Ultimate Scotland Tour of Glasgow, the Highlands & Shetland Islands - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Discover Mackintosh's Legacy in Glasgow

Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland's largest and most buzzing city! This modern destination has been shaped by its rich industrial heritage, reflected in the grand Victorian architecture that's now juxtaposed with modern structures. On arrival, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and set out to explore the city. Visit the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the University of Glasgow, then explore the boutiques of West End or go for a walk along the picturesque River Clyde.

Later, you'll discover the life, works, and tales of Glasgow's most famous designer, architect, and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. With your expert guide, you'll take a deeper look at his life, marriage, influences, and incredible expertise. Over two hours, you'll visit some of his most famous works that still stand to this day, his first married home, and some lesser-known treasures along the way. You'll finish at Willow Tearoom, designed by Mackintosh in 1903.

Day 2: Drive to Stirling, Visit Bannockburn Battlefield & The Kelpies

After breakfast, collect your rental car and drive 40 minutes north of Glasgow. Stirling is a city with a long history of kings, queens, and battles. In town, you'll find the finest concentration of medieval buildings in Scotland. On the edge of town, make a visit to the Bannockburn Battlefield, where Scottish leader Robert the Bruce defeated the English in a key clash during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The visitor center uses 3D technology to bring this thrilling chapter of Scottish history to life, and there's even an interactive element so you can command a medieval battle.

After, drive 20 minutes south to visit The Kelpies in Falkirk, a colossal art installation by Andy Scott. According to Scottish folklore, kelpies are horse-like water spirits that are said to have the strength and endurance of 100 horses. The Kelpies are said to haunt lochs and appear as victims, enticing people to ride them before taking them down to a watery grave. The 100-foot-high (30 m) statues are an ode to the horse-powered heritage of central Scotland. Return to Stirling and check into your accommodation for the night.

Day 3: Visit Stirling Castle, Drive to Aviemore via Blair Atholl Castle

Today you'll walk through one of the most significant castles in Scottish history. Stirling Castle is where the Great Siege took place in 1304, when Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots, besieged the fortress. Instead of starving the occupants to surrender, he commanded his troops to attack the castle, and after four months of brutality, Stirling was theirs. Wander up to the rocky aerie and explore the Royal Palace, Chapel Royal, and Regimental Museum. Take in the views over Stirling's cobbled main street and countryside.

Then, visit the National Wallace Monument. This famous landmark commemorates the life of the patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace and overlooks the scene of his greatest victory at the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge. After, it's time to hit the road north to Aviemore, a 2.5-hour drive. En route, stop at Blair Atholl Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Admire the fine 18th-century interiors and Scots baronial architecture, then explore the 9-acre (3.6 ha) gardens, where you'll find an extensive wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park, and a Gothic folly. 

Day 5: Culloden Battlefield Private Tour

Today you'll visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising—the last and one of the most harrowing battles fought on British soil. On 16 April 1746, Jacobite supporters seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. On top of a ridge, 3 miles (6.4 km) from Inverness, is where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated. In less than an hour, around 1,300 men were slain—more than 1,250 of them Jacobites.

A private guide will share tales of history as you wander the battlefield. You'll see the Well of the Dead, the Main Cairn, and the Clan Graves, where the soldiers are buried. Enter the Culloden Battlefield visitor center, where you can explore interactive exhibits and view artifacts from the battle. An eerie silence often falls on Drummossie Moor here, and the site attracts many descendants whose families were forced, or chose, to leave Scotland. After you could visit the nearby Clava Cairns, one of Scotland's most important prehistoric sites, before returning to Inverness.

Day 6: Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle

No one can resist the mythical Loch Ness: its beauty evokes a sense of wonder, while its monstrous depths are legendary. This morning, make your way to Dochgarroch, just outside of Inverness, for a two-hour cruise on the legendary waters of Loch Ness and Thomas Telford's famous Caledonian Canal. Aboard a catamaran, you'll set off, soaking in the views of Great Glen, Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the spectacular Urquhart Castle, following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria. Hear stories about the elusive Loch Ness Monster, and try to spot "Nessie."

Then, unearth more than 1,000 years of history at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Snap panoramic pictures with the loch from the Grant Tower, imagine the banquets that once took place in the Grand Hall, and peer into a gloomy prison cell said to have held legendary Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn. In the late afternoon, return to Inverness and find a cozy local pub for a traditional Scottish meal and a pint of beer.

Day 7: Fly to Lerwick, North Shetland Landscapes Tour

Day 11: Day Trip to the Isle of Skye

Day 12: Drive to Oban, Free Time

Jump in the car and journey one hour south today. You're headed to Oban, the main gateway to many of the Hebridean islands. This waterfront town is set on a delightful bay with sweeping views of Kerrera and Mull. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. Naturally, Oban is a great destination to enjoy Scotland's brilliant seafood, and there's no better spot than by the water, especially as the sunsets.

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. You could visit McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop monument with panoramic views of the town and its spectacular surroundings. Then descend to the waterfront for a walk around the harbor, taking in sea breezes and eyeing up tonight's dinner arriving at the port. If you're a whiskey fanatic, squeeze in a visit to the Oban Distillery to sample the local dew. Round out the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Oban's charming streets and shop for souvenirs at local artisan boutiques.

Day 13: Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

Do you know what a ceilidh is? Pronounced "kay-lee," a ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social gathering with live music, folk dancing, and an energetic and inclusive atmosphere. Tonight you'll get swept up in the music and dance with a special experience involving bagpipes, accordion, singing, and dancing. Over two hours, you'll learn to "Strip the Willow" and other common ceilidh dances, like the "Dashing White Sergeant." Ceilidhs are a significant part of Scottish culture and are often held at weddings, festivals, and other social events as a way to celebrate and have fun.

Until then, you'll have the whole day free to explore as you please around Oban. You could relax in town and enjoy a slow day, tour the Oban Distillery to discover how whisky is made, or join a wildlife cruise and explore the small islands off the coast while spotting marine life. 

Day 14: Drive to Glasgow, Loch Lomond Cruise

The largest freshwater loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond, is an area of natural splendor, a 90-minute drive south of Oban. Here, you can go boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the clear waters or hiking and cycling in the surrounding Trossachs National Park. Whatever you decide to do, first explore the wild beauty of this national park—full of mountains, lochs, forests, and glens—with a one-hour cruise. Sail north past the waterfalls at Inversnaid and take in the sprawling glens and rocky Arrochar Alps. Relax and hear tales of the history and geology of Loch Lomond as you cruise.

Stop in the picturesque lakeside villages of Balmaha or Luss for a late lunch, then choose to stay immersed in nature and climb Conic Hill. Otherwise, make the 50-minute drive to Glasgow and check into your accommodation. It's your final evening in Scotland, so find a cozy pub with a great vibe for a traditional and hearty meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties, along with a pint or a dram of whisky. 

Day 15: Depart Glasgow