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11 minute read

Discover Scotland’s Stunning Highlands and Islands

May 20, 2021

From the Isle of Skye and dramatic waterfalls of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to storied castles and battlegrounds, the nation of Scotland enchants all who visit. And on our Scotland:  Highlands and Islands tour, you'll get a front-row seat to the country's arresting landscapes, colorful history, and culturally rich cities. 

We begin in Glasgow, where we marvel at the city’s impressive Victorian-era architecture …

Glasgow City Chambers is one of many impressive iconic “Glasgow Style” buildings we see on Day 3 of our tour. Designed by Scottish architect William Young, it was built between 1882 and 1888. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Glasgow City Council. Source

During our time in Glasgow, we also enjoy a private guided tour of Pollok House, which houses the UK’s greatest collection of Spanish art; and pay a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum …

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Source

The Museum is home to a number of renowned pieces of art, including Salvador Dalí’s “Christ of St. John of the Cross,” and an impressive collection of arms and armaments – a testament to Scotland’s rich battle history.

After Day 3’s quick course in Scottish history at Kelvingrove, Days 4-6 provide us the opportunity to visit some of the regions most storied fortresses – among them the ruins of Castle Urquhart, dating to at least the 13th century.

Castle Urquhart’s unique location on fabled Loch Ness – surrounded by water on three sides – gave it a formidable advantage in battle.

Our visit to hallowed Culloden Moor, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746, counts as another tour highlight.

And no tour of Scotland would be complete without a boat ride along Loch Ness, known the world over for the otherworldly creature alleged to live deep in its waters.

This portion of the tour also brings us in view of some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Glencoe’s deep valleys flanked by steep-sided mountains, rushing rivers, and dramatic waterfalls, as well as the Isle of Sky where we have a full-day excursion to take in the stunning scenery.

The dramatic Isle of Skye Source
The Highlands
Odysseys travelers pose on a visit to Eilean Donan Castle.

The latter half of our tour puts us back in touch with more recent achievements in Scotland’s impressive built environment. Our visit to the striking Dunrobin Castle & Gardens stands out as a highlight.

Dunrobin originated as a tower keep in the 14th century, but in the mid-19th century the architect of the London Houses of Parliament fully remodeled the castle, laying out the gardens in the fashion of Versailles.

Our time at Dunrobin also includes a falconry demonstration on Day 7.

And we enjoy a herding dog demonstration in Kincraig on Day 8 – during which time we get the opportunity to meet some of Scotland’s border collies in training.

We also see some working border collies in action …

Our trip concludes with visits to two of Scotland’s most historic cities – medieval seaside St. Andrews, home of golf, and Edinburgh …

Edinburgh Castle, symbolic heart of the country Source

Select departures also enjoy reserved seating at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, set against the evocative backdrop of the flood-lit Edinburgh Castle.

Source

And our final day wraps up in “Royal” fashion for all – with touring of Holyrood, official residence of the Queen when in Scotland.

A truly varied tour of a singular place, Scotland: Highlands and Islands takes us from loch to loch, glen to glen, and city to city. We hope to have you join us in Scotland in the near future!

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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