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Spirit of Scotland
Elegant Edinburgh, the glory of castles, sweet villages, daring Highlands, a historic steam train, the Isle of Skye, and beautiful whisky… This is sheer Celtic heaven. Get into the spirit with an evening of merriment and a “ceremony of the Haggis” in the capital. Next, be amazed as your storyteller and guide leads you through the closes, courtyards, and shops in Old Town, the Royal Mile, ancient Edinburgh Castle, and the Stone of Destiny. All is wonder.
Unrivaled Travel Experiences: Spirit of Scotland
Day One Arrival: Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Edinburgh
Overnight: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
After arriving in Edinburgh with a private airport transfer to your hotel, you can explore the city at your leisure until your special Scotland Dinner Show. Should your tour dates include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 6th and August 13th arrival only), you will enjoy dinner at an authentic Scottish pub, in lieu of the Scotland Dinner Show, before your exciting evening at this world-class event with famous Tattoo pipers, fiddlers, and dancers.
Day Two: The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace
Overnight: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. This beautiful city, steeped in awe-inspiring history, has been perfectly preserved. The wynds, closes, courtyards, and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town are a journey through time. Come with us and explore the lives of generations of Edinburgh residents, from Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who spent their entire lives within the city’s medieval walls. Your storyteller will enchant you as they walk with you through the culture, politics, and everyday events. You’ll see these tales evidenced in the present as you discover the Royal Mile. From the Royal Mile, you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge to Edinburgh Castle.
Day Three: Blair Castle
Overnight: The Old Manse of Blair
Blair Castle stands near the village of Blair Atholl in Scotland’s Perthshire. It is the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, and was historically the seat of their chief, the Duke of Atholl. The castle has an extraordinary history, during peace and conflict. Over a period of 750 years, it witnessed politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists, and entrepreneurs. The 30 rooms bring to life Scottish Baronial architecture and interiors. Castle tours have information in every room and welcoming guides on each floor to answer your questions. (The Tullibardine Restaurant and Castle Gardens are closed during the winter season.)
Day Four: Cairngorms National Park
Overnight: River Ness Hotel - Inverness, Highlands
Stroll along the River Ness, or cruise on the Moray Firth, searching out bottlenose dolphins. (It is very peaceful, especially if you’ve just been ghost-hunting.) The River Ness flows through Inverness, and salmon fishermen come during the summer for a fine catch. Inverness Castle is perched high above the city, a gorgeous Victorian built of red sandstone. Just below the castle is the museum and art gallery which runs exhibitions and workshops for kids. The main shopping area fans out from there in three directions, and it includes a lively gathering place where pipers and other musicians gather and make music.
Day Five: Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle
Overnight: River Ness Hotel - Inverness, Highlands
Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both the castle and glen up until the 1500’s. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents. Urquhart is a must-experience.
Day Six: Isle of Skye
Overnight: Oban Bay Hotel - Oban, Highlands
The Isle of Skye beckons with its captivating charm, an idyllic haven renowned for its theatrical landscapes that unfold like nature's own masterpiece. Among its treasures, rocky cliffs stand guard against the untamed seas, while medieval castles whisper tales of bygone eras. Yet, it is the ethereal Quiraing that steals the spotlight, an enchanting realm where time seems to stand still amidst the surreal play of light and shadow. Every step on this island is a pilgrimage through a living canvas, where each scene is a brushstroke of wonder. The Isle of Skye invites wanderers to immerse in a dreamscape sculpted by earth's divine hand.
Day Seven: Harry Potter Steam Train
Overnight: Oban Bay Hotel - Oban, Highlands
For movie fans, the highlight of this journey is often crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct. The scene has received worldwide fame, due to its use in the Harry Potter movies. In the second movie, “Chamber of Secrets,” Harry & Ron swoop and dive in their flying Ford Anglia, as the train crosses the viaduct! Some of the train carriages are those actually used in the Harry Potter films. Beyond the viaduct, the train stops in the charming town of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan you’ll see the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, and Mallaig. When passing Morar, keep an eye out for the silvery beaches used in the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero.”
Day Eight: Loch Lomond National Park
Overnight: Stirling Highland Hotel - Stirling, Central Scotland
Loch Lomond is located in Central Scotland, approximately 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. The main A82 road runs along the west shore of the lake en route to Fort William and beyond to Inverness. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, comprising 720 square miles, became Scotland’s first National Park in 2002. Originally made famous by the novels of Sir Walter Scott in the early 1800’s, the Trossachs have been enjoyed as the “Highlands in Miniature” by travelers since that time. For two centuries, people have come here to walk, climb, cycle and sail, to breathe fresh clean air, and immerse themselves in the wonder of nature.
Day Nine: The National Wallace Monument
Overnight: Stirling Highland Hotel - Stirling, Central Scotland
The National Wallace Monument is one of Stirling’s most distinctive landmarks, overlooking the scene of Scotland’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This is a place where history is something you can touch and feel, as you follow the story of Sir William Wallace, patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland. For 150 years, this world-famous attraction has fascinated visitors with its exhibits and displays. Make The National Wallace Monument the high point of your visit to Stirling.
Day Ten: Transfer from Stirling to Edinburgh Airport
Overnight: Fly Home
Return to Edinburgh Airport 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home. Edinburgh is a small airport, but offers a surprisingly large array of shops and restaurants. If you have some time on your hands after check-in and security, you won't be bored!
