Unforgettable trip to Scotland:

lakes, castles, and towns

Flight to Edinburgh (with a transfer). Accommodation in hotel. An evening thematic city tour in Edinburgh is possible (as an example “A mystical Edinburgh”).

This is the capital and also the great ancient city of Scotland. Here each alley, each stone lead to all secrets of the bygone times. But here is a special dynamic vibe of the present city which conceals behind the historic surroundings. During the tour we will get acquainted with two parts of the city – the Old Edinburgh (which includes the Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse) and the New Edinburgh. Free time. Additional excursions in the afternoon* (to choose from: the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Galleries of Scotland). Traditional Scottish supper* is also possible in the evening.

Free time in the city. Additional excursion in Edinburgh suburbs*. Visit Abbotsford, the Walter Scott’s ancestral castle which is built by his project. The castle’s interior implies a bizarre combination of decorations and styles of various epochs: i.e., stained glass windows with the Scottish kings, gargoyles statues, knight’s armor, medieval relics, the vast library. Visit Traquair, the most ancient (since 1107) and romantic Scottish residence. There are ‘green’ mazes and old brewery which are saved since the 18th century where delicious beer can be tasted. Return to hotel in the evening

Moving to Glamis, the ancestral castle of the Bowes-Lyon family, the Queen Mother in particular. The castle is one the most famous places and is full of legends and ghosts. Then Visit the Scone Palace. The palace was founded by the Augustinian monks in the beginning of the 12th century and was the coronation place of Scottish monarchs for several centuries. Moving to Inverness. Overnight in hotel on the way. 

Acquaintance with Inverness. Then a choice of excursions*: 1) trip to the Cairngorm funicular. The rise to the heights of the Cairngorm National Park, the biggest Reserve of Britain. Time for trekking. 2) Trip to the northern peak of the island – John o’Groats. Visit one of the famous castles on the way: Castle of Mey – the Queen Mother’s beloved hideaway; or Dunrobin Castle – the ancestral residence of the Sutherland family since the 13th century. The castle is interesting not only by its interior, but by a splendid park. Return to hotel.

Travel along Loch Ness Lake (the most mystical lake in Scotland), a stay in the little village Drumnadrochit for photo and souvenirs. Then travel to the Lake District. Photo break near Eilin Donan – the most photographed Scottish castle. Moving to the Sky Island. Visit Dunvegan castle, the oldest inhabited castle of the North Scotland, the ancestral place of McLeod family who owns it nearly 800 years. Supper in Portree* or on the way. Return to hotel.  

 Visit the ruins of the Urquhart castle*. Stay in Fort William, a time for lunch. Visit the Ben Nevis distillery is by request*. For several centuries Scotland disputes with Ireland for the right to be the first country for whisky manufacturing. During the excursion you will the whole process of the distillation and will taste some of the famous brands. Travel to Loch Lomond – the biggest Scottish Lake. Night in hotel near Glasgow.

Excursion in Glasgow, the biggest city of Scotland. Visit the Inveraray Castle* in the afternoon. This is the earliest example of the Gothic Revival and the most visited castle in Scotland. Return to hotel in the evening.