Treasures of Scotland

Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh – Lilinthgow – Pitlochry

Our journey into the unspoilt scenery of rural Scotland will begin in one of Europes most beautiful cities: Edinburgh, where well meet the group and board the mini-coach for the first time. Our first stop? Linlithgow Palace, the magnificent countryside retreat where Mary, Queen of Scots was born. This afternoon, the royal theme will continue with a visit to the imposing Doune Castle, which featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and was used to depict Castle Leoch in Outlander. Well then roll through the spellbinding Sma Glen en route to todays final destination: Perthshire, a region famous for its picturesque lochs and forests. Tonight well come together for a welcome dinner where well get to know the group a bit better.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 2 Pitlochry – Perthshire – Pitlochry

Who knew that you could hit the safari trail here in Scotland? Well explore the vastness of the highlands with a kilted safari ranger today going off-road through wild terrain to take in the areas spectacular mountain views (and perhaps glimpsing grouse, mountain hares and golden eagles with our binoculars as we go). After an adventurous ride, well move on to the Red Deer Centre, where well have the chance to see Britains largest native land mammal up close. Then: well return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 3 Pitlochry – Scottish Crannog Center – Luss

After this mornings breakfast, well bid farewell to Perthshire and continue our journey to Luss, a picturesque village on the western shore of Loch Lomond thats famous for its neat cottages and flower displays. But before we get there, weve an appointment to keep with the Scottish Crannog Centre where well take some time to walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers. With craft, textile and cooking demonstrations on the agenda, this Iron Age experience will give us a unique insight into Scotlands history. Tonight, theres a private dinner and whisky tasting session to look forward to at the postcard-perfect Glengoyne Distillery.
Accommodation: Lodge on Loch Lomond (or similar)

Day 4 Luss – Glencoe – Luss

More breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as we take a day trip through magnificent Glencoe whose towering mountains were formed by volcanic eruptions and sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. While here, well visit Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn more about the haunting story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Before we return to Luss for the afternoon, well have just enough time to visit the Inverawe Scottish Oak Smokehouse, where theres a delicious smoked salmon tasting session in store for us.
Accommodation: Lodge on Loch Lomond (or similar)

Day 5 Luss – Alloway – Troon

We couldnt leave Loch Lomond behind without taking some time to get up close and personal with its mysterious waters and thats why well round off our visit to the area with a breathtaking loch cruise this morning. After losing ourselves amidst the views of islands, mountains and trees, well head back to dry land for the journey to Alloway: the birthplace of National Bard Robert Burns (recently voted the most iconic Scot of all time). Well familiarise ourselves with Rabbies life, works and even the cottage where he was born this afternoon. Then: onwards to charming Troon, where an included dinner awaits.
Accommodation: Piersland House (or similar)

Day 6 Troon – Isle Of Arran – Troon

Often referred to as Scotland in miniature, the enchanting Isle of Arran is the next scenic stop on our itinerary. After our included ferry crossing, well have the whole day to spend browsing the village shops, sampling the local fare in the restaurants, taking in the sweeping country views, and strolling past historic buildings and castle ruins. This evening well return to Troon, where youll be free to do as you please.
Accommodation: Piersland House (or similar)

Day 7 Troon – New Larnak – Scottish Borders

Our road will turn away from the coast and back inland today as we set a course for New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre. After visiting the working textile machinery and discovering more about life in New Lanark in the early 19th century, well move on to our next stop: Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Here, well have the privilege of meeting the houses current owner, Catherine Maxwell Stuart, the 21st Lady of Traquair. Well even have the chance to take a look around Traquairs historic brewery and sample a taste of its produce, too before we hit the road once more. Tonight, well rest our heads at our accommodation in the Scottish Borders.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 8 Scottish Borders

Today will begin with a visit to one of Scotlands most famous landmarks: Melrose Abbey, the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce. Dont forget to look out for the famous bagpipe-playing pig sculpture while youre here! Later, theres more fascinating history in store in the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh, where well visit Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre a tower house that tells the story of the tragic queen. After a day of discovery, well return to our accommodation where well raise a glass together one last time at tonights farewell dinner.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 9 Scottish Borders – North Berwick – Edinburgh

The final day dawns on our Back-Roads adventure but theres still plenty left to see! On the last leg of our journey well stop off at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, where well use zoom-in cameras to get an up-close look at the local wildlife including puffins, gannets and guillemots. Then: back to beautiful Edinburgh, where well have some time to explore the quaint shops and cafs before we say goodbye.