Scotland

Day One

We gather in Toronto with our Great Canadian tour director and fellow passengers, and board an overnight flight to Glasgow.

Day Two

Our local coach and guide meet us at the airport this morning and we make the short drive to Scotland’s historic and breathtaking capital city, Edinburgh. We see the medieval Old Town, Royal Mile, and the Georgian New Town, all overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. We visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. We settle into our hotel for the next four nights.

Day Three

This morning we visit the medieval fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, built on an extinct volcano in the centre of the city. The castle is steeped in history, filled with collections of weapons and armour, and stories that span centuries. Take in the magnificent views across the old and new towns from the battlements and watch the traditional firing of the One O’clock Gun. This evening we enjoy a traditional Scottish banquet, accompanied by bagpipers, ceilidh dancers, and a local Scottish band.

Day Four

We tour the HMY Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently moored at Leith after decades of service to the Queen and the royal family. This afternoon, we visit Rosslyn Chapel, built in the 15th Century and known not only for its incredible carvings, but more recently for its role in Dan Brown’s book, The DaVinci Code.

Day Five

A short drive brings us to St. Andrews, the home of golf, where we visit the Golf Museum to learn about the origins on the game in the Middle Ages through to the present day. We return to Edinburgh for a guided tour and tutored tasting of single malt whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.

Day Six

We set our sights on the highlands today. We stop at fascinating and beautiful Stirling Castle, on our way to Fort William. Enjoy the spectacular landscapes that surround us. We spend the next three nights in lovely Fort William, perfectly situated for exploring the incredible highland scenery.

Day Seven

We travel the road to the isles today, featuring a steam train ride on the famous Jacobite Express. Travelling over the incredible Glenfinnian Viaduct will feel like something out of a movie, and in fact was prominently featured in the Harry Potter films as part of the Hogwarts Express journey. We’ll see why the Isle of Skye is one of the most famous parts of Scotland, boasting jaw-dropping coastal and highland landscapes.

Day Eight

Our guide leads us through some of the most amazing highland regions today, marveling at the heather-covered mountains and sparkling streams. Watch for eagles, hairy and adorable highland cows, and watch for Nessie as we cruise on famed Loch Ness.

Day Nine

We make our way south through the spectacular scenery of Glencoe, with a rich and dramatic history. We visit Glencoe Village to learn more about what makes this area historically significant, visiting the monument and visitor centre. This afternoon we cruise gorgeous Loch Lomond, taking in the scenery of its bonnie banks. We then visit a smokehouse, to see how Scottish salmon is best prepared. We arrive in bustling Glasgow, where we spend the next two nights.

Day Ten

Our day begins with a tour of Kelvingrove Museum, featuring amazing art and artifacts that span continents and centuries. Then, enjoy time at leisure to explore the area on your own before we gather this evening for a farewell dinner.

Day Eleven

We board our flight for home today, with wonderful memories of our holiday. Shuttles wait for our arrival in Toronto, ready to return us to our hometowns in comfort and convenience.