Scottish Daytripper

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM. The Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel, your home for the trip, is in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant West End near the Botanic Gardens. After a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights, explore the West End on a whisky walking tour, with visits to two pubs. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel. (D)

Drive to the port of Ardrossan for a ferry to the Isle of Arran, often called “Scotland in Miniature” with its scenic highland and lowland areas. Tour it to discover its rugged coastline, mountains, and prehistoric sites. The island is rich in wildlife such as seals, red deer, squirrels, and many bird species. Take a tour of Brodick Castle and Gardens, seeing its historic collection of period furniture, silverware, and paintings. Arran is known as a destination for foodies; take time to stroll the harbor town of Brodick, where there are many independent, artisanal food shops. Return on the ferry for a free evening in Glasgow. (B)

Spend the day in the rural, scenic Scottish Borders, a region which derives its name from its position on the border between Scotland and England. First, visit Abbotsford House, the intriguing home of novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. Take a guided tour to see the house as it was in 1833, the year of Scott’s death. Have lunch with your group before traveling on to the nearby market town of Galashiels to see the Great Tapestry of Scotland, which tells the story of Scotland in 160 fabric panels. Created by over 1,000 volunteers in one of the world’s largest community art projects, the tapestry is on permanent display in a purpose-built gallery. Return to Glasgow, where the rest of your day is free to spend as you wish. (B, L)

Embark on an exploration of Edinburgh’s history and allure as you take in the sights of the medieval Old Town and elegant New Town on a panoramic tour. Experience the city’s grandeur from atop Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on a bed of volcanic rock. Tour the castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, before the opportunity to explore the area independently. Reconvene with your group for an extraordinary whisky-tasting at the immersive, multimedia Johnnie Walker Experience. (B)

Venture to the shores of Loch Lomond, where you’ll see the raw, untamed beauty of the Highlands. Embark on a cruise around the lake to view the captivating vistas formed by its many islands and the surrounding hills. Continue your journey to Stirling Castle, an architectural marvel that holds the echoes of the Scottish royalty who once lived there. Back in Glasgow, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>