Journeys: Discover Scotland

G Adventures · 9 days
Journeys: Discover Scotland
9 Days
From AUD $6599
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (2 reviews)

Journeys: Discover Scotland

Journeys: Discover Scotland

G Adventures · 9 days
5.0
2 Reviews
View Map
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s history and legends on this 9-day journey, where you’ll step back in time on visits to spectacular castles, Iron Age museums and famed ruins that capture the Scotland of yore.

Highlights

  • Experience the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on a tour of Scotland’s capital city
  • Delve into Scottish history with a visit to Stirling Castle—a national symbol of Scottish pride and independence
  • Join an expert guide on a tour through Pitlochry—one of Scotland’s most charming villages—and finish with a dram tasting at a local distillery
  • Embark on a full-day trip to the Isle of Skye where you’ll explore the island’s most famous sites.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Finishes

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Edinburgh

Arrive at any time.
2

Day 2: Edinburgh

Explore Scotland's hilly capital city on a guided tour of Edinburgh. You'll walk along the famed Royal Mile and climb Castle Hill, following in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens. As you ascend the hillside, hear exciting tales of Edinburgh Castle and its use as a military fortress, royal residence and wartime prison. Upon reaching the hilltop, marvel at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and learn more about its fascinating history and important locations via audioguide, including the Portcullis Gate, Lang Stairs, Argyle Tower, St. Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg and David's Tower. Enjoy the afternoon on your own, taking advantage of your free time by exploring the area or finding activities like a tour of the underground vaults or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your own, choosing from an array of restaurants along The Royal Mile and in Haymarket.
3

Day 3: Edinburgh/Pitlochry

Marvel at some of Edinburgh's most panoramic views as you journey by bus to the town of Pitlochry. Along the way, you'll stop for a visit at historic Stirling Castle, a centuries-old monument that remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. After exploring the grounds and discovering the Great Kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens and the Stirling Heads Gallery, you'll walk down the hill to the city center and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch, transfer to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, where you'll join a historical expert for a guided visit of the facility and museum. On the tour, you'll learn about the crannogs—houses built on artificial islands over water—and get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in them 2,500 years ago. You'll also examine ancient artifacts and discover skills and technologies of the past with hands-on demonstrations. Arrive in Pitlochry in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
4

Day 4: Pitlochry

Enjoy breakfast before going on a guided walk of Pitlochry with a local expert. Learn about the town's history and how life was spent in this famous holiday resort destination that is rich in Victorian heritage. The walk finishes at the Blair Athol Distillery, which is situated in the open moorland south of the town. Take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, where you'll learn about the ancient source of water that flows through the grounds and contributes to the whisky's smooth finish and mellow quality. You'll also enjoy a whisky tasting experience featuring 3 different whiskies, then finish the visit off by seeing the distillery's exclusive bottling process. Walk back to town from Blair Athol and have lunch on your own before transferring to Queen's View, said to be named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Marvel at the expansive view of Loch Tummel and take in the rolling hills carpeted in wild heather. Travel back to Pitlochry or you may choose to visit Blair Castle and Gardens. Dinner this evening will be at your leisure.
5

Day 5: Pitlochry/Fort William

Following breakfast, begin the journey to Fort William, traveling through captivating scenery with undulating hills. Along the way, stop in Kincraig to visit a family-owned sheepdog farm. Get a fascinating tour of the farm and a demonstration, during which you'll meet the dogs, learn about their training and gain an understanding of the commands used in their herding. From Kincraig, continue to the quaint town of Aviemore, located in the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy lunch in town before heading out on the final leg of the day's journey. On the way, visit Culloden Moor, the site where the famous Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to a tragic end. Experience the powerful emotions of the battle as you're placed in the heart of the action via the visitor center's 360-degree immersion theatre. Next, travel to Loch Ness for a scenic drive along the shoreline and make stops at Loch Ness Viewpoint in Fort Augustus and the Loch Lochy Viewpoint. On the way, you'll see the Commando Memorial and Inverlochy Castle. Continue on to Fort William, where you'll have time to explore on your own.
6

Day 6: Isle of Skye Day Trip

Set out on a full-day excursion stopping first at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, for a photo op. Continue across the bridge to the Isle of Skye–a stunning island which was occupied in prehistoric times, then settled by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland in the first centuries BC. Meet your expert guide and head to Dunvegan, for a short lunch break, then explore Dunvegan Castle dating from the 13th century and the historic seat of the MacLeod clan. In the afternoon, stop by the town of Skeabost on the way to Portree with its picture-perfect harbour. As the island's "capital," Portree is the perfect place for discussing the area's industrial heritage and local fishing economy. On the way back, make one last stop in Kyleakin, a traditional fishing village with deep Viking roots before returning to the hotel for the evening.
7

Day 7: Fort William/Glasgow

In the morning, depart for Glasgow. Pass through the untamed wildness of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, stopping at incredible vistas along the way, like the Three Sisters Viewpoint. Arrive at Loch Lomond, where you can relax and get lunch on your own. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Loch Lomond from the village of Luss. Sail south around the islands passing the ‘Narrows'—a winding stretch of water separating Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach Islands—and enjoy live commentary with tales and fascinating facts about the lake. Arrive in Glasgow in the evening and enjoy dinner on your own in this vibrant city.
8

Day 8: Glasgow

Spend the day in the port city of Glasgow, known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as its rich shipbuilding history. In the morning, immerse yourself in a street art tour with a local guide, who will point out stunning murals and share the stories and inspiration behind each piece and the artists that created them. You'll discover how the art scene in Glasgow has developed dramatically over the last decade as you stroll through alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the wall art taking the city by storm. The afternoon is yours to explore Glasgow on your own. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or join a brewery tour. In the evening, get together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
9

Day 9: Glasgow

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $6,599
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s history and legends on this 9-day journey, where you’ll step back in time on visits to spectacular castles, Iron Age museums and famed ruins that capture the Scotland of yore.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
In
Traveled, June 2024

06/26/2024

My wife and I were with a nice group of people for the trip. It wasn’t just a sightseeing but learning the history and architecture/arts of France, including the D- day event. We were blessed with a wonderful guide (CEO) - Phillip was very friendly and knowledgeable in history and arts, etc. so it was a pleasure to be with him,

5.0
Mary
Traveled, May 2024

06/02/2024

I had only been to Paris years ago and wondered why more nights in Bayeux. But Bayeux was more French than Paris to me. Loved the town and the excursions to the D-Day Camp Omaha beach, American cemetery etc. Also, our day trip to Mt. San Michel was fabulous. Our CEO always had great recommendations when we were on our own. I loved the tour she gave us in Paris starting with a Metro ride.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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