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EDINBURGH: Edinburgh castle and Stone of Scone

This morning will see you visiting Edinburgh. Your guide will lead an introductory walk around town and learn about the city’s many literary connections. You will also visit Edinburgh castle perched high on a crag above town and see the famous Stone of Scone used in the coronation of Scotland’s kings.

ROSLIN AND MELROSE: ROSSLYN CHAPEL AND MELROSE ABBEY

Melrose Abbey is one of the most striking structures in Scotland. The site of a monastery since the 7th century, it was refounded by Cistercian monks in 1136 on the request of King David. Explore the ruins and learn about life of the “white monks”. We also visit the world famous (thanks to the Da Vinci Code!) Rosslyn Chapel, an architectural gem which is a known as a “library in stone”. Practically every surface of Rosslyn chapel is covered with carvings of individual figures and scenes. Join those that have studied and interpreted the stories of these magnificent stone carvings.

FIFE: ST ANDREWS

Visit the beautiful town of St Andrew’s, home to the Scotland’s oldest university, and the place where William met Kate Middleton! Your visit includes a tour of the Cathedral and a scenic walk along the coast for glorious views of cliffs and beaches.

STIRLING and DUNKELD: Bannockburn Battle Site and Blair Castle

This mornings’ scenery takes us out to Stirling a visit to the castle. We also see the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, and come to grips with the story of William Wallace, perhaps better known as Braveheart. Call in to Dunkeld one of the most picturesque towns in Scotland as you drive north towards the Highlands. Today’s highlight is Blair Castle and its sumptuous grounds. After your tour go off in search of Scotland’s most iconic beast the shaggy highland cow – pronounced “heelan’ coo”!

HIGHLANDS: CULLODEN LOCH NESS and CLANSMEN CENTRE

Begin your day at Culloden Battlefield the site of the last highland charge.
We travel down the banks of Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! Or get a closer look on Loch Ness with an optional boat trip. We also stop in Fort Augustus at the Clansmen Centre for a display of highland dress and weaponry.

HIGHLANDS: CAWDOR AND CLAVA CAIRNS

This is a day of varied delightful and extraordinary elements. First see the battle field where the famous Bonnie Prince Charlie took on the might of “Butcher Cumberland’s” army. Next the Clava Cairns are Scotland’s most mysterious prehistoric tombs over 5,000 years old. This afternoon visit the castle at Cawdor and go for a ramble in its grounds forever associated with Macbeth.

HIGHLANDS: Glen Coe and Inverary Castle

One of the most beautiful drives in Scotland takes you through Glen Coe where the Campbells notoriously massacred the Macdonalds. Inverary Castle is set in one of the most gorgeous landscapes imaginable. Perhaps you’d like to hike up the hills behind and get a stunning view over Loch Fyne. Alternatively look round the shops in the wee town nearby.

GLASGOW: People’s Palace and Winter Gardens and St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art

Today’s guided visit will be to the absolutely charming Burrell collection which contains everything from impressionist paintings to Assyrian antiquities is a highlight for our continuing Glaswegian cultural visits. In the afternoon you may visit the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, Glasgow’s social history museum and a chance to see the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the present. It includes dancing and holidaying; home life during the Second World War; and a trip to the steamie to get the clothes washed. Visit the ‘single end’ and discover how a family lived in this typical one-room Glasgow tenement family home of the 1930s. Or visit St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art for a workshop in the education centre where you will be able to engage with the challenging sectarian history of the city which was once the second greatest in the British Empire.