Overview
Scottish Highlands Escape
Take an exciting Caledonian adventure through the Highlands from Edinburgh to Glasgow on this guided vacation in Scotland! Enjoy the moors even more by visiting during the off season, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Begin in Edinburgh to visit the Castle and admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Visit the home of golf at St. Andrews. Stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry to admire its Scottish Baronial architecture and take a spirited tour of a whisky distillery. Spend the night in the Highland capital of Inverness, and prepare for a day of glorious Scottish scenery crossing the battleground at Culloden Moor on your drive along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Admire even more beautifully rugged landscapes from Glen Coe to Oban on the western coast of Scotland.Travel through the serene glens, lush forests, and rushing rivers of The Trossachs—Scotland’s first national park. Relish in the lovely views of Loch Lomond. Take a drive through Glasgow to see its 12th-century cathedral, stately university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares built in the heyday of the tobacco barons. Finally, gather with your traveling companions, and raise a glass to this bonnie jaunt of a guided vacation in Scotland.
Highlights of Scottish Highlands Escape
Related Option Title
January & March 2020 Travel
UNESCO Sites
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|The Forth Bridge (See Only)
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,339*18 guests in a party: $297*
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Welcome dinner in Edinburgh• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Guided tour of a whisky distillery• Visit to Culloden Moor battlefield site• See the Glenfinnan monument• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Farewell dinner in Glasgow
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Welcome to Edinburgh! Tonight, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
EDINBURGH Traditions & Treasures Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, rules with an 11,000-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle also marks the starting point of the Royal Mile, the historic processional route and location of many of the city’s famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral.
Day 3
EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESS Mulligans & Malts Travel over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to the university town of St. Andrews, famous also as the home of golf. A scenic drive through the dramatic Scottish countryside brings you to the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Enjoy a guided visit of a [LF] local whisky distillery. Overnight in the highland capital of Inverness.(B) 200 mi / 325 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES For those who appreciate a fine Scotch whisky, where better to learn about the distillery process with a sample of authentic and historic malt whisky in the Highlands. Lift a dram of Scotland’s proud heritage.
Day 4
INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–GLENFINNAN–OBAN Noble Warriors & Epic Monsters Start today with a visit to the Culloden battlefield site to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Try to spot the elusive Nessie as you journey along the shores of Loch Ness to Glenfinnan. See the famous viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films and the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen. Enjoy free time in Oban.(B,D) 125 mi / 201 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
Day 5
OBAN–THE TROSSACHS–GLASGOW Natural Sights & City Lights Travel through the dramatic and intense scenery of The Trossachs National Park. Experience breathtaking views from the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow. There’s time for an orientation drive including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares before a farewell dinner at your hotel.(B,D) 99 mi / 160 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Spanning both banks of the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands, Glasgow gives art and architecture lovers a grand time. From its Victorian and art nouveau architecture to its beautiful Georgian-style squares and the medieval grandeur of its cathedral, Glasgow is brimming with historic and artistic sights to savor during an orientation drive through this national cultural hub, home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland.
Day 6
GLASGOW Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel | The Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel lies in the historical heart of the city, right next door to Haymarket station and a vast array of cafés, bars and restaurants. Discover the numerous sights and events in this lively city. | Edinburgh | 1 Morrison Link | First-Class |
| 2 | Marriott Courtyard | Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh is the newest edition to the Scottish capital, combining heritage and style with an innovative design and locally inspired furnishings. The hotel has a prime location, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and Waverley Station. Spacious, modern hotel rooms include quality amenities, such as a selection of in-room entertainment, plush bedding, and a work desk. Meals are served in The Lantern Room and the lobby offers an innovative and sophisticated space for working and relaxing. | Edinburgh | 1 - 3 Baxter's Place | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness | Where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, AC Hotel Inverness, the largest hotel in the city, offers modern accommodation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This perfectly positioned hotel is only a short walk from Inverness Railway Station and the finest shopping and sightseeing spots. Our thoughtfully designed guest rooms offer modern decor, flexible workspace, free Wi-Fi, a smart TV and plenty of space to unwind or focus before your meeting in a calm environment. The perfect blend of form and functions for a stay in Inverness. Start the day with a European-style breakfast and end it with hand crafted cocktails at the AC Lounge. The restaurant completes the offer with tapas-style bites and local flavors, perfectly paired with iconic views across the river. After a long day of exploring the legend of Loch Ness, let us pour you a glass of our signature gin tonic whilst you welcome a moment of tranquility on our riverside terrace. Unfold an enriching stay in one of Scotland's most picturesque cities. | Inverness | Superior First-Class | |
| 4 | Mercure Inverness Hotel | Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. All 121 guest bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high speed WiFi. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Ness in the hotel's riverside restaurant or explore The 33 Church Street Bar & Brasserie signature menue. | Inverness | Church St, | First-Class |
| 5 | The Ballachulish Hotel | The Ballachulish hotel is a friendly, cozy place to stay. All the 53 bedrooms offer modern decor, inspired by all that the West Highlands has to offer. With free WIFI, and all the home comforts you would expect, the hotel is a great place to stay and explore the local area. With views as far as the eye can see and the use of the local leisure, soak up the views of Loch Linnhe while tucking into the food locally sourced and prepared by hotel's chefs, the FISH restaurant is the good spot to enjoy a relaxing dinner. | Glencoe | Nr Fort William | First-Class |
| 6 | Oban Bay Hotel | On the edge of Oban's picturesque esplanade in the heart of Argyll, Oban Bay Hotel is an ideal base for exploring Scotland's west coast and the Highlands. Following a multi-million pound investment the hotel and its restaurant have a fresh modern look. The remodelled spa area features a sauna, steam room, hydropool and treatments from organic Scottish skincare brand ishga. All rooms are en-suite and include a hospitality tray, Scottish toiletries and hairdryer, with front-facing rooms and the hotel's spacious sun lounge offering panoramic views of incredible sunsets over the bay. | Oban-Argyll, Scotland | Corran Esplanade | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | Clayton Hotel Glasgow | The hotel is situated on Clyde Street overlooking the beautiful River Clyde and just a 10 minutes' walk from George Square, and Glasgow's main shopping streets, art galleries, bars and restaurants. All rooms are air-conditioned and include King Koil mattresses for an enhanced sleep experience, HD TVs with Chromecast, WIFI and complimentary use of fitness suite. | Glasgow | 298 Clyde St | Superior First-Class |
