7 Day Best of Scotland with Stirling Highland Games

After pick-up, we head off for a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the mountains, glens and lochs of Scotland’s first National Park and the beautiful village of Luss on Loch Lomond. Later, we head west for Scotland’s first planned town and a visit to Inveraray Castle & Gardens. The journey north this afternoon takes us through the stunning scenery of Glencoe. 

This morning we tour west on the spectacular “Road to the Isles” providing wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles. Our journey follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Glenfinnan where we pause to take in the scenery and the Glenfinnan Monument erected here. After lunch in the fishing village of Mallaig, we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye” to spend the afternoon visiting Armadale Castle & Gardens.

Today we enjoy a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and past the Cuillin Mountains that dominate the landscape. We stop at the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with colourful houses and traditional harbour for a look around the interesting shops here before exploring further. Touring north brings us to the unusual geological features of the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls and the Quirang with fine views. 

This morning we visit one of Scotland's most photographed locations, iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which protected the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who raided, settled and controlled much of the north of Scotland and the Western Isles. We take a scenic drive to Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch and perhaps a walk along part of the Caledonian Canal before we make our way to the whisky distillery for a tour and tasting.  

Our first stop today is Culloden Battlefield which will provide a lasting image of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army of 1746. Next, we tour south and explore the Cairngorms National Park with heather moorland and Caledonian pine forest. We shall visit Carrbridge village to view the oldest pack horse bridge in the Highlands and enjoy some free time in the Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry. 

This morning we head south to enjoy the Stirling Highland Games watching traditional highland games competitions, browsing the Traders Village with some of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink producers and market traders, and enjoying some creative arts. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stirling, the games field offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a full schedule of competitions. 

This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to Stirling Castle which sits majestically on top of volcanic rock. The castles' long and turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland's past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. Later, we travel to Edinburgh to visit 15th century Rosslyn Chapel that has been described as an “Architectural Wonder”. End the day in the city with its charming medieval architecture.