Today we leave the Lowlands behind and climb into the Highlands proper. Our exciting trek north takes us to fascinating historical stops that include the village of Falkland (Mary, Queen of Scots’ favorite home) and the ancient university town of St Andrews, the Home of Golf. We’ll visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church. Tonight, we lodge and dine in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry.

• Overnight in Pitlochry

Heading north towards Inverness, our day begins with a relaxing and unique forest walk at the spectacular Dunkeld Hermitage. Then, we take in the scenic splendor of the Queen’s View followed by a spot of lunch and a luxury shopping experience at the House of Bruar. We then continue north though the Cairngorm National Park with its magnificent granite mountains, where you have an opportunity to visit Dalwhinnie Distillery for a wee dram or two..

• Optional excursions: Blair Castle
• Overnight in Inverness

We begin our day with a city tour of Inverness, where your guide explains the rich and fascinating history of the Highland capital. Then, we visit the infamous and deeply moving Battlefield of Culloden of 1746, which changed the Highland way of life forever. Next, we explore the pre-historic Clava Carins, otherworldly 4,000-year-old standing stones & ring cairns. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a beautiful round-trip driving tour of Loch Ness.

• Optional excursions: Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center, Cawdor Castle
• Overnight in Inverness

We depart from Inverness towards the enchanting Isle of Skye. We’ll stop to visit one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the dramatic bridge over to Skye. Delve into the Isle of Skye’s iconic landmarks, including the The Quiraing, Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and Lealt Falls. We finish the day with a browse through Portree’s harbor shops then catch a ferry back to the mainland in the evening.

• Optional excursions: Eilean Donan Castle
• Overnight in Mallaig

Our journey today takes us eastward to the shores of beautiful Loch Shiel, stopping at the impressive Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. Experience Fort William, shadowed by the UK’s tallest mountain, then we drive through the mighty and majestic Glen Coe valley, culminating the day at the vibrant port town of Oban.

• Overnight in Oban

Today we enjoy a day trip to the beautiful Isles of Mull and Iona, a little under one hour sailing from Oban. Our day can take us northward to the charming town of Tobermory, known for its vibrant, color-drenched houses that ring the peaceful bay. The journey has wonderful views of the mainland across the Sound of Mull and passes through the villages of Salen and Aros. The other option is to continue southwest on a somewhat longer trip to Fionphort where a passenger ferry takes us on a short voyage to the sacred Isle of Iona and its ancient Abbey.

• Optional excursion: Duart Castle, Ferry to Isle of Iona
• Overnight in Oban

This morning we embark from Oban and travel through stunning Highland Perthshire and the serene Glenlyon area—aptly termed “Scotland’s loveliest glen” by Sir Walter Scott. Later, we visit Stirling where Stirling Castle sits proudly on a volcanic crag, one of the most important and historic castles in Scotland. We conclude our journey at the magnificent Kelpies Monument, a tribute to Scotland’s Clydesdale horses.

• Optional excursion: Stirling Castle
• Overnight near Edinburgh Airport