Scotland
In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
Program No. 20321RJ
Discover what makes the Scottish Highlands one of Europe’s most unique natural wonders, as you learn the history of ancient lochs, clan lands, castles and glens.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
31 meals (
11B, 10L, 10D
)
3 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Edinburgh, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Edinburgh.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At the hotel, our Study Leader will introduce the topics we will be exploring in our program’s lectures and field trips.
Day
3
Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns, Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse
Location:
Edinburgh.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, cobbled areas, hilly, steep terrain. Some steep cobbled areas at Edinburgh Castle; steps with handrails to vaults and One o’Clock Gun; Royal Apartments, David’s Tower, and prisons accessible only by steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip through Scotland’s most famed city, including the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town, the Georgian rigor of the New Town — the model for the grid layout of American cities — and the Royal Mile. We’ll continue our field trip at the great bastion of Edinburgh Castle to discover its rich and varied history, as turbulent as it is long. The rock upon which the castle is built was fortified in the Iron Age. The oldest remaining section, St. Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century and is the oldest building in the city. Among the castle’s treasures are the Scottish regalia (crown jewels), also known as the Honours of Scotland, We’ll board the motorcoach after our field trip and ride to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Lunch:
Lunch vouchers will be provided.
Afternoon:
We’ll then explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, on a field trip led by our Study Leader. We'll see the fourteen state apartments and royal collections, as well as the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, all set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Transfer to Strathpeffer, The Highland Folk Museum
Location:
Strathpeffer
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 175 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas; low doorways and steps up/down to enter some buildings at Highland Folk Museum. Extent of walking and other activities at Dunkeld according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll check out of the hotel and begin our transfer by motorcoach to Strathpeffer, stopping en route at Dunkeld, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Scotland. Its cathedral dominates the skyline and is over 1,400 years old, dating from a time when Celtic monks set up the base for a mission at the confluence of two rivers. Since then, it has seen many changes and turbulent times, eventually becoming the beautiful, peaceful place of worship it is today. Our Group Leader will introduce the cathedral and town, after which we’ll have some time for independent exploration. However, as a working cathedral, the visit may not be possible. We will board the motorcoach to continue on our transfer, with a stop for a visit to the Highland Folk Museum in the Cairngorms National Park.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll then explore the Highland Folk Museum on a field trip led by our Study Leader. The museum transports visitors back in time to witness how human settlements have evolved in rural Scotland, from the 18th century to the present day. We’ll board the motorcoach to continue our transfer after our field trip. Arriving to Strathpeffer in the late afternoon, we'll check in to our hotel in time for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle
Location:
Strathpeffer
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing. Paved and gravel paths, some uneven grassy areas; carpeted floors, steep steps within Cawdor Castle.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride east to Nairnshire, where we’ll visit the historic site of Culloden Battlefield, the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. This desperate fight changed the history of the Highlands forever. It led to the breakdown of the clan system and paved the way for the Highland Clearances and emigration to the New World. Our Study Leader will take us across the exposed heath while describing the famous battle.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue by motorcoach to fairytale Cawdor Castle, situated close to the East Highland town of Nairn. Linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor has been the family home of the Thanes of Cawdor since the 14th century. The castle contains a fine example of a 16th-century tower house with elegant 18th-century additions, and while presenting a strong and severe exterior it is a surprisingly intimate building that radiates a friendly, family atmosphere through its interior. Within the grounds of the castle, there are extensive nature trails and fine gardens. We will then board the motorcoach to begin our return to the hotel, stopping for dinner en route
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
6
The Black Isle
Location:
Strathpeffer
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 55 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our Study Leader will deliver a lecture on the history and effects of the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries. After the lecture, we’ll have some time to relax and explore Strathpeffer independently.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We will travel by motorcoach to the peninsula known as the Black Isle, one of the first parts of the Northern Highlands to experience the Highland Clearances. We’ll begin here with an exploration of the small town of Cromarty led by our Study Leader. We’ll then continue by motorcoach to learn about early Pictish Christian monasticism at the Groam House Museum, and encounter the 13th-century architecture and history of Fortrose Cathedral — which served as the seat of the medieval diocese of Ross until the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. After our field trip, we’ll return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll enjoy a performance by a traditional Scottish bagpiper in the hotel.
Day
7
Aigas Field Centre
Location:
Strathpeffer
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing. Woodland, stone and gravel paths, grass lawns. Extent of walking and other activities in Inverness according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. .
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach to make the short drive to the world-renowned Aigas Field Centre. The home of esteemed naturalist Sir John Lister-Kaye, Aigas is a facility dedicated to conserving the natural environment of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll be welcomed with tea, coffee, and homemade shortbread, after which we’ll attend a talk by a local expert introducing us to the varied conservation projects that take place at Aigas.
Lunch:
At Aigas Field Centre.
Afternoon:
Continuing our field trip to Aigas, we will have a look at the gardens created by Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye. The House of Aigas is set amid beautiful gardens, with rockeries, a large pond, and an extensive arboretum. Most of the trees were planted by the estate’s Victorian-era residents more than 100 years ago, including exotics such as giant sequoia and western red cedar that have now reached considerable heights, with some native trees dating even farther back. The garden is Lady Lister-Kaye's creation, a blaze of color throughout the year, hosting a rich array of species from miniature maples to azaleas and rhododendrons and the blooms of heathers, lilies, honeysuckle, and clematis. We’ll continue by motorcoach to Inverness, where we’ll have some free time for independent exploration of this small city’s castle and museum.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
8
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric
Location:
Strathpeffer
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 95 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, some cobbled areas, uneven grassy areas, woodland, gravel, and grass paths; steps to some areas at Urquhart Castle.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll travel by motorcoach along the scenic shores of Loch Ness. Loch Ness is world-famous for its mighty monster and it’s sure to be difficult to resist scanning its waters as we drive along its wooded shores. However, our Study Leader will also tell us about the fascinating natural and cultural history of this enormous lake, so steeped in folklore. We’ll stop for a visit to the magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on a promontory jutting into Loch Ness. Its ruinous state gives testament to the turbulence of its 500-year history as a medieval fortress.
Lunch:
Lunch vouchers will be provided.
Afternoon:
We’ll remain at Urquhart Castle for some time to explore independently. The visitor center contains an interpretation area, audio-visual presentation, tearoom, and toilets. Stunning views of the loch can be seen from the visitor center’s veranda. We’ll then drive west to the mountains and forests of Glen Affric, where we’ll take a gentle nature walk with our Study Leader. The last 6,000 years have witnessed the destruction of the native forests of Scotland, to the extent that there are now only small remnants of old Caledonian Pine Forest left. Glen Affric is one of the most beautiful glens in the Highlands and is managed as a National Nature Reserve. We’ll return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Transfer to Ballaculish, Loch Ness Study Cruise
Location:
Ballaculish
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Isles of Glencoe Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 3 hours. Getting on/off a boat; study cruise duration approximately 1 hour. Minimal walking.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach to begin our transfer to Ballaculish. We’ll stop en route at Fort Augustus, at the southwestern end of Loch Ness, where we’ll board a comfortable boat for a study cruise on the famed waters. As we sail past the tiny Cherry Island — the only island in the loch — we’ll be able to keep an eye on happenings beneath the surface on the boat’s sonar display, with informative commentary by a local expert.
Lunch:
A packed lunch will be provided.
Afternoon:
We will continue our transfer.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
South Skye, Eilean Donan, Armadale
Location:
Ballaculish
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Isles of Glencoe Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 110 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel paths, grass lawns, paved streets.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll visit one of the most famous sights in Scotland, Eilean Donan, a castle surrounded by three sea lochs. Although the castle was first inhabited in the 6th century, episodes of feudal fighting have led to it being repeatedly rebuilt. Our Study Leader will coutline the important moments of Scotland's history as we visit its many rooms.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue to the South of Skye, the most famous of the Hebridean islands. The soil in this area is rich in lime, leading to the most diverse habitats on the island — a mixture of woodland, open moorland, and jagged coastline. The dominant land use is crofting, with many typical crofting and small fishing communities scattered throughout the peninsula. Sleat is in the territory of the MacDonald Clan, and we will visit their clan seat at Armadale Castle, which has an excellent interpretation center and gentle walks in the extensive castle grounds. We’ll return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
The Isles of Mull & Iona
Location:
Ballaculish
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Isles of Glencoe Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Boarding ferries; each Oban-Craignure crossing approximately 10 miles, about 45 minutes; each Fionnphort-Iona crossing approximately 1 mile, about 10 minutes. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day, periods of standing. Tarmac and gravel paths, paved streets, grassy areas; some uneven stone floors at historic sites
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and begin a full-day field trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona by riding to Oban’s ferry terminal, a short distance from the hotel. We’ll board a local ferry to cross the Sound of Mull, with splendid Hebridean views from the ship’s decks and observation lounge. After stepping ashore at Craignure on Mull’s west coast, we will board a motorcoach to cross the island. Our Study Leader will inform us about Mull’s history and wildlife as we ride through beautiful heath and forest landscapes to the shore of Loch Scridain, then follow the coast road along the Ross of Mull — the peninsula that forms the south-east of the island. From Fionnphort, a small fishing village at the tip of the Ross of Mull, we will make the 1-mile crossing on the foot-passenger ferry to Iona.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll explore the ethereal Isle of Iona – a place where they say “the veil is thin.” Iona was a center of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. We’ll explore Iona’s main settlement, Baile Mòr, on foot with our Study Leader. Our walk will take us to Iona Abbey, an important pilgrimage site founded by St Columba in the 6th century, and to the remains of the medieval Iona nunnery. The serenity of the island is in stark contrast to its tumultuous history; Iona was subjected to numerous Viking raids in the 8th and 9th centuries, the most brutal of which is reflected in the name of Martyrs’ Bay to the south of Baile Mòr. St Martin’s Cross, a stone Celtic cross that dates to this period, still stands outside the abbey today. We'll return to Fionnphort on the foot-passenger ferry and board the motorcoach for the journey back to Craignure, then return by ferry from Craignure to Oban.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Transfer to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle
Location:
Edinburgh.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 5.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including tarmac and gravel paths, wooden boardwalks with handrails, some uneven grassy areas; at Stirling Castle, cobbled paths and courtyards, some sloping areas; step free access to all areas except Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Great Kitchens, Elphinstone Tower.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will transfer by motorcoach to Edinburgh.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our journey continues through bleak Rannoch Moor and down to Stirling Castle where our Study Leader will point out the important historical and architectural features of this strategically significant castle. We’ll have personal audio devices allowing us to explore at our own pace. Stirling Castle symbolizes Scottish pride and independence and was home to many 15th-century kings and queens. We'll continue to Edinburgh for a late afternoon check-in to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure to prepare for departure in the morning and get a good night’s rest.
Day
13
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
Jun 19, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
Apr 09, 2026 - Apr 21, 2026
Apr 23, 2026 - May 05, 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 26, 2026
May 28, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026
Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026
Jul 02, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
Aug 06, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026
Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026
Oct 01, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026