Arrival in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and its second biggest city. Upon arrival your „Scottish Host“ Volker will be waiting for you at the airport. Together with a local of Edinburgh we will explore the city to give you a first impression of Scotlands capital. The centre is divided into two parts: the old town with Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace and the new town with Princess Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street.

Depending on your time of arrival, some of us could indulge in a bit of shopping in the big stores of Princess Street or the elegant boutiques of George Street. Others could take a short tour out of town to visit the exciting National Musueum of Flight.

Scotland’s Concorde, Golf-Bravo Oscar Alpha Alpha, was the first of her kind to go into service with British Airways. 8,064 flights later, she came to rest at this museum. A Messerschmidt 163 B, the only operational rocket-powered aircraft of World War II. Afterwards enjoy Afternoon Tea at your hotel and then spend the evening at leisure. Have dinner at the legendary Dome.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

This morning after breakfast you are leaving Edinburgh and heading west to Linlithgow where you can visit the majestic royal palace of the Stewarts. Today it lies roofless and ruined. Yet the visitor still feels a sense of awe on entering its gates. It was begun by James I in 1424, following a fire that devastated its predecessor. It became a truly elegant ‘pleasure palace’, and a welcome stopping-place for the royal family along the busy road linking Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

The latter is you next stop. Known for its castle and as battle field, Stirling is also being called „Heart of Scotland“. The river Forth has repeatedly prevented enemies from entering the Highlands. Between 1297 and 1766 there were seven battles between the English and the Scottish in around Stirling. The castle has played an important role since the 12th century. It is located on top of 80m high Castle Hill and is one of the most impressive Renaissance buildings in Scotland.

Overnight in Sterling.

In the morning you drive to Perth where you will visit Scone Palace, the home of the Earls of Mansfield. In the palace you will get to see ostentatiously decoratet rooms, collections of rare ivory sculptures and china, as well as paintings by well-known artists. Outside you will spot peacocks roaming around the formal gardens.

Afterwards you will make your way to Pitlochry where you will have time for a lunch break. Take a look at Scotland’s longest fish ladder for travelling salmon. Queen’s View outside the town centre is worth stopping by for beautiful panoramic views. In the afternoon visit Cawdor Castle which is known as setting of William Shakespeare’s tragic story of MacBeth.

Overnight at the New Drumossie Hotel.

Today you will go on a cruise on the legendary Loch Ness, which is the biggest fresh water reservoir of Great Britain, but more interestingly, it is supposed to house Nessie, the monster of Loch Ness.

After the cruise the romantic ruin of Urquhart Castle will be visited, which is the perfect lookout for Nessie-observers. We will also meet a man who lives by the bank in a motor home since a couple years waiting for Nessie to appear. He knows everything about her.

The Nessie-Hunting is followed by Afternoon Tea at the Clansman Hotel at the shores of Loch Ness and then by a visit to the Boutique Designer Anna Mac Neil near Inverness where you will be welcomed to the studio to browse and see things in various stages of making. In an exclusive felt making class you can show off your own designing talents.

Tonight a professional in all things tartan will come to New Drumossie Hotel for to give you an exclusive and entertaining talk. Prepare for a lighthearted and informative evening where you learn about tartan while being dressed in a traditional Scottish outfit.

Overnight again at the New Drumossie Hotel.

On your way to the Isle of Skye today you’ll be visiting Eilean Donan Castle. Surrounded by a beautiful mountain scene, it is without a doubt one of the most photogenic castles in the whole of Scotland. Since 1932 it has been the family seat of the McRae-Clan.

Via the Kyle of Lochalsh Bridge you will then make your way to the Isle of Skye which is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. On the Isle of Skye you will get to taste some Whisky from the Isle of Skye at Talisker Distillery where you will have a private tour.

Overnight at Skye.

After breakfast there’s a bit of time to explore Skye before you’re making your way down to Armadale from where you will catch the ferry back to the Mainland (13H00 – 13H30). In Mallaig you will board the famous historic Jacobite steam train to Fort William. (14H10 – 16H00) Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes.

From Fort William make a brief detour via the Commando Monument before heading to Loch Lomond 2 h 30 mins) where you will spend the next night at this area.

This morning we are heading for Glengoyne Distillery where you will enjoy an informal buffet lunch and a private tour with whisky & chocolate matching.

Overnight in Glasgow.

Your guide will be taking you on a Glasgow City tour. Not too long ago this city was known as a rather rough and industrial. But that has changed fundamentally in the last 20 years. Nowadays the biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow was declared as European City of Culture in 1990. On your Panoramic Tour you will get a good impression of what Glasgow has to offer, including many highly interesting museums, George Square, St. Mungo Cathedral, and Western Necropolis.

Maybe we have the chance to find places related to the Geddes Family. After lunch at the famous Ubiquitous Chip, visit House of an Art Lover (subject to availability as this is sometimes closed for private parties, it is often used as a venue for weddings and other special occassions). Those who are interested in historic street cars, could take a look at some of them at the Riverside Museum. Tonight enjoy fine dining at Chardon d’Or which offers French food with a modern Scottish twist.

Overnight again in Glasgow.

All good things come to an end. It’s time to say goodbye to Scotland today. You will be transferred to Glasgow airport from where you will fly home.

End of the Tour.