Day-By-Day in Scotland

Day One -- Glasgow: Our tour departs at 2 p.m. from our Glasgow hotel. Set out on a panoramic tour of central Glasgow's highlights including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once important for shipbuilding. Visit the extensive and varied art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink. Your evening is free to dine independently.

Day Two -- Loch Lomand and Inveraray: Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Browse around the town of Inveraray and have lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Journey across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland's most spectacular and beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven. (B, D)

Day Three-- Loch Ness: Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit Armadale Castle, a romantic ruin surrounded by magnificent gardens. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness (perhaps you'll spot Nessie, that elusive monster. Or not). End the day at our hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B, D)

Day Four -- Pitlochry: A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield where the British government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Walk around the battlefield and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Travel through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)

Day Five -- Pitlochry: Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum or browsing around Pitlochry. (B, D)

Day Six -- St. Andrews: Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” to see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Enjoy free time to browse around the medieval town. Head to our hotel near Edinburgh and dine independently. (B, D*)

Day Seven -- Edinburgh: Edinburgh and The Tattoo. Explore Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. We will be treated to a performance of the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade in the evening. What a finale to a wonderful trip. (B)

Day Eight -- Departure : Our tour officially ends after breakfast today. Why not plan a pre- or post-tour or cruise?  Add Ireland before or after the tour, a stay in London, a London/Paris combination or a cruise. The possibilities are endless, and Go Travel will ensure that your trip is one seamless experience front door to front door.