Welcome to Trafalgar's New Zealand website. Would you like to visit Trafalgar's US website instead?
Navigation Close Icon
This site is not fully supported in Internet Explorer 11 (and earlier) versions. Please upgrade your browser to Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari or other latest browser.
You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities
13 Day Scotland Tour of Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye and Glasgow
This unforgettable Scottish Highlands trip travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.
W T T C Safe Travels Stamp Icon
Trip code
BHLD
Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities
13 Day Scotland Tour of Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye and Glasgow
This unforgettable Scottish Highlands trip travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the ‘presence’ of Rob Roy.
Embrace the allure of Auld Reekie and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your tour through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament Building and the Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to see the Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Hospitaller. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our convivial host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
A Day of Abbeys, Landscapes and History
A scenic day's excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian Jedburgh Abbey, which we will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. We take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush green landscapes along the Tweed River.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Ghost Walk and Drink
Tonight, we'll discover some of Edinburgh's most haunted places with our Local Specialist, who’ll share ghoulish tales. After we've recovered, we'll enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine in a local pub.
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kilt Wearing Demonstration and Drink
Tonight we'll enjoy a glass of wine or beer, followed by a demonstration of how to pleat and tie "The Great Kilt", which was worn in the pre-Jacobite era. This is the traditional garment worn by Jamie Fraser in the Outlander series.
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Explore Glamis Castle and on to Creative Dundee
This morning, we cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf - St. Andrews, to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare's Macbeth takes centre stage as we visit Glamis Castle, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens, before we travel to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of marmalade.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Apex City Quay
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Venture to Culloden and Inverness
Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at the famous Blair Athol distillery, including a tasting of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar. Hearts warmed, we wind our way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre at Culloden, past rugged landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. Our final stop for the night is Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, where we’ll overnight.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Columba
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Highland Farm Experience
Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Cawdor Dinner Evening
Join us for dinner at a traditional country pub in the charming village of Cawdor, home to Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Adult Price: £38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Journey to Loch Ness and Thurso
The mystical haunt of Nessie is our first stop today en route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan Sutherland. Arriving in Thurso, our home for the next two nights, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Today, we'll experience a scenic cruise on Scotland's most famous waterway, Loch Ness. On the lake, we'll also see beautiful Urquhart Castle, founded in the 13th-century. The management regretfully informs you that Nessie sightings are not guaranteed!
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
A Day on the Orkney Islands
We board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the stretch of WWII causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. We stop at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Dramatic landscapes accompany our scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. We journey to the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a tiny island where three sea lochs meet, then continue to the Isle of Skye where we'll stay overnight and enjoy a delicious dinner in our hotel.
We return to the mainland following a beautiful route that takes us past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express once crossed to his beloved school of magic. We pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, our Highland home for the next two nights.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Royal
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Isle Of Skye Drive
An opportunity to travel around the Isle of Skye with your Local Specialist. You’ll hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean Island and discover its dramatic scenery and rock formations.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Scenic Drive and Dinner
We'll enjoy a gorgeous scenic drive through the Scottish countryside to arrive at our favourite local restaurant for a dinner with drinks.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Sail to the Isles of Mull and Iona
Set sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before our journey back to Oban, we'll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the 'Glen of Weeping', marks our morning journey south to Glasgow. We follow the banks of Loch Lomond, then enjoy an orientation tour visiting St. Mungo’s Cathedral and viewing George Square with its statues of Britain's famous sons and daughters.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Theatreland City Centre
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Glasgow City Evening
You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 12
Uncover Stirling Castle’s Secrets
Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish kings and queens have made Stirling Castle their home over the centuries. Enjoy a visit to its grounds and delve into the history of this royal residence and fortress, besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. We'll visit the splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling Heads. Later, we Connect With Locals, joining the Wood family this afternoon for a memorable Be My Guest experience at their 15th-century farm, on the shores of Loch Ard, amidst tales of Rob Roy. This evening, we return to Glasgow for time at leisure to enjoy true Scottish hospitality.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
TODAY'S INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Day 13
Farewell Glasgow
Our epic journey across Scotland’s highlands, islands and cities has come to an end. It’s time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as our memorable holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Hospitaller. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our convivial host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Ghost Walk and Drink
Tonight, we'll discover some of Edinburgh's most haunted places with our Local Specialist, who’ll share ghoulish tales. After we've recovered, we'll enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine in a local pub.
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Kilt Wearing Demonstration and Drink
Tonight we'll enjoy a glass of wine or beer, followed by a demonstration of how to pleat and tie "The Great Kilt", which was worn in the pre-Jacobite era. This is the traditional garment worn by Jamie Fraser in the Outlander series.
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Highland Farm Experience
Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Cawdor Dinner Evening
Join us for dinner at a traditional country pub in the charming village of Cawdor, home to Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Adult Price: £38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Loch Ness Cruise
Today, we'll experience a scenic cruise on Scotland's most famous waterway, Loch Ness. On the lake, we'll also see beautiful Urquhart Castle, founded in the 13th-century. The management regretfully informs you that Nessie sightings are not guaranteed!
Adult Price: £24.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Isle Of Skye Drive
An opportunity to travel around the Isle of Skye with your Local Specialist. You’ll hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean Island and discover its dramatic scenery and rock formations.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Scenic Drive and Dinner
We'll enjoy a gorgeous scenic drive through the Scottish countryside to arrive at our favourite local restaurant for a dinner with drinks.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Glasgow City Evening
You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
12 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
18 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish Be My Guest lunch, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
Dive Into Culture
Visit Blair Athol Whisky Distillery in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains for a tour and tasting of their single malt whisky.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore in Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Stirling and Glasgow
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Blair Athol whisky distillery in Pitlochry, the battlefield and Visitor Centre of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, The Italian Chapel in Orkney Islands, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Inverness Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
Experience Ti Filled Icon
See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Return ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.6
Out of 5
Based on 625 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.6
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
452
4
Review Star Icon
129
3
Review Star Icon
28
2
Review Star Icon
15
1
Review Star Icon
1
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.6
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
452
4
Review Star Icon
130
3
Review Star Icon
27
2
Review Star Icon
13
1
Review Star Icon
4
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
Trusted Customer My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
4
The coach was clean and comfortable. The hotels were all well located, within walking distance of most major sights and amenities. As an international traveler, it would have been convenient if the hotels supplied a safe to store our passports, ipads, laptops, cameras, phones, excess cash, etc. while we were sightseeing. Consequently, we had to carry all these with us. Also, Scotland was in the midst of a heat wave during our tour. Many hotels do not have air conditioning. This applied to our Edinburgh hotel at the beginning of the tour. The hotel did supply us with 2 fans though but our room was still a sauna.
Our travel Director, Brooke, was very perky and knowledgeable. Ian, our driver, was very professional. I expected a bit more out of Alex though, our wellness director. It would have been nice if she introduced herself at the beginning of our tour and stated what she was responsible for. To many of us, all she did was spritz hand sanitizer on our hands whenever we entered the bus.
Trip description did not always match actual trip. While it looked like you would have multiple optional tours in various cities it was actually only 1 option depending on what was available. Plus tour descriptions did not reflect difficult of tour (amount of stairs, steep inclines, length of time on bus or ferry between stops.
Only got to half the trip, what I did see, it was very good. Thought the itinerary was excellent, the Scottish dinner show terrific. Hotel in Edinburgh very nice. Further north the choices were much more limited but acceptable.
I am rating the 8 days that I was able to participate in the tour. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with COVID on day 7 and wasn't released until day 12. I spent day 12 taking a 9 hour train ride to catch up with the rest of the group. I was not allowed to rejoin so that was a big disappointment. The days I was on the tour were terrific. I loved all of it. I thought Andrew was exceptional, his knowledge, his ability to keep us informed, plus his management of the group. On day 7 unfortunately he thought we should all be tested for COVID because many were coughing and blowing their noses. 4 of us had to remain in Thurso since we were positive. I know that others were critical of Andrew, but I saw a situation out of his control. There were no test kits in Thurso, no doctors, no way to buy test kits for the rest of the tour. He asked us for whatever we had just to test us on that Saturday, there were none left and no way to get any. I feel the fault was the lack of having any test kits on the bus to begin with. Trafalgar should have been much better prepared for what happened. Andrew wasn't getting any information from his sources, we weren't getting any information from our sources, everyone was finger pointing to someone else. That was happening to him as well. No one had the correct information, so we were on our own to solve it as was he. Those 6 days I rate only 2 * on behalf of the insurance company and Trafalgar, we were essentially abandoned. Andrew was the only person who kept in touch and tried to help us with what to do. He couldn't reach anyone and was getting his information, what little we had, from me. While I was in isolation in Thurso I was mostly well taken care of. Service was timely and the food was good. Up to that point, the hotels, staff and dinner locations were all very good. I can't speak for the 6 days I wasn't with the group, but people weren't well, they were tired, and concerned for those of us who were left behind. I was asymptomatic, so it was unfortunate that I had to remain, but understand that once I tested positive, there was no choice. I would suggest that either testing occurs before getting on the bus (I think someone brought it on with them), or not at all. None of us were sick enough that we needed to be left behind. I want to rerate this trip when the insurance is finalized, as I don't really trust yet that that will be handled to my satisfaction. Will there be an option to do that?
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Hotels in the Scottish Highlands and on the Isle of Skye are generally simpler establishments typical of the region. Accommodation on the Isle of Skye may be substituted with accommodation on the mainland. All sightseeing will remain the same as per the itinerary.
Edinburgh Tattoo 4-26 August 2023: We’ve included Tattoo tickets when you’re in Edinburgh to departures 05 August, 07 August, 12 August, 14 August, 19 August and 21 August 2023.
Edinburgh Tattoo 5-27 August 2022: We’ve included Tattoo tickets when you’re in Edinburgh to departures 06 August, 08 August, 13 August, 15 August, 20 August and 22 August 2022.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
Navigation Close Icon
What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
