Group members gather in Toronto for the direct overnight flight to Edinburgh.

On arrival in Edinburgh, we are met by our driver and guide and transfer to Glasgow. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city featuring a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. We continue to our hotel with some free time until we gather this evening for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel TBA (2 nights)

Today, we head into the lowlands making a fascinating drive through the countryside of Ayrshire to the village of Alloway. Here we shall visit the birthplace and national museum of Scotland’s most famous and popular poet, Robert Burns. We then continue along the coast to Culzean Castle, the home of the Kennedy family from 1759. Over two centuries they transformed a simple fortified Tower House into one of the finest country homes of the north.

Splendid scenery beckons as we travel through the Trossachs to Stirling. In 1314, Bannockburn was one of the Scots’ greatest triumphs as we shall see in the fascinating Bannockburn Heritage Centre. We see the outstanding fortifications of Stirling Castle, known in the late 13^th and early 14^th centuries as the “key to the kingdom” (several battles with the English took place in the vicinity). Follow the shores of legendary Loch Lomond then journey north to Glencoe, site of the famous clan massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells. The Glencoe Visitor Centre offers an informative presentation on the local topography and history of the area. Caledonian Hotel (2 nights)

Very early this morning we depart to explore the Isle of Mull and visit the Holy Isle of Iona, where in 563 AD, St. Columba and 12 followers established a Christian monastery, the first in the British Isles. Here also is found the burial place of many Scottish kings and chiefs, including Macbeth. We have time to visit the cathedral and explore the religious settlement before returning to the mainland.

Our next stop is opposite the town of Fort William, which lies at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. Follow the “Road to the Isles” past Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. Relax as we take the road to the romantic and misty Isle of Skye. Absorb the breathtaking scenery including views of Kilt Rock and Old Man Storr (weather permitting) as we follow the coastal route. Uig Hotel (1 night)

This morning we visit the Museum of Island life to take a peek into what life was once like on Skye. Nearby we find the grave of Flora MacDonald, known for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden. After some free time for lunch, we catch our ferry for Tarbert, on the distant Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris. Mountain vistas, sandy beaches and the ‘Castaway’ Isle of Taransay lay beyond. We then turn north onto Lewis and head for the remote capital town of Stornoway. Caladh Inn (2 nights)

Today we will learn more about island life with visits around the area. The Gearrannan Blackhouse is a typical crafters’ village where we see Harris tweed being woven in thatched roofed and stone walled buildings. Dun Carloway Broch is an interesting ancient fortification used by locals for protection from other clans and invaders. The impressive Calanais Standing Stones have survived the often rough island weather for five millennia. While it was most likely built as an astronomical observatory and place of ritual the true purpose of the site will likely never be fully known. If time permits we shall also visit the northernmost point of the isle known as the ‘Butt of Lewis’ with its towering lighthouse and abundant birdlife.

We enjoy an early breakfast before we take the ferry for Ullapool, the quaint fishing port on Loch Broom, back on the Scottish mainland. We then continue to the subtropical Inverewe Garden, which benefits from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and to Corrieshalloch Gorge en route to Inverness. Pentahotel Inverness (2 nights)

Our journey today will take us south to the shores of Loch Ness where we visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. We will then skirt the 54.7 kilometre shoreline arriving at the beautiful town of Fort Augustus, where we have some free time. We shall have a cruise on Loch Ness in search of the legendary sea monster before returning to our hotel.

Enjoy a morning of history as we visit the Culloden Centre to learn of the defeat of Bonnie Princes Charlie’s Scottish Clans at the hands of King George II, the last battle on British soil. Then across Speyside, the region is known for the finest Scotch whiskies, where we shall have a treat; a visit to a distillery and an opportunity to sample Scotland’s finest. Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen (1 night)

Enjoy a gentle Highlands drive following Royal Deeside to Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years. Visit the fairy-tale castle and gardens of Crathes Castle, dating from the early 1500s. From Dundee cross the Firth of Tay to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golf. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and the “Prince of Cities”. Hotel TBA (4 nights)    

Our city tour will introduce us to the 200 year old “New Town”, with inspiring stories of some of the world’s greatest scientists, inventors and novelists born in this great city. In the “Old Town”, we’ll head up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy this “Prince of Cities” at our own pace. Sample one of the fine restaurants Edinburgh has to offer, there is something to suit every taste.

We have included a completely free day for your personal use. August is festival month in Edinburgh and there are many things to fill your time. This evening, after dinner at the hotel, we have a very special treat, a performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. This grand spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. 

Today, we head to the newly restored Rosslyn Chapel, originally built in 1446 and recently popularized by Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”. Visit the former floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Royal Family for 44 years. Get a taste of the glamorous life of royalty as you explore its five decks. We will also explore Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. We return to Edinburgh late this afternoon with some time at leisure before gathering for our farewell dinner.