Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with strayed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city.

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Marriott Dalmahoy hotel has views of amazing sunsets and of Edinburgh Castle and has combined tradition with modern comfort. Set within 1,000 acres of parkland, you would never know you're just 7 miles from the centre of Edinburgh, the lively capital. The resort has two 18-hole golf courses (one championship course), a PGA-approved golf academy, gym, indoor swimming pool, spa and tennis. The newly refurbished spacious guest rooms feature luxury bedding, mini-bar, and wireless Internet access. You can enjoy the chef specialties and incredible views from the Pentland, the award-winning restaurant.

Overnight at Marriott Dalmahoy (4*).

Day 2 Edinburgh

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy the morning visiting the stunning Edinburgh Castle, before regular opening hours. Start your tour  at 08.30am and have an hour exploring this world famous Castle with one its very own stewards before the crowds arrive. While there, you will also see the celebrated Crown Jewels. Entrance fee and guide services at Edinburgh Castle are included. (No transportation included).

Enjoy a full day private excursion taking in a Panoramic tour of Edinburgh- Scotland's capital city, including the classical Georgian New Town and the medieval Old Town, both world heritage sites with possible visits to Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace- the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Drive through Holyrood Park to enjoy spectacular views over the city also known as Athens of the North. In the afternoon enjoy the very special and traditional ceremony of afternoon tea at historic Prestonfield House in Edinburgh, situated in its own private grounds in the shadow of Arthurs Seat, famous Edinburgh landmark. Afternoon tea is a luxurious Prestonfield tradition and a memorable occasion, whether served by the side of a roaring log fire or, in summer, in the rose-filled gardens or the whimsical gothic tea house.

Overnight at Marriott Dalmahoy (4*).

Day 3 Glasgow

Glasgow has gone through a remarkable renaissance and is now one of Scotland's prime tourist destinations. The latest additions are the Glasgow Science Centre and the Millennium Hotel. Glasgow's re-invention has been most revolutionary in its cultural life. No self-respecting artist or group misses the city from its tour these days and the Kings Theatre, Royal Concert Hall and a host of modern music venues are continually filled with world-class acts.

Leave Edinburgh today and make your way leisurely to Glasgow, stopping off at various places of interest en route. Enjoy the rural views as you are driven through what is known as "the Border country" - famous for its stately homes and medieval abbeys. Enjoy a visit of the charming town of Melrose and the romantic ruins of its medieval abbey combined with a visit to Abbotsford, the home of Scotland's most famous writer; Sir Walter Scott. From here, continue to the metropolitan city of Glasgow- Scotland's largest city. (Entrances to sites are not included).

Hotel Du Vin Glasgow is set in a tree-lined Victorian terrace in the fashionable West End of Glasgow, and is an iconic luxury boutique hotel. Proud to be considered one of Scotland’s finest luxury hotels, it boasts 49 stunning bedrooms and magnificent suites featuring pristine beds with luxurious Egyptian linen, serious showers and a unique, relaxed style of hospitality. The hotel has been enhanced by a brand new bar and bistro serving a sumptuous menu of modern European cuisine and the sympathetic makeover of many of its bedrooms, and succeeds in retaining all of the charm and elegant character of the building.

Overnight at Hotel Du Vin One Devonshire Gardens (5*).

Day 4 Glasgow

Enjoy a panoramic tour visiting this monumental Victorian merchant city and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in a magnificent historical castle-like structure, the museum is the latest museum in Scotland and showcases many different aspects of art and includes such things as a multimedia Object Cinema, the History Discovery Centre, and the Study Centre, a Mini Museum for under 5' s. The Art Discovery Centre and the Environment Discovery Centre feature hands-on displays. Galleries feature Creatures of the Past, Ancient Egypt, Glasgow Stories, Scotland’s Wildlife, Scottish Art, Expression, Looking at Art, Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style, and Looking at Design. Your driver will give you an orientation tour and leave you to explore the museum at leisure. Continue with a visit of the medieval Glasgow cathedral and the imposing university of Glasgow founded in the 15th century before being returned to your hotel.

Enjoy a seaplane trip over Loch Lomond. See the stunning views as you climb higher over the lake and hills...

Overnight at Hotel Du Vin One Devonshire Gardens (5*).

Day 5 Inverness

Inverness is promoted as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. Important buildings in the city include Inverness Castle, Inverness College and various churches. It is a hub for visits to the nearby Highlands, and is situated on the famous Lock Ness.

From Glasgow you will be following the shore of the beautiful and romantic Loch Lomond to Crianlarich and haunting Glencoe, scene of the massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells. Then continue on to Fort William where it is possible to take a ride on the mountain cable car on Aonoch Moor by Ben Nevis (highest mountain in Great Britain) with spectacular views over the region. Continue the drive via lochs, forests and the Caledonian canal to Fort Augustus and world famous Loch Ness. Stop at Urquhart Castle for haunting views over the Loch before continuing to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Tulloch Castle (4*) dates from the 12th Century, when first the Bains and later the Clan Davidson laid claim to its lands. Like its lively history, the Castle's fortunes have changed many times. Now, it is once again a magnificent fortress, with a ready welcome for travelers. When you arrive, you will be met with Tulloch’s countless period features including the 250-year old paneled Great Hall. As you enter the magnificent hallways you will pass by painstakingly restored original fireplaces and ceilings. The castle accommodates 20 en-suite well appointed bedrooms all with their own unique character and charm. The hotel has an onsite restaurant where only the best Highland produce is freshly prepared for you by the chefs.Round off the evening relaxing in front of a roaring log fire with a fine Scottish Malt from the vast selection in the Green Lady Bar.

Overnight at Tulloch Castle (4*).

Day 6 Inverness

Enjoy a day excursion taking in Strathpeffer- a charming and picturesque Victorian Spa, a visit of the city of Inverness and nearby Speyside which is the heart of whisky country. Because of its location in the heart of the Highlands, Strathpeffer is a popular tourist attraction. The Strathpeffer and District Pipe Band and local Highland dancers perform in the square every Saturday from end May to September, while the annual Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, one of the longest-established Highland Games in Scotland, takes place in the grounds of Castle Leod every August. Visit the city of Inverness, the most northerly city in the British Isles. Must see sites include Inverness Castle - a relatively new castle built in 1847 to replace a medieval castle blown up by the Jacobites. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery in Castle Wynd (located at the base of Inverness Castle) has a collection of Pictish stones and wildlife dioramas, as well as historic weapons. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2006, and now contains many artifacts on loan from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Old High Church is the oldest church in Inverness. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a malt whisky distillery, perhaps Aberlour, with a tour and whisky tasting. At the end of the day, you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Tulloch Castle (4*).

Day 7 Gleneagles

Gleneagles is a glen which connects with Glen Devon to form a pass through the Ochil Hills of Perth and Kinross in Scotland. Gleneagles House at the northern entrance to Gleneagles comprises a 1750 extension to an earlier 17th-century building that is approached by an avenue of lime trees planted to commemorate the Battle of Camperdown. Little remains of Gleneagles Castle, the early 16th-century tower house of the Haldanes.  The Caledonian Railway Company used its name for the Gleneagles Hotel and golf course they built some distance from the glen at the edge of Auchterarder. The hotel hosted the controversial G8 conference in July 2005, which earned the area the description of "the most fortified golf course in Scotland" due to extensive security.

It takes approximately 4 hours from Inverness to Glenagles including approx 30 min stop en route. If you are interested, a stop can be made at te House of Bruar by Blair Athol which is like a Harrods in the Highlands! This is truly a wonderful shopping experience with high quality goods and very delicious food. Continue onwards to Gleneagles.

Choose from a wide variety of activities all available on site at the Gleneagles luxury hotel. Options include:

• The world famous Shooting School

• The Equestrian School – one of the most impressive riding centres in Europe

• The British School of Falconry

• The Gundog School – the first of its kind in the world

• Off-road 4x4 driving on two specially developed courses

• The Club, with two swimming pools, outdoor hot pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, cycle hire and walking/running tracks.

• The multi award winning spa (named favourite ScottishHotel Spa by COnde Nasts Travelers Reader Spa awards 2009 & 2010).

Of course, what the Gleneagles is really famous for is its golf. Choose to play a round of golf at any (or all!) of the three 3 courses.

• The PGA Centenary Course – venue for the 40th Ryder Cup Matches in 2014.

• The famous King’s Course

• The secluded Queen’s Course

• The nine-hole Wee Course is perfect for a warm-up round or for golfers just starting out.

Gleneagles Hotel (5*) is one of the world’s most coveted 5 star resorts, and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Set in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, it is home to three of the top Scottish Championship Golf Courses (and will host the Ryder Cup in 2011), has the only PGA National Academy, and a wide range of exhilarating outdoor leisure activities. Throughout the hotel you will find the finest comfort – from the elegant restaurants to the luxury bedrooms and the calming environment of the spacious new destination spa by ESPA (voted Spa of the year by Conde Nast in 2010). The hotel has 232 spacious guest bedrooms, including a variety of luxury suites to suit all needs, tastes and desires. There is plenty to do, with a selection of shops to browse and free access to the leisure club, swimming pools and tennis courts as well as many optional activities on site such as a gundog school, archery, falconry etc. The property also has a teenage area with pool tables and a games room as well as a supervised kids play area to ensure fun for everyone - regardless of age.

Overnight at Gleneagles (5*).

Day 8 Gleneagles - Edinburgh

Enjoy a private airport transfer to Edinburgh.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

More information from Kensington Tours:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.kensingtontours.com/tours/europe/scotland/scottish-highla…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips