Scotland: Heritage Cities and Loch Ness

Discover this lovely city on an enjoyable walk along the historical stretch of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Meet your local guide at the popular Mercat Cross on Edinburgh’s High Street. The tour makes use of a wireless audio system for the length of the walk. Get ready to soak yourself in colorful Highland history with the true tales of Mary Queen of Scots, David Hume, Adam Smith and Robert Burns. Follow your guide past little-known sights along the Royal Mile, through public wynds, private closes, ancient courtyards and stately old homes of the picturesque Old Town. Steep yourself in the historic ambiance, with tales of this old city’s heroic past, thrilling crimes, energetic politics and everyday life. Pay a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle or continue on to the esplanade on Castlehill, as per your preference. Learn how this royal Highland residence has variously served as military barracks and political stronghold down the years, especially during the Jacobite rebellion. Explore the hoary halls and walk around the sprawling grounds. Make your way back to your hotel after the enjoyable trip. (Duration: 2.15 hrs; Timing: 1000/1300 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Admission to Edinburgh Castle included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable walking shoes & bring your own headphones if you wish)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Edinburgh. At a convenient time, walk up to Calton Hill and savor splendid views of the city’s iconic landmarks. Or, you visit the many museums in the city for some history and literary insights. If you enjoy stand-up comedy, catch a good show at a dedicated club or attend one of the free events in town that are conducted regularly. Stroll down Saint Stephen Street or the Stockbridge area if shopping is at the top of your list. Before you wind up for the day, be sure to savor authentic local flavors at a classic Scottish pub that also offers live folk music performances. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Set out on a quest of the Holy Grail on this tour of medieval abbeys that trace their roots back to the legendary Knights Templar and the mysterious order of the Freemasons. Meet your local guide at the Edinburgh Bus Station. Drive down to the lovely Tweed Valley, overlooked by Scott’s View. Don’t miss this chance to stop by the old statue of the legendary Scottish hero, William Wallace. Wind your way to the quaint Scottish border town of Melrose, home to the ruined old Melrose Abbey, built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks. The Abbey is said to contain relics of the legendary Robert the Bruce, who fought in the Crusades. Have lunch at Melrose, before traveling to another medieval Scottish monument. Made famous in author Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, the elegant Rosslyn Chapel still stands shrouded in legends and mysterious symbolism. Explore this 15th-century stone structure before returning to Edinburgh. (Duration: 7-8 hrs; Time: 0920 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers to the meeting point; Meeting point: Edinburgh Bus Station (pick up Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ); Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Start early as you head out of the city towards Loch Ness. Travel along the Great Glen Fault Line to the magnificent freshwater lake, famed for its mythical monster, Nessie. Take a brief break in the picturesque region of Invermoriston to stretch your legs. Discover the Highlands as you wind your way westward to the gorgeous 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. Explore Scotland’s most photographed castle or simply savor the stunning views. Resume your journey and go across the sea to the Isle of Skye. Pass over the red-hued Cuillin Mountains to reach the cozy settlement of Sligachan. Then continue your drive to Portree town. Enjoy a meal at one of the many charming restaurants in town before you explore Trotternish Peninsula. From the breathtakingly beautiful Old Man of Storr to the ancient cliffs of Kilt Rock and the Quiraing landslip, soak in the mysticism of these natural wonders. Relish refreshments in Kyleakin village and choose to visit the ruins of Moil Castle or go across Skye Bridge to Eilean Ban. Explore to your heart’s content before starting on your return journey along a different route that lets you fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the Highland countryside. (Duration: 12 hrs; Time: 0800 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers to meeting point; Meeting point: bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS; Please report 20 mins prior to departure time; Fitness level: easy)

Explore the beauty and wonder of the famous Loch Ness in Scotland. Make your way to the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral to board your minibus. Drive along the Caledonian Canal to the source of the River Ness. Arrive at the village of Dores on the eastern side of the loch to find a beach with striking views of Loch Ness and the Great Glen rift valley. From there it’s a short drive to the forest community of Foyers. Disembark from the bus and enjoy a downhill walk through native pine trees to the Falls of Foyers, a favorite spot of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Continue south through a forested landscape to reach Fort Augustus, the furthermost point of the tour, where you will stop for lunch. After your meal, proceed to Invermoriston. There you will take a short walk to an old summerhouse which overlooks River Moriston. While you enjoy the views, try to see if you can spot the Loch Ness monster. Then, take a one-hour cruise on the loch and sail past Urquhart Castle. Return to shore and drive along Loch Ness to arrive at Inverness in the early evening. (Duration: full day; Time: 0945 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers to meeting point; Meeting point: bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please report 20 mins prior to departure time; Loch Ness cruise not available from Jan 8-14 & Jan 22; Please note that the cruise may be canceled due to weather conditions)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Scotland’s biggest city. Start at Barras Market in the East End or the crafts market in Merchant Square, where you can wander amid the stalls and mingle with the local community. You could also explore the museums or stop by one of the many theaters for an interesting show. Sample local gastronomical delights at one of the trendy restaurants in the hip Ashton Lane area or head to the cozy pubs serving excellent malt whiskeys. At one of the public parks, go on a leisurely stroll and take along a blanket so you can bask in the sun as you people watch. If you are looking for a more active pursuit, you could rent a bike and ride down the trails winding around the park. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Enjoy viewing Glasgow’s notable sites, over traditional afternoon tea, as you drive around on the iconic Red Bus Bistro. Find a seat on the top deck for great views of the historic and cultural attractions of the city. As you take in the fascinating sites, tuck into scrumptious scones served with homemade jam and freshly whipped cream. Choose your favorite bites from a selection of finger sandwiches, petit fours and mini quiches. Treat your tastebuds to Scottish smoked salmon blinis after which you can nibble on mini Victoria sponges and delectable meringues. Savor unlimited cups of tea and coffee till the end of your hearty afternoon tea tour. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers to meeting point; Meeting point: 36 Shuttle Street, Glasgow, G1 1QA / adjacent to Amore Restaurant; Meals included: afternoon tea; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Not available on Mondays)

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s magnificent landscapes, landmarks and legends on this day tour. Your first stop is Stirling Castle with its checkered history. Situated atop a volcanic crag, it is surrounded by gardens and patches of lawn. From the Lower Square, your guide will lead you through a hidden staircase, past nooks and crannies to the refurbished Great Hall. View tapestries, furniture and five large fireplaces adorned with crests and paintings of unicorns. Visit the Chapel Royal and proceed to the kitchen that depicts a lively scene full of workers and food. Spot statues of King Robert the Bruce and ramble along the ramparts dotted with cannon ports. Next, drive across the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve that stretches between the Lowlands and Highlands. Journey past woodland glens and picturesque mountain vistas to Loch Lomond, a freshwater lake. Go on a relaxing boat cruise and take in the stunning scenery. Sail across the deepest part of the loch and enjoy close-up views of Inchmurrin, the loch’s largest island, before turning back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 16 ppl; No transfers to meeting point; Meeting point: Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street; Entry fees & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please report 15 mins prior to departure time; It is not recommended to bring your car to the starting point, as it can be hard to find parking; Min age: 5 yrs)