Highlights of Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow

Travelers get to further explore the history and culture of Edinburgh in a full day private tour of the city with an Edinburgh Castle visit. Get ready to enjoy all this iconic European city has to offer! The following day, the fun continues with a foray into the wizarding world, where travelers get to uncover all of Harry Potter's lore and sights in the city. This is followed by a secret history walking tour that explores Edinburgh's lesser-known legacies.

Edinburgh, with its dormant volcano, seven hills, and winding cobbled streets, provides an enchanting backdrop for exploration, especially with a private guide. Guests are invited to dive into the city's rich history and captivating beauty while navigating both the Medieval Old Town and Neoclassical New Town. Highlights of the tour include the iconic Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Edinburgh Castle. This private, full-day tour encompasses a wealth of experiences: Guests will traverse the historic Royal Mile, often dubbed Europe’s original ‘skyscraper’ street, and enjoy panoramic views from Calton Hill. The tour also explores the elegant New Town, with a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, and takes in Heriot Row and Charlotte Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Edinburgh Castle, guests will gain insight into its tumultuous history, including its role in the War of Independence. Lunch is enjoyed at the renowned Grass Market, and the journey continues past Victoria Street, known for its Harry Potter connection. A visit to the National Museum of Scotland offers a dive into diverse exhibits, while stops at the historic John Knox House and St Giles Cathedral showcase Edinburgh’s deep historical roots. The tour wouldn’t be complete without delving into the mysteries of Edinburgh Castle. Guests can enjoy lunch at their leisure, with the guide offering recommendations for the perfect spot. Highlights also include the controversial Scottish Parliament and the grandeur of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, both with impressive views from Calton Hill. The day concludes with a leisurely stroll through Princes Street Gardens, a gem in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, offering a perfect finale to this rich cultural exploration.

A trip to Edinburgh wouldn't be complete without a Harry Potter-inspired walking tour of all the movies' iconic sights, or a deep dive into the secret history of the city which includes notable figures and facts from Europe's extensive historical archives. This final day in this Scottish city is sure to delight before travelers depart for Inverness the following day!

Embark on a magical Harry Potter-inspired walking tour of Edinburgh, retracing the steps of J.K. Rowling as she crafted the iconic series. This private tour invites guests to delve into the world of the author, visiting the places that sparked her imagination and brought the wizarding world to life. Tour highlights include: Meeting the guide outside the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling completed The Deathly Hallows. Guests will explore Museum Context, also known as Diagon House, filled with Potter-themed merchandise. Rowling's handprints at Edinburgh City Chambers are viewed along the way, with a stop at the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, reflecting her deep ties to the city. The tour passes the Writers' Museum and winds through Victoria Street, Candlemaker Row, and West Bow, streets reminiscent of Diagon Alley. Along the way, guests indulge in Scottish whisky ice cream. A visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard reveals familiar names from the series, while George Heriot's School, with its medieval architecture, evokes the grandeur of Hogwarts. The journey continues with a stop at McEwan Hall, where Rowling received an honorary degree, and concludes at Nicholson's Cafe, where the magic of Harry Potter began. Throughout the tour, guests will follow Rowling's journey from a struggling single mother to a literary sensation, discovering how her story is intricately tied to Edinburgh's charm and mystery. Every corner holds a piece of Potter lore, offering a glimpse into the magic that captivated millions around the globe.

Guests are invited to discover an Edinburgh that lies beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. Led by an expert guide, this tour explores the hidden corners where history was truly made—the wynds, closes, courtyards, and homes of the city's Old Town. As the guide brings the past to life, guests will be captivated by the untold stories of Edinburgh’s rich history. The tour introduces iconic figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, David Hume, Adam Smith, and Robert Burns, while revealing lesser-known details about their lives and the city’s past. Guests will uncover a side of Edinburgh that extends far beyond the familiar names and events, diving deep into its culture, crime, politics, and everyday life. Each story paints a vivid picture of the city's multifaceted history, all expertly told by the guide.

Today travelers get to further explore the natural and historical beauty of the Scottish highlands from the legendary Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye, with memorable stops along the way! This is their last day in Inverness before a journey south to Glasgow the following day.

After departing from Inverness in the morning, guests will journey along the Great Glen Fault Line toward the legendary Loch Ness. Following brief stops at the loch and Invermoriston, the tour continues through the stunning Scottish Highlands to Eilean Donan Castle, where guests will enjoy an interior visit. Next, the tour heads up the eastern coast of the Isle of Skye, passing the dramatic Cuillin Mountains en route to Sligachan for a quick photo stop. Guests will then arrive in Portree, where they can explore at their leisure and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, the tour ventures to the Trotternish Peninsula, visiting iconic sites such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. A stop in Kyleakin follows, allowing time for refreshments and the chance to explore the ruins of Castle Moil or cross the Skye Bridge to Eilean Ban. The tour concludes with a return to Inverness in the evening.

Glasgow offers vibrant energy and excitement—don’t just take our word for it, come and experience it firsthand! This dynamic Scottish city is home to world-class museums, art galleries, beautiful parks, and stunning architecture, along with shopping that rivals London. Its lively pubs, café bars, and nightclubs also make Glasgow a top destination for short getaways. The city's attractions are spread across various neighborhoods, and the best way for guests to explore them is by hopping on one of the bright red open-top buses. This fully guided tour covers all of Glasgow’s main sights, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Riverside, the recently restored Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and Glasgow University, home to the Hunterian Museum, Art Gallery, and Mackintosh House. Tomorrow is travelers' last full day in Scotland with a shared tour exploring historic sights and landmarks in the heart of Scotland.

On their final full day in Scotland, guests will embark on a historic journey north, starting with a visit to the iconic Stirling Castle, perched high on volcanic rock and rich with stories from Scotland’s royal past. From there, the tour ventures into the breathtaking Trossachs National Park, where guests will hear the tale of the legendary Rob Roy and take in the dramatic landscapes of lochs and mountains. After a lunch stop in Aberfoyle, the day concludes at the scenic Loch Lomond, where guests can choose to enjoy a peaceful cruise, soaking in the beauty of the loch and its surrounding islands.

Guests will follow a historic route north to Stirling, tracing the footsteps of ancient invading armies. This land once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and later became a battleground during the Wars of Scottish Independence. As Stirling approaches, the sight of its magnificent castle comes into view. Perched high on volcanic rock, Stirling Castle, known as the 'Key to Scotland,' has witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history. Guests will have the opportunity to explore its storied past and uncover the secrets of the royal court during their visit. From Stirling, the tour continues into the Highlands, venturing into the scenic Trossachs National Park. This area, filled with shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, and forested glens, was once a refuge for outlaws like the legendary Rob Roy. Guests will hear the captivating tale of this folk hero while taking in the stunning natural beauty before stopping for lunch in the charming village of Aberfoyle. After lunch, the journey continues through the national park to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond. Framed by majestic mountains and dotted with over 30 islands, this iconic loch has inspired songs and poems for centuries. Guests can opt for a relaxing hour-long cruise to admire the loch from a new perspective while learning about the local wildlife, folklore, and history. Back on land, the tour concludes with one last glimpse of Loch Lomond and the national park before the return journey to Glasgow, arriving in the early evening.

Today travelers bid farewell to Scotland and all it has to offer from its rich history, whisky, and its stunning highlands.