Glencoe – a small village on the steep-sided Glencoe Valley in the Scottish Highlands, known for waterfalls and thatched cottages. Join your local leader on a walk around the village and have lunch at a local cafe before hitting the road again. Stop in Balloch where you’ll board your boat for an exclusive one hour Loch Lomond cruise, which includes a glass of champagne for you to enjoy while listening to the skipper’s commentary. Take in the views of Ben Lomond and the stately homes and castles along the shoreline. Cruise to Inchmurrin Island – the largest of Loch Lomond’s 33 islands and home to the ancient remains of Lennox Castle, where Robert the Bruce lived before he became the King of Scotland. After, continue to Glasgow – a major port city on the River Clyde, recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
7 Glasgow
This morning, set off on a walking tour through Glasgow with a local guide from an organisation that gives employment opportunities to the local community. Visit some of the city’s historical landmarks and hear personal insights into the city’s past, present and future from your guide. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Glasgow. Maybe visit the Riverside Museum with their interactive displays or stroll along the banks of River Clyde. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate a trip well-travelled!
8 Glasgow
Your trip ends this morning as there are no further activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer in Glasgow, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.