Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend
12 Days Starting in Glasgow, Scotland and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Oban, Scotland, Isle of Mull, Scotland, Inverness, Dundee, Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15355
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through Scotland, the Land of Lore & Legend, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin in the vibrant city of Glasgow, exploring its rich cultural tapestry before venturing into the serene landscapes of Loch Lomond and the quaint village of Luss. Witness the skill of border collies at a traditional sheepdog demonstration and delve into Scotland's rural past at Auchindrain. Island hop to the Isle of Mull and the historic Isle of Iona, home to the ancient Iona Abbey. Discover the dramatic Highlands, with visits to Glencoe and the legendary Loch Ness, where the ruins of Urquhart Castle await. Cruise the Moray Firth, keeping an eye out for seals and porpoises, and immerse yourself in history at Culloden Battlefield. Conclude your adventure in Edinburgh, exploring its iconic castle and savoring a whisky-inspired farewell dinner, celebrating the spirit of Scotland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Hilton Glasgow
Rolling landscapes of green hills and rocky coastlines. Lively cities of friendly locals and the renowned “water of life.” This is Scotland - where legends live long, and storybook pages come to life.
Day 2 : Glasgow, Scotland - Tour Begins
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Glasgow, a cultural trove of art, music, and history. Get ready to experience the eclectic architecture, friendly locals (Glaswegians), and rich traditions that make this city such a fascinating place. Settle into your hotel before joining your fellow travelers this evening for dinner.
Day 3 : Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine
Soak in the rich culture of Glasgow. Join a local guide on a walking and coach tour that leads you through historic George Square and the beautiful Beaux-Arts style architecture that surrounds it; to Provands Lordship—the oldest surviving house in the city; the medieval Glasgow Cathedral; prestigious Blythswood Square; and the futuristic-looking Science Centre. After lunch on your own in central Glasgow, it’s your choice! View one of Europe’s great art collections at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery -OR- see the city’s fabulous technology and transport collections at the Riverside Museum, situated on the banks of the River Clyde.
Day 4 : Glasgow - Loch Lomond - Auchindrain - Loch Melfort
Location: Loch Lomond
Accommodation Name: hotel
Leave the city behind, traveling along sloping fields towards Loch Lomond. Visit a family-run farm with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills, see border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration, and enjoy Scottish snacks. Next, arrive in Luss and explore this quaint lakeside village of stone cottages and bright flowers. After enjoying lunch on your own, it’s off to Auchindrain. Learn about Scotland’s rural history during a self-guided tour of this well-preserved farm township dating back to the 16th century. Continue to Loch Melfort and settle into your hotel for the next three nights. Take in a stunning view of the ocean from the hotel before wandering the grounds, home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust’s Arduaine Gardens.
Day 5 : Loch Melfort - Oban - Loch Melfort
Location: Oban, Scotland
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning, put on your comfy shoes and embark on a guided walking tour of historic Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles.” Uncover the history of the iconic McCaig’s Tower and find out what’s buried under the North Pier as you traverse the scenic harborside town with a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy some free time, perhaps exploring Oban’s food stalls and seeing for yourself why it’s considered the seafood capital of Scotland. Return to your hotel in Loch Melfort to relax and spend the remainder of the day as you please. Perhaps you’ll opt to join your Tour Manager in the bar before dinner for a friendly discussion about Scottish Independence.
Day 6 : Loch Melfort - Isle Of Mull - Isle Of Iona - Loch Melfort
Location: Isle of Mull, Scotland
Accommodation Name: Best Western Palace Hotel
It’s time to island hop. Take the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, a picturesque island that is the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands. Continue to the Isle of Iona, one of Western Europe’s oldest Christian religious centers. Journey to Iona Abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore the tranquility of the grounds on your own before returning to Oban and back to your hotel in Loch Melfort.
Day 7 : Loch Melfort - Glencoe - Loch Ness - Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Geological wonders await you in the Highlands. Head to the National Nature Reserve in Glencoe and stop at the visitor center to learn about the spectacular Glencoe mountain range, then walk the trails and experience this unique landscape for yourself. After lunch, continue on to Loch Ness. Wander the ruins of the legendary Urquhart Castle and imagine all that transpired inside the walls of this 13th-century medieval fortress. Afterwards, travel to Inverness, capital of the Highlands, to settle into your hotel for the night. After dinner, you may wish to take a stroll with your Tour Manager to neighboring Eden Court along the River Ness.
Day 8 : Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: The Landmark Hotel
Head out on the water and cruise Moray Firth, traveling up the Beauly Firth to the Caledonian Canal and then back out as far as Munlochy Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, porpoises, seals, and numerous shore birds along the way. Continue to Culloden Battlefield, where in 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of Scotland’s history. Experience the 360-degree battle immersion theater at the visitor center and see artifacts from the conflict. Later this afternoon, return to Inverness, and have some time at leisure to explore.
Day 9 : Inverness - Blair Atholl - Dundee
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Accommodation Name: Voco Edinburgh - Haymarket
Immerse yourself in history today at Blair Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan Murray. Explore the ornate 18th century interiors and wander the nine acres of walled gardens where you may spot a peacock roaming free. After lunch, continue to Bamff Ecotourism for an Impact Moment. Meet the owners of this tranquil estate and learn why they’re helping to reintroduce the wild beaver population to Scotland. Continue on to Dundee, an up-and-coming city on the banks of the River Tay.
Day 10 : Dundee - Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning, it’s your choice! Visit Discovery Point, home to the RRS Discovery, the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica in 1901 -OR- get inspired at the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s highly acclaimed design museum. Your day ends in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional Scottish cultural show for a night of food, song, and dance.
Day 11 : Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Start with an Impact Moment getting a local’s perspective from a guide with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become tour guides of their own city. After your tour, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll among the Georgian architecture of the New Town or journey to Leith for a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Gather in the evening for a whisky-inspired farewell dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland and toast to your Scottish explorations.
Day 12 : Edinburgh - Tour Ends
Location: Edinburgh
Wish Scotland a fond farewell as you depart for home.
What's Included
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Cultural Exploration
Explore the cultural city of Glasgow.
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Ferry Experience
Ferry to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey.
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Wildlife Cruise
Look for porpoises and seals as you cruise Moray Firth.
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Historical Exploration
Wander the ruins of a 13th-century medieval fortress.
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Sheepdog Demonstration
See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
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Whisky Tasting
Sip the famous 'water of life' at a local whisky tasting.
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Guided Tours
Join guided tours in various locations including Glasgow, Oban, and Inverness.
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Accommodation
Stay in various hotels throughout the tour, including Hilton Glasgow and The Landmark Hotel in Inverness.
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Impact Moments
Experience Impact Moments such as learning about reintroducing wild beaver populations at Bamff Ecotourism.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Lunches are not included and are to be enjoyed on your own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Scottish Cultural Show in Edinburgh are not included in the base tour price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional snacks are not included.
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Transportation for Optional Activities
Transportation for optional activities is only included for hotels not within walking distance.
Experiences
Wander the ruins of a 13th-century medieval fortress.See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
Options
Edinburgh: Scottish Cultural Show: A Night of Food, Song & Dance Join us for an entertaining evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option will not be offered on departures that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Transportation only included for those hotels that are not within walking distance.
Culinaries
Sip the famous "water of life" at a local whisky tasting.
Must See
Explore the cultural city of Glasgow.Ferry to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey.Look for porpoises and seals as you cruise Moray Firth.
Choice Highlights
Glasgow Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland which is situated on the River Clyde in Scotland’s West Central Lowlands. Glasgow is one of Europe’s top financial centers, and is home to many of Scotland’s leading businesses. The city is renowned for its culture, style and the friendliness of its people.
Sheepdog Demonstration
Auchindrain Find Scotland’s rural history in Auchindrain. This is where most of the Scottish-American ancestors came from, as many people emigrated out of Scotland from here. Visit this well-preserved farm township and see how Scottish ancestors lived and worked. It is one of the best preserved examples of a rural settlement, and the citizens work together to herd sheep and cultivate the land.
Scottish Highlands The Highlands are a historic region in Scotland dating back to the Middle Ages. The Highlands are considered to be all that is north west of the Highland Boundary Fault, separating it from the Lowlands. This area is mostly made up of mountains, open areas, and rolling hills.
Loch Melfort Loch Melfort is a stunning bay located on the west coast of Scotland. The area is home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust’s Arduaine Gardens. The gardens claim to be “an oasis of tranquility on a wild shore.”
Oban
Choice on Tour: Kelvingrove Art Gallery or Riverside Museum In Glasgow, choose the museum experience that appeals to you most. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features 22 different galleries with exhibits focusing on art, animals, Ancient Egypt, and more, not to mention permanent collections featuring works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Gauguin. If that’s not your cup of tea, you might choose the Riverside Museum in Glasgow Harbor. It’s home to the city’s transport and technology collections, like a 1945 steam locomotive, a collection of antique cars, and an exhibit focused on the heyday of Glasgow’s record shops.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery - NEO Day 2
Activity Level: 3
Guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking around the gallery.
Riverside Museum - NEO Day 2
Activity Level: 3
Guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking around the museum.
Isle of Mull Visit the beautiful Isle of Mull, teeming with opportunities for naturalists, foodies, and historians alike. Explore towering castles, dramatic mountains, and seemingly endless coastline. Tobermory is the hub of the island and a popular summer resort.
Isle of Iona Iona is an island that serves as one of the area’s oldest Christian religious centers. Ascend to the abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore on your own. The abbey was pivotal in the spread of Christianity throughout the country. It was utilized as the foundation of a monastic community established by St. Columba.
Urquhart Castle The ruins of this once mighty site rest on the headwaters of Loch Ness. Dating back as far as the 13th century, Urquhart Castle (one of the largest in the country) has been a part of the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Moray Firth Cruise
Culloden, Highlands
Blair Castle Discover Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. This historic estate is located in the Perthshire Highlands. It was first built in the 13th century but the majority of today’s castle is from the 15th century. It is home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
Impact Moments
Dundee
Choice on Tour: Royal Research Ship Discovery or V & A Museum In Dundee you can choose from two very different museum experiences: the first is at Discovery Point, where you can tour the RSS Discovery, an Antarctic research ship that brought British explorers on their first and very successful journey to the Antarctic in 1901. This traditional wooden, three-masted ship was the first to be specifically designed for research in the Antarctic. The second is at Scotland’s first design museum, the Victoria & Albert (or V & A) Dundee. This is a new (built in 2018), forward-thinking museum with exciting exhibits focusing on innovative design of all kinds, from fashion and furniture, to sculpture, textiles, and video games.
Royal Research Ship Discovery - NEO Day 9
Activity Level: 3
Guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking around the venue.
Victoria & Albert Museum - NEO Day 9
Activity Level: 3
Guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking around the museum.
Whisky Tasting
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle and fortress located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It sits atop Castle Rock in the city center and is an integral part of Edinburgh’s skyline. In present day the castle is a major tourist attraction for the city. It is the most visited paid visitor attraction in Scotland.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland by coach, ferry, and on foot, exploring cities, islands, and countryside with ease and comfort.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hilton Glasgow, Loch Melfort Hotel, and Best Western Palace Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations with stunning views and proximity to local attractions.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm, explore the ruins of a 13th-century medieval fortress, and sip the famous 'water of life' at a local whisky tasting.
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What wildlife might I see on the Moray Firth cruise?
On the Moray Firth cruise, you might see otters, porpoises, seals, and numerous shore birds.
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What historical sites will be visited on the tour?
The tour includes visits to historical sites such as the medieval Glasgow Cathedral, Iona Abbey, Urquhart Castle, and Blair Castle & Gardens.
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What options do I have for museum visits in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, you can choose to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, which features a wide range of art collections, or the Riverside Museum, which focuses on transport and technology collections.
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What is the significance of Iona Abbey?
Iona Abbey is one of Western Europe's oldest Christian religious centers and was pivotal in the spread of Christianity throughout the country. It was the foundation of a monastic community established by St. Columba.
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What can I expect from the optional Scottish cultural show in Edinburgh?
The optional Scottish cultural show in Edinburgh offers an entertaining evening filled with traditional Scottish food, music, song, and dance, including performances by Highland pipers and dancers.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.