Scotland: Land Of Lore & Legend

Rolling landscapes of green hills and rocky coastlines. Lively cities of friendly locals and the renowned “water of life.” This is Scotland - where legends live long, and storybook pages come to life.

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.

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, it’s your choice! View one of Europe’s great art collections at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery -OR- see the city’s fabulous technology and transport collections at the Riverside Museum, situated on the banks of the River Clyde.

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 farm township dating back to the 16th century. Continue to Loch Melfort and settle into your hotel for the next three 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.

This morning, put on your comfy shoes and embark on a guided walking tour of historic Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles.” Uncover the history of the iconic McCaig’s Tower and find out what’s buried under the North Pier as you traverse the scenic harborside town with a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy some free time, perhaps exploring Oban’s food stalls and seeing for yourself why it’s considered the seafood capital of Scotland. Return to your hotel in Loch Melfort to relax and spend the remainder of the day as you please. Perhaps you’ll opt to join your Tour Manager in the bar before dinner for a friendly discussion about Scottish Independence.

It’s time to island hop. 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.

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 ruins of the 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.

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 some time at leisure to explore.

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. Continue on to Dundee, an up-and-coming city on the banks of the River Tay.

This morning, it’s your choice! Visit Discovery Point, home to the RRS Discovery, the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica in 1901 -OR- get inspired at the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s highly acclaimed design museum. Your day ends in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional Scottish cultural show for a night of food, song, and dance.

Start with an Impact Moment getting a local’s perspective from a guide with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become tour guides of their own city. After your tour, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of 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. Gather in the evening for a whisky-inspired farewell dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland and toast to your Scottish explorations.

Wish Scotland a fond farewell as you depart for home.