Small Group Experiential Travel

1-800-665-3998

10 Day Scotland Tour

Historic Cities, Highlands & Whisky

Tour Code

SC10

When To Go

May, Sep

Start

Edinburgh (EDI)

End

Glasgow (GLA)

Countries Visited (1)

Scotland

Overnight In (5)

Glasgow, Edinb...More >

Activity Level

1 - Light?

Tour Type

Cultural?

Overview
Info & Inclusions
Itinerary
Map & Hotels
Photos
Reviews
Extend
Dates & Prices

Highlights

Max Group Size 18
Stirling Castle
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Loch Ness
Highland Safari
Scone Palace
Meeting Pedigree Highland Cattle
Singles friendly
(view options for single travellers)

Description

Welcome to Scotland, a land of rugged beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Over the next 10 days, we'll embark on a journey that weaves together the threads of Scotland's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and timeless charm.

From Glasgow and Edinburgh's vibrant streets to the Highlands' windswept landscapes, we'll delve into Scotland's heart. We'll explore ancient castles like Stirling Castle, uncover whisky-making secrets at Royal Lochnagar Distillery, and stroll along Loch Ness's shores, where folklore and nature entwine.

We'll experience the Scottish countryside's warm welcome, meeting Pedigree Highland Cattle and exploring picturesque towns like St Andrews and Aberdeen. At Scone Palace, we'll uncover Scotland's monarchs' history, and on a Highland Safari, we'll venture into the untamed beauty of the Scottish wilderness.

Join us on this unforgettable journey through Scotland, where past and present, nature and culture, blend in enchanting ways.

Price Includes

Meals
Savour authentic flavours with included daily breakfasts, some lunches, and most dinners at handpicked local restaurants—immersing you in local cuisine without worrying about reservations or budgets.
Transport & Logistics
Private air-conditioned coaches and included internal ferries and flights—ensuring hassle-free travel so you can focus entirely on the discoveries ahead.
"Adventures Abroad tour leader's management and guest services managed the tour with great skill and dedication. The tour leader was on top of every move and transfer. We have not experienced any issues with logistics and had a great time."
~ JULIA O
"The tour leader did an excellent job coordinating some difficult travel logistics, power outage issues and resolving problems and dealing with guests who had unrealistic expectations."
~ CYNTHIA COLLINS
Expert Guidance
Unlock insider secrets at every landmark with your full-time Tour Leader and expert local guides , all gratuities covered—no hidden tipping surprises—so you immerse fully in your destination's stories, worry-free. (Except for the tips to your tour leader at the end of your tour.)

"Amazing tour guide. Our tour guide was very well organized, Her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm completely transformed the travel experience into something truly unforgettable..."
~ MELANIE LEMAIRE
"Highly recommend every trip with Adventures Abroad. It's a well organized and well thought out adventure. The tour leaders are friendly, knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Highly recommend this company."
~ SUSAN WALL
Sightseeing & Entrances
All entrance fees for sites visited as per the itinerary—no hidden costs—so you can explore ancient ruins and excursions with complete peace of mind.
Accommodations
Unwind in clean, well-located 3 to 4-star hotels with private en suite facilities—handpicked for comfort and convenience after each day's discoveries—so you can rest easy knowing your stay supports the real adventure, not steals the spotlight.
Small Group
Discover the world in small groups of up to 18 travellers plus your expert Tour Leader—unlocking spontaneity, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and genuine connections at a relaxed pace, free from crowds.

"Looking Forward to My Next Adventure The best feature of the Adventures tour was the small size that allowed the group to quickly load up, let everyone get acquainted within the first 24 hours, capitalize on unplanned surprises along..."
~ PHILIP BLENSKI
"Good value for a great time I have traveled with Adventures Abroad for over 20 years now. Well thought out, interesting itineraries and the other travelers congenial and friendly. The price always seems fair and overall a..."
~ Trusted Customer
Airport Transfers For Land & Air Customers
We handle hassle-free airport transfers for all our land and air tour customers—plus early arrivals or late departures when you book extra hotel nights directly with us for added peace of mind.

Exclusions

International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches/some dinners (see itinerary), drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance (for information please click on the "Resources" tab).

Trip Info

Seasonality and Weather:
MAY is one of the best times to visit the UK's north if you want to visit before the summer crowds arrive. The weather at this latitude tends to be good, with average highs of 15C/59°F and average lows of 9C/48°F. Although May is still spring in Scotland, the days are nice and long with the sun rising at 05:00 and setting at 21:00 (mid-May). This makes it possible to maximize our itinerary with lots of daylight hours to play with.

Scotland in SEPTEMBER is also hard to beat. Average temperatures see highs of 13C/55°F and average lows of 9C/48°F. We also enjoy long days -- at the beginning of the month, the sun rises at 6:40 am and it sets after 8 pm. This means we’ve around 12.5 hours of daylight to explore! September also means the school year has resumed and many of the tourists that will have visited during peak season will have flown home. The beauty of visiting just after summer is that you’ll still have good weather and places will be much quieter with peak-season behind us.
Transport and Travel Conditions:
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size').

Our difficulty rating Level 1 refers to the comfortable, easy-going nature of this journey and the advanced state of development as it relates to tourist infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and hospitality services. Our days are full but our travels from A to B are not arduous, with reasonable distances and plenty of stops of interest along the way. The sites we visit are many, but none are terribly large and all/most feature easy grades, handrails, and short distances. We will have walking tours of towns and cities, and some short walks to dinner. Please note that smaller hotels may not have porters, so you'll need to be independent with your luggage.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form
Activity Level: 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.

To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation:
Well-located, mid-range hotels (3-4 star) throughout. Porters are sometimes available but you must be prepared to manage your own luggage. All hotels have elevators.

For more info, please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab
Staff and Support:
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size:
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

View / Print Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Edinburgh
Today we arrive in Edinburgh, where the buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Included Meal(s): Dinner, if required
Day 2:
Edinburgh: City Touring
We devote this morning to exploring one of the world's most beautiful cities on foot.

Our local guide leads us through Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town, beginning at Holyrood Abbey at the foot of the Royal Mile. We pass the striking Scottish Parliament building before ascending toward the castle. At St Giles' Cathedral, we admire the crown spire that has defined Edinburgh's skyline for centuries. Greyfriars Kirkyard tells darker tales—the graveyard that inspired J.K. Rowling and where Greyfriars Bobby kept watch over his master's grave for 14 years. The Grassmarket, once the site of public executions, now buzzes with cafes and pubs. We visit the National Museum of Scotland, where collections span natural history, world cultures, science and technology, and Scottish history.

Then to Edinburgh Castle itself, perched on Castle Rock. This fortress has witnessed a thousand years of Scottish history. We view the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), visit St. Margaret's Chapel (the city's oldest building), marvel at Mons Meg (the massive 15th-century cannon), and walk through the Great Hall. The panoramic views extend across the city to the Firth of Forth and the hills beyond.

The afternoon is yours to explore independently.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3:
Edinburgh - Falkirk Wheel - Stirling Castle - Stirling
Today we travel to Stirling via the Falkirk Wheel and Stirling Castle.

The Falkirk Wheel boat lift is an exceptional feat of modern engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. This unique and elegant mechanical marvel lifts boats by a height of 35 metres to bridge the gap that was originally linked by a flight of 11 locks. At the end of the 20th century, it was decided to reconnect the 2 canals with the innovative wheel as an inspiring symbol for the new Millennium.

We'll enjoy the full experience of the Falkirk Wheel as we sail through the sky to join the Union Canal 35m above. After moving smoothly through the aqueduct and through the Roughcastle tunnel to the beginning of the Union Canawe then descend to the start point returning to the visitor centre.

We then head to the city of Stirling where we visit Stirling Castle, the largest in Scotland. The castle is well defended by cliffs on 3 sides, and became a military stronghold and seat of royalty and government. Stirling Castle rock has been used as a fortress for centuries, probably since Roman times. The earliest buildings upon it mentioned in surviving records are the castle and the chapel dedicated by Alexander I in 1120. From the 12th Century it became one of the principal royal strongholds in Scotland. Destroyed or rebuilt several times in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was close to great battles against the English during the Wars of Independence.

Overnight in Stirling.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4:
Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen
Departing Stirling, we travel to Scotland's east coast and the ancient university town of St Andrews.

St Andrews has been a place of pilgrimage, learning, and sport for centuries. Scotland's oldest university was founded here in 1413. The town was Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in medieval times. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club made St Andrews the spiritual home of golf worldwide.

Our guided walking tour begins at St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland's largest medieval church. Now romantically ruined, enough remains to convey its former grandeur. We explore the museum and visitor center. We see St Andrews Castle from the outside—this ruined fortress overlooks Castle Sands Beach. Then to the Old Course, the most famous golf course in the world and home to the Open Championship. At the University, we walk the same quadrangles where Prince William met Catherine Middleton. We finish at St Salvator's Chapel, stunning late Gothic architecture from the mid-15th century.

We continue north to Aberdeen, the "Granite City," where Victorian architects made lavish use of local stone. Aberdeen pulses with cosmopolitan energy, enriched by North Sea oil yet rooted in centuries as a fishing port.

Overnight in Aberdeen

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5:
Aberdeen - Highland Cattle - Whisky Distillery - Grantown-on-Spey
This morning in Aberdeenshire we meet a herd of Highland Cattle up close—those magnificent shaggy beasts with long horns and thick coats. We learn about this ancient native breed and how they're farmed. Following our visit, we enjoy lunch featuring traditional Scottish Highland beef stovies, oatcakes, and beetroot, with vegetarian options available.

This afternoon brings us to Royal Lochnagar Distillery, nestled near Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside. The distillery dates to 1845 and earned its "Royal" prefix after Prince Albert visited in 1848, granting it a Royal Warrant. Our private tour guides us through the distilling process in this traditional operation. The Highland location gives the whisky its character—pure mountain water, malted barley, copper pot stills, and oak casks where the spirit ages. Our tour concludes with a tasting of two drams of Royal Lochnagar whisky.

We end our day in Grantown-on-Spey, near Aviemore in the heart of the Scottish Highlands—an ideal base for exploring this spectacular region.

Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6:
Loch Ness Folklore & Nature
Today we devote ourselves to Scotland's most famous loch and the landscape surrounding it.

We begin at Loch Ness itself, that long, deep slash of water running southwest from Inverness. More than 20 miles long and reaching over 750 feet deep, Loch Ness contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. We drive along the famous shoreline to Urquhart Castle, occupying a strategic promontory jutting into the loch. The castle's dramatic history involves centuries of warfare, and the ruins remain evocative. We continue to Fort Augustus, a pleasant village at the southern end of Loch Ness where the Caledonian Canal begins. We have free time to explore and find lunch.

This afternoon brings something special—a visit to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. The conservation charity Trees for Life has been rewilding the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate since 2008, working to restore the native Caledonian forest and its wildlife. The estate now supports over 4,000 species. A knowledgeable staff member guides us through Dundreggan, explaining why rewilding matters and how it's accomplished. We return via the less-traveled southern shore of Loch Ness, stopping at the beautiful Falls of Foyers.

Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7:
Highland Safari
This morning we embark on a Land Rover safari through the Scottish Highlands with our own expert safari ranger.

We travel on private hill tracks through forests thick with pine and birch, across open moorland purple with heather, and up into the mountains. Our ranger watches for wildlife: majestic red deer, grouse exploding from the heather, mountain hares, perhaps even a golden eagle soaring on broad wings. The ranger shares knowledge of Highland ecology, geology, and history—explaining how this landscape was shaped by ice, cleared for sheep, and is now slowly being restored. At a traditional mountain bothy, we stop for tea, coffee, local Kenmore shortbread, and a dram of Dewar's whisky. The mountain views stretch in all directions—that vast emptiness that defines the Highlands.

We return to our hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax and reflect on our Highland adventures.

Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8:
Grantown-on-Spey - Scone Palace - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
Glasgow's museums, galleries, and historic sites rank among Britain's finest, and today we explore some of the city's most remarkable treasures.

We begin at Glasgow Cathedral, a magnificent medieval structure believed to stand on St Kentigern's tomb—Glasgow's patron saint and founder. This is Scotland's only mainland cathedral to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. The dark stone interior creates an atmosphere of ancient devotion, with soaring Gothic arches and intricate stonework. After touring the cathedral, we step outside to the adjacent Glasgow Necropolis. This Victorian garden cemetery sprawls across a hillside—a remarkable collection of architecture, sculpture, and stories. Modeled on Paris's Père-Lachaise, approximately 50,000 people are buried here, commemorated by some 3,500 tombs and monuments. A passionate local volunteer guides us through.

We enjoy a panoramic tour, stopping at George Square with its impressive collection of statues. We pause for free time and lunch before crossing the River Clyde to the world-renowned Burrell Collection. Today we receive a VIP tour including a rare behind-the-scenes look at objects not on public display. Afterward, we explore the main galleries independently.

This evening we gather for a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Glasgow

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9:
Discovering Glasgow
Glasgow's museums, galleries, and historic sites rank among Britain's finest, and today we explore some of the city's most remarkable treasures.

We begin at Glasgow Cathedral, a magnificent medieval structure believed to stand on St Kentigern's tomb—Glasgow's patron saint and founder. This is Scotland's only mainland cathedral to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. The dark stone interior creates an atmosphere of ancient devotion, with soaring Gothic arches and intricate stonework0

After touring the cathedral, we step outside to the adjacent Glasgow Necropolis. This Victorian garden cemetery sprawls across a hillside—a remarkable collection of architecture, sculpture, and stories. Modeled on Paris's Père-Lachaise, approximately 50,000 people are buried here, commemorated by some 3,500 tombs and monuments. A passionate local volunteer guides us through.

We enjoy a panoramic tour, stopping at George Square with its impressive collection of statues. We pause for free time and lunch before crossing the River Clyde to the world-renowned Burrell Collection. Today we receive a VIP tour including a rare behind-the-scenes look at objects not on public display. Afterward, we explore the main galleries independently.

This evening we gather for a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Glasgow

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10:
Departure
Departure from Glasgow.

Safe travels! Slán agus beannacht leat! (Irish/Scottish Gaelic farewell)

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Regions Visited: Western Europe
Countries Visited: Scotland

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Old Course, St Andrew's | Location: Scotland

Haggis, just for you | Location: Scotland

Excellent

Overall Rating

4.7

Extend Your Trip

This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.

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Book your unforgettable adventure today! For any questions or advice, don't hesitate to contact us.

Have questions?

1-800-665-3998

Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
Deposit: A non-refundable $500 CAD Deposit is required at booking.
Optional Single Supplement: $1630 CAD (number of singles limited).
(View options for
single travellers
)
Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 CAD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)

Choose your departure date:

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.

2026

20 May - 29 May 2026 $6,420 CAD

16 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 $6,420 CAD

2027

19 May - 28 May 2027 $6,420 CAD

15 Sep - 24 Sep 2027 $6,420 CAD

01:
Can Adventures Abroad book my flights?
Yes! We have full-service in-house air department with years of experience booking our passengers to far-flung places around the world from any place that has an airport. Travelling from Los Angeles to Rome? No problem. Travelling from Deer Lake, Newfoundland to Antananarivo? Also not a problem!
- 01:
  Can Adventures Abroad get better deals than I can online?
  Here’s the clear answer: Usually, no.
  
  Booking your flights with us is super convenient—it’s like one-stop shopping! Plus, we’ll take care of you if something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or missed connection. We include airport transfers at your destination when you book flights through us. Some routes to less common destinations can be hard to find on your own or through online search engines. Which usually only show popular routes. Let us make it easy for you!
- 02:
  Why should I book my flights with Adventures Abroad?
  - Included airport transfers: Enjoy a smoother trip with airport transfers provided when you book flights with us.
  - Peace of mind: Feel confident knowing we’ve got you covered during your trip.
  - Help with disruptions: If your travel plans change, we assist with rebooking flights and updating our partners and staff at your destination.
  - Avoid stress and confusion: Booking with us means you won’t have to deal directly with airlines or ticket sellers if issues arise.
02:
Does the group fly together on a set route and airline?
Unlike with some companies, you are not obliged to fly with a particular airline on "bulk" group flights. Because our travellers are coming from (usually) across North America, everyone who flies with us receives a custom air quotation that best serves their situation and preferences—we do not have "set" routings on only a limited number of airlines.

While fare and convenience are always at the top of the list of criteria, we can work with you to find the option that suits you best.
03:
When should my flights be quoted / booked?
Everyone wants to know their flight details early. To get the best fares and routes, book your tour and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This helps us confirm the tour early. Booking 8-12 months ahead takes some trust, but it’s the best way to plan with so many factors involved. We can’t always provide exact flight costs more than 6 months out or before the tour is confirmed. But we almost always find a solution that works for our travellers.

If you are booking more than one person with different addresses and separate billing, please book each person individually.

Number of Travellers

7 or more travellers - Please contact us to book.
Single Travellers -

(View options)

Deposit Due Today: $500 CAD

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.

A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).

Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.

Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.

This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.

The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.

On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.

Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please note that should we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge.