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8-Nights Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - Small Group Journeys from $9,995

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1652147

Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands
The windswept heather of the Scottish Highlands gives way to salty sea air, ancient stone castles and medieval architecture standing as silent witnesses to centuries of Celtic legends. This enchanting journey through Scotland’s landscapes and cultural heritage reveals rugged beauty and historic charm amidst stunning natural landscapes and iconic sites, complemented by a before-hours visit, uncommon access, and deep insight into the country’s history from experts in the field.


8 nights from $9,995 per person

Itinerary
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Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Glasgow, Scotland
Arrive in Glasgow, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather with fellow guests for cocktails and a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Hotel Du Vin Glasgow

Meals:

2 Glasgow - Magic of the Pipes
Set out on a walking tour of Glasgow that reveals the glory of the city's industrial heyday. Then, explore the art of the bagpipes during an interactive workshop at the National Piping Center. Eat lunch at a local restaurant, and then enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Hotel Du Vin Glasgow

Meals:

3 Inverness - Along the Great Glen
Venture along the shores of scenic Loch Lomond to Inveraray Castle, seat of the Dukes of Argyll. Walk through this aristocratic residence with a private guide on an exclusive A&K experience, before continuing to Fort William, gateway to the Western Highlands, for lunch. Proceed through the Great Glen past Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Pass Fort Augustus and travel to Loch Ness, home of fabled "Nessie,” before continuing to Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
Ness Walk

Meals:

4 Inverness - Into the Highlands & Barrel Making
Visit Culloden Moor, the historic battle site where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746. Proceed to nearby Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age stone formation used as a setting for the Outlander series. Stop at Speyside Cooperage to discover the art of barrel making, learning how coopers shape, shave and char oak casks for whisky. After lunch at a local pub, explore Johnston's Cashmere Mill, then return to Inverness for a traditional Scottish Night dinner at your hotel.
Ness Walk

Meals:

5 Inverness & St. Andrews - Wildlife & Whisky
Drive through Cairngorms National Park, home to the United Kingdom's only freely grazing reindeer herd. At Rothiemurchus, a family estate in the heart of the forest, view wildlife with a park ranger. Enjoy time for lunch at your leisure in charming Pitlochry, and then proceed on a unique Chef's Table experience at the Scotch whisky distillery at Lindores Abbey, called "whisky's spiritual birthplace,” where you indulge in a tasting. Continue to the lovely coastal town of St. Andrews, regarded as the home of golf. After an introduction to the historic town, savor a Scenic Sundowner while overlooking the iconic Old Course. Check in to your hotel set on the famous links.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Meals:

6 St. Andrews - Design Your Day

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

  • Bike to a Nature Reserve, meandering through St. Andrews links and along the shores of a lovely estuary.
  • Savor a Tutored Gin Tasting and enjoy a signature gin and tonic at a top local distillery.
  • Walk St. Andrews' Old Course, guided by a former caddy, to learn the secrets of the "Grand Old Lady” of golf.

Relax during an afternoon and evening at leisure.


Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Meals:

7 Edinburgh - Traditional Afternoon Tea
Journey to Edinburgh, Scotland's elegant capital. Begin your visit with a tour of Holyrood Palace. Continue up the Royal Mile to the historic Signet Library, where you are invited to one of Edinburgh's most substantial afternoon teas, featuring savory side dishes and sweets that make for a satisfying lunch. Afterward, explore Edinburgh Castle with a local expert and take in stunning views over the city. Later, check in to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
The Balmoral

Meals:

8 Edinburgh - A Private Visit to her Majesty's Yacht
Begin your day with a private, before-hours visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, a proud vessel that served as a floating home to the Royal Family for over 40 years. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the local sights before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.
The Balmoral

Meals:

9 Depart Edinburgh
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.


Meals:

Featured Destinations
Edinburgh
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

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Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.

You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.

Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.

*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
 
Highlights:
  • Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
  • Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
  • Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light
 
Inclusions:
  • Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.  
  • Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities
  • Supplement for public holidays
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

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Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace. 

*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit

Highlights:

  • Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
  • At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local guide for 4 hours
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

St. Andrews
St. Andrews is a coastal gem in Scotland known for world class golf and resorts, as well as history, culture and learning.
Inverness
Inverness is an excellent tourism destination. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place well-known for its floral displays. Walk along the river banks and to the Ness Islands for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on little bridges and visit Bught Park. The Floral Hall has a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants and trees. Walk up the river in the other direction and see Ben Wyvis on the skyline. Inverness has an excellent museum and art gallery. Local history talks take place here. Eden Court Theater, situated near the cathedral, has events listings and incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' ghost of a wife of one of the bishops who hanged herself there. Also check out art.tm which is an art gallery and studio. The Spectrum Centre has a cafe and is the meeting place for local clubs and education classes. Look out for Scottish Showtime music and dance performances during the summer.

Excursions

Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

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Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

As you disembark your cruise you are welcomed to the Scottish Highlands by your local driver-guide, who is at your disposal for up to 8 hours today as you explore the lochs and mountains around Inverness.

Heading south discover Loch Ness, the famous loch long associated with ‘Nessie’, the mythical monster said to inhabit the depths. Try looking out for her as you wander through the ruins of Urquhart Castle, that dominate the central part of the loch. Loch Ness is drained in the north by the River Ness and the road follows this river to Inverness, the small but charming city considered the capital of the Highlands. One of the most important sites in Scotland’s history is located near Inverness – the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops to mark the end of his attempt to regain the throne for the Stewart family. Time permitting, explore the battle fields and discover the events surrounding this battle that played such a pivotal role in the country’s history. After your tour, return to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

  • Visit Loch Ness, which has long been associated with a mythical monster, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle
  • Explore The Highlands around Inverness, including the battlefield of Culloden Moor
Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours around Inverness
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city and major tourist destination, possessing some of Britain's finest architecture and hosting a variety of cultural events and attractions.
Glasgow has been described as the finest surviving example of a great Victorian city. Of particular interest is George Square - lined by several buildings constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. Few buildings pre-date 18th century. The most prominent of these are Glasgow Cathedral, and Provand's Lordship, which is the city's oldest house (c. 1471) and now a museum. The cathedral, situated on high ground to the east of the city and dating in parts from 12th century, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The city has numerous parks and ornamental open spaces, including the Botanic Garden and zoological gardens. Glasgow grew around a church built in the 6th century by St Kentigern, who converted Scots to Christianity. The commercial growth of the community dates from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 and the opening up of trade in the 18th century when Glasgow became a major port and shipbuilder.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
09/15/2025 - 09/23/2025
from $9,995 per person
09/22/2025 - 09/30/2025
from $9,995 per person
10/13/2025 - 10/21/2025
from $9,995 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $9,995 per person
Length
8 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.
Remarks
Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1652147

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