Bonnie Scotland in the Spring

Day 1-2 

Your transatlantic, overnight flight arrives in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh about 8:30am. Joined by our Scottish guide, we'll have an easy start to the day with a panoramic city tour, then stretch it out with a walk along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle dating to 1103 AD. Inside you'll find centuries of royal and military history, plus an opportunity to view the Scottish Crown Jewels. A welcome dinner is served at our historic accommodations located on the Leith Waterfront. Malmaison Leith Hotel - 2 nights (D)

Day 3

Do a deep dive into British and Scottish royal history today starting with a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served Queen Elizabeth II from 1954-1997. Since her retirement following over one million nautical miles of service to the Royal Family, she's found a permanent home in Edinburgh. Returning to the Royal Mile, you'll visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From its genesis as an abbey dating to the 12th century, the Baroque palace has been home to numerous Royals over the centuries, including Mary Queen of Scots. Countless personal items belonging to the ill-fated Queen are counted among their most treasured collections. We'll change it up in the afternoon with a visit to the Johnnie Walker Distillery, Scotland's most iconic whisky brand. (FB)

Day 4

Away to the windy cliffs that define St. Andrews, known as THE undisputed home of golf. Joined by a local guide, we’ll have the opportunity to walk a few of the holes on the hallowed Old Course, then visit St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral.  The Castle was built as a bishop’s residence, but also used as a state prison during it’s colorful and sometimes brutal 450-year history. The Cathedral was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church and played an important role in the Protestant Reformation’s struggle for hearts and minds. Even in ruins, the structure continues to impress and inspire. Our day ends in Aberdeen at a hotel located in a restored 19^th Century granite mansion. Malmaison Aberdeen Hotel – 3 nights (FB,D) 

Day 5 

Balmoral Castle has been favored by the House of Windsor for over a century. Indeed, it was here that Queen Elizabeth II elected to spend her final days. We’ll tour the house and gardens, which should be stunning in May. In the afternoon we’ll visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle, a beef cattle farm which raises one of Scotland’s most popular breeds, the Highlander, affectionately known as the “Hairy Coo.” (FB,D)

Day 6 

Today we visit the home and farm of Michelle and Gary to meet their herd of over 1000 sheep and the dogs trained to shepherd them. We’ll have a demonstration of these highly intelligent animals at work and enjoy a few of their party tricks as well. Nearby we’ll tour Haddo House, the home of Clan Gordon, c. 1732. It is Scotland’s grandest Palladian-style country mansion. Perhaps a wee dram is required to sooth the soul after such a long day of touring. Scotland is known for more than Scotch! At the City of Aberdeen Distillery you’ll learn about the country’s second most popular spirit – gin. G&T, anyone? (FB,D)

Day 7

It’s the day we’ve been waiting for: The Highland Games at Gordon Castle where you are invited to immerse yourself in traditional Scottish entertainment and country sports. In addition to the performance arenas, wonder the local trade stands for colorful arts and crafts, Scottish attire and accessories, and homemade delicacies from the region. Here you’ll enjoy VIP seating at each arena and access to the hospitality tent where tea and refreshments are served throughout the day. Our journey ends in Inverness, gateway to the Scottish Highlands, on the banks of the River Ness. Inverness Palace Hotel – 2 nights (FB,L,D) 

Day 8

Have a taste of the storied Scottish Highlands on a day of exploration including stops at the Falls of Shin and the dramatic Dunrobin Castle, largest in the Highlands with 189 rooms filled with priceless works of art, antiques and artifacts to savor. The vast gardens are a delight for all the senses. Don’t miss the falconry presentations offered on the lower lawn in the afternoon. Unique due to its French Chateau-inspired architecture, Dunrobin has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 1300s. (FB,L,D)

Day 9

One of Scotland’s most iconic experiences is to take a peaceful cruise on Loch Ness to the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Keep your eyes peeled for a Nessie spotting. This just might be the day that the shy girl shows herself! Continuing on to Fort William, we’ll drive past Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain. The dramatic, almost other-worldly terrain has hosted many movie productions, including James Bond and Harry Potter. Muthu Fort William Hotel (FB,D)

Day 10 

Today we explore the Trossachs Region, including a drive along “the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.” Known as “the Highlands in miniature,” the Trossachs packs rugged mountains, shimmering lochs and dense native woodlands into a small, accessible area – perfect for a day’s exploration. We end in Glasgow, the country’s most populus city, best known for its busy seaport and well-established shipbuilding industry. Here we’ll have a Farewell Dinner and spend our final night. Malmaison Glasgow Hotel (FB,D)

Day 11

We return to Edinburgh for our early afternoon flight to the United States filled with memories of an incredible springtime journey through Bonnie Scotland. (FB)