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.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there's always something going on in the festival city, and that's just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling - whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella!

The King James Hotel is located near Edinburgh’s world-famous Princes Street, and a short walk from the historic Royal Mile. Whether you’re here for work or pleasure, to visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or to see in the New Year at Edinburgh's Hogmanay, you’re guaranteed a warm Scottish welcome. It 's a modern city center hotel located just off bustling Princes Street, 300 metres from the National Gallery, one mile from Edinburgh Castle. Guestrooms at the King James by Thistle include flat-panel televisions with digital channels, tea/coffee facilities, and trouser presses. After a day of sightseeing, guests can dine in the hotel restaurant, unwind with a drink in the bar or order up room service.

Overnight at The King James (4*).

Day 2 Edinburgh

You will be picked up from your Edinburgh hotel and driven to St. Andrews in the county of Fife. St. Andrews is perhaps most famous for golf, or perhaps its university where future king of England Prince William studied. In the northeast corner of Fife, the landscape varies from the gentle hills in the rural hinterland to the windswept cliffs, rocky bays and sandy beaches on which scenes from the film 'Chariots of Fire' were shot. Fishing still has a role here but ultimately it is to St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and the home of the world-famous Royal and Ancient golf club, that most visitors are drawn. The town itself and the hills and hamlets of the surrounding area retain an appealing and old-fashioned feel. South of St Andrews, the tiny stone harbours of the fishing villages of the East Neuk - Anstruther, Crail, St Monans and Pittenweem - are an undeniably appealing extension to any visit to this part of Fife. Return back to your Edinburgh hotel by early evening.

Enjoy a Scottish banquet in the Thistle Edinburgh hotel with unlimited wine during the meal, followed by laughter, songs, dancing & music, performed by some of Scotland's most accomplished artists. The meal consists of traditional Scottish fare, including a choice of 2 options for each course such favourites as Scotch broth, Salmon, Beef or Chicken for main course, a desert, tea/coffee and a half bottle of wine. (Transfer to and from event not included).

Overnight at The King James (4*).

Day 3 Edinburgh

Depart Edinburgh at 9.30am, on board a top of the range minicoach as you embark on a full day's shared tour taking in many of the great sights outside of Edinburgh. You will travel over the Forth Road Bridge to the little town of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. From here it is a short distance to the Hermitage in Macbeths Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst spectacular waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the country. Then journey north for lunch in Pitlochry (not included) before travelling to the Queens View above Loch Tummel. Continue through the mountains to majestic Loch Tay and the pretty village of Kenmore in an area abundant with ancient stone circles. From here we cross the hills again to the world oldest Scotch Whisky distillery at Glenturret where you can take a tour and tasting before returning past Stirling Castle to Edinburgh.

Overnight at The King James (4*).

Day 4 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.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer today.

Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness by train. Approximately 3.5hrs.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Inverness is the City in the Highlands where you'll find the warmest of welcomes - whether you choose to visit, explore, shop, relax or just live Inverness. It's in a Scot's nature to be friendly and helpful, and the locals are always up for a chat. Explore this city with your private guide by foot.

The Kingsmill Hotel (4*) is surrounded by the Invernesshire Mountains and is just a 1 mile from the city centre. The hotel has an excellent reputation, and hospitality has been enjoyed by both locals and visitors to Inverness for many years. The hotel is set in four acres of carefully kept gardens and manicured lawns. At the Kingsmills Hotel you’ll find high standards of hotel keeping in a quiet and pretty location. You’re close enough to the city centre to walk there, or you can take a stroll in the hotel grounds with scarcely a hint that you’re in the middle of the Highland capital. The hotel has the pedigree plus dashes of character and panache only delivered by genuine hoteliers. The conservatory is light, spacious and very relaxing while the bar is stocked with over 40 whiskeys. The Kingsmill hotel also boasts an extensive leisure club with a swimming pool, solarium, sauna, and gym.

Overnight at Kingsmill (4*).

Day 5 Inverness

Travel by shared coach to Clansman Harbour where you embark on your 30 minute cruise along Loch Ness. At the end of your cruise, you will disembark at the private jetty at Urquhart Castle. Here you shall have time to enjoy the castle ruins, with its magnificent views up and down this most enigmatic and mysterious stretch of water, and visit the Visitor Centre. You shall return by bus back to Inverness City Centre, via Tomnahurich Bridge. (Entrance to Urquhart castle and cruise on Loch Ness included).

Overnight at Kingsmill (4*).

Day 6 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.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Travel from Inverness to Glasgow by train. Journey will take approximately 3.5hrs.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections, the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London, and the most vibrant and exciting nightlife in Scotland. A must see is the splendour of Scotland's best known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose style adorns many unique attractions throughout Scotland's largest and greatest city. Your guide wll meet you at your hotel and show you how to get around the city. Be sure to bring along a pair of comfortable walking shoes!

The Carlton George (4*) hotel is located in the heart of the city next to George Square and adjacent to Queen's Street mainline station which offers a direct line to Edinburgh in less than 40 minutes. A beautiful building redeveloped as a hotel in 1999, it has an elegant entrance and is prominent within the city as one of the best hotels.

Overnight at Carlton George (4*).

Day 7 Glasgow

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

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

Depart Glasgow Airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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