On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a private transfer will take you to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh, our base for the first two nights of our tour. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Our first visit is to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. It was also previously home of Mary, Queen of Scots and used during filming of the 2019 movie of the same name. Plenty of dramatic events during her reign occurred here and we find out more during our private guided tour, followed by refreshments. Our tour also offers a unique opportunity to go behind the ropes in selected rooms and into the West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room and not normally open to the public. Other highlights include the State Apartments as well as the Queen’s Gallery which hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

Next, we venture to the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a significant collection of objects and artifacts. The fascinating galleries take us on a journey from prehistoric times to modern-day Scotland and tells the tale of many famous Scottish figures, from William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to Mary, Queen of Scots.

We then head up to Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, which has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history including the unsuccessful Jacobite blockades during the 1715 and 1745 risings. Highlights here include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace and the 16th-century Great Hall, which we discover on our audio-guided tour.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning we head to Perthshire’s Blair Castle. Home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, the castle was sieged by Oliver Cromwell’s army in 1650 and was also used as an auxiliary hospital during World War I. Today, the opulent rooms boast collections of weapons, family souvenirs, paintings and furniture while outside, you can find the second tallest tree in Britain, a Grand Fir measuring 206 ft.

We are then treated to lunch at the award-winning Old Manse of Blair restaurant, nestled in the spectacular landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park.

Later we check in to the Rocpool Hotel, where we stay for the next four nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we discover Culloden Battlefield, scene of the final battle of the 1745-46 Jacobite rising, the short but bloody battle which changed the course of history. We also spend time at the state-of-the-art visitor center which puts this infamous period of Scottish history into vivid context.

On the way to our next stop, we visit Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s most historic landmarks. The ancient cemetery is believed to be around 4,000 years old and offers clues into the beliefs of the Bronze Age inhabitants here.

We continue to Brodie Castle, set in tranquil parkland. There are tales of government troops camped out in the wood behind the castle, in an area known today as the '45 Wood. As well as an extensive library, the house has a major collection of paintings that span the centuries plus fine antique furniture and ceramics.

Our final stop today is Glen Moray Distillery for a private tour of the Speyside distillery that has been in operation for more than 120 years. We also have the chance to try a wee dram of whisky!

Meals: Breakfast

Today we travel along a stretch of one of the most famous touring routes in the world, the North Coast 500. Sit back, relax and take in Scotland’s breathtaking scenery before we make a stop in the charming seaside resort of Dornoch, the perfect place for a refreshing walk on the beautiful beach.

Next we head up to Dunrobin Castle, a magnificent castle that resembles a French château with towering conical spires. One of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses; it has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century. The grand public rooms include the opulent wood-panelled dining room and a superb library housing over 10,000 books. The French influence continues into the extensive formal gardens with parterres and fountains.

We then head back to the hotel via the town of Fortrose, famous for its ruined 13th-century cathedral and a popular place for trying to spot bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we journey back in time at Abertarff House, the oldest house in Inverness, where we enjoy coffee and cake. Built in 1593, the house has stood proudly during plenty of tumultuous events, from the Jacobite risings to two world wars. The historic gem was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1963 and since then, Abertarff has been used as a base for The Gaelic Association, a shop and the Trust’s regional headquarters.

We then enjoy a guided walking tour of Inverness itself, known as the capital of the Highlands. This vibrant city is full of plenty more historical buildings, particularly in the Old Town, with Inverness Castle perched picturesquely above the River Ness.

Our next stop is Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum, the humble abode of the famous Scottish geologist, writer and folklorist. The thatched cottage was built by his great-grandfather while the Georgian villa next door was built by his father and now houses an interactive museum. From the intriguing collection of fossils, tools and manuscripts to the sundial pedestal carved by Miller himself, there is plenty to discover here. Outside in the Garden of Wonders, take the challenge to try and find the six mystery objects.

There is then some free time to explore Hugh Miller’s hometown of Cromarty, located close to the scenic Black Isle peninsula. Take a stroll along the winding streets, lined with fishermen’s cottages, watch the boats peacefully bobbing in the harbour or uncover fascinating tales at the Cromarty Courthouse Museum.

Meals: Breakfast