Classic Scotland Featuring the Edinburgh Tattoo with Albion Journeys

Day 1

Thursday: Arrival

On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a private transfer will take you to the Hotel du Vin in Glasgow, our base for the next two nights. This afternoon there is the option to join a guided walking tour of the West End of Glasgow, passing Oran Mor, the Botanic Gardens, the Ha’Penny Footbridge and the Sixty Steps.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink at the hotel, followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Friday: Loch Lomond Cruise, Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms & Glasgow walking tour

This morning we head northwards to embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water on mainland Britain. The loch is situated amidst one of Scotland’s most idyllic and unspoilt areas in the Trossachs National Park and boasts a stunning mountain backdrop and a variety of wildlife.

We return to Glasgow and enjoy lunch together at the famous Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms which boast a variety of beautiful spaces, each with their own character and unique design. First opened in 1903, these are the only surviving tea rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Afterwards we enjoy a guided walking tour of Glasgow, including St Mungo’s, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, Trongate Steeple and the Tenement House as well as a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings. The present building was consecrated in 1197 but not everything is old! The cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows to be found in Britain.

This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Saturday: Stirling Castle, The Kelpies, Amber Restaurant Scotch Whisky Experience and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

We check out of our Glasgow hotel and head first to Stirling Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. Originally built in the 12th century, with additions and renovations undertaken over the years, the castle has played a key role in Scottish history. As well as being an important outpost during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the castle was once home to the doomed Mary Queen of Scots, who is said to haunt the castle to this day.

From here we continue our journey, passing the famous Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world, before checking in to the Principal Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh, where we stay for the remainder of our tour.

In the late afternoon, we transfer by black cab to start our Edinburgh Tattoo experience at the award-winning Amber Restaurant within The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Here we enjoy a three-course, specially selected Scottish meal with wine and a wee dram of whisky before enjoying a brief recital by members of the Edinburgh Tattoo cast.

Afterwards we are escorted to the Castle Esplanade to take our seats in a prime location for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Hosted each year, the show brings together musicians and performers from every part of the world for a fabulous display of international culture.

Please note: We advise you to be prepared with waterproofs etc in case of inclement weather during the Tattoo. It will go ahead whatever the weather – no performance has ever been cancelled.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Sunday: Edinburgh Castle

The morning is left free for you to spend at leisure – you may wish to relax at the hotel, explore the city further, or engage in some retail therapy in some of Edinburgh’s stylish boutiques. We then enjoy lunch together in a local restaurant.

After lunch we head back up to Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, which has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. Highlights include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace and the 16th-century Great Hall.

Later, we enjoy dinner together back at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Monday: Scone Palace, Perth and Palace of Holyroodhouse

We head to Scone Palace, crowning place of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce and Charles II and family home of the Earls of Mansfield. We enjoy a guided tour of the palace with its fine collections of furniture, porcelain, ivories, clocks, paintings and other objets d’art.

Next we visit the city of Perth, located on the banks of the River Tay. A former capital of Scotland, Perth has a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years. Due to its location, it is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

In the afternoon we return to Edinburgh and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Here we can view the State Apartments as well as the Queen’s Gallery which hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

Tonight we dine together at a local restaurant and toast farewell to Edinburgh with a wee dram in a whisky bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Tuesday: Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast