Scottish Highlands Escape

Scottish Highlands Escape

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6 Days From

$1077

Scottish Highlands Escape

6 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland

Visiting: Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KATX-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $1077

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Scottish Highlands Escape" and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. Begin your journey in Edinburgh with a city sightseeing tour, including a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Travel over the Forth Road Bridge, explore the historic county of Fife, and visit the renowned St. Andrews. Enjoy a guided tour of a whisky distillery in Pitlochry, and visit the Culloden battlefield site. Experience the scenic beauty of Loch Ness, The Trossachs, and Loch Lomond. Conclude your adventure with an orientation drive in Glasgow, taking in the 12th-century cathedral and Georgian squares. This small-group tour ensures personalized experiences and includes comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and select meals.

Highlights

  • Edinburgh city sightseeing with a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels

  • Scenic drive over the Forth Road Bridge and through the historic county of Fife

  • Visit to St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town

  • Guided tour of a whisky distillery in Pitlochry

  • Visit the Culloden battlefield site and scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness

  • Travel through The Trossachs and past Loch Lomond

  • Orientation drive in Glasgow to see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares

Places You'll See

Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel

Mercure Inverness Hotel

Ac Hotel By Marriott Inverness

The Ballachulish Hotel

Oban Bay Hotel

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Edinburgh,Scotland

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Edinburgh! Tonight, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Meals Included: Breakfast

EDINBURGH Traditions & Treasures EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town and Old Town. Visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, rules with an 11,000-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle also marks the starting point of the Royal Mile, the historic processional route and location of many of the city’s famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Day 3: Edinburgh,St. Andrews,Pitlochry,Inverness

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Mercure Inverness Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESS Mulligans & Malts Scenic drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge and through the historic county of Fife.ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and famous university town.PITLOCHRY [LF] Guided tour of a whisky distillery. (B) 200 mi / 325 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES For those who appreciate a fine Scotch whisky, where better to learn about the distillery process with a sample of authentic and historic malt whisky in the Highlands. Lift a dram of Scotland’s proud heritage.

Day 4: Inverness,Culloden Moor,Fort William,Oban

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: The Ballachulish Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–FORT WILLIAM–OBAN Noble Warriors & Epic Monsters CULLODEN MOOR Visit the Culloden battlefield site.Scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness.FORT WILLIAM free time. OBAN Free time. (B,D)125 mi / 201 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.

Day 5: Oban,The Trossachs,Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

OBAN–THE TROSSACHS–GLASGOW Natural Sights & City Lights Travel through The Trossachs and past Loch Lomond.GLASGOW Orientation drive to see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. A farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 99 mi / 160 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Spanning both banks of the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands, Glasgow gives art and architecture lovers a grand time. From its Victorian and art nouveau architecture to its beautiful Georgian-style squares and the medieval grandeur of its cathedral, Glasgow is brimming with historic and artistic sights to savor during an orientation drive through this national cultural hub, home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland.

Day 6: Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket in Edinburgh, Mercure Inverness Hotel and AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness in Inverness, The Ballachulish Hotel and Oban Bay Hotel in the Oban Area, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow in Glasgow.

  • Meals

    Includes breakfast and dinner on various days of the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Morning city sightseeing in Edinburgh with a Local Guide, including visits to Edinburgh Castle and a guided tour of a whisky distillery in Pitlochry.

  • Transportation

    Scenic drives over the Forth Road Bridge, through the historic county of Fife, along the shores of Loch Ness, and through The Trossachs.

  • Tour Director

    Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to Forth Road Bridge and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Forth Road Bridge|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

Accommodation

In Edinburgh, stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket. In Inverness, enjoy the Mercure Inverness Hotel and AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness. In the Oban Area, relax at The Ballachulish Hotel and Oban Bay Hotel. In Glasgow, unwind at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow.

Mode of Transport

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands with a mix of guided tours and free time, including a scenic drive over the Forth Road Bridge, along the shores of Loch Ness, and through The Trossachs.

Notes

This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Meals

5 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket in Edinburgh, Mercure Inverness Hotel and AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness in Inverness, The Ballachulish Hotel and Oban Bay Hotel in the Oban Area, and Clayton Hotel Glasgow in Glasgow.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes breakfast and dinner on various days of the tour.

  • What kind of guided tours are included in the itinerary?

    The tour includes morning city sightseeing in Edinburgh with a Local Guide, including visits to Edinburgh Castle and a guided tour of a whisky distillery in Pitlochry.

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes scenic drives over the Forth Road Bridge, through the historic county of Fife, along the shores of Loch Ness, and through The Trossachs.

  • Is there a Tour Director available during the tour?

    Yes, you will meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel on the first day.

  • How many guests are typically on a Small-Group Discovery tour?

    A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to the Forth Road Bridge and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    The tour package does not include international and domestic flights, travel insurance, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages, optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.

  • What activities are planned for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Edinburgh, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

  • What can I expect on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, your vacation ends with breakfast in the morning at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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