August 20, Saturday: U.S. to Scotland.

August 21, Sunday: Glasgow City Tour. Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your tour director or representative will greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located within easy reach of major attractions and the shops of Buchanan Street. At 2:30 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink before dinner.

August 22, Monday: Loch Lomond Cruise & Inveraray Castle. Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. At Tarbet embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch and admire panoramic views. Then travel across the mountain pass of "Rest and Be Thankful" to visit Inveraray Castle. This imposing Campbell family home with four conical spires was built between 1746 and 1789. A guided tour will reveal the history of the family and region as you view the magnificent Armoury Hall and many fine rooms with tapestries, porcelains and portraits. Browse around the nearby town, planned by the Campbell family. Then journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells' massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692 to Ballachulish on the coast.

August 23, Tuesday: Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Center. This morning head north via Fort William and take the "Road to the Isles" through some of Scotland's loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. At Mallaig cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye, sometimes called the Misty Isle. Visit the Clan Donald Centre to discover the history of the Clan Donald, Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Drive through part of the island and return to the mainland by bridge, stopping for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Then drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster. Pause to view the huge ruins of Urquhart Castle before continuing to your hotel in the center of Inverness.

August 24, Wednesday: Sheepdog Trials & Culloden Battlefield. Enjoy a leisurely day of discovery in the lovely countryside and majestic Highland scenery. Just south of Aviemore visit Leault Farm where dogs herd sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Learn how each dog responds to individual whistles and see seasonal activities with collie puppies, newborn lambs or sheep-shearing. Drive to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on 16th April 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. Return to Inverness to visit a kiltmaker and learn about the traditions of Scottish attire. After dinner enjoy a special ceilidh, traditional Scottish entertainment with singers, a piper and Highland dancers in your hotel.

August 25, Thursday: Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery & Royal Deeside. Drive through pleasant farming country into the gentle rolling hills of the Speyside region, where many of Scotland's famous distilleries are located. Tour the Glenfiddich Distillery to see how barley and water are combined to create the "Water of Life" and enjoy a tasting. Travel through the lovely scenery of Aberdeenshire with gentle hills and farms into Royal Deeside, an area that came into favor with Queen Victoria during the 19th century. Near the village of Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular with local people. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked scones and enjoy a talk on bagpipes, fishing or other aspects of Highland life. Continue to Blairs to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner.

August 26, Friday: St. Andrews & Coast of Fife. Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire and cross the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, the "Home of Golf." See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Take the coastal route south passing the picturesque "East Neuk" fishing villages. Stop in Anstruther for a walk around the harborside and cobbled streets with quaint houses. While fishing is no longer the main industry, the towns retain an old-world charm. Continue south into Edinburgh and check in to your hotel in the New Town. In the evening take a tour of Edinburgh's hidden gems before sitting down to some wholesome Italian food at a waterside restaurant in Leith.

August 27, Saturday: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour. This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town" with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining. On July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.

August 28, Sunday: Edinburgh. After breakfast, enjoy an additional day in Edinburgh on our own. As our open-top bus tour pass is valid for 24 hours, you may continue to use it in the morning, enjoying Edinburgh at your leisure! Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight at our Edinburgh hotel.

August 29, Sunday: Depart Edinburgh Airport. After breakfast, shuttle bus transfer provided to Edinburgh Airport, allowing you plenty of time for check-in procedures and duty-free shopping before boarding your return flight home. Arrive home the same day.