Day 1 - EDINBURGH

Welcome to Scotland - land of legend & romance, from the two great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains & misty lochs of the Highlands! On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, your airport transfer service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00 & 13:00. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring. Perhaps take a stroll around the shops of Princes Street before joining your Tour Director & fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink. In the evening, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes & drums, dance & display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Hotel: Roxburghe

Day 2 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

Join a local guide to see the highlights of 'Athens of the North'. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then tour the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny & Scotland's glittering crown jewels. See the house where John Knox lived & St Giles' Cathedral, where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (B)

Day 3 - EDINBURGH - ST. ANDREWS - HIGHLANDS

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife & make your way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, cross the Tay & drive to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the origins of Scotch whisky. Continue via Blair Atholl (whose castle is the home of Britain's only private army) & over the Grampian Mountains to your Highland hotel. This evening, you are invited to a rousing Highland style dinner with haggis and bagpipes.
Hotel: Highlander (B,HD)

Day 4 - HIGHLANDS - LOCH NESS - THURSO

Travel through the sparkling Spey Valley to Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746. Drive via the stately town of Inverness & along the shores of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster. Now follow the rugged coast to John O'Groats at the northern tip of mainland Britain. The coastal road to Thurso then offers splendid views out over the Pentland Firth.
Hotel: Royal (B,D)

Day 5 - THURSO - ULLAPOOL

Through stunning & pristine landscapes along the northern coastline with its white sandy beaches, & further inland to misty valleys & glens, lochs & rushing waters. Arrive in the little fishing town of Ullapool on Loch Broom.
Hotel: Caledonian (B,D)

Day 6 - ULLAPOOL - ISLE OF SKYE

An exciting day takes you alongside Loch Carron, past remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Then it's 'Over the Sea to Skye' the largest & most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear romantic tales of young Flora MacDonald & how she helped to rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled in disguise after his defeat at Culloden. See the island's most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on your way to Skye's capital, Portree.
Hotel: Tongadale (B,D)

Day 7 - ISLE OF SKYE - LOCH LOMOND - GLASGOW

Enjoy a feast of scenic splendour as you return to the mainland & head past Loch Garry into the Great Glen. Stop along the way at the Second World War Commando Memorial which affords fine views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Your route continues via the Victorian town of Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe & through the infamous Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Your highlight for today is a cruise on the blue waters of Loch Lomond, the 'Queen of Scottish Lakes' & largest in Great Britain. It's not far now to the Clyde Valley & your hotel in the vibrant commercial city of Glasgow.
Hotel: Marriott (B)

Day 8 - GLASGOW

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow Airport at 07:00 & 09:00. (B)