Day 1:
Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax in Scotland’s largest city. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2:
Glasgow–Oban–Isle of Mull. Your tour of Scotland starts in earnest with a day full of spectacular scenery. Cross the Highland Line and stop for photos of the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, before ascending the mountain pass known as “Rest and be thankful.” Pause at Inveraray, seat of the Clan Campbell and situated on the shores of Loch Fyne, then follow the Pass of Brander to the pretty fishing port of Oban, where you board the FERRY to the beautiful Isle of Mull. Enjoy the drive up to Tobermory for a visit to the quaint island capital. (B,D)

Day 3:
Isle of Mull–Fort William–Culloden–Inverness. A short FERRY crossing back to the Scottish mainland and then a fantastic drive on narrow winding roads and along lovely Loch Linnhe to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, are on this morning’s agenda. Then, follow the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness, keeping a lookout for the mysterious monster. At CULLODEN VISITOR CENTRE the scene is set of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Spend the night in Inverness, the Highland capital. (B,D)

Day 4:
Inverness–Pitlochry–Dundee. Start the day with a unique treat: admire a champion shepherd as he manipulates his flock with up to 10 border collies in a SHEEPDOG DISPLAY. Then, enjoy more spectacular Highland scenery as you drive through Cairngorms National Park and Glen Garry to the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. This afternoon, visit a WHISKY DISTILLERY, where your guide explains the ancient art of converting barley, water, and yeast into a heart-warming liquor. Stay the night in the city of Dundee, overlooking the picturesque Firth of Tay. (B,D)

Day 5:
Dundee–St. Andrews–Edinburgh. A leisurely start to the day with a drive across the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. A fun inclusion is the opportunity to hit a few balls at the ST. ANDREWS GOLF PRACTICE CENTRE. Continue on to Perth and a special visit to SCONE PALACE, the stately home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. During your welcome over coffee and shortbread, hear about the crowning of Scottish kings here, then join your guide on a private tour of the Murray family home. Plenty of time later to explore the palace grounds. Cross the mighty Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh and tonight, don’t miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 6:
Edinburgh. Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect royal residence for the Queen’s glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For August 1, August 8, and August 15 departures, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 7:
Edinburgh–Stirling–Glasgow. First stop this morning is at BANNOCKBURN HERITAGE CENTRE for a visit of the battle site where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314. Then, see the Wallace Monument, testimony to William Wallace’s victory over Edward I of England’s troops at The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, as re-enacted in the film Braveheart. Leaving bloodied history behind, follow the route through Callander to the Lake of Menteith and Aberfoyle in the picturesque forested region known as The Trossachs. Back in vibrant Glasgow a final orientation drive takes in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares built by the wealthy tobacco barons. Time for last-minute shopping before enjoying a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8:
Glasgow. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)