A land of intrigue, drama, warmth and culture that will enchant visitors of all ages and interests, Scotland is a captivating place of immense contrasts and is surely one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating countries in the world. From vibrant Glasgow and refined Edinburgh to the gentle rolling hills, dramatic coasts, towering mountains, breath-taking lochs and heather covered highlands and a landscape richly peppered with ancient castles, villages, and abbeys, all tell the tale of it’s often turbulent history. Travel along the whisky trail, explore mystical lochs and ancient monuments, visit Royal castles and explore this land’s ancient history. Beyond the mainland, the Western Isles and Orkneys retain much of their Norse character and offer some of Scotland’s most seductive scenery and mythical heritage. A land of intrigue, drama, warmth and culture that will enchant visitors of all ages and interests, Scotland is a captivating place of immense contrasts and is surely one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating countries in the world. From vibrant Glasgow and refined Edinburgh to the gentle rolling hills, dramatic coasts, towering mountains, breath-taking lochs and heather covered highlands and a landscape richly peppered with ancient castles, villages, and abbeys, all tell the tale of it’s often turbulent history. Travel along the whisky trail, explore mystical lochs and ancient monuments, visit Royal castles and explore this land’s ancient history. Beyond the mainland, the Western Isles and Orkneys retain much of their Norse character and offer some of Scotland’s most seductive scenery and mythical heritage.

Small group tours depart every 2nd Wednesday from April 18 - September 19, 2012. Tours are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants. In general, the maximum group size is 16.

Consider adding additional days to your trip with the services of a private guide and/or driver to see more of the country - your time on either side of your small group tour can be customized to suit your needs (and private guided tours can be added throughout your small group experience as desired).

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.

Airport transfer with a 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*).

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

Meet up with your Guide and fellow travellers of your small group tour this morning. The rendezvous is at 08.30am (please be here 30 mins before this) at the Carlton George Hotel, 44 West George Street, Glasgow.

From Glasgow you travel to Paisley, famed for its Abbey and its eponymous patterned fabrics. Visit the birthplace of William Wallace as you head to Dumbarton with its Robert the Bruce connections. Driving by Loch Lomond and its bonnie banks you visit Luss, an estate village locked in time with an attractive church and Viking graves.

Head north and west to take in the stunning view as you climb over the “Rest and be Thankful”. The scenery is breathtaking as you make your way to Inverary with its fairytale castle. Following the shores of Loch Fyne you reach Kilmartin Glen and its ancient stone circles and burial cairns, before heading on to your delightful accommodation in Oban.

Overnight in the Queens's Hotel (or similar) in Oban tonight. You will be assured of a very warm welcome at The Queens Hotel, in a the great, peaceful location of Oban. The hotel has been restored to its original Victorian elegance  and has 2 suites and 44 rooms in total, in three buildings, with a mixture of Twin, Double, Single and Family rooms. Most of the rooms have the Jacuzzi baths with overhead showers. All suites and rooms are finished to a 4 star standard.

Overnight at Queen's Hotel (B) or similar.

Today you take the ferry across the Firth of Lorne to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull, giving you fine views as you go, including a sight of Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean clan. Enjoy the travel across the island taking in the untouched landscape.

After lunch you will continue your tour with a short ferry ride to the mystic Island of Iona, home to St Columba some 1400 years ago. See the ancient ruins of the Nunnery and the restored Abbey, once the burial site of Scotland’s kings. On your way back to the mainland, you might even be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Outer Hebridean islands before heading back to Oban.

Overnight at The Queens Hotel (B) or similar.

Today you travel the back roads through glorious mountain scenery as you pass through the wooded Glen Orchy and up on to desolate Rannoch Moor. Head into the dramatic Highlands and the splendid isolation of the pass of Glen Coe, where the Campbells tragically massacred the MacDonalds. Visit historic Fort William before turning west along part of the “Road to the Isles”.

Following the Caledonian Canal you will see Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and have time to reflect on the Commandos Memorial near Spean Bridge before making your way back to the Isle of Skye for another night.

Overnight at Mackinnon Counrty Hotel (B) or similar.

Enjoy exploring the stunning Isle of Skye today as you travel first to Portree, the island’s main town and a bustling port and thriving cultural centre. From here we pass through some amazing landscapes, and possibly even spot some sea eagles. Highlights along the way include the Old Man of Storr with its weirdly-shaped rock pinnacles, the Kilt Waterfall as it tumbles from the lough over the precipitous cliff edge and the Quiraing, one of a great series of landslips which came to form the Trotternish Ridge.

Enjoy a visit of the Museum of Island Life, a preserved township of thatched cottages which shows how life was lived on Skye more than 100 years ago.

From here we make our way to Dunvegan Castle, built on a rock in a stunning loch-side setting. The ancestral home of the MacLeod clan chiefs for 800 years, it is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland and it boasts many treasures including the Fairy Flag, which is supposed to have miraculous powers and guarantee certain victory to the MacLeods in battle.

On the route back towards home this evening, you'll pass through the attractive village of Carbost, home to the Talisker Distillery, before making our way back to our accommodation and dinner.

Overnight at Mackinnon Counrty Hotel (B) or similar.

Depart the Isle of Skye this morning and, if the weather permits, we take the ferry from Glenelg to the mainland. Then we head for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, passing by Loch Ness, famed for its elusive monster! A short stop is made in Inverness.

Next on the list today is the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebel troops were defeated by the English and where there is an excellent museum which brings the battle vividly to life.

This afternoon is all about whisky!  We will pick up the famous “whisky trail” and travel through Speyside, the home of the few remaining independent distilleries one of which we'll stop in at for a tasting. In the region also lies Speyside Cooperage, the only working one of its kind in the UK and where it is possible to see where the American Oak casks are produced in the traditional method.

The drive to tonight's destination, Braemar, passes through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Braemar boasts the highest and most mountainous parish in Britain and is famous for its annual Highland Games attended by the Queen, reputedly founded as long ago as the 11th century.

Overnight at Hotel to be Determined.

Today we drive past Balmoral Estate (May- Jul), the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, who called it “my dear paradise in the Highlands”.  See the nearby Crathie Church, where the Royal Family attends Sunday service when in residence. Princess Anne was married here, and Queen Victoria’s loyal servant John Brown is buried here.

Travel over Tay Bridge to the Old Course at St Andrews, a pilgrimage for golf lovers from amateurs to professionals alike. Drive past the course, glimpse the famous Clubhouse and see the holes where history has been made over the years. Close by is the British Golf Museum (optional) which traces the story of the game both in Britain and abroad, and whose exhibitions and hands-on displays bring the game to life. Tonight you will arrive in Fife ready for your Scottish meal.

Overnight at Spindrift Hotel (or similar).

As you head out of the Kingdom of Fife you will visit one of the area’s many beautiful harbours and spend a short time in Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of King Robert the Bruce. Dunfermline, once the capital of Scotland, was the birthplace of many Kings. Continue on to Bannockburn to visit its famous battlefield. This was the site of Bruce’s decisive win against the English in 1314 and the name resonates in the Scottish psyche with ideas of freedom and independence.

A few miles to the north you will reach Stirling, the scene of William Wallace’s 1297 victory at Stirling Bridge. Visit the historic Castle, Scotland’s symbol of independence and once the home of Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace. Explore its gardens, the Chapel Royal, Forework Gate, Grand Battery, Palace Gates and the Stirling Heads. From here, it is a short drive to Edinburgh and the end of your small group tour.

Your Small Group Tour ends this afternoon upon arrival at The Royal Terrace Hotel at approximately 5.30pm. Bid farewell to your Guide and fellow travellers as you close the chapter on this part of your travels.

The Witchery Restaurant located on the Royal Mile is a great place for dinner. The 16th century building located close to the Castle is lit exclusively by candlelight. The tapestry-draped main dining room is an ode to opulence: the seats are a rich red leather, the ceiling is gilded, and the walls are covered with oak panels salvaged from an old cathedral. The Secret Garden annex, meanwhile, is full of brass candlesticks and stone statues, and displays a series of painted doors that tell the story of Edinburgh's wine trade with France. The menu is equally sumptuous, offering dishes such as melt-in-your-mouth steak tartare, rabbit wrapped in Parma ham with tea-soaked prunes, and loin of roe deer with an earthy black pudding. But be sure to save room for the desserts — from the chocolate torte to the bramble, sherry and mascarpone trifle, they make a wickedly decadent end to the meal. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like to have a reservation made for you.

The Royal Terrace Hotel in central Edinburgh is part of an impressive terrace of prestigious Georgian townhouses, overlooking Scotland's historic capital.   Combining traditional charm with contemporary luxury, the hotel enjoys a tranquil location on a quiet city street and is only a short walk from Princes Street, George Street and The Royal Mile.  Many of the rooms offer spactacular views of either The Firth of Forth or our own private gardens to the rear of the hotel. Facilities include an onsite swimming pool, sauna & steam room. We also offer an exclusive complimentary techno gym with cardiovascular equipment.

Overnight at Royal Terrace (4*).

Avail of any of the optional tours available in the thriving city of Edinburgh. Consider a private tour with your own Licensed Guide and private vehicle if you have any interest in a certain aspect of the city such as the architecture or history - or if you just want to get a great indepth introduction to the city. Consider doing a guided walking tour - one of the best ways to see the city. If you feel like venturing out of the city, there are lots of places of interest such as Blair castle, Perth, whiskey distilleries, Cairngorm National Park - for a Lough ness themed tour, and the majestic Sterling castle sitting on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest.

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).