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Why Travel with Lochs and Glens Holidays

Discover the wonders of Scotland with Lochs and Glens Holidays. Here are the top reasons to choose us for your next adventure:

Planned Excursions

All of our tours include a wide variety of excursions so that there is something for everyone.

Relaxing Coach Travel

Sit back and relax as your coach will take you directly to the hotel, with comfort breaks on the way.

Over 40 Years' Experience

We pride ourselves in our high-quality service, great hospitality and competitive prices.

Holidays For Every Season

Lochs and Glens Holidays offer coach tours to Scotland throughout the entire year therefore offering the chance to see Scotland in all its beauty. Whether you prefer the light breeze of spring or the cold and darker winters, we have itineraries every month to suit the climate of your choice.

Autumn Holidays

Explore pretty towns and villages in the beautiful autumnal colours. Take advantage of the milder...

Winter Holidays

Our early year breaks offer the chance to see Scotland at its most tranquil. With snow-capped hills and...

Spring Holidays

Join us in Scotland for a trip this spring as we break into the warmer weather. As the bluebells blossom...

Summer Holidays

Join us this summer on our Scenic Scotland tours where you could find yourself exploring the Isle of Arran...

Our Hotels in Scotland

At Lochs and Glens Holidays, we own 6 hotels that offer different itineraries to suit everyone’s tastes. Our hotels are located in some of the most beautiful and rural parts of Scotland making them tranquil and unique. Our coach tours include all advertised excursions, dinner, bed and breakfast with evening entertainment every night.

Ardgartan Hotel

Trip Advisor Travel Rating

• Lochs & Glens flagship hotel
• Offering panoramic views of Loch Long
• Overlooked by the Arrochar Alps

Loch Tummel Hotel

Our Ratings

• The first custom built hotel for Lochs & Glens
• Nestled in the heart of Perthshire
• Surrounding area steeped in Scottish history of clan battles and Jacobite rebellions

Highland Hotel

• Originally built as a Victorian Railway Hotel
• Views across Loch Linnhe and the distance Sunart hills

Loch Awe Hotel

• Built in 1881 to accommodate the tourist boom in the Highlands
• Views of Kilchurn Castle - the base of the mighty Campbells of Glenorchy for 150 years
• Retains its own scenic train line to Oban and Glasgow

Loch Achray Hotel

• Situated in the heart of the Trossachs
• Overlooked by the towering Ben Venue
• Queen Victoria frequently visited the area on her tours to Scotland

Inversnaid Hotel

• Tucked away on the north eastern banks of Loch Lomond
• Sits on the West Highland Way route
• Once a hunting lodge for the Duke of Montrose

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About Lochs and Glens

Lochs and Glens Holidays is a family owned coach-tour holiday company with 6 of our own hotels, all in stunning Highland locations. Enjoy the comfort of our modern coaches as you soak up the awe-inspiring landscapes and tour Scotland’s historic past. Relax in one of our fabulous hotels after a day of exploring the best that Scotland has to offer. As the premier company for coach holidays to Scotland, our dedicated teams have been perfecting our holidays for over 40 years.

Client Testimonials

We regularly receive positive feedback from our valued customers who return from our holidays. Take a moment to browse through our page featuring more Lochs & Glens reviews.

The hotel was good and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Had a lovely bedroom, very spacious. The only problem was my diet as I am a vegan but it was solved on the second day.

The staff go out of their way to help sort queries out. I fell unwell during my recent holiday at Ardgartan and I was treated with much kindness and respect as always. All the hotels are exceptional and spotless.

Mrs Douglas

A really well organised fully comprehensive holiday. It took us to places we would never visit alone and provided lovely accommodation, entertainment and food as well.

This was our forth holiday with Lochs and Glens and once again we were not disappointed. The Ardgarton Hotel is beautiful surrounded by stunning scenery. Friendly staff, always had a smile and nothing too much trouble. Well done to Lochs and Glens and …

We had a brilliant time, nothing was too much trouble. Staff were excellent. Hotel rooms spotless and the food was very good as so was the service.Thank you for a great holiday Mr & Mrs Byford

Mr & Mrs Byford

The whole experience was excellent, from the moment I boarded the coach. Even though it was a long journey from Devon this was broken up with appropriate stops along the way. The drivers especially Allan and the staff at the hotel were, friendly, appro…

Pauline Jones

I've been with lochs and glens for a few years now and as for the first time, I've enjoyed every minute the staff, management,the cleanliness off the rooms and hotel are worth the stay,food excellent,tours out great and Brian our driver as always makes…

Was a lovely holiday right from the 6.30am pickup. Everything went to plan with no hiccups. Ardgarten hotel was beautiful and our room overlooked the loch. Food and entertainment was very good and we will definitely travel with Lochs and Glens again.

Hotel staff and hotel and food fantastic thankyou only thing missing for us was someone to play an old time waltz we do understand hard to cover all types of entertainers so do not think we complaining just like a waltz excellent all round holiday and …

Lovely hotel in wonderful surroundings. Extremely pleasant and helpful staff. Extremely good value for money

We really enjoyed the holiday everything was first class our driver was fantastic in every way excellent driving friendly and helpful his explanations of places we went through passed or to were very good. The hotel was fantastic staff were were excell…

Good Morning, I’ve just returned from Mountains and Mistletoe holiday at Loch Awe Hotel. I feel compelled to write and let you know that this holiday was absolutely amazing. The Hotel was immaculate and decorated with Christmas Trees and decorations. T…

The service at the Ardgartan is on a parallel, it is truly EXCEPTIONAL. The attention to detail, in this stunning hotel is impressive indeed. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. With a dairy allergy, the breakfast table is well equipped with no…

Dear Lochs and Glens, we have recently returned from a break at the Loch Awe Hotel. I just want to say 'thank you'. We had a fabulous time. The hotel we loved, all the staff wonderful, nothing was too much trouble and so polite/courteous. Food wonderfu…

Mr & Mrs Price

Comfortable coaches with knowledgeable drivers. Lovely hotels with delicious meals, nightly entertainment and a different excursion every day. What's not to like about Lochs and Glens? They are the masters of the coach holiday. We have had two holidays…

An excellent couple of days at Loch Awe, the hotel was very nice with excellent views over the Loch. Some good trips to the surrounding area, and a great boat trip on Loch Lomond. I can certainly recommend Lochs and Glens and it was great value for mon…

Just returned from a weeks' holiday at the Ardgartan Hotel. From the start to finish, I felt cared for. Our coach drivers Brian and Liz were great and informative over the week. On arrival and tired we were welcomed and our room keys handed to us ri…

Just returned from Loch Achray what a lovely hotel. Clean, modern, food excellent choice and plenty. Great entertainment, lovely friendly helpful staff. Steve coach driver very nice and very knowledgeable made us laugh with some of his stories. Can hig…

Just arrived home from a fantastic holiday at Loch Achray with my 2 sisters and my daughter. Hotel spotless, staff amazing, views were memorizing. Our coach driver Iain Greame is great, very informative about the areas we travelled in, very polite and …

Stephanie P

Just wanted to say thank you. Had a fabulous time on our recent break with Lochs and Glens. Celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with some friends, some of whom were knew to Lochs and Glens and were overwhelmed by the whole experience.

We have just spent eight days at the Highland Hotel which was absolutely amazing. From the manager down to all the staff they were amazing.

Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday with your company in the highland hotel Fort William. The hotel was very comfortable & clean and the staff all so pleasant not forgetting the food fantastic as always.

Financial Peace of Mind

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Northern Ireland to Scotland by Coach

via Belfast to Cairnryan with Ulsterbus and Citylink from £35 single

Take the coach from Northern Ireland to Scotland with Ulsterbus, Citylink and Stena Line. Look forward to comfortable travel at great prices. Book online today.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: On Citylink/Ulsterbus express coach services between Belfast and Scotland only children aged 3 years and under will be carried free of charge. Any child aged 15 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult throughout the journey. If the child is not going to be accompanied by an adult, then it will not be possible to travel. Passengers aged 16 or 17 may only travel unaccompanied if in possession of written permission to travel from a parent or guardian and this must be presented at check-in.

How to book

Ulsterbus & Citylink to/from Scotland

For Ulsterbus/Citylink please select the appropriate option in the booking panel above and book online.

Northern Ireland - Ulsterbus

Bookings may be made in person at your local Ulsterbus depot

Scotland - Citylink

Bookings may be made in person at Citylink travel centres within the Bus Stations in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh and in the Visitor Information Centre in Edinburgh. Citylink Agents can also be found throughout Scotland.

Timetable from Belfast to Ayr & Glasgow (with connections from Dublin & Derry / Londonderry)

Service: 923 To Ayr & Glasgow 

until further notice

Please check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Timetable subject to change without notice, please confirm at time of booking. * Applies to Advance single fare on service 923 for travel to Ayr or Glasgow from Belfast (or vice versa) on selected dates.

• Advance fares must be booked at least 2 days before departure and are non-amendable and non-refundable but may be upgraded to the standard fare. May not be available during peak times.
• 25 December & 1 January - No services will operate.
• 26 December & 1 January 06:30 and 10:30 departures will not operate and £10 supplement will apply to 14:30 departure.

Help & Contact

Travel options.

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The Best of Scotland Tour Hosted by Peter Clarke

26th August - 3rd September 2025

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• Family & Friends Tours 2025

The Best of Scotland Tour

Hosted by peter clarke, 26th august – 3rd september 2025.

Join Peter Clarke on The Best of Scotland Tour , an extraordinary journey through some of his most beloved Scottish destinations. Start in the charming town of Pitlochry, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, then head to the majestic Highlands with a stop in Spean Bridge, where Peter’s favourite sights await. Explore the historic town of Dunkeld and visit the home of golf in St Andrews, rich in culture and history. The tour concludes in the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh, where history and modern life merge seamlessly. Each stop has been personally chosen by Peter, offering a glimpse into the Scotland he loves most!

Peter Clarke, with over 40 years of experience guiding tours across the island of Ireland and Scotland, is the proud owner of Brack Tours. His deep love for Scotland, paired with his extensive knowledge of its history, landscapes, and culture, makes him an exceptional guide. Peter’s tours are filled with personal insights and stories from decades of exploration, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s the rugged Highlands or the rich heritage of Edinburgh, Peter brings Scotland to life in ways only a true expert can.

Our 7 Night / 8 Day tour of Scotland includes:

• Deluxe motorcoach for all transfers, touring and sightseeing
• Services of a professional Tour Director throughout
• Hotel Accommodations for seven (7) nights: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry, Whispering Pines Hotel, Spean Bridge (2), Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld (1), Voco Hotel, Edinburgh (2)
• Porterage at hotels throughout of 1 suitcase per person
• Taxes and Service Charges on items included

Tour Details

We recommend you have adequate travel protection, travel protection policy details.

To obtain a quote with our partners Travel Insured please click on the image above. 

Day-to-Day Outline Itinerary

(subject to change), day 1 - overnight flight to scotland.

Dinner and refreshments will be served. You will awaken this morning to your first glimpse of Scotland

Day 2 - Arrive Edinburgh to Pitlochry

Visits & Sightseeing to include:-

• Welcome Breakfast
• Falkirk Wheel & Kelpies

Dinner, Overnight & Breakfast: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry

Day 3 - Local Touring

• Scone Palace
• Visit to a Scottish Distillery (distillery to be confirmed).

Day 4 - Pitlochry to Spean Bridge

• Bridge of Orchy
• Glencoe Scenic Drive
• Glencoe Visitor Centre
• Fort William

Dinner, Overnight & Breakfast: Whispering Pines Hotel, Spean Bridge

Day 5 - Isle of Skye

• Mallaig to Isle of Skye Ferry Crossing
• Isle of Skye Touring
• Eilean Donan Castle

Day 6 - Spean Bridge to Dunkeld via Inverness

• Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge
• Scenic Drive to Inverness via Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
• Free time in Inverness
• Culloden Battlefields
• Scenic Drive through the Cairngorm Mountains

Dinner, Overnight & Breakfast: Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld

Day 7 - Dunkeld to Edinburgh

Overnight & Breakfast: Voco Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 8 - Edinburgh City

• Edinburgh City Tour
• Edinburgh Castle
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Spirit of Scotland Show

Day 9 - Depart Scotland to US

In the blink of an eye, your vacation in Scotland has come to an end! After breakfast, you will be escorted to Edinburgh Airport where you bid your last farewells to your Tour Director.

Day 1 Overnight Flight

26th august – overnight flight to scotland, day 2-3 pitlochry, 27th & 28th august 2025 – atholl palace hotel, pitlochry .

Board Basis: DBB/DBB

Day 4-5 Spean Bridge

29th & 30th august – whispering pines lodge, spean bridge, day 6 dunkeld, 31st august 2025 – dunkeld house hotel, dunkeld.

Board Basis: DBB

Day 7-8 Edinburgh

1st & 2nd september 2025 – voco hotel, edinburgh , day 9 return flight, 3rd september 2025 – return flight to us.

You bid farewell to the Scotland as you board your flight back home.

DBB = Dinner, Bed & Breakfast 

BB = Bed & Breakfast

Tour Registration:

For all tour registrations please fill out the booking form found on the right-hand side of this webpage please also click the number of members that you will be signing up for and that all information is correct before proceeding.

To register for this tour and if paying by check please click on the PDF icon below and download & print this registration form.

Upon doing this please mail the check and registration form along to Brack Tours, 133 Washington Street #524 Dover, NH 03820

 26th August – 3rd September 2025

Land only tour price.

• Land Only Tour Price $4295.00 per person – Based on double occupancy
• Single Supplement $1108.00  (Book early limited availability) – Based on single occupancy & to be paid along with Full Tour Cost

How To Join

• To join this tour, complete the below registration form and send it along with a check deposit of $500.00 per person and make payable to Brack Tours if paying by credit card please see the right-hand section of this webpage for the tour booking form.

Deposits & Payments Schedule per person:

• Deposit of $500.00 per person is required at the time of booking.
• Second part payment of $1200.00 due by 14th April 2025
• All Final Payments due by 20th June 2025

If paying by check:

• Complete the registration form
• Make check payable to Brack Tours
• Mail the form along with the check to: Brack Tours LLC 8 East Main Street #111 Avon MA 02322 USA

Tour Booking Code:

• PETERSCOT25

Air Cancellation Penalties:

• Air: 120 days prior to departure air is Non-refundable

Land Cancellation Penalties:

• Land: Outside of 65 days Forfeit of deposit per person
• Land: 64 – 46 days Forfeit 35% Land Price per person
• Land: 45 – 16 days  Forfeit 50% Land Price per person
• Land: 15 days or less Forfeit 100%  Land Price  per person

Tour Registration

Email address

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The 12 best scotland tours.

Explore castles, lakes, national parks and more on these multiday excursions.

The Best Scotland Tours

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Bagpipes, highland cows (or "coos"), tartans, castles, breathtaking landscapes – there's a lot to love about Scotland. Add in its famous whisky and legendary cities and you'll find plenty to do here. With so much to see, you'll need a few days – at minimum – to explore. Save yourself the hassle of planning outings, meals and transportation by signing up for a guided tour.

Using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News determined that these are the best tours of Scotland. To help you find the perfect trip for you, our editors found a range of trips of different durations that take travelers to must-see destinations like Edinburgh , Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands , but will also bring you to lesser-known destinations.

• Short tours: three to five days
• Medium tours: six to nine days

Long tours: 10 or more days

Short tours: three to five day trips.

Highland Explorer Tours – Isle of Skye & the Highlands

Price: Adults from $745; kids from $715 Duration: 3 days

This bus tour is a feast for the eyes as it takes you through the lush Scottish Highlands. You'll view Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, Dunvegan Castle, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Sky (where you'll spend a full day). What's more, if you book the tour for sometime between April and October you'll get a chance to ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, famous for its appearance as the Hogwarts Express in the "Harry Potter" films. Travelers routinely praise the storytelling guides as well as the scenery that surrounds you for the trip.

The trip begins and ends in Edinburgh. The fee includes bed-and-breakfast accommodations, the ferry to Isle of Skye and entrance to Dunkeld Cathedral and the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Some activities (like the Jacobite Steam Train) cost extra, as do meals. Highland Explorer Tours also runs a wintertime version of this tour.

Check prices & availability on:

Rabbie's – Speyside Whisky Trail

Price: From 195 pounds (around $250) Duration: 3 days

This tour for whisky-loving travelers stops at three distilleries where you can sample their tipples. You'll also visit Speyside, a region with 50 different distilleries, and Elgin, a town with a great whisky shop. If you depart on Monday or Wednesday, you'll also stop by a cooperage to see how barrels are made. In between tastings, you'll see Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. Travelers applaud the attentive guides and note that if someone in your party isn't a whisky drinker, they'll still find plenty to do.

The tour does not include meals, tickets to attractions or accommodations so that you can customize the experience to your liking. However, you can have Rabbie's book hotel or B&B accommodations in Grantown-on-Spey, the town where you'll stay for two nights. Fees vary based on the number of occupants and accommodation type, but you can expect to pay 55 to 150 pounds (about $70 to $190) per night per person. Breakfast is typically included in your stay. Short on time? Try a one- or two-day whisky tour from the company.

Scottish Routes – Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

Price: From 1,175 pounds (about $1,500) Duration: 4 days

Stop at around six different distilleries and warehouses for whisky tastings on this tour with Scottish Routes. The bulk of your stay is on Islay island, where you won't only get tours of local whisky establishments and tastings, but you'll also be able to explore the surrounding villages and sites. On the way back to Edinburgh, you'll also stop in Inveraray to grab lunch and visit the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop. Whisky lovers say the tour is excellent and praise the itinerary.

No more than 18 people will be on the tour and travelers must be at least 18 to participate. Transportation, B&B accommodation and whisky tours and tastings are included in the fee. There's also a five-day version of this tour.

HAGGiS Adventures – Puffin Island Hopper

Price: From $929 Duration: 4 days

If you're visiting Scotland in the summer, don't miss the chance to see nesting puffins. This trip focuses on the cute little birds as it travels to Mill Iona and Staffa islands. You could see more wildlife (think: seals and whales) during the included wildlife cruise. You'll also see Loch Lomond and Oban, and stop at a distillery for a tasting. Tourgoers say the guides are great and applaud the locations along the tour.

Overnight accommodations at three-star hotels, three breakfasts, ferry tickets, the distillery tour and the wildlife cruise are all included in the tour fee. Trips depart from and return to Edinburgh. Keep in mind the minimum age to take this tour is 18. Since HAGGiS Adventures is a sister company to Highland Explorer Tours, you may be traveling with tour-takers from that company.

Abercrombie & Kent – Scotland by Rail: Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

Price: From $11,385 Duration: 5 days

Climb aboard an Edwardian train to see Scotland in style. During your trip aboard Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, you'll pass by incomparable landscapes in between stops. Stops include the towns Keith, Plockton and Garve, plus Ballindalloch Castle and Glamis Castle. Activities throughout the tour include guided walks, fishing, shopping, private tours of a whisky distillery and more. Tourgoers say A&K is well organized and appreciate the pacing of the trip.

Accommodations aboard the train, all meals, internet access and activities are included in your fare. In order to book this trip, you'll need to contact an A&K representative who will help customize your trip.

Medium tours: six to nine day trips

Culture Trip – Scotland by Train – London Start

Price: From $3,209 Duration: 7 days

If you're hoping to tack on a few days in London before your Scottish adventure, this tour is a great option. After departing London, you'll journey to Glasgow for a city tour and whisky tasting. You'll then venture through some high points of Scotland's landscape including the Isle of Skye and Cairngorms National Park. The trip's finale is in Edinburgh. Some of the included activities are guided walks, private museum tours, whisky tastings and a boat trip. Overall, tour-takers enjoyed their trips but some wished the hotels chosen were better quality.

Stays in three- or four-star hotels, daily breakfast and many activities are included in the tour fee. Keep in mind that you need to be in moderately good shape for this tour as there is a lot of walking (and some hiking) involved. Culture Trip offers tours around the world, including one to Italy.

Abercrombie & Kent – Scottish Highlander – Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness

Price: From $5,690 Duration: 7 days

This small tour (no more than eight participants) takes place on the Scottish Highlander boat. During the cruise, you'll make stops at Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness (where you'll get to cruise again), Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan Castle, a whisky distillery and more. Onboard, you'll find a deck with radar and fish finder equipment, a lounge with a stereo and internet access. Tour-takers applaud the company's selection of stops, though some wish communication before and after the tour had been better.

The tour's price includes meals, beverages, onboard accommodations and activities. You will need to contact the company to book the cruise. A&K runs a similar Scotland tour where the grand finale is watching the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a renowned music and cultural festival.

Firebird Tours – Best of Scotland

Price: From $3,745 Duration: 8 days

Get an overview of all Scotland has to offer with this train and car tour. Along this private tour, you'll explore Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Loch Ness and Mallaig. You may have the chance to ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig (subject to availability). You'll have some time at each stop to explore on your own in addition to group activities like a tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and castle, a Loch Ness cruise, a wildlife cruise in Mallaig and more. Tourgoers appreciate the enthusiastic guides and the company's help in creating the perfect getaway.

Daily breakfasts, hotel accommodations, transportation, a customer support line and select activities are included in the tour price. You'll pay for lunches, dinners and snacks out of your own pocket. Firebird also runs Scotland tours that combine visits to Ireland or England.

Grand European Travel – Country Roads of Scotland

Price: From $4,125 Duration: 9 days

Throughout this coach journey, you'll have plenty of opportunities to soak in local culture, from afternoon teas to evenings of Gaelic stories and music to ecology and preservation walks. Many of these activities are included in the trip fee as well as select meals, tours, cruises, museum visits and much more. The trip begins in Edinburgh and travels through the Scottish countryside and island before concluding in Glasgow. Travelers say the trips are excellent, but that communication during the booking process can be somewhat lacking.

Six dinners, eight breakfasts and three- or four-star hotel accommodations are included. Select activities (such as the Gaelic storytelling evening) are an extra fee. You'll be responsible for your lunches, snacks and some dinners. Grand European Travel offers several other journeys through Scotland.

Luxury Scotland Tours – The Luxury Scotland Family Tour

Price: Varies Duration: 10 days

Take the family on a trip to remember to see Hagrid's Hut (of "Harry Potter"), the Hogwarts Express bridge (the Glenfinnan Viaduct), Byres Farm to feed livestock, dinosaur footprints in Staffin, Scottish Highlands cows in the countryside and much more. Of course, you and the kids will get plenty of history along the way with visits to castles, museums and historic sites. According to reviews, the company plans the trip perfectly and many recent tourgoers compliment the guides.

Included in the tour fee are accommodations in four- and five-star properties, breakfasts, private chauffeurs, activities (and admission) and guides. Each tour can be customized to your family's preferences. You must contact the company for prices and to book.

Begin the booking process on:

Kensington Tours – Castles of Scotland Signature

Price: From $12,770 per person Duration: 10 days

Travelers say the travel agents at Kensington Tours are top notch and take great care in planning an itinerary. And for those with an interest in Scotland's castles, it's hard to beat this tour. You'll visit Edinburgh, Blair, Cawdor, Inveraray and Crossbasket castles, with a sprinkling of other tours and activities in between. What's more, you'll be staying at Crossbasket Castle for two nights. The rest of the stay will be at four- and five-star properties.

While accommodations, tours, transportation and guides are all included, lunches, dinners and drinks are not (unless otherwise specified).

Rabbie's – Island Hopping Adventure

Price: From 1,577 pounds (about $2,017) Duration: 14 days

Scotland has hundreds of islands and this tour from Rabbie's will help you explore several of them. You'll visit the Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, Iona, Staffa, the Orkney archipelago and Harris and Lewis. Other sites visited include Skara Brae (a prehistoric site), Loch Ness, Glencoe and a journey along the North Coast 500 to see stunning scenery. Visitors heap praise on Rabbie's because of the company's attentive guides, trip planning and gorgeous sights.

Your tour will have no more than 16 people. The tour includes your guide and all ferry tickets, except the ferry to Staffa, as that trip is optional. You will be responsible for attraction entry tickets, meals and accommodations. You can book accommodations yourself or have a Rabbie's representative book for you. Accommodations typically cost 55 to 150 pounds (about $70 to $190) per night, per person when there are at least two people in a room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideally, you'd want to take at least a week to see Scotland if it's your first time visiting so that you can experience its cities, culture and nature. However, if you are short on time, consider what's most important to you when you travel – such as exploring outside, local cuisine or history – and tailor a trip around that.

The best time to visit Scotland is in late spring, summer or early fall. While you could be contending with crowds and more rainy days, you'll be rewarded with wonderful temperatures. Plus, you'll have more opportunities to engage in activities, like riding the Jacobite Steam Train. Winter brings a biting cold, but could get you a deal on accommodations and discounted tour rates.

For most tours, tips are not included. Most companies do not require tipping, but drivers and guides will happily accept them. If you're not sure how much to tip, it's best to contact your chosen tour company for guidance.

What you include in your luggage will vary based on your tour itinerary, activities and weather. Additionally, your company might impose luggage restrictions, so check the policies before you leave.

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Tags: Tours , Scotland , Travel , Vacations , United Kingdom , Europe , Europe Vacations , United Kingdom Vacations

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With breathtaking scenery, hearty cuisine and ancient history and culture, it's easy to fall in love with Scotland. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and roam the wild Highlands, misty glens, medieval cities and majestic castles in this land of Vikings, Romans and royalty.

Ramble up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. As we wander the once processional route, you will sample Scottish specialties and glimpse the city’s medieval past. Scotland’s authentic charm fills Edinburgh’s narrow closes and wynds.

Journey through Scottish Highlands

Wind north through sweeping glens, and you will understand this ancient land. On your Scottish Highlands tour, you will appreciate the waterfalls and haunted past of Glencoe Valley, the mythical monster of Loch Ness and the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle.

View Arthur's Seat

Not far from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll find a taste of Scotland's wild countryside. Hike up windswept hills alive with heather flower in bloom, and sit atop an ancient volcano watching the sprawling city below.

Hear the story of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what royal glamor looks like at sea. The British Monarch’s boat for over 40 years, this extravagant watercraft is now permanently docked in Edinburgh. Spend a few hours exploring the vessel to see where the Princes spent their summers and world leaders and celebrities were once entertained.

Watch a Highland dance or two

There’s nothing quaint about the Scottish pastime of a Highlands dance. Walk into a pub and be enlivened by the many folk musicians playing fiddles, flutes, drums and accordions all around the Isles. You can watch with your pint or let the driving rhythms take you dancing. Either way, you’ll feel connected to the true spirit of Scotland.

Our top 5 things to do in Scotland

You'll uncover plenty of natural beauty and human history on our vibrant trips to Scotland. Stroll Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, climb the rugged hills of Arthur's Seat and journey through the Highland wilderness.

Edinburgh Castle

The ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle have been touched by soldiers, kings, queens and even the odd pirate. Immerse yourself in Scottish history, gazing at crown jewels worn by Mary Queen of Scots and wooden doors vandalized by prisoners of war. Don’t miss the 1 o'clock gun that rings out over Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

This unassuming Victorian building is brimming with history of Scotland and the world. Discover the wonders of nature, art, design, science and technology through this diverse collection. Spend a day wandering from room to room, never running short of things to learn.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Enjoy a captivating lesson in life and expression at Kelvingrove. Delve into natural history, arms and armor, fine art and everything between. From the Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling of the west court to the collections of the Glasgow Boys and Salvador Dali in the east, this space will leave you spellbound.

Best museums in Scotland

Spend hours and days fascinated by the stories held in the museums of Scotland. Trafalgar's picks will prove these enthralling institutions shouldn't be saved for a cloudy day.

Originally served as a hearty meal to Scots on long journeys across Highland hills and heather-clad moors, the nation still loves Haggis. And with its rustic flavor and peppery kick, you will too. Have a taste and wash it down with a wee dram.

Cullen Skink

Hailing from the town of Cullen, this soup was made to warm the cockles of weary fishermen. Hence it’s made thick, creamy and comforting. With chunks of velvety leeks, potato and smoked fish, this smooth and flavorful meal is not to be missed.

Scottish Whisky

The Scottish isles are home to one of the world's most revered spirits - whisky. Speyside malts, smokey Islay drams and smooth blends can all be found here. Try it in a local pub or an award winning distillery. Either way, there's nothing quite like the taste of Scotch in the land where it was made.

Best food in Scotland

If it seems like Scottish cuisine is designed to warm your insides, that’s because it is. Come sunshine or rain, the dishes you'll enjoy on our trips are just another reason to love Scotland.

What to pack for Scotland

Walking shoes

Something comfortable and flat, with grip. There's a lot of exploring to do and the hills of Scotland are just as abundant in the cities as they are in the countryside.

Something warm

Even in the height of summer the Scottish night air has a bite. To make the most of your Scotland adventure, bring along a quality coat or jacket.

Woollen socks

A couple of pairs of woollen socks will serve you well in Scotland. They're warm and thick but surprisingly light to carry, perfect for protecting feet from long walks or the country’s beloved cold stone floors.

Prepare to sample the finest whisky distilleries around with hydralytes. Enjoy a tipple or two or three and you will still be fresh for adventures the following morning.

When planning a trip to Scotland, plan to pack less. Leave some space to bring home some of their specialties like shortbread for friends and cashmere for yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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Tour bus on Churchill Barrier

Explore Scotland Via Bus & Coach Tours

Forget planning a route or worrying about a parking space. A bus or coach tour in Scotland lets you sit back and admire the beautiful landscapes and scenery. We've got everything from week-long guided bus tours of our islands to city bus tours around Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Travelling by Coach & Bus in Scotland

Bus passing Marischal College in Aberdeen

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Coach Operators

Most of the inter-city and longer distance coach services around Scotland are provided by: 

• Scottish Citylink
• National Express

You can buy tickets in advance online, by phone, in stations and often on board. It's a good idea to book as early as possible to guarantee a seat.

Coach discount fare options

If you plan to do a lot of travelling by coach, save money with multi-journey tickets, such as:

• Explorer Pass  - offers unlimited travel on Scottish Citylink network
• Megarider  - offered by Stagecoach and provides unlimited travel within certain areas
• National Express offers - explore ways to save money on coach travel with National Express

Local bus services

Four main operators, First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express, and a number of independent operators, run local bus services in Scotland between the main cities, towns and villages.

For information on all services in and around Scotland's towns and cities, contact   Traveline Scotland   on 0871 200 22 33.

City Sightseeing bus in Rothesay

MINIBUS AND COACH TOURS

Coach tours of Scotland range from small private day trips and weekend minibus tours to longer coach excursions in more remote places. It's a great way to meet fellow travellers and you can find trips to suit every budget and itinerary.

Find your perfect:

• Minibus tour
• Small coach tour

CITY BUS TOURS  

Taking a city bus tour in Scotland is an excellent way of finding your feet on the first day of your holiday or squeezing in a last burst of sightseeing. Most of Scotland's cities have guided bus trips which provide a whirlwind tour of the main attractions and in multiple languages. Join themed bus tours such as royal connections or famous ghost stories.

Hop-on/hop-off tours are popular because they get you around the city with interesting information on the way. Some tickets are valid for more than one day, so you can take your time and board the bus as many times as you like.

Find a city tour

Do coach tours operate year-round? 

Yes, bus and coach tours take place all year across Scotland, but it’s worth checking directly with the provider to make sure they can offer what you’re looking for.  

Do coach tours accept last-minute bookings? 

We recommend getting in touch with your coach operator directly for last-minute information and booking requests. For busy routes and when travelling at peak times, such as weekends or national holidays, it's a good idea to book as early as possible to guarantee a seat. 

Can you book a coach tour in advance? 

Scotland bus and coach tickets can be bought in advance by phone, online, in stations and often on board. Again, we suggest you book in advance to guarantee a seat. 

Are there baggage restrictions on coach tours? 

When travelling by coach, make sure that you check the baggage allowance restrictions. Coaches often have: 

• limited space for larger items such as prams 
• rules around bringing your bike 
• charge for other extra baggage

A First bus for Jedburgh in the centre of Kelso, Scottish Borders

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

What coach journeys go from England to Scotland? 

You can easily get to Scotland by road from the rest of Britain and they’re usually a cost-effective way of planning your travel. 

• National Express run coach services to Scotland with routes to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. 
• FlixBus operate daily services from London to Edinburgh and Glasgow. They also run domestic routes across Glasgow, Perth, Stirling and Aberdeen. 
• Megabus cover some routes including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth. On some overnight services, passengers have their own berth as well as a standard seat for greater comfort during their journey. 

Read more about travelling from England to Scotland   

Are coach and bus services suitable for families? 

It’s worth checking directly with your service provider, but lots of Scotland’s bus services and routes are child-friendly. Some even offer family tickets, discounts or free travel for children travelling with accompanying adults.  

What local bus services are there in Scotland? 

There are four main operators that run local bus services in Scotland between the main cities, towns and villages – First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express, as well as a number of independent operators. Visit their websites directly for more information.

What themes do coach tours cover? 

Coach tour itineraries can be themed by specific interests. Maybe you'd like a tour to historic attractions or you're keen to visit our whisky distilleries and sample a dram? You can choose a tour company who'll create a tailored trip just for you. 

The Forth Bridge seen from North Queensferry

© VisitScotland/ Kenny Lam

SELF-DRIVING BUS ROUTE

Sit back and take in the views across the Firth of Forth on a self-driving bus! It’s the most ambitious and complex autonomous bus pilot in the world!

Find out more and book your journey

Citylink bus service, Lochaber

Public Transport and bus tours in Scotland

Scotland is well-connected with bus routes and tours, so check out these easy ways to reach your destination with public transport. Including connections from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Inverness.

Find a Coach or Bus Tour

Princes Street seen from the Scott Monument in Edinburgh

Accessible bus and coach travel

Find out more about accessible travel in Scotland with these partners.

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Top Tips for Travelling to Scotland

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Train Holidays in Scotland - Getting Around by Rail

Airports & Flights in Scotland

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A Week In... Scotland

Select Year

Select Group Size

• Small Group

Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Classic
• 2025 Small Group

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – A drive off-the-beaten path in the dramatic Scottish Highlands

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Entertainment during dinner in Inverness, featuring Scottish bagpipers and Highland dancers

Private tour of Glenturret Distillery, the Highland's oldest single malt distillery

Travel through scenic Glencoe, home to Highland moors, forests, & mountains

Castle visits steeped in history & lore: Cawdor, Blair, and Edinburgh

Private visit to Holyroodhouse (when the King is not in residence)

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

The haunting skirl of the bagpipes during a private evening in Inverness... treasured family tartans... the strong traditions of the Clans... a private tour of Glenturret Distillery, the Highland's oldest single malt distillery...

This is Scotland. Tartans and kilts... the fields of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie lost his chance at the crown and a piece of the nation's heart... the King's residence at Holyroodhouse... Cawdor Castle (home of Macbeth)... St. Andrews (the home of golf)... Edinburgh and the Royal Mile of pubs, shops, and enchanting historical sites... you'll become part of the unique story of Scotland, today and yesterday...

Special evening celebrating Scottish traditions

Celebrate the best of scotland at a lively evening of scottish traditions.

Bagpipers... Highland dancers... tartan and kilt making demonstration... iconic Scottish traditions that come to life on a special Scottish evening following dinner at Kingsmills Hotel.

Private tour of 244-year-old The Glenturret, one of the Highlands' oldest distilleries

Enjoy a privately guided tour at the glenturret, the highlands' oldest working distillery.

A tour and tasting at the Highlands' oldest single malt distillery reveals, in the words of The Glenturret, "Since its origins among the smugglers and illicit stills of the 18th century, The Glenturret has had some fascinating stories to tell. Whisky booms and prohibition might have ruffled its feathers, but The Glenturret scotch malt whisky, still made by hand in the traditional way, weathered all these challenges and has matured into an enduring brand that remains as the only traditionally hand mashed whisky in Scotland."

Experience an unforgettable evening of music, ceremony, theatre and dance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (seasonal)

Attend a performance of the fabulous royal edinburgh military tattoo.

Attend an outdoor evening performance of the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, taking place on the esplanade of Edinburgh's iconic castle. an unforgettable evening of music, ceremony, theatre and dance. See Pricing & Availability for more details.

St. Andrews

It is the birthplace of golf and home to the third oldest university in the English-speaking country, where Prince William graduated himself. St. Andrews in Scotland is a treasure trove of history with remarkable coastlines and castle finds. If you choose to visit this beautiful city, you'll have time to visit the historic town and learn more about its golf origins that date back to the 15th century. During those early days, the ball was a pebble and players would attempt to hit one over the dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club. The sport was banned in 1457 by the Scottish Parliament, but locals refused to stop, and in 1502 it gained the royal seal of approval by King James IV of Scotland, making it the world's first golfing monarch.

Tauck takes the worry out of travel and allows you to experience unique events that would be very difficult to arrange on your own.

Tauck Traveler Review

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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Overnight Accommodations

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The kimpton blythswood square hotel.

Glasgow, Scotland

Kingsmills Hotel

Inverness, Scotland

The Balmoral

Edinburgh, Scotland

Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months after the completion of your Tauck journey to enter the United Kingdom; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

There is a smoking ban in public places throughout Scotland. The Blythswood Square Hotel and the Charlotte Square Hotel are a non-smoking property, with no 'smoking' rooms available. The Kingsmills Hotel has 5 guest rooms designated as 'smoking' rooms, and these must be requested at time of booking and cannot be guaranteed.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Scotland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information about vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The CDC operates a 24-hour information line at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

A Week in… Scotland involves a considerable amount of walking. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The visits to the castles involve some stair climbing and walking up inclines. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Scotland's climate is temperate and, as in the rest of the U. K., the weather tends to be unpredictable. In general, Scotland tends to be cool, damp and cloudy, and is colder on average than the rest of the U.K. The coldest areas are the highlands, and the northern latitude has short winter days and very long summer evenings. The east coast experiences more sunshine, but colder winters, compared to the west. The average high temperatures for May through September range from 55 to 65˚F (13 to 18˚C) and the average low temperatures range from 45 to 55˚F (7 to 13˚C). Glasgow on the west coast has almost 50% more rain per year than either Inverness or Edinburgh.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

The weather in Scotland is moderate but unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket and tie for men are acceptable dining attire, although not required. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Scotland:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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