Highlights of Scotland

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)

This private luxury tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland. It features private touring in beautiful Edinburgh and the most spectacular sections of the Scottish Highlands, time for outdoor activities such as hiking and boating, accommodation in a castle hotel in the Highlands, and leisure time at a luxury resort in the Perthshire countryside.

Begin in Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with three nights in a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, explore the city according to your interests. Tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See iconic Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore historic buildings and narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Also visit neighborhoods and shops noted for Scottish products such as weavings, wool items, and tweed. Depending on your interests, you may wish to visit the Royal Botanic Garden, the National Gallery, tour the incredible architecture at the Scottish Parliament Building, or hike an extinct volcano for a panoramic overview of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth, a tidal bay connected to the North Sea. If desired, take a private excursion to Glasgow to tour cultural highlights such as art museums and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture.

Next, transfer to the Scottish Highlands with touring en route. Visit Stirling, a strategic town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence. Tour Stirling Castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Also visit the National Wallace Monument, a landmark dedicated to one of Scotland’s greatest heroes. Continue through the breathtaking scenery of Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful regions in the Highlands.

Stay two nights at Inverlochy Castle, set in private grounds at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, just outside Fort William. One day, enjoy a private excursion through the Great Glen to Inverness, passing through classic Highlands scenery of narrow lochs and rugged mountains. Enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness, and perhaps scan the waters for Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness monster. Also visit the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland, which sits on the shore of Loch Ness.

Next, transfer back through the Highlands, stopping at scenic spots and whisky distilleries en route. Stay two nights at Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the Perthshire countryside. Enjoy on-site activity options such as golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, falconry, tennis and more. There’s also a golf academy for younger players, as well as a kids club sure to inspire the little ones. One day, perhaps opt for a private excursion to nearby St. Andrews, a charming seaside university town and the birthplace of golf.