Scotland

Our tour will depart from outside Motel One Edinburgh Royal, in the city center and across from Waverley Train Station.

Today we will explore Craigmillar Castle, and the incredible Rosslyn Chapel before traveling to the mighty Wallace Monument and Braveheart country. Craigmillar Castle is one of the best-preserved castles of its period in Scotland. Built at the beginning of the 14th century by the Preston family, it had an L-shaped tower, a wall with buildings inside, attractive gardens and a fish pond. The Castle’s history is strongly linked with that of Mary Stuart (“Mary Queen of Scots”), who stayed there several times, to find peace and quiet from her busy political life, and also to recover from illness. This is a superb visit to Edinburgh’s other castle. The incredible 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel’s popularity increased hugely after Dan Browns’s best-selling novel, The DaVinci Code. Steeped in legend and some say with links to the Knights Templar and even the Holy Grail, Rosslyn truly is a “must-see.”

A short drive will take us on a lovely short walk beneath the magnificent Kelpies Statues at Helix Park. Standing at 100 feet tall and weighing more than 300 tons each, the magical Kelpies are a man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The works of art have become iconic on the landscape after being modeled on real-life icons of times gone by. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, plows, barges, and coal ships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk. After lunch at a fantastic vegan-friendly restaurant, we will head to Stirling and the famous Wallace Monument landmark, standing above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge, and telling the story of the patriot and martyr who became Scotland’s National Hero. Next up will be Auld Stirling Brig. The present Stirling Old Bridge was built in the 1400s or 1500s, replacing a succession of timber bridges. Undoubtedly the best-known of these was one that stood nearby in the 1290s, when Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray defeated Edward I’s forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The bridge also played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south. The bridge today remains one of the best medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland.

Accommodations for the next two nights will be in the Royal Burgh of Stirling, a wee city with a big history. Stirling punches well above its weight for historic attractions and spectacular scenery, not to mention the Royal Stewarts, Stirling Castle, and Braveheart.

Day 2 takes us to visit Stirling Castle, a truly memorable experience. Once the power base of the House of Stuart and as such, the most important castle in Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots was crowned Queen of Scotland at Stirling Castle. If you did not control Stirling, you did not control Scotland. Built on an imposing volcanic plug, Stirling Castle is a must-see on your Scotland travels, with stunning views to the Wallace Monument and the rugged Highlands beyond. Afterwards, we will visit Drummond Castle Gardens, featured as the Royal Gardens of Versailles in the series, and they are beautiful. There are many amazing gardens throughout Scotland, but nothing quite like the manicured landscapes that fall at the feet of Drummond Castle. If the weather is fine, you could almost lose yourself and imagine you’re in Paris, wandering around King Louis’ court at Versailles.

Next it will be time for some natural scenery. The Sma’ Glen is a scenic glen with the fast-flowing River Almond running along the narrow valley floor. The glen itself is rather small, at only 4 miles in length, but beautiful. The Romans built a fort and watchtower here, General Wade built a military road here in the 18th century and the glen featured in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. At the northern end of the Sma’ Glen keep an eye out for Clach Ossian or Ossian’s Stone, an 8 ft high monolithic stone sited where the river and the road almost touch. This is reputed to be the burial place, in about 300 AD, of the legendary Gaelic bard Ossian. He was the father of Fingal who was immortalised in Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave overture. Then we’ll visit Loch Tay, a magnificent dark stretch of water, 15 miles long and around 508 feet deep. It’s the largest loch in Perthshire and one of the deepest in Scotland. It’s hard to believe that ancient settlers once lived on Loch Tay, inhabiting artificially created islands known as crannogs. There are eighteen crannogs on Loch Tay; most are now submerged but a large crannog near the northern shore at Kenmore can be clearly seen. Our day will end at The Falls of Dochart, running through the center of the village of Killin. Located at the western end of Loch Tay, the spectacular rushing water can be explored on foot or observed from the bridge. The Clan MacNab burial ground is situated below the falls and makes for another picturesque photo opportunity.

Meals Included
Day 1: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 affords us a wonderful journey across the Highland line to Oban, the Gateway to the Isles. Balmaha is a small village on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. It’s home to a visitor center and a great base for exploring the island of Inchcoilloch. The name Balmaha derives from the Gaelic Bealach Mo-Cha, ‘the pass of Saint Mo-Cha.’ This is now named The Pass of Balmaha, a narrow route between the hills at the north end of the village, carrying the road north along the Loch. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is the first of Scotlands National Parks and takes in over 1800 square kilometers of the Southern Highlands. Sit back and relax as we pass through lovely villages and beautiful glens. The journey north is wonderful. Passing epic mountains and lochs, on our way to Glencoe, the journey is full of folklore and tales of Highland Clans. We explore the world-famous Glencoe & Rannoch Moor. There will be photo stops and tales of Highland warriors with an epic backdrop. The Buachaille Etive Mhor is a famous mountain landmark. Many movies from Harry Potter to James Bond have used Glencoe as a backdrop. Kings and queens have traveled these roads, including Mary Queen of Scots, and Glencoe is always a wonderful sight.

The opening of the new £3m Glencoe Visitor Center in a much more discreet location on the south side of the main road and lower down the glen has been a huge success. An excellent introduction to the area, as well as a convenient stopping-off point, a new audio-visual presentation explains the history of the Glen so well and there is even a traditional turf house currently being constructed nearby. Castle Stalker is a four-story medieval tower house standing on a small rocky tidal islet known as Rock of the Cormorants, in the mouth of Loch Laich. From a nearby vantage point, we enjoy the best view of the island which originally supported a small fortified building (fortalice), built in 1320 by the Lords of Lorn, the Clan MacDougall. The tower house was built in the mid-15th century by the Stewarts who acquired the Lordship in 1388. This is great photo stop on our way to Oban, where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 4 you will awake in Oban. Oban is a place that is big on things to see and do. The “Gateway to the Isles” is nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside. Oban is a fantastic location. The beautiful Isles of Mull and Iona await. Explore the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland on the Holy Isle of Iona. You will also travel to Staffa, and the legendary Fingal’s Cave. Today is a very special adventure on the road less traveled. We’ll catch the early morning ferry to the beautiful Isle of Mull, which along with the neighboring Island of Iona, lie just off the west coast. Mull and its islands have been continually inhabited since they became environments able to support man after the Ice Age. Circa 6500 – 3500 BC, Mesolithic hunter-gatherers lived in caves on the island and the history is fascinating. Iona is a tiny island off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, with a
population of around 170 permanent residents. Despite this, Iona has a special place in the hearts of many people the world over. Iona has a long and illustrious history and is well known as being ‘The Cradle of Christianity’ in Scotland. For visitors to the island, the pervading feeling that people leave with is one of peace and restoration. Next, you’ll discover the most beautiful and interesting places with a visit to the Isle of Staffa, home to the world-famous Fingal’s Cave, the ornithological heaven of the Treshnish Isles.

Meals Included
Day 3: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and dinner

On Day 5, we leave the Gateway to the Hebrides for the wild and beautiful misty Isle of Skye. Along the way, you’ll see Glenfinnan Viaduct, otherwise known as Harry Potter Bridge. The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan! The Viaduct is instantly recognizable and the surrounding area is beautiful. Another must-see is the Glenfinnan Monument which commemorates the Jacobite clansmen who fought and gave their lives in support of Charles Edward Stuart, often called Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Highland Clans rallied at this very spot in 1745 in what was a pivotal point in Scottish history. The Highlands of Scotland would never be the same again. We then embark on a short ferry journey to the Isle of Skye. We often see dolphins and seals as well as the remote Knoydart Peninsula, affording a fantastic way to arrive or leave the Magical Misty Isle.

A special boat trip on the ‘Bella Jane’ takes us to the truly incredible Loch Coruisk. Loch Coruisk is an epic freshwater loch on the Isle of Skye (Gaelic Coire Uis /the ‘Coire of Waters’). As such, this unique location makes for an incredible addition to your Scotland travels, featuring a back door to the Cuillin mountains and with views of epic proportions. They say memories are the treasure trove of the mind, and this is one of the best views in Europe, but this is not just the view, but the feel of your surroundings which will stay with you forever. There’s a little bridge in Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. A small stream runs below it, and you can look up to a mighty mountain. Many travellers would never think to stop there to have a look around. It’s just another beautiful stream in the Scottish Highlands, but that’s because they don’t know this water has the magical power to grant you eternal beauty.

The next two nights will be spent in the village of Broadford. Nestled beneath the motherly shape of Ben na Calliach (the hill of the old woman) lies the central village of Broadford. The name bears an interesting reflection on the political history of the island. Broadford originally came from the Old Norse Breiðafjorðr meaning ‘wide bay’ but has been retrospectively translated into Gaelic as An t-Àth Leathann, meaning the ‘broad river-ford’. The second largest settlement in Skye, this long meandering village historically consisted of the few buildings on either side of the Broadford River, but the many small townships around the wide sweep of the bay have grown together and Broadford now stretches for a mile and a half around the bay.

Day 6 will be spent exploring the magical Isle of Skye. At the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle. These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos. The Quiraing is an essential view point for any visitor to Skye and some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. A fairy tale landscape awaits you! As part of the Trotternish ridge it has been formed by a massive landslip which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock.It’s a great short hike to this true wonder.

Mealt Falls is certainly one of those waterfalls with that “Wow!” factor. These are stunning falls on the Trotternish Peninsula of Skye. Trotternish or Tròndairnis is the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye. The Old Man of Storr is a famous Skye landmark. A hike to the top is great option, weather permitting. The Storr is a rocky hill on the peninsula, presenting a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. Skye is an island of legends and the Storr is no different. It’s a great tale to tell as we walk to the top or admire the view from below. Next will be a stop in at colorful Portree village. Portree offers warm Highland hospitality, local shops and short walk options.

Meals Included
Day 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a road bridge, connecting the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on Skye. Since December 2004 the bridge has been free to cross for all, but it was not always this way. Now a famous Scottish landmark, the Skye Bridge is a spectacular sight. After leaving Skye via the Skye Bridge, we arrive at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous Castles, and certainly the most photographed. The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan, is most probably called after the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan, who came to Scotland around 580 AD. The Castle is magnificent and is steeped in history and legend. There is great coffee to be had and definitely a photograph or two! Spectacular Glen Shiel runs approximately 9 miles and is truly beautiful, home to Loch Cluanie, Glenmoriston and the Kintail mountains. A beautiful drive on one of our favorite Scottish roads awaits us.

We depart Glen Shiel for Loch Ness. Traveling to Scotland’s most famous Loch is a beautiful drive. Today we will take the opportunity to search for ‘Nessie’. At 1,345 metres tall (that’s 14 times taller than Big Ben’s clock tower in London), Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest mountain. From our loch-shore viewpoint, the snow-dusted shoulders of this imposing mass stand clear of the surrounding peaks.
Once, however, the top of Ben Nevis was actually the bottom of a large crater, and one of the lower bits of land in this mountain range! We then drive through the southern boundary of the Cairngorm National Park. Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, and wildlife hotspots. Five of the UK’s six highest mountains also lie inside the park, alongside 55 Munros – mountains over 3,000 feet. The last night of our tour will be spent in Pitlochry, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and vibrant places to visit. Explore the local shops and beautiful Victorian main street. This is the heart of Scotland with real hospitality, clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, rich clan history, fine food, plenty of space and lots to see and do. For a real treat, we’ll be staying at the UK’s first vegan hotel, Saorsa 1875, named after the Gaelic for ‘freedom’ and the year it was built. With ethics and provenance firmly at the forefront, this homey country house is – with its modern substance, as well as style – a solid, cruelty-free choice for those wanting to veg (an) out.

Day 8 will take us on our journey back to Edinburgh. Today we are exploring beautiful woodlands, iconic rail bridges, and the ancient seaside town of St Andrews. At the Hermitage Woodland Walk, come face to face with the thunderous Black Linn Falls. Breathe in the earthy woodland and the tang of pine needles as you wander along the banks of the River Braan. Douglas firs tower over the paths leading to the roaring Black Linn Falls, where the Dukes of Athol has been planting “big trees” for hundreds of years. Enjoy this fantastic walk with a real ‘hidden gem’ and a visitors’ favorite. St Andrews Cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings, making it an imposing landmark and St Andrews Old Town boasts over 1000 years of history. The beautiful university town is great for exploring, with cobbled streets, cafes, restaurants, and historical sites making it a fantastic destination. The ‘Old Course’ in the heart of St Andrews is recognized worldwide as the ‘ Home of Golf ‘. Once banned in the 15th-century, golf is still the heartbeat of St Andrews.

During the Scottish Wars of Independence 1296 to 1314, between the Scots and the English, St Andrews Castle was destroyed several times, changing hands on a number of occasions. The castle we see today dates back to about 1400. St Andrews Castle was home to King James I of Scotland (1406-1437) when he received part of his education from Bishop Henry Wardlaw, the founder of St Andrews University in 1410. In 1445 the castle was the birthplace of King James III of Scotland. Anstruther is the largest in a string of pretty, old-fashioned villages along the stretch of Fife coast known as the East Neuk. A charming seaside village, it’s great for local shops and a stretch of the legs, before returning to Edinburgh. The iconic Forth Rail Bridge opened in 1890 and is a real Scottish landmark. A great photo stop, the bridge still carries all the rail traffic across the Firth of Forth, a marvelous last sight in a whirlwind tour of gorgeous Scotland.

Meals Included
Day 7: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner