Day 1 | Edinburgh

Arrive Edinburgh. Transfer to your hotel is included. You are free to enjoy this beautiful city on your own. (Please note: hotel check-in is generally between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you are arriving into Edinburgh early - the hotel will be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready).

Day 2 | Edinburgh - Touring begins

Make your way to the departure point (Location: Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ - departing at 8:45 am (please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure).

We cross the Queensferry Crossing, taking in views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as we travel through the Kingdom of Fife.

Your first stop of the day is Falkland Palace, originally built as a hunting lodge for Scottish kings before being transformed into a more lavish residence. During her time here, Mary Queen of Scots would play tennis on the world's oldest tennis court, which you can still see in the palace gardens.

Head to the medieval town of St Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university, an iconic golf course, and the ruins of a cathedral and castle. We stop for lunch, giving you time to explore. You can try local ice cream at Jannetta's Gelateria, wander through the ancient ruins, or stroll along the beach.

After lunch, continue north through the lush countryside to Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the North Sea, this ancient fortress offers a stunning mix of history and natural beauty.

We head north along coastal roads, with sweeping views of the North Sea and lush, rolling farmland. As we approach Aberdeen, the "Granite City," the scenery transforms from rural landscapes to a skyline of historic gray-stone buildings and vibrant urban life. We'll settle in here for the night, with the evening free for you to explore as you wish. (B)

Day 3 | Aberdeen

After breakfast today, head to Royal Deeside, a scenic region in Aberdeenshire closely tied to the British royal family and known for its many stunning castles. This area enchanted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who made Balmoral Castle their private summer retreat.

Visit Castle Fraser, one of Scotland's grandest baronial tower houses, complete with a beautiful 18th-century walled garden. Here you'll find all the hallmarks of a historic tower house: a captivating portrait collection, hidden staircases, and stunning scenery. Dating back to the 1450s, Castle Fraser is steeped in history and has even served as a filming location.

We travel to Ballater for lunch, a charming village along the River Dee surrounded by hills and frequented by the British royal family. Then, it's on to Crathes Castle, with its pinkish façade, turrets, and enchanting gardens. Known as a fairytale castle, it's also reputedly haunted by the "Green Lady." Take your time exploring the castle and its famed June Borders, where colorful blooms offer picture-perfect views of the building.

As evening falls, we return through the scenic landscapes of Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire, arriving back in Aberdeen for another night. (B)

Day 4 | Nairn

Today you will step back in time as you explore more castles and historic sites, starting with Fyvie Castle. This gem of Scottish baronial architecture dates back to the 13th century and is shrouded in mystery, with tales of curses and another ghostly "Green Lady." Fyvie Castle features striking Raeburn portraits, opulent interiors, and a serene loch, making it a fascinating visit.

Continue north through beautiful scenery to Elgin, where we'll stop for lunch. If you are a history lover, make sure to marvel at the intricated carvings of a weathered Pictish Stone, standing on the grounds of the ruined Elgin Cathedral.

After lunch, we proceed to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. This is a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series. A short distance away is Clava Cairns, an ancient complex of ring cairns and standing stones said to inspire the standing stones of Craigh na Dun in Outlander.

After a day full of discovering Scotland's fascinating past, we journey to Nairn, your overnight location. This charming coastal town is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach, where you can unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere. Be sure to try to catch a stunning sunset over the Moray Firth and try some local specialties. (B)

Day 5 | Edinburgh

Today, celebrate the Highlands with a dram of whisky. Heading south to Speyside, Scotland's premier whisky region, we visit Cardhu Distillery, renowned for its rich Speyside malt whisky. Originally a small farm, Cardhu has flourished over 200 years and today is an essential ingredient in Johnnie Walker blends.

Enjoy a guided Flavour Journey tour and whisky tasting at Cardhu, where you'll hear about Helen Cumming's role in the distillery's history and sample three of their signature drams along with a refreshing highball cocktail. We then continue south through the breathtaking Highland scenery, passing Cairngorms National Park on our way to Blair Castle in Perthshire.

Blair Castle is the ancestral seat of the Atholl family, where centuries of history and architectural styles merge. Wander through its opulent rooms, filled with artifacts and stories of guests like Mary, Queen of Scots, and admire its beautiful gardens and parklands.

Next, among the towering trees of Perthshire, you'll take a final refreshment break in one of the regions' charming towns before continuing south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife before returning to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Arrive back in Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 pm. Make your own way back to your pre-booked Edinburgh hotel. (B)

Day 6 | Edinburgh - Home

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your return flight to the US. (B)