Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
From $6,732 /person
Twin room
Limited Time Special (select departures)

Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

Operated by: Trafalgar
Book up until  
Overview
13 days
20 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
$6,732 /person
Was $7,650
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Edinburgh
Jedburgh
Edinburgh
Melrose
St. Andrews
Edinburgh
Dundee
Glamis
Culloden
Dundee
Pitlochry
Inverness
Thurso
Orkney Islands
Thurso
Ullapool
Isle of Skye
Oban
Fort William
Isle of Skye
Oban
Isle of Mull
Iona
Glasgow
Oban
Glencoe
Stirling
Glasgow

This unforgettable trip through the Scottish Highlands travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.

Overview
13 days
20 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
$6,732 /person
Was $7,650
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Edinburgh

Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.

Inclusions
Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Dinner
Edinburgh

Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament Building and the Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

Inclusions
Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Breakfast
Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Melrose

A scenic day’s excursion brings you to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which you will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.

Inclusions
Voco Haymarket, Novotel Centre, Delta by Marriott
Breakfast
St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glamis

This morning, cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf - St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes centre stage as you visit Glamis Castle, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens, before travelling to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.

Inclusions
Apex City Quay, Leonardo Aberdeen
Breakfast
Culloden, Dundee, Pitlochry, Inverness

Today, wind your way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated. Your final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.

Inclusions
Columba
Breakfast
Inverness, Thurso

The mystical haunt of Nessie is your first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland. Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a distillery, including a tasting of Scotland’s much-loved golden nectar. Arriving in Thurso, your home for the next two nights, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Inclusions
Pentland
Breakfast and Dinner
Thurso, Orkney Islands

After stopping at John o’ Groats, board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. Stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Inclusions
Pentland
Breakfast and Dinner
Thurso, Ullapool, Isle of Skye

Dramatic landscapes accompany our scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. Journey to Eilean Donan Castle, built in the 13th century, perched on a tiny island, where three sea lochs meet, then continue to the Isle of Skye where you’ll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel.

Inclusions
Kings Arms
Breakfast and Dinner
Oban, Fort William, Isle of Skye

Upon return to the mainland, follow a beautiful route that takes you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. Pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, your Highland home for the next two nights.

Inclusions
Royal
Breakfast
Oban, Isle of Mull, Iona

Set sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before your journey back to Oban, you’ll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.

Inclusions
Royal
Breakfast and Dinner
Glasgow, Oban, Glencoe

A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the ‘Glen of Weeping’, marks our morning journey south to Glasgow. Join an expert guide to unlock Glasgow’s sustainable secrets on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Inclusions
Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Breakfast
Stirling, Glasgow

Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish kings and queens have made Stirling Castle their home over the centuries. Enjoy a visit to its grounds and delve into the history of this royal residence and fortress, besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. We’ll visit the splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads. Later, we Connect With Locals, joining the Wood family this afternoon for a memorable Be My Guest experience at their 15th-century farm, on the shores of Loch Ard, amidst tales of Rob Roy. This evening, we return to Glasgow for time at leisure to enjoy true Scottish hospitality.

Inclusions
Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Breakfast and Lunch
Glasgow

Our epic journey across Scotland’s highlands, islands and cities has come to an end. It’s time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable holiday comes to an end.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
  • Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
  • Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
  • Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
  • Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • Kinlochard: Join your hosts, the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
  • Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Glasgow: From wind powered murals to historic sites, tenements to the Clyde - discover the real impact of climate change on Glasgow, and learn more about Scotland’s role in the climate crisis on this fun and educative guided tour. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the centre of town.
  • Melrose: View the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.
  • St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle, and appreciate the building’s illustrious history and picturesque setting.
  • Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
  • Golspie: Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle.
  • Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
  • Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart’s Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series.
  • Isle of Mull: Explore the Scottish Highlands in depth as you travel to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Visit the Reilig Odhrain, sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
  • Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
  • Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
  • Explore Edinburgh
  • Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Glasgow and Stirling
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Pulteney Distillery in Wick, the battlefield and Visitor Centre of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle in Golspie, John O’Groats, The Italian Chapel and Skara Brae on Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo’s Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
  • View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th​ green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
  • See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Dates & pricing
5 May 2025
Monday
17 May 2025
Saturday
From
$7,925 /person
Twin room
12 May 2025
Monday
24 May 2025
Saturday
From
$8,125 /person
Twin room
19 May 2025
Monday
31 May 2025
Saturday
From
$8,125 /person
Twin room
2 June 2025
Monday
14 June 2025
Saturday
From
$8,250 /person
Twin room
9 June 2025
Monday
21 June 2025
Saturday
Limited Time Special
From
$7,260 /person
Was $8,250
Twin room
16 June 2025
Monday
28 June 2025
Saturday
Limited Time Special
From
$7,260 /person
Was $8,250
Twin room
2025
2026
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, we will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • we can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (are we or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • we reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way with our 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service. We have the experience and know how to adapt to change while ensuring our guests holiday is always stress free, so they can focus on what matters – having a great time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We know that our guests don’t just want to see places. They want to be a part of them, to savour not just sights and sounds but experiences, to get insider looks at cultures, customs, and wonders. This is why we do not just take our guests to see places...instead we have locals open their doors to welcome them in like friends. From small, family-run hotels to passionate keepers of cultures and traditions, we craft memorable encounters and connections that our guests will cherish for years to come.
  • Stay in accommodation that is more than just a bed for the night. We select our hotels not only for their quality, impeccable service and comfort but they are also an important piece of the local heritage. From centuries-old castles to historical homesteads, you will be immersed in the stories behind each property, giving you the chance to live the legacy yourself.
  • Each trip is carefully crafted to leave you free to live in the moment and enjoy your holiday. Dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. Enjoy our Trafalgar-exclusive experiences for a deeper understanding of the places we go, while allowing you to see the world through a different lens. We connect you with locals who are proud to welcome you into their community and share their stories through food – not only to experience the regions’ delicacies, but also the way of life. See the iconic, bucket list sights with a local specialist. Someone who won't just give you the kind of information you might glean from guidebooks, but show you how it's done, or supply you with fresh insights and anecdotes to make your guided holiday memorable. Food tastes so much better when it's shared with local people who have a story to tell. Perhaps that's why Trafalgar's "Be My Guest" experiences are so popular. You'll dine with local families in their homes, learn how to cook regional dishes, and share a glass or two with winemakers at their vineyards; giving you a deeper understanding of their lives and history.
  • You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. The Trafalgar difference is not just what we promise, it’s what we deliver. The best way to unlock rich travel experiences around the world starts here.Our Travel Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether they're introducing you to a local artisan, revealing a hidden treasure or simply helping you to plan your day, they are your ideal friend and companion, wherever you are on your travels. From checking you into your hotel room to recommending a local eatery, your Travel Director's aim is to make travelling easy.
  • Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 52 guests, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends from all over the world. With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with Trafalgar, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
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