Treasures of Scotland

We board our overnight flight to Edinburgh and let anticipation take over. Imagine waking up to misty hills, ancient castles, and streets that inspired legendary writers. Sleep a little, dream a lot — because tomorrow, we step into a storybook.

Meals: In-flight

Landing in Edinburgh feels like stepping into a literary world. The city’s cobbled streets whisper tales of Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Rowling, where hidden corners inspired magical worlds. Spend the afternoon exploring at our own pace — grabbing a coffee, snapping our first Scottish selfies, or wandering past quirky bookshops. By evening, meet your tour crew for a welcome dinner, where laughter, plans, and the first sparks of adventure ignite.

Meals: In-flight, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel is included with your purchased AESU group airfare
• Welcome orientation
• Welcome to Scotland dinner

We meet our local guide and step into Edinburgh’s medieval heartbeat. Wander alleys where spies, rebels, and writers once walked. Touch the spires of St. Giles Cathedral, imagine sermons echoing across centuries, and marvel at the stories carved into John Knox House. Climb Castle Hill and take in sweeping views of rooftops and hills, before stepping into Edinburgh Castle, a fortress steeped in intrigue, battles, and royal drama. We wrap up the day at the Malt Whisky Society, sipping liquid history, then hit the streets to discover hidden pubs, live music, and ghostly legends lurking in the dark corners of Old Town.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Guided tour of Edinburgh incl. Royal Mile, Old & New Town, and Edinburgh Castle
• Admission to Edinburgh Castle
• Scotch tasting at the Malt Whisky Society

Leave the city behind and follow the road into the heart of the Highlands. We feel the thrill as we pass Stirling Castle and the towering Wallace Monument, imagining William Wallace rallying clans for freedom. Midday, pause for lunch en route, enjoying hearty local fare before continuing along the twisting Duke’s Pass, with misty peaks and sparkling lochs unfolding like a movie set. We stop at Drummond Castle, with gardens that starred in Outlander and Rob Roy. By late afternoon, arrive in Fort William, surrounded by dramatic mountains, rugged moors, and vistas that have inspired generations of filmmakers—James Bond, Braveheart, and Outlander all found magic here. As evening falls, gather for a relaxed dinner in town, sampling local dishes and reflecting on the day’s journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
• Views of Stirling Castle
• Wallace Monument
• Trossach Mountains and Lochs
• Drummond Castle Gardens admission
• Highland dinner

Today is a free day for us to explore at our own pace. Adventurers may opt for a hike up Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, taking in sweeping Highland vistas along the way. Alternatively, those choosing the optional Isle of Skye excursion visit the Fairy Pools, where waterfalls tumble into crystal-blue plunge pools—is it magic or just Scotland showing off? In Portree, wander along the natural harbor and climb ‘The Lump,” which rewards us with sweeping views of the cliffs and colorful town below. Stand before the Old Man of Storr, a towering pinnacle said to be a giant’s thumb left poking from the earth—dramatic, photogenic, and straight out of a fantasy epic. On the way back, stop at Eilean Donan Castle to snap that iconic shot, the very castle that belongs on every Scottish postcard.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Free day in Fort William
• Climb Ben Nevis Mountain for fantastic views

Optional activity:

• Day excursion to the Isle of Skye, including a hike to the fairy pools, a Portree pub lunch, a distillery tour, and views of Eilean Donan castle

Set sail on Loch Ness, scanning the waters for Nessie, the legendary monster that has captivated imaginations for generations. In Inverness, the Highlands’ cultural heart, step into Outlander lore at Abertarff House, then feel the ancient energy at Clava Cairns aka Craeg Na Dun, where 4,000-year-old stones whisper secrets of the past—dare to touch them, and you might feel a spark of the mystical. We end the day at Culloden Battlefield, where history comes alive with the poignant story of the clans’ final stand.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Great Glen and Loch Ness
• Cruise on Loch Ness
• Outlander-themed tour of filming locations including ‘Craeg Na Dun’ and Culloden Battlefield

We travel along the Malt Whisky Trail, tasting the rich, smooth spirits of Speyside. Hear the stories of master distillers, innovators who captured Scotland’s essence in every glass. After lunch, wander Stirling, its volcanic rock crowned with a fortress that has witnessed centuries of history. Celebrate the week with a farewell dinner, swapping epic stories, favorite photos, and inside jokes from a journey full of treasures, adventure, and cinematic landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Malt Whisky Trail
• Scotch distillery tour and tasting
• Pub farewell dinner

Return to Edinburgh, heads full of stories, hearts full of memories. Castles, lochs, legends, whisky, and newfound friends — Scotland leaves its mark, and the adventure lingers long after the flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Transfer from the hotel to Edinburgh Airport