Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend

featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

July 31 – August 10, 2026

11 days · Glasgow → Edinburgh

Activity Level 3 · Active

About This Tour

Experience The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and uncover Scotland's soul through Highland legends, island abbeys, tartan tales, and whisky toasts in cities, castles, and coastal towns.

From buzzing Glasgow and Edinburgh to peaceful isles, lochs, and valleys, this journey blends Scotland's storied past with its spirited present.

Watch border collies at work on a family farm, explore Cawdor Castle's history, catch the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona, discover the true story of tartan from Highland women, and toast the journey with a whisky-inspired farewell in Edinburgh.

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend

featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

July 31 – August 10, 2026

11 days · Glasgow → Edinburgh

Activity Level 3 · Active

About This Tour

Experience The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and uncover Scotland's soul through Highland legends, island abbeys, tartan tales, and whisky toasts in cities, castles, and coastal towns.

From buzzing Glasgow and Edinburgh to peaceful isles, lochs, and valleys, this journey blends Scotland's storied past with its spirited present.

Tour Details

Day 1

Overnight Flight

Depart for Scotland

Begin your Collette journey to Scotland, where lively cities, Highland legends, rugged coastlines, and the renowned 'water of life' set the tone for the days ahead.

•Overnight transatlantic flight
•Prepare for the official Collette tour beginning in Glasgow

Day 2

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow

Welcome to Glasgow, a cultural trove of art, music, and history. As arrival times vary, settle in and explore at your own pace before meeting your fellow travelers for tonight's welcome dinner.

•Arrive in Glasgow and transfer to the hotel
•Free time to relax or explore independently
•Welcome dinner with the group

Day 3

Glasgow

Soak in the rich culture of Glasgow on a guided walking and motorcoach tour through the city’s historic and architectural highlights, then enjoy free time in the afternoon.

•Local guided tour of George Square and Glasgow landmarks
•See Provand's Lordship, Glasgow Cathedral, Blythswood Square, and the Science Centre area
•Free afternoon in central Glasgow

Day 4

Glasgow - Luss - Oban - Loch Melfort

Loch Lomond to Arduaine

Leave the city behind for the western Highlands. Along the way, visit a family-run farm for a sheepdog demonstration, stop in the lakeside village of Luss, enjoy time in Oban, and continue to Loch Melfort for a two-night stay.

•Travel toward Loch Lomond and the west coast
•See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration
•Scottish snacks at the farm
•Free time in Luss for lunch on your own
•Walking tour of Oban with a local guide
•Arrive at Loch Melfort Hotel in Arduaine

Day 5

Loch Melfort - Isle of Mull - Isle of Iona - Loch Melfort

Inner Hebrides

Island-hop through Scotland’s storied west coast. Ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, continue to the sacred Isle of Iona, and enjoy time to explore Iona Abbey and its peaceful grounds before returning to Loch Melfort.

•Ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull
•Continue to the Isle of Iona
•Walk to Iona Abbey
•Free time to explore the abbey grounds independently
•Return through Oban to Loch Melfort

Day 6

Loch Melfort - Inverness

Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Inverness

Head deeper into the Highlands. Walk the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, continue to Loch Ness, explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and finish the day in Inverness.

•Visit the Glencoe National Nature Reserve and visitor centre
•Time for lunch on your own en route
•Explore legendary Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
•Continue to Inverness and settle into the hotel

Day 7

Inverness

Culloden, Cawdor, and Inverness

Spend another day in the Highlands exploring the region’s history and legends. Discover the story of the Jacobite uprising at Culloden and visit romantic Cawdor Castle, a stronghold steeped in Shakespearean legend and Highland history.

•Visit Culloden Battlefield and its immersive visitor experience
•Time in Inverness with insight into Highland culture and heritage
•Explore Cawdor Castle
•Evening at leisure in Inverness

Day 8

Inverness - Edinburgh

Tartan stories, Pitlochry, and Edinburgh

Travel south toward Edinburgh while learning about one of Scotland’s most recognizable cultural symbols. Hear the true story of tartan from Highland women, enjoy time in picturesque Pitlochry, and continue on to the capital.

•Learn the story of tartan from Highland women
•Stop in Pitlochry for free time and lunch on your own
•Continue onward to Edinburgh
•Arrive in Edinburgh for a three-night stay

Day 9

Edinburgh

Old Town and the Tattoo

Join a local expert for a walking tour of Edinburgh's hilly Old Town, visit Edinburgh Castle, and in the evening take your seat at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

•Three-hour walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town
•Included visit to Edinburgh Castle
•Evening admission to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Day 10

Edinburgh

Free day and farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Edinburgh to explore at your own pace, then gather in the evening for a whisky-inspired farewell dinner celebrating the flavors of Scotland.

•Free day in Edinburgh
•Optional time in New Town or Leith
•Optional excursion possibilities may be available through Collette
•Whisky-inspired farewell dinner

Day 11

Edinburgh - Tour Ends

Departure

Wish Scotland a fond farewell and depart for home after breakfast, carrying memories of Highland landscapes, island abbeys, castles, and the Tattoo.

•Breakfast at the hotel
•Departure transfers per Collette arrangements

Official Tour Snapshot

Experience The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and uncover Scotland's soul through Highland legends, island abbeys, tartan tales, and whisky toasts in cities, castles, and coastal towns.

From buzzing Glasgow and Edinburgh to peaceful isles, lochs, and valleys, this journey blends Scotland's storied past with its spirited present.

Essential Experiences

•See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
•Immerse yourself in the history of tartan as told by Highland women.
•See The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland's world-famous event.

Practical Information

Travel Logistics

Getting There

The official Collette itinerary begins in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh. Plan arrival into Glasgow and departure from Edinburgh, with final air details confirmed at booking.

Best Time to Pack

Scottish summer weather can shift quickly. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable walking shoes for cities, castle grounds, and uneven outdoor paths.

Physical Activity Level

Level 3 (Active): expect walking and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, several miles over the course of a day, hills, uneven surfaces, and the ability to climb three flights of stairs comfortably.

Booking Information

This departure is managed on Collette's booking platform for Martha's group.

Pricing and availability are live and may change based on room category and current promotions.

For up-to-date categories, terms, and booking details, please use the official page below.

Open official Scotland booking page

Our Route Through Scotland

Glasgow → Loch Lomond & Luss → Oban & Loch Melfort → Isle of Mull → Isle of Iona → Glencoe → Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle → Inverness → Culloden → Cawdor Castle → Pitlochry → Edinburgh.