Day 2 - Discovering Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Stirling

We start the day exploring the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. At the pretty village of Luss, a cruiser awaits to give us the best views of the "bonnie, bonnie banks" as we sail across Loch Lomond to reach picturesque Balmaha.

It's a short drive to reach Glengoyne Distillery, considered by many to be one of Scotland's most attractive whisky distilleries. Here we join a tour to learn all about the traditional methods used in the production process then enjoy a tutored tasting of the end product!

The ancient city of Stirling sits in the shadow of its mighty castle which sits atop a volcanic core. This impressive fortress was a Royal residence, and during our visit, we can see the opulent Royal Palace, Great Hall and Chapel Royal, where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned, aged just 9 months old.   

On arrival back in Glasgow discover more of this lively city on an orientation tour which will let you see the medieval Cathedral and the elegant Victorian architecture of the city centre. Later tour through one of the city's lovely parks and see the famous River Clyde.

Day 3 - Glasgow - Isle of Skye -Inverness

After breakfast bid, goodbye to city life and head for the beautiful Highlands. Enjoy the views as the coach climbs the Black Mount to reach desolate Rannoch Moor, one of the last true wildernesses left in Europe. Stop to view the majestic beauty of Glen Coe before travelling through Fort William to see Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain.

The" Road to the Isles" is one of Scotland's most famous routes, and along the way, we'll stop at Glenfinnan to see the renowned viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Also at Glenfinnan is the poignant monument that commemorates the Highlanders who died during the Jacobite uprisings.

At the end of the Road lies Mallaig, where we board a ferry to sail "over the sea to Skye". When we reach the magical Isle, tour through the attractive Sleat Peninsula, known as the Garden of Skye, then see the dramatic peaks of the Cuillins as we head towards the sweeping Skye Bridge.

Once back on the mainland we pass iconic Eilean Donan Castle then make our way through Glen Shiel where we will see the spectacular "Five Sisters of Kintail" mountain range. From Invermoriston we route along the banks of Loch Ness, so keep your camera to hand, just in case "Nessie" pops up to say hello!  

Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar)

Day 4 - Inverness - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen

A short drive from Inverness lies Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle ever fought on British soil. It was here, in 1746, that the Government forces crushed the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie. We'll learn more during our visit to the award-winning visitor centre.

Travel through the spectacular scenery of the Cairngorms National Park to visit the lonely village of Tomintoul then travel through the Grampian Mountains to reach Royal Deeside. Our overnight stay will be in the attractive city of Aberdeen. 

Overnight: Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen (or similar)

Day 5 - Aberdeen - St Andrews - Edinburgh

After breakfast, enjoy a delightful coastal drive to Stonehaven, then through the charming Angus countryside to reach Dundee. We follow the banks of the River Tay to Perth and Scone Palace, a fairy tale castle set in extensive grounds.

This is the ancestral home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield, who welcome us with coffee and freshly baked shortbread. In olden days, Scone was the crowning place of the Scottish Kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Join an expert guide to view many of the treasures exhibited in the palace, then enjoy free time to explore the open gardens.

Travel through the Kingdom of Fife to reach St Andrews, famed as the home of Golf. On our orientation tour, see the famous Old Course and the R&A clubhouse. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has set the rules of the game for much of the World since 1754.

There's time to practice your swing at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre before we make our way through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk to reach the Firth of Forth. See the impressive Forth Bridges as we make our way to our hotel in Central Edinburgh.

Tonight, why not take your seats at a Scottish evening of Highland dancing, bagpipes and the colourful Haggis ceremony.

Overnight: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 6 - Discovering Edinburgh

This morning, join a Local Expert for an in-depth tour of Scotland's Capital City. First, visit the impressive Georgian architecture of the New Town to learn of the famous authors, scientists and scholars who lived here.

Later, cross into the medieval Old Town to visit mighty Edinburgh Castle, where we will see the many attractions contained within its walls, including the stunning Scottish Crown Jewels. Later, take a drive along the famous Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The King's official residence in Scotland.   

This afternoon, make the short drive to the vibrant Port of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Royal Family for nearly 45 years. It sailed more than a million nautical miles in service and played host to lavish state banquets, attended by many Presidents and Prime Ministers. During our fascinating visit, discover how life was lived, upstairs and downstairs, aboard this floating palace.       

If your tour coincides with the Edinburgh Festival, tickets are included for tonight's performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performed on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, featuring massed pipe bands, singers and performers.

Day 7 - Homeward bound

This wonderful Scottish tour ends after breakfast.