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Scotland's Glens & Highlands - WCCO Radio
Working Sheepdogs
Pitlochry
Blair Athol Distillery
Spirit of Scotland Dinner Show
Culloden Battlefield
Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch
WCCO® Radio Meteorologist, Mike Lynch recently retired from regular broadcasting at WCCO® Radio after 40 years.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland's scenic grandeur, mystic lochs, and rich history. Begin by immersing yourself in the country’s most vibrant city, Glasgow, with a visit to The Burrell Collection museum and a guided city tour. Heading north, explore the remarkable Stirling Castle to see the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. We then enjoy leisure time in picturesque Pitlochry before witnessing the art of whisky-making and the skill of working sheepdogs. Take in spectacular vistas of the Scottish Highlands in Inverness, where we cruise the legendary Loch Ness and recount an impactful rebellion at Culloden Battlefield. Breathtaking landscapes continue to surround us as we travel through Cairngorms National Park en route to the elegant Scone Palace. Our adventure concludes with three evenings in the majestic city of Edinburgh, featuring a day trip to St. Andrews, a guided city tour, a traditional Scottish dinner show, and time at leisure to explore the city's historic wonders.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Scone Palace
Once a medieval abbey and Crowning Place of Scottish Kings, this magnificent estate along the River Tay is now home to the Earls of Mansfield. Uncover a millennium of history as you stroll through areas where coronations, marriages, and grand balls have been held! Browse lavishly decorated rooms with fine art, admire the Gothic Revival architecture, see the Stone of Scone replica where kings were traditionally crowned, and more.
Spectacular Highlands
Board our beautiful catamaran at Dochgarroch for an aweinspiring journey along the famous Caledonian Canal, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, and into the legendary Loch Ness. These waters have many stories to tell – such as the crash of a World War II Wellington Bomber, visits from Queen Victoria and other royals, a world-famous monster hunter who lives nearby, and the mythical monster who inhabits the depths. Have your camera ready for views of the Great Glen, Bona Lighthouse, and the imposing ruins of Urquhart Castle!
Stirling Castle
Uncover countless stories that shaped Scotland at one of the country’s grandest castles. As the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, the tumultuous events that occurred while she lived in the fortress helped shape her reign. See the spot where she was crowned in 1543, admire the opulent Great Hall, stand in the chapel where Charles I’s coronation was held, hear about great battles like Bannockburn, and more. Outside, take in breathtaking views of the lush Stirling countryside and the distant Highlands.
St. Andrews
Renowned as the birthplace of golf, this picturesque seaside town is home to one of the oldest golf clubs in the world: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Visit its Pro Shop during our guided city tour and see other iconic attractions, such as the University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews Castle, and the ancient ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland. In addition to its historic landmarks, this town is a haven for literary enthusiasts. You may find inspiration in the charming streets, and cozy cafes, much like J.K. Rowling did!
- Day 1: Fly to ScotlandWe begin with a relaxing overnight flight across the pond.
- Day 2: GlasgowUpon arriving in Scotland, our Scottish Blue Badge Guide greets us at the airport. We enjoy their expert insight enhancing each day of this incredible vacation. Our exploration begins with viewing over 6,000 years of history at The Burrell Collection. This museum houses thousands of items collected by Sir William Burrell, including artifacts from ancient civilizations, Chinese art, medieval treasures, and masterpieces by French artists. Later, we settle into our accommodations and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: City Tour & Stirling CastleThis morning, we enjoy a guided city tour of Glasgow’s best sights, such as the 12th-century cathedral and Victorian Necropolis. After lunch at leisure, we travel northbound to one of Scotland’s largest and most historically important castles, Stirling Castle. Countless kings and queens have been crowned here, including the famous monarch, Mary Queen of Scots! Next, our journey continues to the historic town of Dunkeld, where we savor dinner together and check in to our luxury country estate, nestled along the banks of the River Tay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: Pitlochry & Scottish HighlandsToday’s destination is Pitlochry, a beautiful town along the River Tummel. We arrive late morning and enjoy time at leisure to browse Scottish crafts at local shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint cafes. This afternoon, we tour Blair Athol Distillery to discover the process from grain to glass and are treated to a wee dram of whisky while learning how to properly enjoy this national spirit. Next, we watch working sheepdogs in action at a family-owned farm in Kingussie. Marvel at how the shepherd uses a whistle and Gaelic commands to direct each dog individually amidst the gorgeous landscape. Later, we take in spectacular vistas of the Scottish Highlands as we reach Inverness.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5: Loch Ness Cruise & Culloden BattlefieldOur morning begins with a relaxing cruise on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, steeped in ancient tales of its legendary namesake monster. As we glide along the glistening waters, enjoy awe-inspiring scenery of the Scottish Highlands, Great Glen, Aldourie Castle, Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and more while listening to the area’s captivating folklore. This afternoon, we have a poignant visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Battle to support restoring the Stuart line to the throne. Although this brutal fight lasted only an hour, it changed life in the Highlands forever as over 1,500 men were slain. The evening is yours to explore Inverness as you wish.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Scone PalaceWe depart for Perth today and travel through the United Kingdom’s largest national park, Cairngorms. Enjoy vistas of soaring mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and majestic wildlife along the way. Arriving at our destination, we explore the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings: Scone Palace. Walk in the footsteps of royalty as you venture through meticulously landscaped gardens before admiring the renowned art and architecture inside the palace. We then drive to Edinburgh, stopping along the way for two amazing photo opportunities: The Kelpies, a pair of 100-foot steel horse heads steeped in ancient myths, and The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift! Once reaching Scotland’s capital city, we check in to our accommodations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: St. Andrews & Scottish Dinner ShowToday, we make a brief stop in the charming fishing village of Anstruther before reaching the seaside town of St. Andrews. Our local guide joins us for a tour of the most iconic attractions, such as The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, medieval cathedral ruins, and areas frequented by J.K. Rowling while writing Harry Potter. Continue exploring on your own and savor local delights during time at leisure, then we return to our accommodations in Edinburgh later this afternoon. Tonight, we attend the riveting Spirit of Scotland dinner show! Delight your taste buds with authentic Scottish fare, like sweet cranachan, and watch a captivating performance of traditional music and dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8: EdinburghOur day begins with a guided city tour of Edinburgh, featuring the history of Georgian New Town and medieval Old Town. The rest of the day is yours to pursue personal interests! You may enjoy viewing Scotland’s crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle, visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, shopping along the Royal Mile, or visiting one of the world’s most haunting graveyards at Greyfriars Kirkyard. This evening, we celebrate our travels over a delicious Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Fly HomeWe return home today with incredible memories of our time in Scotland.
Meals Included: Continental Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Maldron Hotel Glasgow
- 1 night at The Dunkeld House Hotel
- 2 nights in Inverness
- 3 nights in Edinburgh
Attractions & Highlights
- The Burrell Collection
- Glasgow guided city tour
- Stirling Castle
- Blair Athol Distillery guided tour & tasting
- Time at leisure in Pitlochry
- Working Sheepdogs
- Culloden Battlefield
- Loch Ness cruise feat. Caledonian Canal
- Cairngorms National Park
- Scone Palace
- The Kelpies & The Falkirk Wheel
- Anstruther
- St. Andrews guided city tour
- Edinburgh guided city tour & time at leisure
13 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Glasgow
- Spirit of Scotland four-course dinner show
- Farewell Dinner in Edinburgh
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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