Echoes of the Highlands

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO SCOTLAND!

Following your included overnight flight, arrive in Edinburgh to enjoy a private city tour. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner featuring a private ceilidh, a traditional Scottish celebration of music and dance introducing you to Scotland’s joyful spirit. Later, settle into our hotel for the next three nights. D

DAY 3: EXPLORING EDINBURGH

Start the day at Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city with sweeping views and centuries of royal history. Continue to Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, where you’ll enjoy a special tartan talk and cultural presentation, welcomed by the stirring sound of a live bagpiper. Enjoy free time along Princes Street before indulging in a traditional afternoon tea, complete with a light lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Edinburgh at your own pace. Wander the Royal Mile, browse local shops, or even visit the famous Johnnie Walker distillery. B, L

DAY 4: ABBEYS, CHAPELS, AND SHEEPDOGS

Journey to the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Borders. Visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey, standing as a testament to centuries of monastic life, spiritual significance, and architectural evolution. Later, enjoy a sheepdog demonstration at Neth Hill, where skilled working dogs showcase the centuries-old tradition of herding across the hills. Later, visit Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its intricate stonework and ancient legends. Return to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure. B

DAY 5: ST ANDREWS TO ABERDEEN

Depart Edinburgh and travel north along Scotland’s scenic east coast. En- route, visit St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” where you’ll partake in an Old Course walking tour, visiting the legendary 1st, 17th, and 18th fairways and standing at the iconic Swilcan Bridge. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch in this charming university town. Continue to Glamis Castle to tour one of Scotland’s most storied castles. Tonight, arrive in Aberdeen and check in for a two-night stay in this coastal city. B, D

DAY 6: CASTLES, FARMS, AND COASTAL HERITAGE

Experience the rich rural traditions of Aberdeenshire with a visit to a working cattle farm, where you’ll enjoy lunch and an up-close encounter with some lovable Highland cows. Continue to the Scottish Lighthouse Museum, exploring the maritime heritage of Scotland’s rugged northeast coast. Conclude the day at Kinnaird Head Castle, a historic site uniquely transformed into one of Scotland’s earliest lighthouse stations, offering sweeping views of the North Sea. B, L

DAY 7: WHISKY AND BATTLEFIELDS

Travel into the Highlands, journeying through the scenic Speyside region, renowned for its whisky heritage. Visit a traditional Speyside distillery for a guided tour and tasting, learning the craftsmanship behind Scotland’s world- famous Scotch whisky. Later, continue to the Culloden Battlefield, where the final Jacobite uprising came to a dramatic end. Explore the battlefield marked with clan gravestones and Leanach Cottage, gaining insight into one of Scotland’s most pivotal historic moments. Arrive in Inverness for an overnight stay. B, D

DAY 8: LOCH NESS AND THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS

Today, we’ll explore the legendary waters of Loch Ness, as we enjoy a scenic cruise across the loch in search of its famous resident. Later, visit the Clansman Centre, where an authentically dressed clansman brings Highland history to life through storytelling and demonstrations. Then, travel through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most breathtaking glens. Arrive in Oban and check in for a two-night stay on the west coast. B, D

DAY 9: ISLE OF MULL

Board a ferry for a scenic crossing to the Isle of Mull, a quaint island of colorful harbors, mountains, and coastal beauty. Enjoy exploration, including a visit to the town Tobermory, famous for its brightly painted waterfront buildings, and a scenic drive around the island.

Option—Tobermory Distillery Established in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is a charming, small-scale artisan distillery on the Isle of Mull. Tucked away in a colorful harbor town, it famously produces both the smooth, unpeated Tobermory malt and the bold, smoky Ledaig malt. (limited to 30 people). Price: $37 per person

Return to Oban in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. B, D

DAY 10: TASTINGS OF SCOTTISH TRADITIONS

Travel to Perthshire, known as the “Big Tree Country,” for a day of culinary and scenic delights. Begin the day with a visit to the Falls of Dochart Smokehouse for a guided tasting experience highlighting traditional Scottish flavors. Get an inside look at the smoking process, the source of the salmon, and their traditions in the countryside. Continue to the renowned Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier, where you’ll enjoy a talk and tasting of artisan chocolates crafted with Highland flavors. Later, check into our hotel in Perthshire for dinner and an overnight stay. B, L, D

DAY 11: A FOND FAREWELL TO SCOTLAND

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return home. Taking with you memories of ancient traditions, great legends, and some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Nights 2-4: Doubletree City Center, Edinburgh, Scotland
Nights 5-6: Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen, Scotland
Night 7: Macdonald Hotel New Drumossie, Inverness, Scotland
Nights 8-9: Muthu Queens Hotel, Oban, Scotland
Night 10: Murrayshall County Estate, Perthshire, Scotland (or similar)

Dates:

Sep 13-23, 2027

Price Per Person:

Double $6,297
Single $7,995

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

Call for pricing

Depart/Return:

New York City, NY

Inclusions:

Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time

Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Departure Time

Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking

Our pre- and post-tour hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Vehicle parking during the tour is not included. If you need parking, please contact us in advance, and we will be happy to discuss available options.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common throughout European Airports as they are in the United States.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.

Average Temps

High of 63°F, low of 45°F

Currency

Pound Sterling

Time Zone

GMT+1

Hotel Amenities

Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, spa, or laundry facilities.

Additional Information

A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.

An outlet converter that adapts to UK outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.

A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.

Travel Protection Available?

Yes, view Travel Protection Information.