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Scotland

The Best of Scotland

Program No. 20881RJ

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South to the cultural riches of Edinburgh and Glasgow. West to the sacred and misty island of Iona in the Hebrides. Inland to the breathtaking highlands, where clans and kings fought to defend their hearths and heritage. Discover rugged landscapes, turbulent history, romance and legend on a remarkable, sweeping journey through Scotland. From peaks to glens we’ll go, with a wee dram to fortify us along the way.

Best of all, you'll...

Explore the beautiful islands of Mull, Skye and Iona.
Journey on one of the world's most scenic railways, the West Highland Line.
Experience iconic Edinburgh Castle, dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital city, on a fascinating field trip to the top of the volcanic Castle Rock.

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Featured Expert

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David Praill

David Praill was CEO of a UK-based NGO supporting hospice care in the UK and internationally. Before this, he ran education programs in Jerusalem, and he founded a company specializing in travel to the Sinai Desert in Egypt. He runs a news website, ehospice.com; is a trustee of a small charity; and is attempting to write a novel. He has worked as a group leader with Road Scholar since 2022, focusing on their programs in Scotland where, apart from London, he feels most at home.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

David Praill

Dorothy Rodger

Dorothy Rodger grew up, was educated, and has worked in Scotland for most of her life. She lives in Highland Perthshire right in the heart of Scotland. She is a geographer and is fascinated by people and place. The theme of opening people’s eyes to the world around them, and enabling them to make the most of those opportunities, runs throughout her career.

Jill Rosenfield

Jill Rosenfield lives in Jerusalem and works full time as an Israeli tour guide and Road Scholar group leader. For the past 25 years, she has guided a wide variety of tours. She loves introducing the historical, cultural, and culinary wonders of Israel. Jill grew up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe before moving to South Africa, to finish her schooling and university. After graduating, she immigrated to Israel. She worked for many years as a special education teacher before changing careers and becoming a licensed Israeli tour guide.

Paula Benassi

Paula Benassi is a recognized Blue Badge Guide of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. In addition to having CPD Qualification, Paula is a polyglot and speaks English, French, and Italian. She is passionate about her country and enjoys traveling with guests all over Scotland. Guiding has dovetailed very well with her long experience in teaching and her love of geography, history, and spending time with visitors from different cultures.

Claire French

Claire French, from teaching English across Asia to a successful global travel industry career, has had an interest in people and places that has taken her around the world many times. Now based mainly in the north of England, she’s exploring closer to home, whether that’s city restaurants and theatre, or seeking out hidden rural gems. As a Road Scholar group leader, she thoroughly enjoys meeting fellow curious minds, and facilitating the cultural immersion and learning that each individual participant seeks.

Ann Carr

Ann Carr, after careers first as an officer in the Royal Air Force then an air stewardess, joined a major UK tour operator in an operational role, handling incoming American groups and later a cruise line as head of enrichment. Experienced in all aspects of tour planning, she trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and has over 30 years of practical experience as a guide and tour leader. She is a food and wine expert and has a passion for sports and theatre.

Charles Davidson

Charles Davidson has been a tour guide for 20 years and an instructor with Road Scholar since 2015, specializing in the Best of Scotland program. He is a graduate of the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen and had a previous career as a chartered accountant. Charles has won some awards and delights in sharing the landscape, history, and culture of his native land and city with visitors. He includes witchcraft in Scotland, the Scottish diaspora, Scotch whisky, and Robert Louis Stevenson among his interests.

Morten Ronne

Morten Ronne was born in Denmark but has lived in Scotland for more than 15 years, working almost exclusively as a group leader showing people around all corners of the country. His background is as an interpreter/translator but for the past two decades, he has worked mostly in the tourism industry in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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