Discover Scotland

Discover Scotland

4 Views
10 Days From

$2522

$2402

Discover Scotland

10 Days Starting in Glasgow, United Kingdom and ending in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Visiting: Glasgow, Oban, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Inverness, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

15344

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

From: $2522 $2402 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$120

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland, where breathtaking landscapes and rich history await. Begin your adventure in Glasgow, exploring the National Piping Centre and savoring a farm-to-table welcome dinner. Traverse the stunning Isle of Skye, guided by a local expert, and soak in the dramatic views. Discover the mysteries of Loch Ness with a scenic cruise and explore the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Experience the remote beauty of the Orkney Islands, visiting the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Delight in a sheepdog demonstration on a Highland farm and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Edinburgh, with a visit to its iconic castle and an interactive cooking experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences, promising a truly memorable Scottish adventure.

Highlights

  • Journey through the stunning Isle of Skye while soaking up the dramatic views.

  • Visit magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.

  • Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.

  • Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the most famous loch in the Highlands.

  • Discover the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae.

  • Visit a working farm and meet a shepherd and his sheepdogs.

  • Enjoy an interactive cooking experience at one of Edinburgh's premier culinary institutions.

Places You'll See

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Overnight Flight

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel

An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, and stirring history.

Day 2 : Glasgow, Scotland - Tour Begins

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Ballachulish Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Your tour opens in Glasgow, Scotland’s Victorian city. Start your Scottish adventure with a visit to the National Piping Centre. After a demonstration and lesson with a renowned piper, it’s your chance to give it a go! Then, join your fellow travelers for a lively welcome dinner at the Centre’s farm-to-table restaurant.

Day 3 : Glasgow - Oban - Ballachulish

Location: Oban

Accommodation Name: hotel

This morning, bid Glasgow farewell as you travel to Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. After free time for lunch, it’s your choice! Take a walk up to McCaig’s Tower with your Tour Manager -OR- visit Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. Admire the verdant green hills and mountainside waters as you arrive at your remote countryside hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe.

Day 4 : Ballachulish - Isle Of Skye - Ballachulish

Location: Isle of Skye

Accommodation Name: Pentland Hotel

This morning, take a ferry ride to the stunning Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle). Upon arrival in Armadale, a local guide from the island will join you to share the history of this magical place and what it is like to live there today. Visit the capital of Portree for some time to explore, then continue north for stunning views of the Storr. End your day by returning to Ballachulish via the Skye Bridge and a scenic drive along the “Road to the Isles”.

Day 5 : Ballachulish - Loch Ness - Thurso

Location: Loch Ness

Accommodation Name: hotel

Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you journey further into the Highlands. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes). Visit the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before enjoying a cruise on Loch Ness, one of Britain’s most famous bodies of water. Keep your eyes open — you never know when Nessie will appear! Travel off the beaten path to Thurso, one of Scotland’s most remote towns on the North Coast. Embrace the rustic environment of the Scottish Highlands as you settle in for your 2-night stay.

Day 6 : Thurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso

Location: Orkney Islands

Accommodation Name: Best Western Palace Hotel

Grab your windbreaker – it’s time for an adventure on the Orkney Islands.* Ferry to this former Viking stronghold off the northernmost coast of Scotland, where artists admire the ever-changing clouds rolling across the sky like a time-lapse at double speed. On the crossing, feel the wind in your hair as you view the abundant bird life and, if you are lucky, porpoises and seals. A local guide introduces this ethereal place that few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit Skara Brae and discover the remains of a Neolithic village built before the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Continue on toward the prehistoric Standing Stones of Stenness, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Make your way through the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland.

Day 7 : Thurso - Inverness

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu

As you make your way back from the northern coast, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle** which dates back to the 1300s. The Castle is built in the style of a French château and is home to the Duke of Sutherland. Next, visit the powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield of Culloden, where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Enjoy an overnight stay in Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

Day 8 : Inverness - Pitlochry - Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: hotel

Begin your day with a visit to a family-run farm set in the heart of the Highlands. See sheepdogs at work while surrounded by the mountain wilderness of Cairngorms National Park. Continue on to the vibrant Victorian town of Pitlochry for some time at leisure to explore on your own. End your day in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.

Day 9 : Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: hotel

Today visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s new town before your local expert takes you on a walking tour up to the magnificent castle. Enjoy an afternoon of free time. This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist. Enjoy a lively and interactive cooking experience at one of Scotland’s premier culinary institutions. With a “wee dram” in hand, toast the end of a wonderful journey.

Day 10 : Edinburgh - Tour Ends

Location: Edinburgh

Your tour of Scotland comes to a close today.

What's Included

  • Visit to a working farm

    Visit a working farm and meet a shepherd and his sheepdogs.

  • Cruise on Loch Ness

    Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the most famous loch in the Highlands.

  • Visit to Skara Brae

    Discover the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae.

  • Interactive cooking experience

    Enjoy an interactive cooking experience at one of Edinburgh's premier culinary institutions.

  • Edinburgh Castle visit

    Visit magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.

  • Orkney Islands excursion

    Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.

  • Isle of Skye journey

    Journey through the stunning Isle of Skye while soaking up the dramatic views.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Edinburgh Cultural Show

    The Edinburgh: Scottish Cultural Show: A Night of Food, Song & Dance is an optional experience and not included in the main tour package.

  • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not included in the tour package.

Experiences

Visit a working farm and meet a shepherd and his sheepdogs.Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the most famous loch in the Highlands.Discover the remains of a Neolithic village at Skara Brae.

Options

Edinburgh: Scottish Cultural Show: A Night of Food, Song & Dance Join us for an entertaining evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option will not be offered on departures that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Transportation only included for those hotels that are not within walking distance.

Culinaries

Enjoy an interactive cooking experience at one of Edinburgh's premier culinary institutions.

Must See

Journey through the stunning Isle of Skye while soaking up the dramatic views.Visit magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a stone fortress perched high above the city.Experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion.

Choice Highlights

Bagpipe Lesson Join an expert who will give you a short demonstration on how to play the bagpipes before letting you give it a try. Receive your chanter (the piece of the bagpipe that creates the melody) for a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have the opportunity to try out the full instrument. There’s nothing more Scottish than learning to play the bagpipes!

Isle of Skye Skye, or the Isle of Skye, is the largest and most northerly large island of the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. At 639 square miles, Skye is the 2nd largest island in Scotland. The island’s main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whiskey distilling. Since 1995, the island has been linked to the mainland of Scotland by a road bridge called the Skye Bridge.

Loch Ness Loch Ness is a large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending approximately 23 miles southwest of the city of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster. While Loch Ness is not the largest Scottish loch by surface area, it is the largest by volume, with its deepest point at 755 feet.

Orkney Islands Off the coast of Northern Scotland, 10 miles from Duncansby Head in Caithness, lies a stunning archipelago comprised of 70 islands that are famously called the Orkney Islands. This breathtaking spot off the beaten path is waiting for your discovery. Voyage by ferry to the islands, keeping an eye out for an abundance of bird life, porpoises and seals. A local guide reveals its Viking heritage and introduces you to the wonders around you. To make the visit even more wonderful, visit Skara Brae and find the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as the Great Pyramid in Egypt. It’s a journey through history – a true highlight of your tour to fascinating Scotland.

Dunrobin Castle Dunrobin Castle is a stately home in Sutherland, on the east coast of the Highland area of Scotland. The castle dates back to the 13th century. Dunrobin castle is the largest castle in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. The castle’s architecture resembles a French chateau.

Sheepdog Demonstration Begin your day with a visit to a bucolic family run farm located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy watching precisely trained sheepdogs do their work with the mountain wilderness of Cairngorms National Park serving as a most excellent backdrop.

Choice on Tour: McCaig’s Tower or Dunollie Castle Museum Today, you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is walking to McCaig's Tower with your Tour Manager. This monument was built in 1897 by local philanthropist John Stuart McCaig. Learn about his magnificent structure as you make your way to the top to take in the wonderful views over Oban. Or, for your second choice, you can visit Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds, an internationally recognized center for Scottish culture and heritage. You will have a 1 hour guided tour around the building, with the rest of your visit free to explore independently. You will be driven to the site and collected by your driver.



McCaig's Tower - NEO Day 2

Activity Level: 4

This choice is for the fairly active, involving a steep walk of 144 steps to reach the spectacular views at the top. Comfortable shoes are a must.



Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Activity Level: 2

This choice is a 1 hour guided tour of the Museum, Castle & Grounds, with free time to explore afterwards. The guided tour is a walking tour. Please take your headsets/listening devices.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle and fortress located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It sits atop Castle Rock in the city center and is an integral part of Edinburgh’s skyline. In present day the castle is a major tourist attraction for the city. It is the most visited paid visitor attraction in Scotland.

Scottish Cooking Experience As part of your included culinary highlights we put a modern twist on traditional ingredients. Dive into Scotland’s cuisine at premier culinary institution. Your interactive cooking experience gives you a chance to learn hands-on about the trends in Scottish cuisine.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes by ferry to the Isle of Skye, cruise on Loch Ness, and enjoy scenic drives along the 'Road to the Isles'. Experience the convenience of an overnight flight to Glasgow and ferry rides to the Orkney Islands.

Accommodation

Stay in a variety of charming hotels throughout Scotland, including the Maldron Hotel in Glasgow, the Ballachulish Hotel, and the Pentland Hotel on the Isle of Skye. Experience the rustic charm of the Best Western Palace Hotel in Thurso and the Radisson Blu in Inverness.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience can I expect on the Isle of Skye?

    On the Isle of Skye, you will be joined by a local guide who will share the history and lifestyle of this magical place. You will also have time to explore the capital, Portree, and enjoy stunning views of the Storr.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Orkney Islands?

    During the visit to the Orkney Islands, you will take a ferry to this former Viking stronghold and be introduced to its history by a local guide. You will visit Skara Brae, a Neolithic village, and see the Standing Stones of Stenness, which are older than Stonehenge.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Loch Ness?

    At Loch Ness, you will visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on the loch, where you can keep an eye out for the legendary Loch Ness monster.

  • What is the interactive cooking experience in Edinburgh like?

    In Edinburgh, you will participate in an interactive cooking experience at a premier culinary institution, where you will learn to give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Dunrobin Castle, the battlefield of Culloden, and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae on the Orkney Islands.

  • Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

    Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

  • Can my children travel on tour?

    Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.

  • What is the difference between a twin room and double room?

    In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

  • Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?

    Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

  • Do I need a passport?

    Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

  • Is there a lot of walking on tour?

    We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

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Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$2849 $2714 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$135 (USD)

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$120 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$135 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$120 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$145 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$129 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$154 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$138 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$154 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$138 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$154 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$138 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$154 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$138 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$169 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$169 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$149 (USD)

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Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$3599 $3428 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$171 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$171 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$171 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$171 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$180 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$180 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$180 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$180 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$180 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$176 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$176 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$161 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$161 (USD)

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Monday - Wednesday

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.