Day 1 - Arrive Edinburgh

Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport you are met in the arrivals hall by your local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Your representative assists you with check-in procedures

Overnight: Balmoral Hotel

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Unravel the history of one of the most dramatically situated cities in Europe on a full-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 the 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.

In the eighteenth century, Edinburgh was expanded considerably by the construction of a 'New Town'. This afternoon on a panoramic tour of this area you see the impressive houses that were built for Georgian high society, appreciated at their best in the incomparable Charlotte Square. Though a port city, maritime trade did not bring as much wealth to the city’s citizens as publishing, brewing and banking/finance guaranteed. Today, Leith still functions as the port of the city; the docks are best known as the home to the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which you explore this afternoon. Built in Scotland, this ship was used by the Royal Family for many official voyages overseas, and much loved by the Queen as a refuge for relaxation. As well as the grand reception rooms and the cosy private areas that were used by the Royal Family, your tour of the vessel also encompasses the behind-the-scenes parts of the ship where the crew lived and worked. (8 hours, driver and guide)

Overnight: Balmoral Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - The Borders of Scotland

The Scottish Borders is the name given to the picturesque area of rolling hills and farmland lying between Edinburgh and the boundary between Scotland and England. The salmon-rich River Tweed gently winds its way through this bucolic landscape, which you explore on a full-day excursion. Visit Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Explore the impressive rooms of what was originally a royal hunting lodge and visited by no fewer than 27 Kings and Queens. Discover the history of the famous Bear Gates, which were closed indefinitely behind Bonnie Prince Charlie as he rode away in 1745.

Although a peaceful region today, it was long fought over between England and Scotland in the late-Middle Ages. Once-great medieval monasteries now survive as romantic ruins including Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Scotland's national novelist Sir Walter Scott. It was this part of Scotland with which he made his home, building a fairy-tale house called Abbotsford, which you visit today. The colourful gardens, whose lawns sweep down to the river, provided an ideal place to stimulate his imagination. Visit the charming town of Melrose, which hosts even more dramatic and beautiful ruins including Melrose Abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. On your return journey to Edinburgh, stop for a photo opportunity at Scott’s View, taking in the stunning panorama of rolling farmlands, woodlands and the three peaks of the Eidon Hills. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Balmoral Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Edinburgh - Perth - Fort William

Depart Edinburgh this morning for your full-day journey north into the Highlands of Scotland. Cross the Firth on the brand new Queensferry Crossing; a remarkable construction that runs parallel to the original road bridge and the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge. Make your first stop north of Perth in the characteristic town of Dunkeld, where the cathedral stands idyllically on lawns that sweep down to the River Tay. The brightly coloured 'little houses' of Dunkeld were built in the early 1700s and are now in the care of the National Trust. Next, take a public tour of the Edradour Distillery, nestled in the hills above the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, to witness how craftsmen turn barley into the 'water of life', with a sample of the wares at the end.

Pitlochry town itself is a picturesque place that welcomes visitors to the Highlands of Scotland; it lies just south of the scenic Pass of Killiecrankie where Jacobite forces were victorious over troops loyal to King William in a battle fought in 1689. On the other side of the pass is the romantic site of the white-turreted Blair Castle, the home of the Duke of Athol, where you tour its sumptuous rooms at leisure. You might enjoy the short detour to Loch Tummel where the Queen’s View is widely considered to be one of the loveliest panoramas in the country. The final part of the journey takes you through some spectacular countryside including the southwestern part of The Cairngorms National Park and then passes Loch Laggan before reaching Fort William. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Inverlochy Castle

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Loch Ness and the Great Glen

The 'Great Glen' is a valley that bisects the Scottish Highlands, running from Fort William to Inverness. Caused by a geological fault, it is one of the most noted topographical features in Scotland. Follow the glen from Fort William, which is overshadowed by the rounded slopes of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Stop for a photo opportunity at the impressive Commando Memorial which stands in tribute to the Commandos of World War II who trained in the area. Pass by Loch Lochy - one of the four beautiful lochs of the Great Glen and, notably, the hiding spot for Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden. Travel onward to the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous loch, which has been long associated with 'Nessie', the fabled monster said to inhabit the deeps. Try looking out for her as you walk around the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which dominate the central part of the loch.

Following the river that drains Loch Ness in the north, you arrive in Inverness, a small but charming city that is considered the Capital of the Highlands. One of the most important historic sites in Scotland is located near Inverness, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops when his attempt to regain the throne for the Stuarts ended. At this poignant spot, learn how these events dramatically changed Scotland's way of life. Time permitting, discover Clava Cairns, an atmospheric Neolithic burial site in a beautiful setting and believed to be the inspiration for the Craig na Dun stone circles in the popular television series Outlander. The return journey to Fort William takes you past either the Cairngorms National Park or the quieter east shore of Loch Ness. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Inverlochy Castle

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - The Isle of Skye

Set out on a full-day excursion that unveils some of the most iconic places and best-loved landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Fort William behind, begin your journey with a drive along the 'Road to the Isles' which leads to the West Coast port of Mallaig. En route, you pass the Glenfinnan Monument, which stands at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel in commemoration of the highlanders; learn how they rose in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 1745 Jacobite uprising. From Mallaig, take the ferry over to the stunning Isle of Skye, the second largest of Scotland’s islands, where you can still spot road signs in the Gaelic language. Pause to obtain a flavour of the island's Gaelic heritage at the Clan Donald Centre.

During the day, your driver-guide gives you a concise history of Skye and you have time to explore the island, including Portree, the largest town on Skye. Weather permitting, take in the idyllic views of the isle with its immense sea cliffs and the distinct peaks of the Cullin Hills, which rise sharply from the surrounding terrain. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Cullin Hills

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - The Isle of Skye

Spend a full day exploring Scotland’s second-largest and most majestic island. You may wish to drive down to Elgol where the best-loved of all the views of these mountains can be obtained. Afterwards, drive to the north of the island, where you can stop in Portree, the island’s capital. Over on the west coast, overlooking the Minch and the Outer Hebrides is Dunvegan Castle, the home of the chief of the Clan McLeod. It is the only castle in the Hebrides to still be occupied; explore the property and its impressive water gardens independently. Later today, return to the mainland by a bridge, and travel to Loch Duich, with great views of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, used as a setting in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough, for a picturesque photograph. Sit back and marvel at the scenery for the remainder of your journey today, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Cullin Hills

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Fort William - Inveraray and Loch Lomond - Gleneagles

With hills and forests, the landscapes of Argyll make this one of the gentlest areas of the Scottish Highlands while still representing the grandeur of the region, which you discover on a full day of touring. Drive through the Pass of Brander in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, a mountain that has been hollowed out to house a hydroelectric power station on the west coast near Oban. Cross over to Loch Fyne, a long inlet of the sea, for a private tour of Inveraray Castle. Home to the Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Campbells, this fairy-tale castle sits near the shore and retains some impressive interiors that are the most richly decorated in Scotland.

Later, travel around the head of Loch Fyne and then up and over the high mountain pass known as 'Rest and Be Thankful'; from the summit viewpoint, there is a panoramic view down the steep-sided valley Glen Croe and the road that leads down to Tarbet. Here the waters of Loch Lomond appear and stretch into the distance and you have the chance to stroll by the banks of Luss, a popular conservation village. Follow the 'Bonnie Banks' of this fabled stretch of water, the largest inland loch in Great Britain, as it extends out of the Highlands and spills onto the plain of the Central Lowlands where it is peppered with many islands. At the southern end of the loch, turn northeast and head on the road to Gleneagles either via the Trossachs, an area of wooded glens and braes or through the fascinating city of Stirling. (9 hours, driver-guide)

Overnight: Gleneagles

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Glamis and St. Andrews

Your driver-guide leads you on a full-day excursion eastwards. You drive into the soft fruit-growing region of Strathmore for a tour of the turreted Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, and still home to the Bowes-Lyon family.

You then head south over the Sidlaw Hills and cross the Tay Bridge over to Fife, towards St. Andrews, on the North Sea coast. Known throughout the world as the home of golf, St. Andrews was originally the ecclesiastical and educational capital of Scotland. You visit the ruins of the cathedral, destroyed during the Reformation. You may also wish to visit the British Golf Museum, located next to the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse.

Return to your hotel from St. Andrews, where the evening is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Gleneagles

Meal Plan: B

Day 10 - Depart Edinburgh

Today you are privately transferred to Edinburgh airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B