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Glorious Scotland - Edinburgh, The Highlands & Iconic Castles (2025)
Included In Your Tour
- 11 superior meals
- 6 nights of deluxe accommodations divided between Edinburgh, Aberdeen & The Highlands
- A very special gala evening aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations
- Guides, tours, and admission fees at tour venues
Special Included Extras
- Curator/expert led tours at various times
- Wine included with all group dinners
- Snacks at various points throughout the tour
- Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties
Exclusions
- Airfare to/from the United Kingdom
- Meals over and above the 11 included in the tour package
- Personal expenses
- Beer, cocktails, and mixed drinks
- Tour medical insurance (this may be purchased via Transcendent for a fee)
The tour will begin in Edinburgh where guests will stay conveniently near the legendary Royal Mile. Our time in Edinburgh will include an expert-led walking tour, and a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as well as an unforgettable gala evening onboard Britannia, the former yacht of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following our time in Edinburgh, we will head to the iconic Glamis Castle as well as the magnificent Dunnottar Castle on Scotland's rugged coastline. Then we head into the Highlands where we will stay for two nights at the Loch Rannoch Hotel, overlooking stunning Loch Rannoch. While in the Highlands we will discover the lovely village of Ballater, the glorious gardens at Crathes Castle as well as an unforgettable visit to the area of Royal Deeside, which surrounds Balmoral Castle ― the private and cherished Highland home of the Royal Family.
Our time in Scotland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Stirling Castle, where we will explore the famous castle used for the crowning of many of Scotland's Kings and Queens. Along the way, expect some unique touches such as live Scottish music, local culinary delights, whiskey, and all the things that make Scotland special. Memorable traveling is all about creating a blend of unique experiences, paired with delicious meals and superior accommodations. In this tour you can be assured of the combination of all three ― alongside our personal touches, which will ensure your enjoyment of the entire experience.
I do hope you will join us for this memorable tour, where we will explore together the places that make Scotland such a wonderful country.
My Best,
ANDREW LANNERD, TOUR DIRECTOR
Day 1 - Monday
- Morning and afternoon arrivals into Edinburgh
- Late Afternoon: Edinburgh Historical Walking Tour
- 6:30pm: Welcome to Scotland Reception and Dinner
- Overnight accommodations at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh
This morning guests will arrive to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in the stunning Georgian area of New Town, Edinburgh - close to all of the main attractions. In the afternoon we will enjoy an in-depth walking tour of Edinburgh where the guide will explain the long and rich history of the city.
Tonight, we will gather for a welcome reception and dinner to remember.
Day 2 - Tuesday
- A Full Scottish or Continental Breakfast to start the day
- A Visit to the Magnificent State Rooms at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Lunch and the afternoon at your leisure to explore Edinburgh
- A Private Gala Evening Onboard Britannia, the Former Yacht of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- Overnight accommodations at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh
After breakfast, we will visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Presently, it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty King Charles III.
Lunch and the afternoon will be at your leisure to explore Edinburgh. After a great afternoon exploring, we will head to nearby Leith and board the Royal Yacht Britannia for our unforgettable evening onboard.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT: The Royal Yacht Britannia
A Private Gala Evening On Board
On Tuesday evening, tour participants will experience an unforgettable private evening onboard the late Queen's private yacht and home, which took Elizabeth II and her family around the world representing the United Kingdom. As we arrive, we will be piped up the red carpet using the royal entrance reserved for Her Late Majesty and her personal guests.
We will then enjoy a champagne and canapés reception in the royal Drawing Room, where guests will be able to relax and even sit on furniture personally selected for the rooms by Her Late Majesty.
After the reception, we will enjoy a private, expert-led tour of the yacht taking us to all areas including the private Royal Bedrooms, staff quarters, and official rooms used to entertain many of the world's Heads of State. Then, just like the royal guests, we will process into the State Dining Room, to be seated at the royal mahogany table with the finest china, linens and crystal and where we will enjoy a 4-course dinner prepared onboard by the ship’s top-rated culinary team.
Insider tip from Andrew
"This experience will be beyond special, and exclusive. Not many people get to experience this, and I'm sure this will be the highlight of the tour for many."
Day 3 - Wednesday
- A Full Scottish or Continental Breakfast to start the day
- Travel from Edinburgh to Glamis Castle
- Tour of Glamis Castle and Gardens
- Lunch at your leisure at Glamis
- Travel to Dunnottar Castle
- Time to explore Dunnottar Castle (On Scotland's Majestic Coastline)
- Evening Group Dinner
- Overnight at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, near Aberdeen
After breakfast we will depart Edinburgh for Glamis Castle, one of Scotland's finest castles, and ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Still the home of the Strathmore family, Glamis is renowned for the ancient castle, and exquisite gardens.
Following a few hours at Glamis, we will head to the iconic Dunnottar Castle located right on the rugged coastline. We will continue on to our lovely overnight accommodations, the top-rated Ardoe House Hotel & Spa located near Aberdeen.
Day 4 - Thursday
- Delicious Breakfast at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
- Travel to Crathes Castle and Gardens in the heart of the Highlands
- Time to explore Crathes Castle and its lovely highland gardens
- Continue on to Ballater, located on the edge of Balmoral Estate
- Viewing of Crathie Kirk church on the edge of the Balmoral Estate, the Parish Church of the Royal Family
- Lunch and Shopping at your leisure In Ballater
- Group dinner at Loch Rannoch Hotel
- Overnight accommodations at the wonderful Loch Rannoch Hotel
After breakfast, we will head further into the heart of the Highlands to experience the wonderful gardens and interiors at Crathes Castle. Then we're off to the wonderful village of Ballater on the edge of The King's Balmoral Estate. Guests will explore the town's many shops which have been supplying the Royal Family for generations. As you stroll thru Ballater, you soon discover the peace and beauty of this Highland hideaway.
In the afternoon we will drive to our home for the next two nights, Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa. This lovely hotel is on the shore of gorgeous Loch Rannoch nestled into a Highland forest. Take some time to walk along the loch or enjoy the on-site spa before our elegant dinner. The perfect spot to stay in the Scottish Highlands.
Day 5 - Friday
- Breakfast at Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
- Land Rover Highland Wildlife Safari
- Visit to the picturesque town of Pitlochry
- Elegant evening dinner at Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
- Overnight accommodations at Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
Today after a delicious breakfast we will head high into the Highlands for a Land Rover safari. You will hear from experts about the wildlife in the area, and see some stunning vistas, all in the comfort of a Land Rover.
We will then head for the stunning town of Pitlochry - renowned for shops and local cuisine. You'll have some time to explore this wonderful town before we head back to our highland home, Loch Rannoch. In the evening we will gather for a group dinner.
Day 6 - Saturday
- Breakfast at Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
- Travel to Scotland's legendary Stirling Castle
- Time to explore the castle and its treasures
- Continue on to Edinburgh
- Check-in to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh
- A memorable group dinner in the heart of Edinburgh
- Overnight accommodations at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh
Today guests will explore Scotland's most famous castle, Stirling. A visit to Stirling is unforgettable, as many of the major events in Scotland's history have taken place within its walls.
After ample time to explore, we will head back into Edinburgh where we will enjoy another memorable dinner together in full Scottish-style.
Day 7 - Sunday
- Breakfast at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh
- Morning departures from Edinburgh
Today, we say goodbye to an unforgettable week together. Depart out of Edinburgh - or perhaps you'll continue on to enjoy a few more days in Scotland?
