Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Edinburgh
Arrive at any time. ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader 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.
Day 2
Day 2: Edinburgh
Explore Scotland’s hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You’ll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg and David’s Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket. ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Scotland’s capital city. Walk through the historic streets from the iconic Royal Mile to the enchanting Grassmarket. Marvel at architectural wonders like St. Giles Cathedral and infamous Victoria Street. Snap photos of Edinburgh Castle all while learning about the city’s rich historical past. FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of a free afternoon to partake in the optional activities available in Edinburgh. Opt in for an underground vault tour, visit the National Museum of Scotland, or the Royal Yacht Britannia. Other activities include a ghost tour, admission to the botanical gardens, or a gin distillery tour. ACTIVITY: 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 all during this immersive audio tour of the castle. Please note that both the entry ticket to the castle and the audioguide are included.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Day 3: Edinburgh/Pitlochry
Marvel at some of Edinburgh’s most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you’ll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you’ll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you’ll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you’ll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You’ll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you travel from Edinburgh to Pitlochry with a stops in Stirling along the way.
ACTIVITY: The Scottish Crannog Centre is a museum situated on the banks of Loch Tay. The Centre Trust was formed to protect and grow the research of Crannogs, which are houses built on artificial islands over water, usually with a bridge or causeway joining them to the shore. They are found in Ireland and Scotland. This particular Centre is dedicated to learning about the first Crannogs in Scotland, built in the Early Iron Age about 2500 years ago. These structures are incredible not only because of the skills and technologies required to build and maintain them, but also for the ways in which they preserve a vision of how life was lived here in the past. They offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric everyday life and reveal unprecedented levels of preservation. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum with an expert and try the interactive demonstrations of ancient crafts and technologies.
ACTIVITY: Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. The scenery will take your breath away. Explore the fascinating history of this castle up on the crag of what was once Scotland’s capital. Look out over the city at the edge of the Highlands and home to the Stewart Kings and Queens, who held court and other grand celebrations at Stirling Castle.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Day 4: Pitlochry
Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town’s history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. Your walk concludes at a local distillery, where the next part of your journey begins. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you’ll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish and mellow quality. You’ll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery’s exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen’s View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry to complete the day. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.
ACTIVITY: Stories are woven into the fabric of Scottish culture. Join a local specialist for a guided walk through Pitlochry and discover the history of the town, its landscapes, and the traditions of Highland life. Enjoy a whisky tasting experience at a local distillery or whisky venue, where you’ll learn about Scotland’s whisky heritage and sample regional drams.
ACTIVITY: Visit a local distillery standing in the gateway to the Scottish Highlights and learn about the Whisky making traditions. Experience the distillery’s unique history as a professional guide leads you through the journey from grain to glass, perfecting the mellow, deep-toned aroma, strong fruity flavour, and smooth finish. The tour finishes with a tutored whisky tasting where you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each dram.
ACTIVITY: Drive to Queen’s View in Highland Perthshire and enjoy the view of Loch Tummel. The site’s name is said to have been named after Queen Victoria, following her visit to the area in 1866. From here travel back to Pitlochry.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Day 5: Pitlochry/Fort Augustus
Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort Augustus, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you’ll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Aberfeldy, continue to a quaint town where you’ll enjoy lunch before heading out on the final leg of the day’s journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you’re placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center’s 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, enjoy a scenic drive along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. After pausing at the local viewpoint to take in the vistas, you’ll check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the journey by private vehicle from Pitlochry to Fort Augustus. The total drive time includes stops along the way in Loch Ness, and the Battle of Culloden site.
ACTIVITY: 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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a scenic drive along Loch Ness. This freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands is best known for alleged sightings of Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Along the way pass by the Lords of Badenoch and Lochaber.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to a sheepdog Farm for a demonstration of these animals in action. Meet the dogs, learn about their training routines, and gain a deeper understanding of the use of commands to control them as they are herding. The man who owns the land is a Scottish laird who will also tell stories of Highland culture as you tour the farm grounds.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Day 6: Isle of Skye Day Trip
Set out on a full-day excursion, stopping first for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo stop. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye—a stunning island occupied in prehistoric times and later settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. After meeting your guide, enjoy a short visit to Sligachan before heading to Dunvegan to explore its 13th-century castle, the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, continue to Portree, famed for its picture-perfect harbor. As the island’s capital, Portree serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing the area’s industrial heritage and local fishing economy. Finally, head back to Fort Augustus for the evening to enjoy dinner with the group and share stories of your full day exploring the Isle of Skye.
ACTIVITY: Experience a full-day trip to the Isle of Skye. Take in the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle for a photo stop before continuing to Sligachan, a small settlement with views of the Black Cuillin mountains. Transfer to Dunvegan Castle, known to be occupied by the same family for more than 800 years. Finish off in Portree, the vibrant heart of the Isle of Skye, which blends stunning coastal beauty with Gaelic culture, historic charm, and a welcoming harbor once visited by Scottish kings.
ACTIVITY: Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of clan MacLeod for 800 years. Visit this castle originally designed as a defence fortress and learn the history behind Scotland’s clan system. Afterwards explore the five acres of the Castle’s formal gardens on property. Explore the stark contrast to the barren moor land and mountains that dominate Skye’s landscape by getting lost in a hidden oasis of an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades and shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea.
FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time to explore in Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. This bustling port and thriving cultural centre is full of things to do, from walking along the shoreline, to having a dram of whiskey in the local pub.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 7
Day 7: Fort William/Glasgow
In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows’—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: 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.
ACTIVITY: Take to the water on an hour cruise through Loch Lomond. Sail north past the waterfalls at Inversnaid, and take in the sprawiling green glens and rocky peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Listen to live commentary on board featuring tales of the loch and insights into the history and geology in this part of Loch Lomond.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Day 8: Glasgow
Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in an invisible cities walking tour with a local guide, who’ll provide a unique perspective into the city and connect with a powerful human narrative. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
ACTIVITY: Join a unique walking tour that refines the standard historical tour into a powerful human narrative. A local social enterprise trains individuals who have experienced homelessness to become professional guides, meaning you aren’t just hearing dates and names—you are seeing the city through the eyes of someone who has lived in its shadows and now stands proudly in its light.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON 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.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 9
Day 9: Glasgow
Depart at any time. ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max pax 16.
Solo Travellers
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your Expedition Leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the M/S Expedition or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
TravelCollection
National Geographic Journeys
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
Important Notes
1. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
2. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
3. Please note, beginning in 2027, the Glasgow Street Art Tour will be replaced with the Glasgow Invisible Cities Walking Tour.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Loch Lomond Scenic Boat Cruise from Luss
Cruise Loch Lomond from the conservation village of Luss, gliding among wooded isles and past the tight channel known as the Narrows. Live commentary weaves geology, folklore, and navigation into the panorama.
Look to the summit of Ben Lomond and the rugged Arrochar Alps as you hear about island settlements and local wildlife. The calm waters and sweeping shores form a classic Highlands-and-Islands tableau.
Queen’s View Lookout over Loch Tummel
Pause at the celebrated Queen’s View, where panoramas sweep across Loch Tummel toward distant Highland peaks. Fragrant pines and heather-clad hills set a serene stage for photographs and quiet contemplation.
Learn how royal visits popularized this vantage and inspired travellers to seek the romance of the Highlands—an enduring landscape of shifting light, mirror-calm water, and skyscapes that change by the minute.
Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre
Reflect at Culloden Battlefield, where the final clash of the Jacobite Rising of 1745 unfolded. Explore immersive exhibits that place you amid the lines, strategies, and voices of both Jacobite and Government forces.
Walk the windswept moor to see clan markers and the memorial cairn, and consider how this brief, brutal encounter reshaped Highland society, language, and tradition in its aftermath.
Loch Ness Scenic Drive & Viewpoints
Trace the length of legendary Loch Ness, pausing for photo stops over its dark, peat-stained waters. Learn about the loch’s vast depth, folklore surrounding “Nessie,” and the Caledonian Canal that threads the Great Glen.
As mountains rise steeply from the shore, your guide points out geological features of the Great Glen fault line and shares stories of clan territories, travelers, and the trade routes this valley once hosted.
Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour (Optional)
Delve beneath Old Town to explore the underground vaults hidden under South Bridge. Navigate stone chambers once used by tradesmen and, later, by the city’s rougher elements, as your guide shares eerie folklore and dark tales.
This atmospheric walk adds depth to Edinburgh’s layered history. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour; availability can vary by season and time of day.
Edinburgh Old Town Walk: Royal Mile to Grassmarket
Explore the medieval heart of Scotland’s capital as you walk the Royal Mile past wynds and closes, toward the lively Grassmarket. Take in the Gothic crown of St Giles’ Cathedral and the colourful curve of Victoria Street, a postcard of Old Town charm.
Hear tales of monarchs, merchants, and writers who shaped this UNESCO-listed district, and feel the city’s layered past in cobbles worn by centuries of footsteps and festival parades.
Edinburgh Castle Entry & Audioguide
Step inside Edinburgh Castle atop ancient Castle Rock and follow the audioguide through a complex that has guarded the city for a millennium. Encounter the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and the mighty cannon Mons Meg.
Visit St Margaret’s Chapel, the castle’s oldest building, and pause on the ramparts for soaring views over the city. The commentary adds context to sieges, ceremonies, and the people who lived within these storied walls.
Stirling Castle: Royal Stronghold of the Stewarts
Discover the grandeur of Stirling Castle, perched dramatically above the Forth Valley. Wander the restored Great Hall and royal apartments, admire Renaissance artistry, and meet costumed guides who bring courtly life to light.
Gaze toward historic battlefields that once decided Scotland’s fate and examine the famed Stirling Heads—intricately carved ceiling medallions—offering a glimpse into the power, taste, and pageantry of the Stewart court.
The Scottish Crannog Centre: Early Iron Age Living History
Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre on the shores of Loch Tay and explore the world of Iron Age crannogs—timber dwellings once built on the water. A specialist guide interprets everyday life using replica artifacts and reconstructed spaces.
Try hands-on demonstrations of ancient skills—such as fire-making and textile work—and learn how archaeology and experimental techniques reveal diet, trade, and community in Scotland over 2,500 years ago.
Pitlochry Guided Walk & Whisky Distillery Tasting
Stroll with a local expert on a guided walk in Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town framed by forested hills and salmon-rich rivers. Hear stories of Highland traditions and the rise of tourism along the railways.
Continue into a working distillery to trace whisky’s path from grain to spirit. Discover pure spring water, copper stills, and the influence of cask wood before a tutored tasting of Highland single malt that showcases aroma, texture, and finish.
Sheepdog Farm Visit & Herding Demonstration
Head to a Highland farm to witness a sheepdog demonstration where keen-eyed Border collies respond to subtle whistles and calls. Watch teamwork in motion as dogs guide the flock with precision across open pasture.
Chat with the shepherd about breeding, training, and the culture of hill farming. The experience reveals how traditional skills endure in modern rural Scotland, balancing heritage with practical necessity.
Isle of Skye Explorer: Eilean Donan, Dunvegan Castle & Portree
Cross to the Inner Hebrides for a day devoted to the Isle of Skye. Pause for photos at storied Eilean Donan Castle, admire Sligachan’s old bridge beneath the Black Cuillin, and tour Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, seat of Clan MacLeod.
Wander Portree’s harbourfront, where pastel houses frame fishing boats and sea birds. Hear tales of island clans, the Fairy Flag, and the Gaelic heritage that still shapes Skye’s language and song.
Glencoe Highlands Scenic Stops
Journey into Glencoe, where volcanic cliffs and the Three Sisters rise above waterfalls and peat bogs. The valley’s drama is matched by poignant history connected to the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald.
Short walks and viewpoint pauses reveal shifting light, moody skies, and geological scars carved by ice and fire—landforms that have inspired mountaineers, filmmakers, and poets for generations.
Glasgow Invisible Cities Social Enterprise Walking Tour
Join an Invisible Cities walking tour led by a trained guide who has experienced homelessness, and see the city through new perspectives. Explore lanes, squares, and riverfront stories that typical tours overlook.
This impactful social enterprise experience blends architecture and human narrative—linking grand Victorian facades, modern street culture, and the resilience of Glaswegians who continue to reshape their city.
Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith (Optional)
Board the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating palace of the British Royal Family, now berthed in Leith. Explore state apartments, crew quarters, and the immaculate engine room while an audioguide recounts royal voyages and traditions.
See where receptions were held and gifts from around the world displayed, then pause on deck above Leith harbour. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Optional)
Wander 70 acres of living collections at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Follow paths through the arboretum, heather garden, and rockeries, and admire seasonal blooms framed by skyline views of the Castle.
Learn how global conservation projects and historic glasshouses safeguard rare species. Optional visit at additional cost (some exhibits ticketed), bookable on tour and ideal for a tranquil break from the city bustle.
Glasgow Craft Brewery Tour (Optional)
Explore Glasgow’s brewing scene on a guided brewery tour that showcases local styles and modern techniques. Step behind the scenes to learn about mashing, fermentation, and cask versus keg while you sample local ales.
From hop-forward IPAs to malty lagers, taste how the city’s brewing heritage has evolved. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour; venues vary by date and availability.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting (Optional)
Discover how botanical-rich spirits are crafted on an expert-led gin distillery tour. Learn the role of juniper, citrus, and heather in the still, and how distillers balance aroma and texture.
Conclude with a guided tasting to compare styles and garnishes that lift each pour. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour; availability and venue may vary.
Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader & Group
Begin your adventure in a relaxed setting and meet your Expedition Leader along with fellow travellers. Share expectations, ask questions, and get helpful tips on local etiquette, weather, and packing so you can make the most of Scotland’s cities, lochs, and glens.
This friendly briefing sets the tone for the journey ahead, helping you get to know your group and understand how the itinerary comes to life with expert insights, stories, and on-the-ground support throughout.
