Highlights of Scotland
7 days, Edinburgh to Glasgow City
Itinerary
Day 1Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a few days early to explore Scotland's compact, hilly capital.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Edinburgh Castle Visit
A historic fortress dominating the skyline of the city from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the city. Explore the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Fee includes entrance to all attractions within Edinburgh Castle.
To ensure availability, we recommend purchasing entrance tickets in advance.
National Museum of Scotland
One of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh - and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artifacts to see, there's something for everyone! If the sun makes an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Staycity Aparthotels - Edinburgh West End (or similar)
Day 2Edinburgh/Inverness
This morning enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh before departing the city for the Highlands. Visit Cairgorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest.
Sightseeing Bus
Enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh on a short sightseeing bus tour.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Glenmore Forest Hike
Glenmore is a beautiful spot that holds one of the few remaining pockets of ancient Caledonian Pinewood in Scotland. Take an easy CEO-led hike through the forest ending in Loch Morlich with its long sandy beach.
Elevation gain: 50 - 70 meters
Free Time
Inverness, meaning 'Mouth of the River Ness', is the hub of the highlands, boasting natural landscapes close to mountains, glens, lochs, and the coast. In Medieval times the Gaelic king Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, who's story retold through Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', kept a castle within the city limits. Take some time to explore this walkable city and learn of its rich culture and history.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
The Victorian Market
Dating back to 1890, The Victorian Market features an ornate cast-iron and wooden domed roof, and a sandstone arch on the Church Street entrance. If you look closely, you can see markings where the fish merchants sharpened their knives. This historic building now houses a variety of retailers, services, and food shops to explore.
Accommodation
Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Inverness
In the morning, visit Culloden Moor and the Culloden Moor visitor center, famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745. After lunch, board a cruise towards Loch Ness. Experience the infamous "loch" by boat and learn about the history (and legend) surrounding its mysterious lake creature. Explore Urquhart Castle before returning to Inverness.
Culloden Moor Visit
Visit the infamous Culloden battlefield, site of the Battle of Culloden, known as the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Here, Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart were decisively defeated by Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland which therefore put an end the Jacobite rising. Explore the battlefield and moor at your own pace, or opt to join a guided tour.
Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Visit
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Loch Ness lake. This freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands is best known for alleged sightings of Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's largest castles at the centre of great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Explore the history of this strategic fortress and the stories revolving around the power struggles between the Scots and English amidst the Wars of Independence.
Accommodation
Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Inverness/Fort William
Discover the beautiful Isle of Skye. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the iconic Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. Once on the Isle, visit Sligachan, where you can spot the Black Cullin mountains in the background. Watch for the old man's face on the Old Man of Storr hike before transferring to Fort William for the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Old Man Storr Hike
As part of the Trotternish ridge, the Storr was created by a massive ancient landslide. The rock bears the name "Old Man Storr" due to its rock outline and protruding pinnacle resembling the face of an old man.
Elevation gain: 150 - 250 meters
Accommodation
Muthu Fort William Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Fort William
Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Settle back at the viewpoint in time to see the Jacobite Steam train cross over the viaduct. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a forest walk in Ben Nevis followed by a tour and whisky tasting at a local distillery.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
Glenfinnan attracts many thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also to catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train, also known as the Hogwart's Express in the Harry Potter novels and films, travel across the Glenfinnan viaduct. The viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across an impressive 1,000 ft (305m) span, 100 ft (30m) above the ground.
Ben Nevis Forest Walk
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Standing at 1,345 metres (4,412 feet 8¾ inches) above sea level, it is at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. Set off on an easy and scenic hike through the Ben Nevis Range, taking in the fresh Highland air and lush surroundings. Follow the River Lundy Walk, a gentle trail at the base of the range.
Elevation gain: 45 - 60 meters
Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting
Visit a renowned Scottish distillery, famous for its exceptional whisky. Enjoy a guided tour and finish the experience with a delightful tasting.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Glenfinnan Monument
Raise your bonnet to the lone highlander on top of the Glenfinnan Monument. Framed by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. It commemorates the Jacobite clansmen who fought and gave their lives in support of Charles Edward Stuart, often called "Bonnie Prince Charlie".
Accommodation
Muthu Fort William Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Fort William/Glasgow City
Head south towards Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's largest city after taking time in Glencoe, Scotland's most famous and most scenic Highland glen. Take time to explore this port city by visiting its museums or joining a brewery tour.
Glencoe Visit
Scotland's most famous and most scenic Highland glen, Glencoe is also steeped in history. Also known as the weeping valley, it was the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Visit Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount and learn about the intricate history of this natural paradise.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Brewery Tour
10GBP per personNestled in the historic heart of Glasgow, between the Cathedral and Necropolis, Drygate Brewing Co. can be found in a converted former box factory. Enjoy a through-the glass tour and afterwards observe the brewery in action through the panoramic glass wall while sampling the finished product with a tasting of four beers.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers 22 galleries ranging from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Glasgow Walking Tour
17GBP per personJoin a guided walking experience that begins at Glasgow Green and traces the city’s hidden history from the site of its last public execution to the evolution of its urban fabric. Concluding in the bustling heart of Glasgow, the tour offers opportunities to explore local shops, cafés, and gathering spots. Importantly, all proceeds support guides who have experienced homelessness, empowering them through meaningful employment and storytelling.
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Glasgow City
Depart at any time.