Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Glasgow, a cultural trove of art, music, and history. Get ready to experience the eclectic architecture, friendly locals (Glaswegians), and rich traditions that make this city such a fascinating place. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers this evening for dinner. (D) Stay: Hilton Glasgow (2 Nights)
Soak in the rich culture of Glasgow. Join a local guide on a walking and coach tour that leads you through historic George Square and the beautiful Beaux-Arts style architecture that surrounds it; to Provands Lordship, the oldest surviving house in the city; the medieval Glasgow Cathedral; prestigious Blythswood Square; and the futuristic-looking Science Centre. After lunch on your own in central Glasgow, enjoy some free time to discover the city how you like it. (B)
Leave the city behind, traveling along sloping fields towards Loch Lomond. Visit a family-run farm with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills, see border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration, and enjoy Scottish snacks. Next, arrive in Luss and explore this quaint lakeside village of stone cottages and bright flowers.
After enjoying lunch on your own, it's off to Auchindrain. Learn about Scotland's rural history during a self-guided tour of this well preserved open-air farm township dating back to the 16th century. Continue to Loch Melfort and settle into your hotel for the next two nights. Take in a stunning view of the ocean from the hotel before wandering the grounds, home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust's Arduaine Gardens. (B/D) Stay: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine (2 Nights)
It's time to island hop! Setting off from Loch Melfort, take the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, a picturesque island that is the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands. Continue to the Isle of Iona, one of Western Europe's oldest Christian religious centers. Journey to Iona Abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore the tranquility of the grounds on your own before returning to Oban and back to your hotel in Loch Melfort. (B/D)
Geological wonders await you in the Highlands. Head to the National Nature Reserve in Glencoe and stop at the visitor center to learn about the spectacular Glencoe mountain range, then walk the trails and experience this unique landscape for yourself. After lunch, continue on to Loch Ness. Wander the undulating ruins of legendary Urquhart Castle and imagine all that transpired inside the walls of this 13th-century medieval fortress.
Afterwards, travel to Inverness, capital of the Highlands, to settle into your hotel for the night. After dinner, you may wish to take a stroll with your Tour Manager to neighboring Eden Court along the River Ness. (B/D) Stay: Best Western Palace Hotel (2 Nights)
Head out on the water and cruise Moray Firth, traveling up the Beauly Firth to the Caledonian Canal and then back out as far as Munlochy Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, porpoises, seals, and numerous shore birds along the way. Continue to Culloden Battlefield, where in 1746 a half-hour battle changed the course of Scotland's history. Experience the 360-degree battle-immersion theater at the visitor center and see artifacts from the conflict.
Later this afternoon, return to Inverness and have an afternoon at leisure to explore. (B)
Immerse yourself in history today at Blair Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan Murray. Explore the ornate 18th-century interiors and wander the nine acres of walled gardens, where you may spot a peacock roaming free. After lunch, continue to Bamff Ecotourism for an Impact Moment. Meet the owners of this tranquil estate and learn why they're helping to reintroduce the wild beaver population to Scotland. Your day ends in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. (B) Stay: Voco Edinburgh - Haymarket (3 Nights)
This morning, join a local expert for a two-hour walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town and discover more about the lore and legends of this capital city. After your tour, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. This evening, take your seat at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events. (B)
The day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps you'll take a stroll among the Georgian architecture of the New Town or journey to Leith for a visit to the royal yacht Britannia. Or you might take advantage of the optional excursion to Stirling Castle, an iconic landmark in Scotland's history, followed by a brief stop at the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. Gather in the evening for a whisky-inspired farewell dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland and toast to your Scottish explorations. (B/D)
Wish Scotland a fond farewell as you depart for home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Immerse yourself in the history of Blair Castle.
- See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
- See the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events.
- Explore the culturally rich city of Glasgow.
- Ferry to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey.
- Look for porpoises and seals as you cruise Moray Firth.
- Visit Blair Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan Murray.
- Sip the famous "water of life" at a local whisky tasting.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI.
- Guests departing from Australia & New Zealand can choose to prepay gratuities for their Tour Manager, driver(s), cruise staff when applicable, and local guides including those on optional tours. Gratuities for airport transfers, Tour Extensions, and any services not purchased through Collette are the responsibility of the traveler. In select cases where partner cruise lines automatically charge gratuities for cruise staff to traveler staterooms, Collette does not collect or distribute crew tips on behalf of the traveler. Transportation is not included
- Location: Edinburgh.
- Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's greatest stone castles, and an iconic, integral piece of Scottish history. Steeped in tales of generations of Scottish monarchs, Stirling Castle has lore and legend seeping through every wall. This self-guided visit allows to you to explore at your own pace and to take some free time for lunch. On the way back to Edinburgh we will make a short stop to see the Kelpies. These are the world's largest equine statues and a magnificent piece of engineering to witness. The Kelpies themselves are mystical, mysterious and majestic, merging the rich tapestry of Scotland's past and present. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Availability
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
