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Day 1: Depart USA.

Your unforgettable journey to Scotland begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital.

Day 2: Arrive Edinburgh.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Arrive in Edinburgh, one of the world’s finest capital cities and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where you’ll be greeted at the airport by your tour director. Described as “a dream in masonry and living rock”, Edinburgh is draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. A highly cultured and artistic city, Edinburgh is also described as the “Athens of the North”, a name inspired by the leaders of the Scottish Enlightenment. After departing the airport, visit the majestic, royal Linlithgow Palace. Despite now being roofless and largely ruined, Linlithgow Palace still inspires a sense of awe as you enter its gates. You’ll then continue to city center and enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent city, exploring the Royal Mile, the Princess Street Gardens, and Calton Hill, where you’ll savor a breathtaking view of the city. Transfer to your upscale, centrally-located hotel and enjoy an included welcome dinner later this evening. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Day 3: Edinburgh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on an exploration of two of Edinburgh’s main attractions. You’ll start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a word-famous icon with a dominant position overlooking the capital city. Not only will you appreciate its obvious grandeur and marvelous views, but you’ll gain an appreciation for its rich history, as Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many of the defining moments of Scottish history. Continue to another highlight of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland. Blending natural history, art, design, science, and technology, there is truly something for everyone, and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for Scottish history. The rest of the day is at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Edinburgh.

Day 4: Edinburgh/Optional Castle Excursion to St. Andrews & Glamis.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Edinburgh, or join an optional excursion to two of Scotland’s most historic castles: St. Andrews Castle and Glamis Castle. Begin with a visit to St. Andrews Castle, where you’ll visit the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St. Andrews, dating back to the 13th century. A notable highlight includes the tunnels dug in the 16th century by Protestant reformers after they murdered Cardinal Beaton and took over the castle. A fascinating exhibition in the visitor center also helps bring this historic landmark to life. After enjoying some time at leisure in St. Andrews, you’ll continue to Glamis Castle, with its stunning architecture, beautiful surrounding grounds and gardens, and rich history filled with legends and myths. Home of the Lyon family since the 14th century, Glamis was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Glamis Castle also has a bit of a dark, haunted past as the place of King Malcom II’s murder in the 11th century and of Lady Janet Douglas’s burning at the stake for being a witch in 1540 by James V. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a round of golf in the game’s birthplace (Scotland), you may ask your tour director for tips as to how to secure a tee time. The evening is at leisure, or perhaps you’ll join an optional festive dinner with traditional Scottish entertainment at the Spirit of Scotland Show.

Day 5: Edinburgh/Aberfeldy.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aberfeldy: Moness Resort

After breakfast, before heading north towards the Scottish Highlands, you’ll pay a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery, the home of “The Edinburgh Malt.” In the late 18th century, the surrounding area had an estimated four hundred illicit distilleries, and once the law was changed to permit licensed distilleries, many farmers jumped at the opportunity to get a license. Today, Glenkinchie is a model distillery, where you’ll see the production area, learn how the Scottish make their ‘water of life’, and then make your way to the bar for a tasting of the Glenkinchie Single Malt Whisky. En route to the Highlands, you’ll visit the Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable feat of modern engineering used to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You have to see it to fully comprehend it, but suffice it to say, it is the only rotating boat lift in the world and recognized as an inspirational 21st-century sculpture. Your next stop will be the magnificent Stirling Castle, which towers over several of Scotland’s most historic battlefields, including Stirling Bridge, the location of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce also defeated the English in 1314. Stirling Castle is a symbol of Scottish independence and boasts impressive architecture that you’ll surely enjoy. Continue to Aberfeldy, a charming town in the Scottish Highlands set along the banks of the River Tay. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. Moness Resort Hotel

Day 6: The Heart of the Highlands – Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aberfeldy: Moness Resort

Today, you’ll venture north into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, an awe-inspiring, beautiful region featuring famous battlefields and monuments. Your first stop on this day-long journey is, naturally, the famous Loch Ness, which has received global recognition for its celebrity resident: the sea monster Nessie. Keep an eye out for the elusive Nessie on your boat ride across the Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland with a colorful history. Built in the early 13th century, this magnificent castle changed hands a few times before being abandoned in the late 17th century. The majority of the existing buildings were built in the 14th century and remain a sight to see. Continue to the Highland House of Fraser, located on the banks of the River Ness, where you’ll immerse yourself in the world of highland dress, often characterized by the tartan. Experience an exhibition that documents the fascinating history of the tartan with a bit of Scottish humor, and if you’ve seen the movie Braveheart, you may recognize a display of the highland dress worn by some of the actors. You’ll also get the opportunity to see the master kiltmakers at work. Later, return to Aberfeldy for an included dinner.

Day 7: Aberfeldy/Isle of Mull.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Isle of Mull: Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

After breakfast, depart the Highlands for the spectacular Isle of Mull, known for its rich cultural heritage and its beautiful beaches and bays. En route, visit Stanley Mills, an impressive 18-century water mill and one of the best-preserved relics of the Industrial Revolution. Explore the interactive visitor center that will give you great insight into those who worked at Stanley Mills and the the products they made that were sold around the world. Continue to Oban, where you’ll take a late afternoon ferry to the Isle of Mull. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa

Day 8: Isle of Mull/Isle of Iona.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Isle of Mull: Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

This morning, take a short ferry to the enchanting, spiritual Isle of Iona. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who have been coming to Iona since St. Columba’s arrival in the 6th century. Proceed to the magnificent, restored Iona Abbey that was founded by St. Columba in 563 AD and houses an impressive collection of over 180 medieval and religious carved stones. Nearby, the remains of the 13th-century Abbey Nunnery is a great place to relish the utter serenity of this special island. After returning to the Isle of Mull, enjoy a visit to Duart Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan Maclean guarding the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull.  Perched atop a cliff on a peninsula with a unique view of several neighboring castles, Duart Castle was surrendered by the Macleans in the late 17th century before being repurchased by Sir Fitzroy Maclean in the early 20th century, who shouldered the important task of restoring the castle. Return to your hotel for an included dinner this evening.

Day 9: Isle of Mull/Glasgow.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Glasgow: Grand Central Hotel

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Isle of Mull and board a ferry to mainland Scotland. En route to Glasgow, the cultural capital of Scotland and its largest city, visit Inverawe Smokehouse, Scotland’s smoked food specialists. Here, after seeing how their specialties such as smoked salmon are prepared, you’ll have the opportunity to sample their product and judge for yourself their claim that they produce “the best smoked salmon you will ever taste.” En route to Glasgow, experience the fascinating Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, featuring 38 Birds of Prey. Relish the opportunity to see some rare and endangered species, as well as birds of all sizes, from the Little Owl to the female Golden Eagle. Watch the birds training or simply flying in the aviary compound and learn about the rescue facilities and disabled wild birds. Arrive in Glasgow, which blends art, architecture, nightlife, and shopping, where you’ll check in to your centrally located hotel. The evening is at leisure. Grand Central Hotel

Day 10: Glasgow.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Glasgow: Grand Central Hotel

Formerly an industrial city, Glasgow has undergone an economic and cultural renaissance since the mid 1980s, and today’s panoramic city tour will give you an excellent glimpse into this transformation. You’ll visit the Merchant City, the revamped riverbank (previously a dilapidated industrial area), the bohemian West End, and more. Next up is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions: the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. The architecture alone is a sight to see, and inside the beautiful building, the 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries display a remarkable 8,000 objects. The art, the natural history, the arms and armour will all provide plenty to marvel at. The balance of the day is at leisure in Glasgow before your festive farewell dinner (with a glass of wine) at the iconic Corinthian Club.

Day 11: Depart Scotland/Arrive USA.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Glasgow for your return flight to New York. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the USA later today. 

Day 1: Arrive London

Keep it real on the vibrant streets of London, where old meets new and best of British icons jostle for your attention. Don't resist the urge to hit the streets straight out of the starting gate after checking in. There's something for everyone as you'll come to discover exploring the capital's culture, history and scenic spaces. Delve into London's royal heritage, stroll along the Thames or admire treasures from across the globe in one of its museums before retiring to your neighborhood 'local' for a pint or two.

Novotel London Brentford, Ibis Excel London

Day 2: London free day

What a treat! A full free day in London to do as you please. The British capital wears its diversity with pride - an epicenter attracting people from all over the world who are helping to shape its vibrant cosmopolitan spirit. Dive right in and visit all the iconic sights and some hidden surprises, from the British Museum to the London Dungeon. When night falls, head to the bright lights of Soho or pop in to Brick Lane for a curry. You won't be left empty handed when it comes to grabbing a plate of what London is serving up.

Novotel London Brentford, Ibis Excel London

Breakfast

Day 3: London – Paris

Greetings from your Travel Director this morning. For now, London bids you safe travels as you continue south through the Kent countryside to Dover and then on by ferry to Calais. Next stop is Paris, another capital that doesn't hold back and doesn't expect you to either. Take a walk through its grand past, dynamic present and exciting future, from the maze of streets that once nurtured great artists in Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower.

Ibis Alésia Montparnasse 14éme, Hampton by Hilton Clichy

Breakfast

Day 4: Paris Sightseeing and Free Time

Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said: 'Paris is always a good idea.' We’re sure you’ll agree. Hit its grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées then spend the rest of the day discovering the city on your terms. Don’t resist the urge to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí and visit Montmartre this afternoon, exploring its maze of streets and Artist’s Square. There’s time to shop for artwork and savor some local specialties before considering a real highlight this evening – an optional dinner and cabaret performance.

Ibis Alésia Montparnasse 14éme, Hampton by Hilton Clichy

Breakfast

Day 5: Paris - Lucerne Region

Journey through the idyllic French countryside before arriving in Lake Lucerne. You’ll want to put the 'heart' of Switzerland in your pocket and take its history, culture and epic landscapes with you.

Ibis Kriens, SwissEver Zug

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Lucerne orientation and free time

Turn the page to a land of fairy-tale landscapes and medieval history. You have a full day to see the sights and explore Lucerne, starting with a morning orientation including the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. No visit to Lucerne is complete without a visit to the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You may be tempted to do some souvenir shopping, but an Optional Experience into the mountains will be hard to resist. Ascend Mount Pilatus by a cog-wheel railway then embark on a scenic lake cruise.

Ibis Kriens, SwissEver Zug

Breakfast

Day 7: Lucerne - Florence

Your journey heads south to the city of Florence - home to various masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and outstanding fine arts. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers tonight as you prepare to soak up the beauty of the city, surrounded by Tuscan hills, that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

Miro

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Florence – Rome

Enjoy your day in Florence before heading to Rome. Admire the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. There’s time to explore Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower or shop for the bespoke Italian leather goods and fine gold jewelery for which Florence is justifiably famous. You could choose instead to join an Optional Experience revealing the Renaissance heritage of a city which attracted artists, physicists, astronomers and philosophers like Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.Next, travel to Rome. If Rome was a person, she would be confident, alluring and complex. You’ll get to know her, and her quirks, over the next two days. You’ll find reminders of an ancient world, a holy empire and the Renaissance around every turn. You could choose to join a Local Specialist for an optional guided stroll through Rome’s piazzas. Linger in your favorite square, or perhaps enjoy a scoop or three of the local gelato and soak up the effervescent energy of a city that knows how to enjoy life.

Raganelli, Ergife Palace

Breakfast

Day 9: Rome Sightseeing and Free Time

You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and just scratch the surface, but with your Local Specialist on hand you’ll dive right into the city’s heart and soul. Head to Vatican City to watch the pigeons and people tread on holy ground, then visit St. Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s priceless 'Pietà'. The rest of your day is free to explore the City, this evening why not consider an optional dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Raganelli, Ergife Palace

Breakfast

Day 10: Rome – Venice

Journey on to Venice, which bewitches in all her Byzantine glory, softening even the hardest of hearts with her opulence. Highlights include a cruise on a private launch to St. Mark’s Square and views of the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace. The talents of master craftsmen are the star of the show later as you visit their glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. There’s even time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges line your journey.

Hotel San Giuliano

Breakfast

Day 11: Venice – Innsbruck

Today you continue along the Inn Valley to the Austrian Tyrol and its capital, Innsbruck, where you can 'ooh and aah' at the impressive ski jump and view the famed Golden Roof, constructed from 2,657 copper tiles. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. This evening, an Optional Experience could see you enjoy a lively evening of entertainment during a traditional Tyrolean evening.

Bon Alpina

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Innsbruck - Munich - Rhineland

Your first stop today is Munich where you can admire the Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus. Continue onto the main cultural center of the Rhineland.

Achat Hotel Bad Durkheim

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Rhineland - Cologne - Amsterdam

Suitably inspired by its spires, you’ll board a lazy river cruise down the Rhine past terraced vineyards and fairy-tale castles. Your experience of a lifetime ends in the free-thinking capital of the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's gezelligheid as you soak up the buzz of the city's canals, gabled houses and festive squares. There's no better way to see the capital than from its waterways, so choose an Optional Experience in a glass-topped boat winding through Amsterdam's historic canal ring.

Ibis Schiphol

Breakfast

Day 14: Depart Amsterdam

Say farewell to your Travel Director and traveling companions at the end of an amazing holiday.

Breakfast