Day 1: Welcome to Scotland
We'll meet around 5 p.m. at our hotel in Edinburgh for a "Welcome to Scotland" get-together. We'll then take a short neighborhood walk and enjoy getting acquainted over dinner. Sleep in Edinburgh (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Conquering Edinburgh Castle
Today we'll see the best of Edinburgh on foot, starting with a walking tour of the Royal Mile and its wealth of historic buildings, quaint shops, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards. Next we'll start the "hike" through the history of this land at the impressive National Museum of Scotland. Then we're off to tour the birthplace of the city, the massive and imposing Edinburgh Castle to soak up its dramatic views. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: Culross and St. Andrews
We cross the famous Firth of Forth this morning as we head into the Scottish countryside. Our first stop is in the picturesque burgh of Culross, where we'll learn about long-ago lifestyles as we tour a 17th-century cottage "palace." Then we're off to St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and mecca for golfers worldwide. You'll have time to explore the ruins of St. Andrews' medieval Cathedral, watch duffers playing The Old Course, and enjoy lunch. On our way into the Highlands this afternoon, we'll stop to learn about Scottish Romanticism amidst the Black Linn Falls and towering forest of The Hermitage. Tonight we'll sleep in or near the village of Pitlochry (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 4: Crannogs and the Highlands
This morning we'll tour a reconstruction of Scotland's unique crannogs: prehistoric, defensive homesteads built on piers out over the watery lochs. We'll also learn about the first people to farm in this part of the world, millennia ago. After lunch, talented sheep dogs will entertain us with a demonstration at a working sheep farm, where we'll learn the nitty-gritty of Scotland's wool industry. We'll end the day at our riverside hotel in the Highlands city of Inverness. Sleep in Inverness (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 5: Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle
Today we'll tour evocative Culloden Battlefield where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat ended decades of Scottish rebellion against the British. On our way back to Inverness, we'll tour the Clava Cairns — an impressive collection of Neolithic burial chambers — followed by the turreted Cawdor Castle and its magnificent gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Inverness or stroll along the banks of the river. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 6: Medieval Castles and Loch Ness
We'll begin our day with a wee tasting at the Moniack Castle winery, and learn how French monks transplanted winemaking to Scotland long ago. Then we'll enjoy a panoramic view from the ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched atop a rock overlooking Loch Ness (monster sightings possible). After lunch in the canal-side village of Fort Augustus, we'll stop to admire the surreal setting of Eilean Donan Castle, which appears to float on water. We'll end our day on the rugged Isle of Skye, with dinner together followed by a performance of traditional music at our country manor hotel near Kyleakin, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: The Dramatic Isle of Skye
Today we'll experience some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery with a bus tour of Skye. We'll explore the beautiful bays and rocky pinnacles of the Trotternish Peninsula. We'll also tour a whisky distillery, learn about this iconic Scottish industry and enjoy a wee dram of single malt. After free time to wander through the delightful harbor town of Portree, we'll end our day with dinner together. Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 8: Ben Nevis and Glencoe
This morning we'll ride the ferry back to the Scottish mainland, stopping at Bonnie Prince Charlie's striking monument at Glenfinnan. We'll also visit the town of Fort William, nestled at the foot of dramatic Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Then it's on to haunting Glencoe, site of Scotland's most infamous massacre (Campbells and MacDonalds, keep your daggers on the bus). We'll end our day in the scenic coastal town of Oban, where we'll sleep (2 nights, group may be split between two B&Bs). Boat: ½ hr. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 9: Iona
Today we'll board a ferry for the windswept Isle of Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. We'll tour the 800-year-old abbey, where monks created the remarkable Book of Kells, one of the sparks of creativity that pulled Europe out of the Dark Ages. We'll then set you free to explore or find a spot to meditate on this tiny, spiritually-charged island. We'll return to Oban, and our own century, in time for dinner. Ferry: 1½ hrs. Bus: 2½ hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 10: Bonny Loch Lomond and Edinburgh
We'll drive along the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond and through central Scotland on our way back to Edinburgh. En route we'll see the impressive monument to "Braveheart" William Wallace and visit Bannockburn, site of Robert the Bruce's famous victory over the invading English in 1314. Tonight we'll share memories of Scotland and toast new friends at our final dinner together.
Sláinte! Sleep in Edinburgh (1 night). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 11: Tour Over After Breakfast
Edinburgh's airport and train station are easy connections from our neighborhood. Glasgow is one hour away by train; London is 90 minutes by air. For those tempted to continue their trip, Edinburgh is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam and many other exciting destinations.
Cheerio!
