Scottish Escape

Welcome to Glasgow! Free time for the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Bravehearts & City of Arts Enjoy an excursion to [LOCAL FAVORITE] Stirling Castle today, a great symbol of Scottish independence, and favoured residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Return to Glasgow for an orientation drive to see the city’s landmarks, including the 12th century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. (B) 81 mi / 131 km LOCAL FAVORITE HEROIC HISTORY "They may take away our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!" Explore Stirling Castle, a great symbol of national pride where William Wallace fought for Scottish Independence (dramatized in Mel Gibson’s film, Braveheart). Through the centuries, this historic and architectural treasure was used as a royal residence of Scottish monarchs, including the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Once a fortress and a battle site for independence, Stirling Castle is now a magnificent museum and one of the best-preserved, ornately decorated and furnished Renaissance castles in the UK.

Lochs & Legends Take a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and continue to Fort William, gateway to majestic Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. Follow picturesque Loch Ness, as you try to catch a glimpse of its mysterious monster before arriving in Inverness, the largest city in the Scottish Highlands. (B,D) 178 mi / 286 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE They can take the low road, but we’ll take the high road on a scenic drive through the magic and mystery of the moors and glens of the Scottish Highlands. From lovely Loch Ness and more across the beauty of Scotland’s magnificent scenery.

Mountains & Mulligans The first stop today is at the Culloden Battlefield site to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Next, take a stroll through the Victorian town of Pitlochry, developed further to a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century. Continue to the university town of St. Andrews, famous also as the home of golf. The elegant Forth Road Bridge brings you to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, where you can enjoy some free time this evening. (B) 202 mi / 326 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.