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Rick Steves' Heart of Scotland in 8 Days Tour, Day by Day
Starting in the "urban" Highlands town of Inverness and ending in regal Edinburgh, on our eight-day Heart of Scotland tour you'll cruise mystical Loch Ness, explore stony castles, ponder evocative battlefields and prehistoric crannogs, marvel at sheepdogs in action, taste-test a wee dram of whisky, read the green at St. Andrews, and stroll the narrow lanes and alleyways of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Let's go…
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Days 1 & 2: Welcome to Scotland
We'll gather at our hotel in Inverness for a "Welcome to Scotland" meeting. Then we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk and get acquainted with one another over dinner together.
The next morning we'll enjoy a panoramic cruise of Loch Ness (monster sightings not guaranteed) before disembarking at the dramatic lochside ruins of Urquhart Castle. Then we're off to still-lived-in Cawdor Castle, where we'll stroll through manicured gardens and enjoy afternoon tea. We'll end our day together with a tour of the evocative Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat in 1746 marked the beginning of the end of the Highland clan system. Tonight is a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional music in one of Inverness' many pubs.
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Day 3: The Rugged, Romantic Highlands
Today we'll explore more of the scenic and romantic Highlands as we travel to Perthshire. On the way we'll stop in Speyside, happy home to half of all Scotland's whisky distilleries and one of its few remaining woolen mills. We'll tour a local distillery and sample a wee dram, then head across town to experience the fine art of weaving. After lunch together, we'll visit a local sheep farm to learn more about Scotland's wool industry and marvel at the talented sheepdogs in action. This evening we'll enjoy dinner together and meet a Scottish bagpiper for some music and a lesson on this unusual instrument's history.
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Day 4: Crannogs and Hermits
This morning we'll learn about the Iron Age people who first farmed these lands and built Scotland's unique crannogs — prehistoric, thatched-roofed defensive huts built on piers out over the lochs. After lunch together, we're off to the charming village of Dunkeld on the River Tay, where we'll have a guided tour of its medieval cathedral before enjoying free time to poke around town. This afternoon, we'll take a walk to the Hermitage, where we'll hear about Scottish Romanticism amidst Black Linn Falls and towering forest. After time to relax, we'll regroup this evening for dinner together.
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Day 5: Charming St. Andrews
Today we're off to St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and a mecca for golfers worldwide. You'll have time to explore the ruins of St. Andrews' medieval cathedral, watch duffers playing the Old Course — considered the birthplace of golf — and enjoy lunch. Then, we'll cross the famous Firth of Forth on our way to Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. Your guide will orient you to our lively neighborhood before setting you free for the rest of the evening.
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Day 6: Edinburgh's Historic Heart
This morning we'll take a walking tour of Edinburgh's old town, winding our way up the Royal Mile with its wealth of historic buildings, quaint shops, narrow lanes, and hidden courtyards — then onto Grassmarket and Greyfriars cemetery. We'll set you free for the afternoon and evening to visit imposing Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket provided) at your leisure to see the Scottish crown jewels and soak up the dramatic views from this military stronghold and birthplace of the city.
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Day 7: The Politics of Scotland
Since the days of William Wallace, the Scots have chafed under English rule, and over the centuries Scotland's drive for independence hasn't waned. Today we'll explore the complicated relationship between Scotland and England and learn about the modern independence movement that came with self-rule. Then we'll take a look at the "other side" with a visit to the King's official residence in Edinburgh, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse. The remainder of the day is yours to explore more of this regal city. Tonight we'll share memories of Scotland and toast new friends at our final dinner together. Slàinte!
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Day 8: Tour Over After Breakfast
Edinburgh's airport and train station are easy connections from our neighborhood. Glasgow is one hour away by train; London is 90 minutes by air. For those tempted to continue their trip, Edinburgh is a great jumping-off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, and many other exciting destinations.Turas math dhut! (Happy travels!)
Learn more about Rick's Heart of Scotland in 8 Days tour.
(Itinerary specifics subject to change.)