Private Chauffeur | Ireland And Scotland

Welcome to Scotland! You will be met at the airport by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, take a sightseeing tour to introduce you to this wonderful city. See the New Town, dating back to the 18th century; the Old Town, dominated by the castle; the Royal Mile, as High Street is called; and Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Edinburgh home. Next is a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, perched high atop a dormant volcano. You can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, the Great Hall, and more. Afterward, your evening is free.

Add a day in the Orkney Islands: Travel to Thurso, then take the ferry to Orkney. Visit the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle older than the pyramids of Egypt; Skara Brae, a Stone Age village; and Maes Howe, a prehistoric burial mound with Viking-carved graffiti on its walls. You'll overnight at a Bed & Breakfast or quality, hand-selected hotel. Return to mainland Scotland the next day.

Head to Loch Ness, where you'll see the ruins of Urquhart Castle and perhaps spot the famous monster, Nessie. Continue through rolling Highland scenery to Loch Alsh. Stop for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, then cross the Skye Bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye. You might want to visit Dunvegan Castle to hear about 13 centuries of Clan history, or the Talisker Whisky Distillery to learn the secrets of making the "water of life." Your evening is free. Be sure to step out tonight and look into the star-filled sky. With some of the darkest night skies in Europe, star gazers of all interests will be mesmerized by the twinkling canopy above.

With a leisurely morning, you might want to visit the Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles. There's time to explore and to stroll through the extensive gardens before taking the ferry to Mallaig. This afternoon, board the Jacobite Steam Train, considered one of the greatest rail trips in the world. As you travel through the stunning countryside, watch for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, well known to Harry Potter fans familiar with the "Hogwarts Express." Disembark in Fort William and continue through Glencoe and on across Rob Roy country to Trossachs National Park and sparkling Loch Lomond.

Start the day with a cruise on majestic Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest loch, taking in the spectacular scenery. Then travel to Glasgow, set on the River Clyde. Your private chauffeur will take you on a city tour including a visit to St. Mungo's Cathedral. Continue to see the unique Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable boat lift that can carry eight boats at a time in a single trip. Next on the agenda is Stirling Castle. This impressive edifice was the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Visit the castle, watch as costumed performers bring its history to life, see the Stirling Heads, and stroll through the gardens. At your leisure, return to Edinburgh.

Your private chauffeur will take you to the airport, where it's time to bid farewell to Scotland, as your vacation ends.