Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh
You'll arrive in Edinburgh and settle into the city before a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you get there with time to spare, there's plenty to do beforehand. The Real Mary King's Close offers a look at Edinburgh's underground history, or you could hike up Arthur's Seat for views across the city and surrounding hills. Edinburgh Castle sits prominently on the skyline if you want to check that out too. After the meeting wraps up, dinner with the group is a good way to start getting to know your fellow travelers.
Optional Activities
- Visit The Real Mary King's Close
- Hike Arthur's Seat for panoramic views over Edinburgh
- Visit Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's crown jewels
- Dinner with fellow travelers
Landmarks The Real Mary King's Close Arthur's Seat Edinburgh Castle - Day 2
Edinburgh
Following breakfast, join a guided walking tour led by a historian who'll take you through Edinburgh's historic areas. You'll walk the Royal Mile and hear stories about the writers, poets, and inventors connected to the city. St Giles' Cathedral and the Edinburgh Writers Museum both give you insight into figures like David Hume and connections to Harry Potter. The afternoon opens up for you to wander on your own. Browse shops on George Street or, if you're interested, there's an optional Harry Potter-themed walking tour available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Edinburgh
- Walk through the Royal Mile with expert historian guide
- Visit St Giles' Cathedral
- Visit Edinburgh Writers Museum
Optional Activities
- Browse boutiques on George Street
- Join Harry Potter-themed walking tour
- Visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle
Landmarks Royal Mile St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh Writers Museum George Street - Day 3
Edinburgh to Aberdeenshire
Head north toward Aberdeenshire with several stops. At Stirling Castle, a guided tour covers the history of Mary Queen of Scots and her time there as a child. Stop by Radical Weavers for lunch and participate in a tartan workshop where you'll learn about tartan's background and try weaving. Later, you'll see Dunnottar Castle, a medieval ruin dramatically positioned on the rocky coast. By evening, you'll check into Meldrum House, an 800-year-old manor set in the countryside.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Radical Weavers)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Stirling Castle
- Tartan workshop at Radical Weavers
- Stop to see Dunnottar Castle
Landmarks Stirling Castle Dunnottar Castle Meldrum House 
- Day 4
Aberdeenshire to Isle of Skye
Travel to Speyside for a guided distillery tour along the Whisky Trail, where you'll taste what the region produces. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye for the night. Once settled in, you can head out for dinner with your group. Your local leader can point you toward good restaurants and help you find food that suits your preferences.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Speyside whisky distillery
- Whisky tasting
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group
Landmarks Speyside Whisky Trail - Day 5
Isle of Skye
Spend the day exploring the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands. You'll see the Old Man of Storr and then head to the Rigg Viewpoints before moving on to the Quiraing and its distinctive tall rock formations. Fairy Glen and Dun Beag Broch give you chances to hear mythical stories connected to the area. Weather permitting, you might stop at Neist Point Lighthouse. Return to Portree in the evening with free time to find dinner. Local specialties like cullen skink and scotch pie are worth trying.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Island tour of Isle of Skye including Old Man of Storr, Rigg Viewpoints, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dun Beag Broch
Optional Activities
- Stop at Neist Point Lighthouse (weather dependent)
- Dinner at local restaurant in Portree
- Try traditional dishes like cullen skink or scotch pie
Landmarks Old Man of Storr Quiraing Fairy Glen Dun Beag Broch Neist Point Lighthouse Portree - Day 6
Isle of Skye to Glasgow
After breakfast, travel to Glasgow through scenic countryside on a longer drive. Stop in Glencoe, a village known for its steep-sided valley, waterfalls, and cottages. Your local leader will guide a walk through the area, and lunch happens at a local café. At Balloch, board a boat for a cruise around Loch Lomond's southern sections. You'll see Ben Lomond and homes along the shore, plus a stop at Inchmurrin Island, which has ancient castle remains. Continue on to Glasgow, a major city on the River Clyde and designated UNESCO Creative City of Music.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local cafe in Glencoe)
Included Activities
- Glencoe village walk with local leader
- Loch Lomond lake cruise around south basins
- Visit Inchmurrin Island
Landmarks Glencoe Ben Lomond Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Island Lennox Castle 
- Day 7
Glasgow
Join a guided walking tour of Glasgow led by a local guide from an organization that supports community employment. You'll visit historical landmarks while hearing personal perspectives on the city's history and current character. The rest of your day is open for independent exploration. Check out the Riverside Museum with its interactive exhibits or take a walk along the River Clyde. For your final evening, consider joining the group for dinner at a local restaurant to wrap up the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Glasgow with local guide
Optional Activities
- Visit Riverside Museum
- Stroll along the banks of River Clyde
- Dinner with group at local restaurant
Landmarks Riverside Museum River Clyde 
- Day 8
Glasgow
Your trip concludes this morning with no scheduled activities. If you'd like to stay in Glasgow longer, contact your booking agent beforehand to arrange an extension.
