Scottish Highlands Pre-Voyage Extension

Extraordinary experiences in a beautiful land with rich history

Scotland’s rich history and culture come to life on a journey through the renowned Scottish Highlands. Explore some of the country’s most iconic landscapes—notably the Nevis Range, home to the country's highest mountain, and Rannoch Moor—visit Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, and tour storied castles, including Urquhart Castle set along the shores of Loch Ness. Cap off the extension in the capital city Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will visit The Royal Yacht Britannia and sample Scotch Whiskey during a guided tasting.

Day 1 - Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Arrive at Inverness airport and transfer to the Kingsmills Hotel (or similar). Enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure. This evening, meet your tour guide and fellow guests for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 - Scottish Highlands

Start your day with a visit to Culloden Heritage Centre and historic battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil—the bloody 1746 Battle of Culloden between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland. Then head to the famous Loch Ness. Perched along the shores of the lake is Urquhart Castle, a critical strategic stronghold in the Highlands that met a dramatic end in 1692, when the castle was blown up to stop it falling into Jacobite hands. We’ll tour the impressive ruins before enjoying lunch at a highland cattle farm. Later, see Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable ladder of eight locks that marks the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Then continue to your hotel in Fort William. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Scottish Highlands

After a short transfer to the Nevis Range, take the gondola up to the slopes of Aonach Mor. Here you can enjoy a walk along gentle mountain trails and take in the scenery of the dramatic Scottish Highlands, including Ben Nevis on a clear day. Continue to Glencoe and marvel at the iconic mountain range known as The Three Sisters, then enjoy lunch at Kingshouse Hotel on the edge of Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe—and a film set location for the James Bond movie, Skyfall. Later we’ll visit Stirling, the original Capital of Scotland. From its spectacular setting, high on a volcanic rock above the River Forth, Stirling Castle has controlled one of the main routes between the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands for centuries. Transfer to our hotel in Edinburgh and enjoy time to relax before dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Stretching from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, the cobbled Royal Mile runs through the heart of Old Town Edinburgh. Stoll along this festive thoroughfare, lined with quirky shops and street performers, and stop at St. Giles Cathedral before continuing to Edinburgh Castle, the hulking and ancient fortification that dominates the city skyline. Examine the castle’s many architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout Scottish history, and view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the sacred Stone of Destiny, used at the inauguration for Scotland’s kings and queens. Enjoy lunch and a Scottish Whiskey tasting before stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s floating palace for over 40 years. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Edinburgh / Embark

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Edinburgh before embarking the ship this afternoon. (B)

Costs & What's Included

Occupancy

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Cost Includes:

Accommodations as shown in the itinerary, or similar; meals as shown in the itinerary; local guides on all excursions; tips to local guides, to porters, and to waiters for included meals.