Historic Castles and the Epic Highlands

Explore Scotland’s beautiful capital, Edinburgh, sometimes called the Athens of the North for its grand Georgian architecture. It’s the New Town that earned the city this sobriquet: its elegant neoclassical terraces were inspired by the buildings of Ancient Greece and though it’s called the New Town, this neighbourhood is already nearly 300 years old.

Edinburgh’s Old Town dominates the city from atop a volcanic outcrop and Edinburgh Castle balances perilously on the edge. The Royal Mile runs down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. The Windsor connections can be seen at a hidden location in the district of Leith, where the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia is now docked.

On a private walking tour with an expert guide, you’ll wind your way through the cobbled streets of the old town; delving into its history at Edinburgh Castle; exploring the Walter Scott monument; and heading down to the waterside at Leith. Head on to Calton Hill or climb Arthur’s Seat for the best views of the city.

The Lowlands encompass the southern half of Scotland between the Highlands and the English border, along with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. This string of towns and cities along what’s known as the Central Belt between the Firth of Forth and the Clyde are home to most of Scotland’s population. It’s a region rich with history, culture and grand old architecture.

Alongside traditional country pursuits such as fishing and grouse shooting, the focus at vast estates and stately homes, walking, rock climbing and mountain biking are increasingly popular, the latter thanks to a fabulous network of forest trails across the region. Some of the most famous golf courses in the world can also be found here.

Loch Ness is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster, first reported in 1934. Nessie may have turned out to be fictional, but this corner of Scotland lies at the gateway to some of the country’s most stunning scenery. By volume, it is the largest lake in the British Isles and contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Scotland combined.

The landscape becomes more mountainous as you journey towards the Torridon Mountains. A place of peace and tranquility, but also of drama and power in the huge landscapes and variable weather, this is one of Scotland’s most evocative places.

Nearby Applecross is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque locations on the West Coast, located on a peninsula looking out towards the Isle of Raasay and Isle of Skye.

Your magnificent base for the next two nights is Fort William, backed by Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. From here you’ll explore the beautiful island of Skye and some of Scotland’s best-known and most picturesque sights.

Glasgow is the beating heart of modern Scotland, renowned for its culture and style. The country’s sporting, music and financial capital, Glasgow is hard-working and thriving, as well as Scotland’s largest city.

You’ll find world-class museums here as well as some of Scotland’s best shopping and nightlife. The city packs in rich opportunities to engage with Scottish art and culture too, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to Glasgow Cathedral and the historic Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city. The creations of Glasgow’s most famous son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, can be seen all over the city from the Willow Tea Rooms to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum.

The city itself has a rich and diverse history, reflected in its architecture which ranges from the 18th-century warehouses of Merchant City to the red sandstone Victorian buildings that line its squares and crescents. Then there are the silver space-age constructions of the Glasgow Science Centre and the Clyde Auditorium, affectionately known as the Armadillo.

A private tour will bring Glasgow’s many facets to life.