The Traveling Professor Presents
Edinburgh
and the
Scottish Highlands by Scenic Railway
Edinburgh ● Inverness ● Culloden Battlefield ● Isle of Skye ● Loch Ness ● Kyle of Lochalsh ● Edinburgh Castle ● St Andrews ● Glasgow
Starts in Edinburgh October 2021
Click for Photos of Our September 2018 Tour
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Scotland.
Check into hotel. Check-in, rest up, and let's have a wonderful Scottish welcome this evening.
Day 2: Edinburgh
The best way to explore Edinburgh is on foot. The city is one of the world's finest capital cities, teeming with cultural diversity and impressive history. A professional and licensed guide tells us about the history, traditions, and architecture of this 1,000 year old city. Visit the Royal Mile, Princess Street Gardens, Calton Hill and more. Edinburgh Castle Rock dominates over the city and is of immense historical significance to Scotland. We visit this World Heritage site with stunning views over the city.
Day 3: Edinburgh
The Royal Yacht Britannia and Palace of Holyroodhouse are just two stops on the Hop-on, Hop-off bus. See this and much more at your leisure on this day in Edinburgh.
Day 4: St. Andrews
It's getaway day from Edinburgh as we take the lovely trip up to St. Andrews. There are scenic stops along the way until we arrive in the historic town. St. Andrews is the home of golf, but there is so, so much more to this town. Our hotel overlooks the historic Royal and Ancient Golf Club and those interested in golf have the opportunity to walk the most historic and famous golf course in the world. Also right out the door of our hotel is the famous beach of "Chariots of Fire".
Day 5: St. Andrews
A walking tour with a licensed, professional guide takes us to the University of St. Andrews and the ancient cathedral. We also find those nooks and crannies that The Traveling Professor tours are known for. It's a delightful half-day walk full of stories, legends, history and the characters that make St. Andrews what it is.
Day 6: Inverness
It's off to the Highlands by train through scenic Scotland. Get the true feel of being in the highlands with our stay at the Royal Highlands Hotel. After check-in and lunch, let's meet our professional guide for a walking tour of the town and hear the stories of rebellions, witchcraft, prophecies, clans, Jacobite curses and yes, the Beatles.
Day 7: Loch Ness, Urquart Castle, Culloden Battlefield
The finest way to see Loch Ness is with a luxury cruise. There are indoor and outdoor viewing areas for your pleasure. The ship is sonar-equipped to detect any mysterious underwater activity and after visiting the fully-stocked bar on-board, The Professor guarantees a sighting of the Loch Ness monster! Nothing says "castle" like famous Urquart Castle. It has seen great conflict in its 500 year history as it passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. It is a beautiful spot for a photo as it looks over the great Loch Ness. The 1746 Battle of Culloden between the Jacobites and British armies marks the dismantlement of Highland Society. This one hour battle changed Scotland's history forever.
Day 8: Kyle of Lochalsh and Isle of Skye
This might be the most scenic train ride you have ever been on as we travel through stunning landscape to Kyle of Lochalsh. Our driver meets us at Kyle of Lochalsh where we will travel through the dramatic Isle of Skye for lunch and some of the best natural scenery to be found.
Day 9: Inverness
Free day in Inverness. There is plenty to see and do like visit old bookstores, bike along the canal, stroll the Victorian Market, Maybe a trip to Dunrobin Castle is in your future.
Day 10: Inverness to Glasgow
It's another scenic train ride as we travel to the exciting city of Glasgow. Upon check-in, we do a short orientation and find some of the best places to shop, dine and have a wee dram.
Day 11: Glasgow
One of the most exciting cities in Europe with a mix of old history and new visions, the best way to see it is on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. There are sites like the Glasgow Cathedral, Barras Weekend Market, Riverside Museum, Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and more. Steve and Linda will organize a farewell dinner to say goodbye to all of our friends
Day 12: Departure from Glasgow
Steve and Linda will help you get on your way to your next destination.
What’s Included
- 11 Nights at centrally located 3 and 4-Star hotels with breakfast. One dinner is included in Kyle of Lochalsh.
- All guided tours as described in itinerary.
- All local transportation (vans, trains, taxis to/from train station, Ho-Ho bus, Loch Ness cruise).
- Admission to all tours described in itinerary.
What Does It Cost?
$3699 per person, double occupancy. Have your own room for only $799 more. Please note there are limited numbers of single occupancy rooms.
Hotels: