Day 1 - Arrive Edinburgh, Scotland

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Meet your Guardian Angel and transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure for you to settle in or explore on your own.

Overnight: The Balmoral

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Unravel the history of one of the most dramatically situated cities in Europe on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the UK. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St Giles Cathedral. At the foot of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Edinburgh. If no member of the royal family is staying, you can visit the staterooms on your own and explore the historic apartments in which Mary, Queen of Scots resided. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace. (4 hours, driver and guide)

OPTIONAL EXTRA: Scotland is the home of whisky, and you might want to participate in an optional private whisky tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. An expert on Scotch whisky guides you through a tutored tasting of up to five malt whiskies chosen from distilleries in various regions of Scotland.

Overnight: The Balmoral

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Edinburgh/Stirling & the Trossachs/Edinburgh

The county of Stirlingshire lies in the heart of Central Scotland and covers much of the upper valley of the River Forth. It can justifiably claim to be an area where Scotland's destiny was forged as you discover today. Stirling itself is an ancient stronghold located on a long-established bridging point over the river; here the armies of William 'Braveheart' Wallace defeated the invading forces from England in 1297. With its grand apartments and Great Hall, the majestic Stirling Castle was once the most significant residence of the Stuart kings, and it was here, in the Chapel Royal, where the infant Mary was crowned Queen of Scots in 1542. Spot the Wallace Monument on the skyline, standing on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, commemorating Sir William Wallace.

Continue west to explore the Trossachs, a delightful scenic area of mountains, forests and lochs often known as Rob Roy country, after the infamous outlaw Rob Roy McGregor who is sometimes described as the Robin Hood of Scotland. Marvel at the serenity of Loch Katrine, one of the most peaceful and isolated lochs in Scotland. Afterwards, you see Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce finally expelled the English armies with a stunning military victory in 1314. Return to your hotel in Edinburgh at the end of the day. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: The Balmoral

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Depart Edinburgh

Transfer privately to Edinburgh's airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B