Scottish Highlands & Islands 2023
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
GJ3
Start City:
Glasgow
End City:
Glasgow
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
14 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 | Friday, Jul 07, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Jul 08, 2023 | Friday, Jul 21, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Jul 15, 2023 | Friday, Jul 28, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Aug 05, 2023 | Friday, Aug 18, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Aug 26, 2023 | Friday, Sep 08, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit
Promotion Details
The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Oberammergau, Monograms City Getaways, and Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
What’s playing tonight? Nothing as dramatic as the stunning scenery of lush and verdant Scotland. With its glacial glens, mysterious lochs, and dramatic coastlines, Scotland has rightfully served as the beautiful backdrop for many of our favorite dramas, thrillers, and cliff-hangers. While James Bond, Harry Potter, and the clans of Outlander have introduced us to this awe-inspiring land, the magnificent moors, mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls steal the scenes. See them all on this splendid tour of Scotland as you take the low roads, high roads, and winding roads through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands to witness the country’s breathtaking castles, hallowed battlefields, and mysterious ruins—stopping to catch your breath in the boisterous breweries and dizzying distilleries along the way. Spoiler alert—this is the most unspoiled scenery you’ll witness in your lifetime.
Broadford , Craignure , Culloden , Dundee , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Glenfinnan , Highlands , Inverness , Isle of Mull , Isle of Skye , Kirkwall , Loch Lomond , Oban , Orkney Islands , Pitlochry , Portree , Thurso , Tobermory , Ullapool
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLANDWelcome to Glasgow! Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
GLASGOW–FALKIRK–ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS–LINLITHGOW–EDINBURGHSculpted Horses & Scottish Heroines FALKIRK See The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world.ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS Take a walking tour with a Local Guide.LINLITHGOW See Linlithgow Palace ruins, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a filming location for the Outlander TV series.EDINBURGH Free time. (B) 74 mi / 119 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The Royal Burgh of Culross is considered one of Scotland’s most picturesque examples of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. No wonder it is the filming location for many film and television productions, as well an inspiring destination for history lovers. Its well-preserved buildings with red-tiled roofs line steep cobblestone streets from the market cross to the hilltop abbey.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
EDINBURGHTraditions & Treasures EDINBURGH Walking tour with a Local Guide includes Royal Mile, a visit to St. Giles’ Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
EDINBURGH. EXCURSION TO ABBOTSFORDRegal Manors & Royal Music ABBOTSFORD Take a guided tour of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House.EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance. (Departures August 5 through August 19 only). (B) 80 mi / 129 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES The 19th century comes alive with echoes of triumph and tragedy at Abbotsford House, where Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots baronial architecture began. Learn how the “Great Scott” popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote, and reclaimed his country’s Crown Jewels.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–INVERNESSScottish Drams & Scenic Drives ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and famous university town then drive across the Firth of Tay via Dundee to Pitlochry.PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort and [LF] visit a whisky distillery. Take a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness. (B,D) 200 mi / 325 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Feel your heart skip a beat in the heart of Scotland. Pitlochry fills the senses with spectacular scenery and warm hospitality. Raise a dram of whisky at an historic, local distillery whilst you learn all about Scotland’s favorite spirit.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
INVERNESS. HIGHLANDS EXCURSIONThe Bronze Age & Brave Battles THE HIGHLANDS Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns. See the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Visit Cawdor Castle.INVERNESS Free time the remainder of the day. (B) 45 mi / 70 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LITERATURE & ARCHITECTURE In The Bard’s words, ‘This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.’ Walk through history in the dramatic countryside of the Scottish Highlands to visit Cawdor Castle, the ancestral home of the Campbells of Cawdor. Discover the castle’s literary connection to The Scottish Play by William Shakespeare - also known as Macbeth.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
INVERNESS–THURSOGardens & Grandeur DUNROBIN Visit the castle and gardens.THURSO Free time this afternoon. (B,D) 109 mi / 176 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Perched in the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth is Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. One of the oldest continuously inhabited “Scottish great houses,” the castle evokes images of a French château with towering spires and grand gardens inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
THURSO. EXCURSION TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDSBreathtaking Views & Brews JOHN O’GROATS Ferry crossing to the Orkney Islands.ORKNEY ISLANDS Sightseeing includes the four Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. [LF] Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the brewery’s Tasting Hall café and visit Skaill House. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. (B,L,D) 119 mi / 191 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE Orcadian water, the best malt, hops, and yeast are the only four ingredients of hand-crafted ales such as Orkney Dark Island, Northern Light and the world-famous Skull Splitter named after a vicious Orkney Earl. Join a guided tour of the brewery and learn the traditions of beer making and a long, long history of brewing quality ales.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 9
THURSO–ULLAPOOL–ISLE OF SKYEScottish Fish Stories ULLAPOOL Visit the fishing port and enjoy [LF] a traditional fish & chips lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) 219 mi / 353 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Walk along the whitewashed cottages with views of lovely Loch Broom in the charming harbor town of Ullapool. Feast on traditional fish and chips, a Scottish specialty that never fails to satisfy.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
ISLE OF SKYESea & Skye ISLE OF SKYE Drive across the Inner Hebridean island; visit the Museum of Island Life; stop in the picturesque island capital of Portree and take in the views of the Cuillin Hills. (B,D)100 mi / 161 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Magic abounds on the Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes to enchant the senses. With magnificent mountain ranges, miles of captivating coastline, and heroic history, Skye casts a spell with its breathtaking beauty and sense of island adventure.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 11
ISLE OF SKYE–GLENFINNAN–FORT WILLIAM-OBANBrave Lads & Bonnie Lands ISLE OF SKYE Visit Museum of the Isles. Ferry crossing on the Sound of Sleat to mainland.GLENFINNAN See the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous Glennfinnan Viaduct.FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.GLEN COE Scenic drive en route to Oban. (B,D) 109 mi / 175 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Long before it was made famous by the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was hailed one of the most visually stunning railways in Scotland. Flanked by rolling green hills that are home to the iconic Scottish red deer, the elevated curves of the longest concrete railway in Scotland traverses through a world of adventure and history.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
OBAN. EXCURSION TO ISLES OF MULL AND IONAHighland Isles & Miles OBAN Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull.ISLE OF MULL Take a scenic drive across the island.ISLE OF IONA Continue to Iona with a ferry to the island and visit the center of Celtic Christianity before returning to mainland. (B,D) 97 mi / 156 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Called “Eagle Island” by wildlife watchers, the Isle of Mull is a paradise for birds of prey keeping a watchful eye on the wonderful wild landscapes below. Watch for Scottish red deer, iconic Highland cattle, and rolling hills that paint a picture of quintessential Scotland.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 13
OBAN –INVERARAY–GLASGOWGlasgow Sights & Grand Heights INVERARAY Take a scenic drive over the mountainous Pass of Brander.LOCH LOMOND Stop for photos.GLASGOW Enjoy an orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Free time this evening. (B,D) 108 mi / 174 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.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
GLASGOWSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Breakfast
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Full buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 9 three-course dinners
Health and Safety Protocols for Globus Tours
The world is waiting to be rediscovered! And Globus helps you reunite with your favorite destinations through our ongoing commitment to travel with the ease and confidence travelers have come to expect on tour with us. No matter where you travel, our global network of travel experts has you ready to reconnect.
And along the way, we’re step-for step with you to remove the worries and hassles that might make aspiring globetrotters hesitate when taking that first step in discovering dream destinations once again. With exceptional health and safety protocols and on-trip contingency plans for unexpected surprises, Globus travelers see more of the world with more peace of mind.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMEGlobus will conduct tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start and peace of mind throughout the journey. This includes proof of vaccination for all guests.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCEThere may be times on tour or on the motorcoach when social distancing is required. We will take care in assuring any local guidelines are followed in a safe and comfortable way for our guests. For any cases where masks are required due to local guidelines, we ask that guests bring their own approved N95 (FFP2) masks for their own comfort and safety. Our wireless listening technology enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers during excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for each of our guests and our team, our Tour Directors, Local Hosts, and motorcoach drivers are fully vaccinated, and Globus is also requiring that all travelers are fully vaccinated before joining the trips. Additionally, regular guest checks are conducted, and, when required by local guidelines, masks will be worn by our guests and by our team when accompanying guests. In all other cases, masks are optional for guests.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDSTraveling with Globus removes many of the “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. Globus are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. Globus will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, on coach and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANAs a part of Globus' commitment to clean, Globus is requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with hotel partners, on motorcoaches, vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond already strict health and safety procedures.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTHGlobus has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of operation- from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain their promise that each touch-point on tours and cruises are considered in their commitment to guest and team member well-being.
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Cambridge Street
Glasgow , United Kingdom
North Bridge
Edinburgh , United Kingdom
Church St,
Inverness , United Kingdom
Sinclair Street
Thurso-Caithness , United Kingdom
Broadford
Isle of Skye , United Kingdom
Argyll Square
Oban, Argyllshire , United Kingdom
301 Argyle St.
Glasgow , United Kingdom
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: Do we visit tartan factories, shortbread bakeries, an puffin habitats?
Question: What is the dress code for included dinners?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Excellent tour of Scotland. Itinerary was comprehensive, the pacing was just right, tour director was superior. A very good tour and one that we highly recommend.
This was a great trip! Wonderful mix of history and modern - from Whiskey Distilleries to 5000 yr old villages. Our tour guide Andrew was FANTASTIC! I would have gotten a MUCH better grade back in my school days in history, if my teacher had made it as interesting as Andrew did. We saw a lot, but also had plenty of on our own time.
Great tour, and director & driver, awesome! Booked a group of 6, all were pleased, with the exception of one hotel, and optional excursions.
The itinerary is wonderful for people that want to see small towns, and the nature of Scotland. The pace is slower than some tours. I stayed 2-3 nights in the same hotel. It was very nice. The islands were very interesting. There is a good mix of historical sites, castles, and small towns. Not many tours go to the Highlands. This is one of the few.
The hotel in the Isle of Skye was horrible and not the normal quality we have come to expect with Globus. It would have been better to stay at a better hotel outside of Skye and just come over to tour
The Scottish Highlands trip was a comprehensive look at Scotland, north,south, east and west. We chose it because of its extensive itinerary, and the fact that each stop was a 2 night stay. The trip was well run, and rewarding.
Scotland is a country of interesting cities, lovely towns, quaint villages, wooly sheep, rugged mountains, beautiful lochs, sheep grazing on the hills, historic clans and castles, bagpipes, unbelievably narrow roads, sheep on those roads, colorful tartans, haggis and blood pudding (which are both very good), shaggy Highland Cows; in short it has it all. Oh, and did I mention the sheep?
James at Affordable Tours was great. Courteous and helpful. Globes leaves much to be desired with tour director and some accommodations,
Excellent Itinerary, Driver and Tour Director.
I went to places that I always wanted to go like the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Mull, and the Isle of Iona. The Orkney tour portion was intriguing with prehistoric dwellings and stone circle. Clava Cairn was fascinating. Since I am not a Scotch or beer enthusiast, the distillery and brewery tours could have been eliminated. Many folks on our tour loved it though.
The best part of this tour of Scottish Highlands & Islands was getting to see most of the country without the hassle of remembering to drive on the left. The con of any tour is not having enough time to spend seeing specific sights. Also, the tour group was too big and unwieldy as there were 42 of us.
If you want an in-depth tour of Scotland, this is the tour for you. Although we have toured Scotland several times before, we visited areas we have not explored. The tour provided enough time to go exploring on your own.
Great trip! Guide was the best that we've had in the five trips that we've taken.
There were 43 in our group! Large group size was unacceptable. If Globus will run a tour with as few as 12 people, then the size of the group should have been capped or divided into 2 separate groups.
the description by Globus was not appropriate for the trip that I took...it said it was leisurely, but this only meant that you stayed 2 nights in each place...the degree of walking, stairs and inclines was much more than I expected...I will ask the operator about the ins and outs of future tours to make the wisest choice.
excellent tour of the highlands and outer islands
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The trip was fantastic. The tour guide and the bus driver could not have been better. Even though some changes had to be made to our itinerary due to businesses being closed in honor of the Queen's funeral, we didn't miss a thing. One of our fellow travelers had a medical emergency which required calling an ambulance. He was well taken care of, and our tour was hardly impacted.