Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend

View Itinerary

Discover the mystical side of Scotland - where rocky coastlines and rolling clouds meet a history built upon legends, whisky, and clans. Experience the culture of Scotland with a bagpipe lesson from an expert piper. Walk in the footsteps of Scottish ancestors with a guided tour of a Highland farm township. Settle into a secluded luxury hotel along the waterfront in Islay. Taste the “water of life” at a local distillery. Steeped in lore and woven through royal heritage, experience the country’s isles as a true Scottish local.

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

  • See the ethereal hexagonal columns of Fingal's Cave from the water.
  • In Kilmartin Glen, pass by mysterious stones and cairns dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
  • Visit a local mill that weaves traditional tartan and tweed, including costumes featured in blockbuster films.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

  • Sip the famous "water of life" in a local whisky distillery.
  • Following a bagpiping lesson with an expert piper, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the National Piping Centre.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

  • Hit the waves and see a different side of the Scottish Isles via RIB boats.
  • Tour the Old Course at St. Andrews - the world capital of golf.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:
  • 12 Days
  • 11 Nights
Meals:
  • 10 Breakfasts
  • Lunches
  • 6 Dinners
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

  1. Overnight Flight

    Rolling landscapes of green hills and rocky coastlines. Lively cities of friendly locals and the renowned “water of life.” Remote isles built upon mystical lore and stirring history. This is Scotland - where legends live long and storybook pages come to life.

    Accommodation: The Machrie Hotel

  2. Glasgow, Scotland - Tour Begins

    Start your tour in Glasgow, a cultural trove for art, music, and history. Experience the culture at the National Piping Centre, where experts wield classic bagpipes. After a demonstration and lesson with a renowned piper, feel like a local when you try the instrument yourself. Toast to the start of your journey at a lively welcome dinner at the Centre’s farm-to-table restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: The Machrie Hotel

  3. Glasgow - Inveraray - Auchindrain - Ferry to Islay

    Leave the city behind, traveling along sloping fields and rolling clouds. Enter into a land where clan legacy runs deep – a point of pride and ancestry for the locals. Stop in Inveraray, home to the Clan Campbell and current Duke of Argyll. Enjoy some free time to explore, perhaps visiting the castle and its gardens. In nearby Auchindrain, discover Scotland’s rural history during a guided tour of this well-preserved farm township and see how Scottish ancestors lived and worked. Ferry to the lands of the mystical Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata, shrouded in legend and serving as the inspiration of Celtic tales rivaling those of King Arthur. Stop at the Isle of Islay, the world capital of whisky, and enjoy dinner at your hotel along the waterfront.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine

  4. Islay

    Peek into Islay’s tempestuous whisky history today with a stop for a guided visit of Kilchoman Distillery and taste the peaty “water of life.” Later, after some free time on the island for lunch and self-exploration, meet the locals at the Columba Gaelic Centre and enjoy light snacks as you learn about the Gaelic language and listen to live folk music.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine

  5. Islay - Loch Finlaggan - Ferry to Oban - Loch Melfort

    Visit a local mill that weaves traditional tartan and tweed, including costumes featured in Braveheart, Forrest Gump, and Rob Roy. Make your way to Finlaggan, the cradle of Clan Donald, and hike to the loch. Visit the ruins of the medieval chapel and burial grounds, stepping into another time where neighboring clans created pivotal alliances. Later, depart Islay via ferry to Oban, watching the sunshine dance along the waves as you travel past the mountainous Isle of Jura. Continue to Loch Melfort and settle into your hotel for the next three nights. Take in a stunning view of the ocean from your room before wandering the grounds, home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust’s Arduaine Gardens.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine

  6. Loch Melfort - Isle of Iona - Isle of Staffa - Loch Melfort

    Embark on a seafaring adventure* and be whisked away on an exciting RIB boat (covered, rigid-hull Zodiac). Your first destination of the day is Iona, an island that serves as one of the area’s oldest Christian religious centers. Ascend to the abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Hop back in your RIB boat and head to the nearby Isle of Staffa, home to the ethereal Fingal’s Cave. Serving as the inspiration for Wordsworth, Keats, Mendelssohn and countless others, the cave features hexagonal columns that seem beyond nature’s power. Peer into the cave from your boat before returning to Loch Melfort. Watch the clouds roll by as the sun fades into the horizon - the night is yours.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Fisher's Hotel

  7. Loch Melfort - Kilmartin Glen - Loch Melfort

    Begin your day with a walk in Kilmartin Glen, passing by mysterious standing stones, henges and cairns that dot the countryside. Perhaps you will make the most of free time in the afternoon with an optional exhilarating boat ride: this excursion takes you to the area of the powerful Corryvreckan Whirlpool** via RIB boat, giving you an intimate look at the local wildlife as you search for eagles, seals, and other marine life with an expert local guide.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Fisher's Hotel

  8. Loch Melfort - Loch Lomond - Luss - Pitlochry

    Journey to Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain. Visit a local farm that has been in the same family for generations, and has a spectacular setting with views over Loch Lomond. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration, and enjoy Scottish snacks. Visit Luss, a quaint village of stone cottages and bright flowers. Journey further into the Highlands, pausing at Queen’s View - the landscape beloved by Queen Victoria - for your first impression of the Cairngorms Mountains. Your night ends in Pitlochry, a small town from the 18th century.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Voco Hotel

  9. Pitlochry - Balmoral Castle - Pitlochry

    Take the rare opportunity to visit Balmoral Castle*** - the most elusive among the Royal residences. Roam the gardens, the stable area, and the largest room in the castle: the ballroom. Pass through Crathie Kirk, a small countryside church where the Royal Family occasionally attends service. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Take to the Highland landscape on a scenic hike along the stunning Queen’s Drive and River Clunie -OR- explore the picturesque village of Braemar at your own pace, perhaps visiting their Highland Games Center and Museum to find out more about caber (log) tossing and hammer throwing.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Voco Hotel

  10. Pitlochry - St. Andrews - Edinburgh

    Behold the iconic rolling hills of St. Andrews, the world-capital of golf. On a guided tour of the Old Course’s**** hallowed grounds, learn more about the origins of the clubs and caddies in the hometown of golf. Explore more of St. Andrews on your own before continuing to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Edinburgh

    Start the morning with an impact moment and get a local’s perspective with a guide from Invisible Cities - a social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become tour guides of their own city. After your tour, visit the Palace at Holyroodhouse,**** the official home of His Majesty The King in Scotland and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll among the Georgian architecture of the New Town or journey to Leith for a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Gather in the evening for a farewell dinner and toast to your Scottish explorations.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

  12. Edinburgh - Tour Ends

    Wish Scotland a fond farewell as you depart for home.

    Meals: Breakfast

Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend Scotland: Isles of Lore & Legend

Contact our travel experts for more details

More Travel Experiences

Germany’s Cultural Cities featuring the Romantic Road

Through Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, come to know Germany and the c...

View details »

Sunny Portugal Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve & Portuguese Riviera

From the Portuguese Capital, Lisbon to the sunny cliffs of the Alga...

View details »

Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-Night Danube River Cruise

On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas marke...

View details »

Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-Night Danube River Cruise

On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas marke...

View details »

A Taste of the Balkans Featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

Uncover a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet...

View details »

Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-Night Danube River Cruise

On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas marke...

View details »

Explore Iberia’s Wonders with Collette!

Discover Iberia with Collette: Unforgettable journeys through Portu...

View details »

Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Bask in the splendor, history, and romance of Europe’s regal capita...

View details »

More about Collette