Compare Sights of Scotland Tour by YMT Vacations vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland:

Your vacation begins as you depart on your transatlantic flight. Overnight in flight.

Day 2

Arrive in Scotland:

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure. This evening you’ll get a chance to meet all your fellow travelers and your YMT Tour Director at a welcome dinner. (D)

✦Best Western Plus Keavil House, Dunfermline or similar

Day 3

Edinburgh:

This morning we take the short drive to Edinburgh for an included panoramic tour of Scotland’s capital city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sights will include the Royal Scottish Academy, The Georgian House, St. Giles Cathedral, The Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby. The highlight and finale of this morning’s tour is the included entrance to Edinburgh Castle where you will see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny as well as Edinburgh’s oldest building, St. Margaret’s Chapel. Once the tour ends around lunch time, you are free to remain in the city and explore on your own or you may wish to join our afternoon optional tour to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia docked at Leith, Edinburgh’s official port. (B)

✦Best Western Plus Keavil House, Dunfermline or similar

Day 4

Edinburgh to The Highlands:

First stop at the iconic Scone Palace in the city of Perth. Scone Palace is the home of the Earl of Mansfield and it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots. Robert the Bruce was crowned here in 1306 and the last coronation was of Charles II in 1651. Continue to the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry, known as a gateway to the Highlands where you’ll enjoy some free time. Before you reach your hotel, the scenic drive will take you into and through Cairngorms National Park, home to Britain’s highest and most massive mountain range. (B, D)

✦Hotel Nethybridge or similar

Day 5

The Highlands:

In the morning you will visit the historic site of the Battle of Culloden Moor just minutes away from Inverness. Here the scene was set for the big defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish Clans in the spring of 1746. At the Visitor Center enjoy an innovative and interactive exhibit about the battle and the area’s history. No trip to Scotland would be complete without learning about Scotch Whiskey. After an informative tour of a distillery, you will also be able to taste the final product. (B, D)

✦Hotel Nethybridge or similar

Day 6

Loch Ness and Inverness

Enjoy stunning views of Inverness and the Moray Firth as you make your way into the Great Glen, world famous as the setting for Loch Ness. At up to 755 feet, the lake has plenty of hiding space for the mythical Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie” as she is referred to locally. You’ll take a short scenic cruise on the loch which finishes at Urquhart Castle, where you will have time to explore the ruins dating back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. (B)

✦Hotel Nethybridge or similar

Day 7

Isle of Skye & Western Highlands:

Your tour takes you to the Isle of Skye, one of the Inner Hebrides islands. You will visit the Clan Donald Centre, a heritage center for what used to be the biggest clan in Scotland, ruling the western part of the country and the islands. A short ferry crossing will then take you back to the mainland and you continue to Fort William, near the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis (4,409 feet). (B)

✦Hotel Ben Nevis or similar

Day 8

Argyll and Glasgow:

The itinerary takes you farther south along the rugged shoreline and into Argyll. First, you will visit Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, the head of Clan Campbell. An Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400’s, although the buildings we see today were rebuilt after a fire in 1877. En route, there will be a short break on the banks of Loch Lomond (the largest loch in Scotland). After leaving the tranquility of the Loch Lomond area, your trip takes you into Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland. (B)

✦Holiday Inn Express Riverside or similar

Day 9

Glasgow:

During a panoramic morning city tour, you will see the remnants of the monastery at Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, an ancient cemetery in the middle of the city. The tour will also take you to the most popular park in town, the Glasgow Green. You will also visit George Square, named after King George III and the de facto center of Glasgow. Enjoy a free afternoon in this city. This evening there is an included farewell dinner. (B, D)

✦Holiday Inn Express Riverside or similar

Day 10

(Friday) Glasgow

Bid farewell to Scotland and depart for home. On certain tour dates, you may choose to combine our Scotland and Ireland tours. If you choose that option, on your last day you will fly to Dublin to join our Best of Ireland tour. (B)

Important Note: Accommodations used throughout this tour are commonly situated in rural, scenic areas and local amenities may be limited. Any hotels situated outside towns and cities will always have an on-site restaurant.
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.

Day 1 Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Day 2 Fort William

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

Day 4 Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 Inverness

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Day 7 Edinburgh

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

Day 8 Edinburgh

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.