Daily Itinerary
Day 1: September 17 – Welcome to Scotland
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, where a private transfer takes you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in, then meet your host and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner of Scottish favorites.
Note: We suggest that you depart the US/Canada on September 16 to arrive early enough for first day activities on September 17. Should you wish to arrive a day early on September 16, pre-night charges will be added to your bill.
Overnight: Apex Waterloo Hotel Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: September 18 – Edinburgh Exploration
Today you will discover Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks on a guided tour that unveils the city’s rich heritage. Explore the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the historic Royal Mile, and marvel at the regal beauty of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You will immerse yourself with enthralling stories and architectural wonders, providing a memorable glimpse into the essence of this medieval city.
Overnight: Apex Waterloo Hotel Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: September 19 – Train North to Inverness
This morning, board the train for a three-and-a-half-hour ride north through the Cairngorms to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Watch the landscape shift from farmland to open moor and mountain as you go. On arrival, join a walking tour of the city along the River Ness, past Inverness Castle and the old town.
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: September 20 – Into the Wilds of Scotland
Today is a full day out in the Western Highlands, the landscape most people picture when they think of Scotland. Travel west along Loch Ness and through steep glens toward the coast, with stops for castles and viewpoints along the way. Visit the colorful fishing village of Mallaig for lunch and then stop to see Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous by Harry Potter), and take a wander ing the historic town of Fort William. While this is a long day on the road, the scenery is worth every mile (~12hrs tour today).
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: September 21 – Free Day in Inverness
Today is yours to shape. Walk the Ness Islands footbridges along the river, browse the Victorian Market and the wonderfully chaotic shelves of Leakey’s Bookshop, or take a short trip out to Culloden Battlefield and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Prefer a slower pace? Linger over a whisky flight or an afternoon in the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Reconvene in the evening to swap stories over dinner together.
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: September 22 – Return to Edinburgh
After breakfast, ride the train back south to Edinburgh. This afternoon, tour Edinburgh Castle, perched on volcanic rock above the city. See the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the tiny room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI. Expect cobbles, stairs, and uneven ground inside the castle.
This evening we’ll have a traditional Sunday Roast at a local pub.
Overnight: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: September 23 – Free Day in Edinburgh
Today is your free day in Edinburgh. Take time to visit the National Museum of Scotland, tour the Scottish Parliament, climb to the rooftop of Camera Obscura for views over the Old Town, or shop along Princes Street. If you’re feeling adventurous you could hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat or take a tour to the seaside University town of St Andrews. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner to toast the trip.
Overnight: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: September 24 – Farewell & Departure
Bid farewell to your new friends and the charming wilds of Scotland as you depart Edinburgh this morning. Private transportation will deliver you to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for your flight back to the US.
Highlights
Cultural Exploration
Scenic Journeys
Natural Beauty
Pricing & Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
Single occupancy, boutique hotels
Airport transfer on arrival & departure
Local transportation & train tickets
Guided Edinburgh City Tour
Edinburgh Castle Entry
Guided Walking Tours of Inverness and Glasgow
2 FREE DAYS to explore
Daily breakfast & dinner
Group lunches (excluding FREE DAYS)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Roundtrip airfare to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Spa treatments
Meals not listed above
Optional excursions and tours not listed above
Gratuities and tips for personal services
Is This Tour For Me?

Physical Rating - Level 4: Active
Level 4: Active
- Distance/Pace: up to 3–5 miles of walking over the course of a full-day tour.
- Terrain: varied terrain, primarily cobblestones, with moderate challenges (mixed surfaces, inclines, stairs).
- Duration: Walking tours of 3–5 hours with fewer scheduled breaks.
- Transport: a mix of foot (up to 30 min walking to an activity), public transit, and private vehicle.
- Designed for those with good overall fitness comfortable with sustained activity.
Travel Style: City Exploration
Age requirement: 18+

Natalie Bridges

















