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5-Night Scottish Highlights Tour
This itinerary can be completely customized to give you the exact vacation that you want.
Travel to the heart of a Highlands village, then west to a Highlands city of castles and distilleries, and onward to the vibrant city of Glasgow. Pick up your car in Glasgow and take the scenic drive to Pitlochry. This Victorian town is an idyllic setting, surrounded by dramatic mountains, and has flower-lined streets. Visit 13th century Blair Castle, a favorite of Queen Victoria's.
Ft. William is the outdoor gem in the crown of the Western Highlands—explore gorgeous beaches, iconic film locations, and take a Loch Ness cruise. Heading south, Glasgow pulses with exuberant energy. Dip into history, discover Stirling Castle, and enter the world of Scotland's Renaissance royalty. The magnificent Highlands welcome you!
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Included Unique Activities
Entrance to Stirling Castle
Blair Athol Distillery Tour
Entrance to Blair Castle
Loch Ness Cruise
Circular Loch Ness Cruise
Blair Castle & Garden Admission
Stirling Castle Admission
Craigatin House
Craigatin House is surrounded by leafy woodlands on the outskirts of the scenic Scotland town of Pitlochry. Located in Highland Perthshire, Craigatin places guests within easy distance to both town centre attractions and surrounding sites including Scone Palace, Cairngorms National Park, and Blair Castle among much more. Craigatin House is the recipient of numerous hospitality awards, and boasts chic Victorian design amidst the rural setting. The guesthouse proudly strives to meet changing standards and provide the very latest in modern facilities. With myriad shopping, restaurant, and historic highlights just minutes away, Craigatin House is the perfect base from which to explore the area and offers luxurious 4-star amenities to complement every stay.
Craigatin House boasts a selection of 14 spacious and comfortable guestrooms. Each has been individually designed with stylish décor and warm color schemes while unique textiles add a contemporary flair. An array of modern essentials ensures each guest's utmost comfort and relaxation when staying at Craigatin House in Pitlochry.
All Guestrooms Feature:
LCD TV with Freeview
Hospitality Tray of Tea, Coffee, Bottled Water & Handmade Local Biscuits
Breakfast is served each day in Craigatin's modern dining room that boasts expansive windows overlooking the lawns and a cozy log-burning stove. Featuring various options for both hot and cold dishes, breakfast is available between 8.00am – 9.30am during the week and until 10.00am on weekends. Their traditional Scottish Breakfast is a popular choice amongst guests, with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, black pudding, and beans made to order. For those wishing for a lighter option, look no further than the extensive selection of cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts, and porridge. All of this and more can be complemented by a warm cup of tea, coffee, or delicious hot chocolate.
Pitlochry Town
On The Map: Pitlochry is located in the very heart of Scotland. Cairngorms National Park is very close by to the north, and Edinburgh less than 1.5 hours to the south via the A9 road.
When Queen Victoria fell in love with the Highlands of Scotland, Pitlochry was a quiet village surrounded by the pine-covered hills of the Central Highlands. It became famous when she named it one of the finest resorts in Europe, and visitors began arriving to discover the magic of the Highlands. This vibrant town in the wooded valley of the River Tummel runs along a main street that's lined with shops and eating places. It bustles with visitors, but relax and go with the flow. Look behind the busy-ness, and you'll see the charming, Highland Victorian town that is still Pitlochry. Pitlochry is farther from the sea than any other place in Scotland, and it makes a good base for exploring the surrounding scenery, which is spectacular.
Buccleuch Guesthouse
Found on the picturesque shores of Loch Linnhe, Buccleuch Guesthouse is the ideal accommodation when visiting Fort William on Scotland's west coast. The historic stone house, built circa 1878, is only 5 minutes walk from town centre and places guests in the midst of the dramatic Highland scenery. Buccleuch has been awarded a 4-star rating from the Scottish Tourist Board, and prides itself in delivering first-rate service and hospitality. Renowned locations such as Glencoe, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Ben Nevis are all an easy day trip away. Whether hoping for a quiet escape from a busy lifestyle, or seeking adventure amongst the rolling mountains, Buccleuch Guesthouse provides all of the comforts of a large hotel with the intimacy of a familial home.
Buccleuch Guesthouse boasts 7 airy guestrooms, all elegantly decorated with Victorian touches to ensure a comfortable and peaceful stay. Guests lodging in the loch-facing rooms can enjoy lovely evening sunlight and views over the water to the Ardgour Hills. A spacious sitting room is also available and a collection of books from which visitors are welcome to read.
Complimentary Soap & Toiletries
Breakfast can be enjoyed each morning in a dining area with lovely views over the lawn and loch. Both continental and full Scottish dishes are available, with options of fruit, cereal and yogurt to suite every taste. Guests will be able to enjoy the airy surroundings as they await their meal, cooked to order. Warm toast with fresh tea or coffee complement any option. Subject to prior arrangement, early starts and special dietary needs can be accommodated.
On The Map: Fort William sits at the head of Loch Linnhe, and the foot of the Great Glen and snow-peaked Ben Nevis. The major A82 road runs through town connecting it with Glasgow to the south & Inverness to the northeast.
Fort. William got its name from the original fort built here in 1650 to keep the Highland clans in order. It's a convenient touring base for the Northwest of Scotland, and a popular hub for walkers, mountaineers, and scenery lovers of every type. Its appeal is not that of a destination town, but rather its location to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Scotland. Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest, and most rugged is the most obvious draw, but it's certainly not all. The West Highland Museum on Cameron Square exhibits the 18th century "Secret Portrait of Prince Charles." This was done when all paintings of Stuarts were completed in obscure swirls so the viewer didn't get into trouble for having any connection, at all, to the Stuart side of the Royal family. Just northeast of town is the acclaimed "Treasures of the Earth," one of Europe's finest collections of crystals and gemstones. The "Underwater Center," on the banks of Loch Linnhe, is the world's leading diving instruction and training center. Also north of town are the impressive ruins of Inverlochy Castle.
Glasgow Guest House
Glasgow Guest House offers charming bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations in a quaintly traditional semi-detached house in the southwest suburbs of Glasgow. Some of the area's prettiest parkland is nearby, and the city center is easily reached by road or rail. Its seven rooms, which include a two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, are clean and well-presented. The free, full Scottish breakfast is sure to suit all tastes and leave you full for a day of exploring the beautiful area. Guests would be hard-pressed to tell it apart from a traditional family home -- patterned rugs, domestic furnishings, and textured wallpaper combine to create a genuinely homey ambience. Original, quaint stained-glass windows, pretty floor-tiling, and a carved-wood fireplace add period charm to the property, while owner John and right-hand man James provide guests with a warm welcome and a wealth of local knowledge.
The seven guestrooms feature a mix of modern and traditional styling and have antique furnishings. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with shower stalls or open, wet-room style showers. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The apartment also includes an open-plan lounge, dining, and a fully equipped kitchen area.
The excellent breakfast includes a full Scottish option that's served in the conservatory overlooking the garden. A kitchen is also available for guests' use throughout the day.
Tucked behind a tall hedge with little signage to distinguish it as a bed and breakfast, Glasgow Guest House can be easy to miss. A small, wrought-iron gate opens to a tidy and secluded front garden with gravel-lined paths and neat plants and shrubbery
Rental Car including Insurance, Unlimited Mileage & All Taxes
Explore the Stunning White Walls of Blair Atholl Castle
Discover the Natural Beauty of Cairngorms National Park
Balmoral Castle - the Queen's Official Scottish Residence
Hike Glen Nevis Gorge to Breathtaking Speall Waterfall
Marvel at the History & Scenery of Glenfinnan & Glencoe
Get Lost in Stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Spend a night in the Vibrant City of Glasgow
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Ben Nevis, Scotland
Glenfinnan, Scotland
Steall Waterfall, Scotland
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Scotland
Glasgow Necropolis, Scotland
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Day 1 - 2 Pitlochry, Craigatin House
Day 3 - 4 Fort William, Buccleuch Guesthouse
Day 5 Glasgow, Glasgow Guest House
Day 6 Depart from Glasgow Airport, Scotland
Numbers on the map correlate and indicate arrival, departure cities and overnight stays of this itinerary.
5 Nights Authentic Accommodations
Rental Car including Insurance, Unlimited Mileage
5 Full Scottish Breakfasts
Authentic Scottish Experiences
Expert Advice & 7-Day Travel Helpline
Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
Pitlochry, Scotland
Fort William, Scotland
Craigatin House - Pitlochry, Scotland
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out is before 10.30am. If you arrive earlier you are more than welcome to leave you car in the car-park. Check out is by 10:30. If you know in advance of a late arrival you will need to call ahead to your proprietor on 01796 472 478. Arrivals after 7pm are by prior arrangement only.
Perched ominously on a rocky crag above the town, today you will visit imposing Stirling Castle. It is a truly magnificent structure, and one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Stirling occupied a key position in Scotland's battle for independence. Seven battlefields can be seen from the castle, and the 220-foot Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig recalls William Wallace's (the Scottish Hero on which the movie 'Braveheart' is based) defeat of the British in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. For generations Scotland's royalty gathered at Stirling Castle to revel in its impressive buildings, superb sculptures, fine craftsmanship and beautiful gardens. Today you will have the opportunity to do likewise! Highlights include The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, The Great Kitchens and Tapestry Studio. Free guided tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and bring the castle's rich and colorful past to life in vivid detail. To join a guided tour, simply ask a member of staff at the castle to direct you to the next available tour.
Must-See Sites
Wallace Monument, Scotland
On The Map: The Wallace Monument is located just north of Stirling City. It is signposted from both the town centre and the main A91 road.
William Wallace (1270 – 1305) was a powerful man with bright eyes. Standing more than six and a half feet tall, he was a veritable giant in a time when most men were five-feet-tall! Wallace spent his childhood near Stirling under the supervision of his uncle, a priest. Wallace probably led a comfortable and peaceful life as a child, and must have trained in the martial arts of the time, including horsemanship and swordsmanship. When King Edward I, known as Edward "Longshanks," came to the throne of England in 1272, a reign of tyranny and terror began to subdue the Scots and cement English rule. Life had changed, and when Wallace came of age, he fought. The 220-ft National Wallace Monument commemorates the great man and his valiant fight for Scotland's independence. Visitors will learn about Wallace's dramatic tale in detail, as well as other national heroes like Robert the Bruce and Rabbie Burns. . Most electrifying is the "talking head', which presents Wallace's defense before his brutal execution in 1305. When you climb to the top, you'll see Wallace's amazing and massive two-handed broadsword, and the 360 degree view is extraordinary.
Arrive at
Arrive at Glasgow Airport, Scotland
Arrive at Glasgow Airport. If arriving from the U.S., please note that your flight is overnight.
Enroute Sightseeing
On The Map: Stirling is located in Central Scotland, less than 45 minutes on the M80/A80 from Glasgow to the southwest & 1 hour on the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to the southeast.
Stirling is a taste of both the Lowlands and the Highlands. It is packed with castles and tales of people who are larger than life, and it is blessed with awe-inspiring, natural beauty. "Hold Stirling and you control the entire country…" This simple strategy has ensured that a castle, or some sort of fortification, has existed here in Scotland since prehistoric times. Stirling is associated with King Arthur and some believe it was the locale for Camelot. In recorded history, we know that Alexander I dedicated a chapel here. Below the very impressive Stirling Castle, Old Town Stirling is protected by the 16th century walls built to keep Mary, Queen of Scots, safe from Henry VIII. And, it was here, that the infant James VI was crowned in 1567. This area was also the home of Rob Roy, whose exploits still echo through the Highlands. There is something about Stirling that feels like a fairy tale. Its sense of time is similar to Edinburgh, but the hustle and bustle is turned down. The atmosphere is easy to absorb. With its winding cobblestone streets, and the old town clinging to the slopes beneath the castle, you can feel the layers of time and heroism. Take a quiet walk in the moonlight on Stirling's magic streets. It's an experience to be savored.
Overnight Location
Enjoy a tour of Blair Athol Distillery! Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry. From the water of the Allt Dour burn comes their 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with a mellow deep-toned aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish. Blair Athol wins hearts through its contribution to the Bell's Blend, the most popular blended whisky in the UK. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and provides a detailed explanation of the traditional art of malt whisky distilling, as well as an insight into the specialist craft of the Blender. A complimenary 'dram' of whisky is included with your visit, as is a discount voucher, which can be redeemed in the on-site shop for a purchase of a 70cl bottle of Single Malt Whisky. Yum!
Blair Castle stands in its grounds near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire in Scotland. It is the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, and was historically the seat of their chief, the Duke of Atholl
Note: The Tullibardine Restaurant and Castle Gardens are closed during the winter season.
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
On The Map: Balmoral Castle is located in the Cairngorm Mountain region just east of central Scotland. The castle is just 50 miles west of the city of Aberdeen on the A93 road.
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar, lies Balmoral Estate. Balmoral has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. The original castle was considered too small for the needs of the Royal Family and under the supervision of Prince Albert a new building was designed. The new castle was built from granite from the neighbouring quarries of Glen Gelder, which produced a near white stone, and once finished the original castle was quickly demolished. The Estate covers just over 50,000 acres of heather clad hills & ancient Caledonian woodland. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales take a close personal interest in running and improving the Estates, and over the past 150 years, The Royal Family has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all to enjoy.
Please note that the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral are closed to the Public during August, September and early October, at which time the Royal Family are in residence.
On The Map: The Cairngorms National Park, (Scotland's biggest), occupies a large region in the northeast of the country. The nearest major town is Aberdeen to the east, but Cairngorms NP is quite central to all Scotland's large cities.
Scotland's pristine National Park, the Cairngorms, have the highest, rugged mountain range in Britain rising to 4,296 feet. This country is heaven for walkers, skiers, rock climbers & nature lovers. A number of species of rare birds are attracted to the thriving, unusual alpine flora. Rock-climbers and skiers particularly love the challenge of the Cairngorms. Its craggy sides attract climbers from around the world—they practice at the Cairngorms before trips to the Himalayas! During the summer a funicular railway climbs Cairngorm. The views over the Spey Valley are spectacular. There's also a steam railway, dating from 1863, that runs from Aviemore and Broomhila. This is a great way to get up-close to nature if you're not into the thrills-and-chills of mountain sports! Also, many estates in the valley supplement their income by introducing visitors to the Highlands. See Britain's only herd of reindeer and walk among them - the Cairngorm Reindeer Center is happy to take you to these lovely animals. With mixed woodlands at the base, and the summit forming a sub-polar plateau, the Cairngorms present a huge variety of flora. Ancient Caledonian pines, once common in the area, still survive in Abernathy Forest. Fragile and flourishing, Arctic flowers thrive in the heights.
Buccleuch Guesthouse - Fort William, Scotland
Room Type: Double/Twin
Check-in time is between 3.00pm & 6.00pm on your day of arrival. If you expect to arrive outside these hours, please contact the owner in advance on 01397 701 276.
Glencoe, Scotland
On The Map: Glencoe runs east-west along the route of the main A82 road. Fort William is a mere 16 miles to the north, while Glasgow is 90 miles to the south
'Glen Coe' is probably Scotland's most famous and scenic Highland glen – and deservedly so - it really does merit the description 'spectacular'. The best approach is from the south on the A82, one of the major routes through the Highlands. The road climbs over the bleak expanse of Rannoch Moor and drops down between the steep scree-strewn sides of Glencoe. Awesome mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters loom on either side, with riverine scenery at the bottom of the glen. The area is a paradise for walkers and climbers in all seasons, and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. The name Glencoe means 'Valley of Weeping', and has a haunting atmosphere as a result of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. This was carried out by the British army, when the chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe had been slow to swear allegiance to William of Orange. The picturesque village of Glencoe lies at the northwest end of the glen. In the TV series Outlander, Glencoe features in the show's opening credits. It has also starred on the big screen, in Harry Potter movies, Highlander and Rob Roy.
On The Map: Steall Falls is located in Glen Nevis, just 15 minutes drive southeast of Fort William.
Steall Waterfall takes its name from the gaelic 'An Steall Bàn', which means The White Spout. And quite a spectacular spout it is at almost 400 feet tall - the second highest in Scotland. It is a relatively short hike to the falls from the Lower Falls carpark - between 30 & 45 minutes each way. Serious walkers wishing to indulge in a longer hike can instead leave their cars at the Braveheart carpark. The path through Nevis Gorge is well-maintained and straight-forward, but of course good footwear is essential. The gorge is the epitome of Highland beauty, as you find yourself surrounded by superb views, wild flowers, cascading streams and most likely some grazing Highland cattle! Soon the gorge opens-up to reveal a hanging valley, into which Steall Waterfall makes its impressive drop. Walk on for another 15 minutes or so, and you'll arrive at the wire rope bridge, where one can test their nerve in pursuit of a close-up waterfall view! If you are a Harry Potter fan, Steall Falls is featured in a few scenes such as the famous battle between Harry and the Horntail dragon in the Goblet of Fire.
On The Map: Glenfinnan Village is located in the western highlands of Scotland, 10 or so miles from the coast. The Village is most easily accessed via the A830 road, 17 miles west of the town of Fort William.
This small, beautiful village has sat comfortably among the hills of Glen Finnan for centuries. The village is located within a lovely u-shaped valley that follows a north-east to south-west route with Loch Shiel in the center of the glen. Of major interest is the Glenfinnan Monument (pictured). The column, erected in 1815 is a tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). The raising of the Prince's Standard took place at the head of the loch on 19 August, 1745, in a last attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland, Unfortunately for the Prince and his followers, their campaign came to a grim conclusion in 1746 on the battlefield at Culloden. The nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct is also well worth a visit. This wonderful piece of late Victorian construction was completed in 1901, and the viaduct was the first structure in the world to use at that time the new building material 'Mass Concrete'. Over 100 feet in height and made up of 21 arches, this viaduct is a beautiful piece of engineering and is a glorious sight. The viaduct has recently gained notoriety from its use in the Harry Potter films, as the Hogwarts Express winds its way to Hogwarts Castle.
On The Map: Ben Nevis is just a 10 minute drive southeast of the town of Fort William in the west of Scotland. The major A82 road runs through town connecting it with Glasgow to the south & Inverness to the northeast.
At 4,406 feet, Ben Nevis is not only Scotland's, but Britain's highest, and most rugged, mountain. Just a 10-minute drive from the town of Fort William, it is set in the Highlands' most impressive glen - a classic glacial valley hemmed in by steep slopes and swathes of blue-green stones. Herds of shaggy Highland cattle graze the valley floor where a sparkling river gushes through glades of trees. With Ben Nevis, huge and imposing to the north, it's not surprising that this valley was the location for film scenes from many movies including Rob Roy and Braveheart. The five-mile climb to the top of Ben Nevis, along a well-beaten path, is doable for most people who are reasonably fit. The summit is reached by way of Glen Nevis, often called Scotland's most beautiful glen. The rewards of making the climb are huge. From the top you can see the Cairngorms, the Cuillin range on Skye, and the peaks of Argyllshire. On a very clear day, you may even get a glimpse of Northern Ireland. Spell-binding. Want to really get high? Take the UK's only mountain gondola on one of the nearby peaks. Halfway up there's a restaurant and bar, and in the winter it's a great ski area.
Fort William got its name from the original fort built here in 1650 to keep the Highland clans in order. It's a convenient touring base for the Northwest of Scotland, and a popular hub for walkers, mountaineers, and scenery lovers of every type. Its appeal is not that of a destination town, but rather its location to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Scotland. Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest, and most rugged is the most obvious draw, but it's certainly not all. The West Highland Museum on Cameron Square exhibits the 18th century "Secret Portrait of Prince Charles." This was done when all paintings of Stuarts were completed in obscure swirls so the viewer didn't get into trouble for having any connection, at all, to the Stuart side of the Royal family. Just northeast of town is the acclaimed "Treasures of the Earth," one of Europe's finest collections of crystals and gemstones. The "Underwater Center," on the banks of Loch Linnhe, is the world's leading diving instruction and training center. Also north of town are the impressive ruins of Inverlochy Castle.
Fort Augustus, Scotland
Your one hour cruise on Loch Ness is a relaxing and fun trip. Departing from Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, you'll soon be treated to the breath-taking vista of Loch Ness in all its natural wonder. Your touring vessel is custom-built for Loch Ness sightseeing and is, therefore, the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch. Sit back with a drink, as you cruise past Cherry Island, the loch's only island, and be spoiled you with a loch-side view of striking Fort Augustus Abbey. For those who are inevitably curious about what may lie beneath the deep waters of Loch Ness, your touring craft's sonar equipment beams live images for passengers to view. The best tour guides on the loch will explain it all, in detail - the only way they know how!
Loch Ness, Scotland
On The Map: Loch Ness is a long stretch of freshwater, extending for approx. 23 miles southwest of the northern city of Inverness.
Loch Ness holds more water than all the lakes and reservoirs in the U.K. put together. Is it any wonder that a monster would choose to live there? During the Ice Age, glaciers tore and deepened a trench halfway through Scotland, creating a long glen of steep, forested mountains and mysterious lochs. Castles and forts abound, bearing witness to the Great Glen's strategic importance. There is, of course, the elusive Loch Ness monster. She still attracts scientific interest, so keep your camera ready! Loch Ness is almost 1,000 feet deep and, on most days, has unusually black water, owing to the high peat content of the surrounding soil. This is an immensely atmospheric loch that is surrounded by everything you could hope for: mountains, castles, abbey ruins, and several enchanting villages. Loch Ness is worth every ounce of its fame.
On The Map: Fort Augustus is located at the southern end of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The main A82 road connecting Fort William (to the southwest) and Inverness (to the northwest), passes right through town.
Fort Augustus takes its name from the fort built in this location, after the defeat of the 1715 Jacobite uprising. It named after King George II's younger son, Prince William Augustus, who later became the Duke of Cumberland. The infamous "Butcher Cumberland" was responsible for repressing the Highlands and destroying the ancient clan system after the final defeat of the 1745 Jacobite uprising at Culloden. Today, almost nothing remains of the original fort, although parts thereof were incorporated into the Benedictine Abbey (pictured) when it was built in 1876. Fort Augustus' main attraction (aside from the natural beauty of its surrounds) is the Caledonian Canal, which bisects the town. The canal connects Corpach near Fort William with Clachnaharry in Inverness, was completed in 1822, and at 60 miles long can be regarded as one of Scotland's greatest engineering feats. To the north the canal enters Loch Ness, and within the village itself is a series of stacked locks that provide a relaxing and entertaining spectacle. Immediately next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre - an excellent place in which to gain an insight into the history and operation of the Canal. This area is part of a very attractive village centre, built along either side of the locks. The Clansmen Centre is another interesting diversion, where appropriately attired guides demonstrate 17th century clan weaponry, and provide insights into what clan life was really like.
Glasgow Guest House - Glasgow, Scotland
Check-in time is after 12:00 Noon on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11:00 AM.
On The Map: The Necropolis stands on a hill to the east of Glasgow Cathedral, just a short walk across the Bridge of Sighs. From George Square in the heart of Glasgow, the cemetery is a 15 - 20 minute walk to the east.
Built in the Classical Revival Architectural fashion, the Necropolis was established by the Merchants' House of Glasgow in 1831. Located atop the second tallest hill in Glasgow, the site is regularly described in terms of peace, serenity and calm. The cemetery, like several in Edinburgh, was modeled on Père-Lachaise in Paris. It has been estimated that in the order of 50,000 burials have taken place here, with around 3500 tombs. The monument to John Knox, which was erected in 1825, dominates the hill. Because the hill is solid rock, many of the graves had to be blasted from the rock-face. Walking tours are run by well informed, volunteer tour guides, and should be pre-booked. Self-guided tours are also possible, and an easy to follow pocket guide to 60 of the most famous monuments is available on-site.
On The Map: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located in the west end of Glasgow. From the city centre, the 9, 16, 23, 42 and 62 buses all stop directly outside the museum
Originally opened in May 1901, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Mu​seum is Scotland's most visited free attraction. ​With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant. They include: Natural History, Arms and Armour & Art from many art movements and periods of history. Kelvingrove welcomes families with children, and its displays have been designed with children in mind. There are lots of interactives throughout the museum that will appeal to younger audiences. There's even a real Spitfire aircraft on display! The RBS Exhibition Gallery and the Community Exhibition space both have a running programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Please note that some temporary exhibitions are subject to an entry fee. When visiting Kelvingrove you can also enjoy its wonderful cafés and shops.
On The Map: Loch Lomond is located in Central Scotland, approx. 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. The main A82 road runs along the west shore of the lake en route to Fort William and beyond to Inverness.
Encompassing approx 720 square miles, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs became Scotland's first National Park in 2002. Originally made famous by the novels of Sir Walter Scott in the early 1800s, The Trossachs has been enjoyed as the 'Highlands in Miniature' by tourists ever since. For two centuries, people have come here to walk, climb, cycle and sail, to breathe fresh clean air and drink in the spectacular views. The landscapes covered by the Park range from the uplands of Breadalbane to the sea lochs of Argyll, and included within its area is the whole of Scotland's largest loch, Loch Lomond. The northern end of the loch is deep and narrow, with mountains on either side, including the iconic Ben Lomond. The southern half of the loch is much more pastoral and is home to many islands. The surrounding mountainous areas include 21 'Munros' (individual mountains over 3000ft); 20 'Corbetts' (individual mountains over 2,500ft); and two forest parks. To appreciate the very best of the Trossachs, we recommend the route of the Duke's Pass from Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine.
On The Map: Glasgow is located in the southwest of Scotland. The city is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Edinburgh to the east, and M74 from Carlisle, England to the south.
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is vibrant and downright sassy. It bubbles with sensational cuisine and raucous nightlife. Along the revitalized River Clyde, you'll discover Glasgow's seagoing heritage as you wander the riverfront walkways. Museums, galleries and trendy street-cafes abound. The extraordinary Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a marvel. Listen to the music pouring out of pubs—it's among the best home-grown sounds in Britain. Step inside and nurse a pint of local brew in one of the city's perfect watering holes. Scotland's largest city is a cultural dynamo--no false pretences in Glasgow. Its urban mayhem and offbeat style lets you know that this city is all about fun, friends, and the joy of life. Glasgow is a metropolis that is 100% gregarious and down-to-earth.
Depart from Glasgow Airport, Scotland
Return to Glasgow Airport 2 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
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"Family vacation"
Kristy M.
Amanda A. is the best travel agent I have ever worked with! She is friendly, nice and really cares about her clients. I will always recommend her to my family and friends. The places we stayed and activities she recommended were all terrific. We are looking forward to planning our Ireland/Scotland vacation with Amanda's help for next September. We love her!
"Couple's Vacation in Wales"
Kellie H.
We have just booked our 3rd trip with Lauren to Wales next summer and we expect that as usual it will be amazing. Lauren has previously sent my husband and I to Ireland and Scotland and we know that with her everything will go absolutely perfect. She really goes above and beyond to tailor our trips to our personalities and she knows what we like to do. Every hotel or B&B we've stayed in have been perfect. We have never worried about logistics etc... It is so wonderful to go on a trip and know that when you get there absolutely everything is taken care of and all there is left to do is enjoy! We will continue to call upon Lauren for future vacations and cannot wait for our next adventure!
"Awesome Yellowstone Vacation"
Duane K.
Thank you, Josi! What a wonderful trip it was. I cannot tell you how happy we are you made dinner reservations. We ate at all the best spots, but we watched them turn away customer after customer because they were over booked. Great weather! It snowed a bit the day we arrived, and was in the 70's/80's and sunny the rest of the time. Just beautiful. Did you order the weather too? Spring Creek was great. The Yellowstone tour was awesome (Bison, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Elk, Moose). Paddleboard company was great. Also, the Hotel in Salt Lake is 5 star. I've stayed in the nicest hotels in New York, Chicago, LA and this one is a classic. My appreciation to you!
"Ireland Vacation"
What an amazing trip! Michelle was amazing at assisting in the planning. Our hotels were amazing. The recommended itinerary suited exactly what my family and I wanted to experience on our trip to Ireland. I would definitely utilize Authentic Vacations again!
"Driving through history"
We had an excellent trip. Absolutely no problems with bookings that Donna arranged. Driving Ireland and seeing it at your own pace lets you stop to admire ruins not normally on a tour. Only thing we would do differently is upgrade the car. As someone who enjoys driving I regret not having something a little more sporty!
"Christmas in Ireland"
We talked to Lainie about what we were looking for. She listened to our wishes offering suggestion and developed our plan. We got exactly what we were looking for. Made sure we were happy and answering a million questions. We couldn't be happier. Thank you Lainie !
"An epic solo road trip!"
Anthea O.
Just want to say a big thank you to Anna for all her help and patience in supporting my free and easy solo road trip across Ireland, chasing writers poets and thin places. The bed and breakfast choices were fantastic. I don't usually go through an agent to help with booking accommodation etc. but I had little to do so myself so am glad that I had Anna to take that load off me. I appreciate too that Anna was on WhatsApp with me and very responsive. I felt very supported. Thank you.
1. Click the "GET QUOTE" Button Above.
Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.
2. Online Account & Quote Created
Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via "LOGIN" at the top of any of our webpages.
3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote
Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert's sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!
4. Reserve & Pay Online
Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.
5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!
Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You're ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!
If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!
Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191
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With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!
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