Compare Spectacular Scotland by SmarTours vs Classic Walks of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

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 Fort William

Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.

Day 2 Devil's Staircase

This morning, you’ll catch the local bus to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.

Day 3 West Highland Way

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a public bus to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.

Day 4 Great Glen Way

Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.

Day 5 Ben Nevis

Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.

Day 6 Cow Hill

After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.