Bonnie Lassies in Scotland

Day 1 - Monday 7 August 2023

Melbourne - Glasgow (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Join your Sisterhood Hostess and fellow travellers at  Melbourne airport for your flight to Scotland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's inflight entertainment as we head towards Glasgow.

The Scottish Highlands are a glorious blend of history, architecture, culture and exceptional scenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the dramatic beauty of this untamed landscape and explore the jaw-dropping views, stretches of coastline, beautiful islands and much more. Highland highlights include: the Knoydart Peninsula, which encapsulates the quiet beauty of the Scottish wilderness; Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak; and Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most visited attractions.

Day 2 - Tuesday 8 August 2023

Welcome to Scotland! (D)

Upon arrival into Glasgow we'll be met by our Tour Manager and transferred to our hotel.

The remainder of our day will be at leisure with dinner included at a local restaurant. 

Overnight - Moxy Glasgow 

Day 3 - Wednesday 9 August 2023

Glasgow - Glencoe (B)

This morning we travel to Aberfoyle (via Loch Lomond) where we will visit the Scottish Wool Centre. Then we'll head through the Trossachs National Park and towards Glencoe where we'll have a scenic photo stop before moving onto Fort William.

Set in Scotland’s rugged west, the Scottish Highlands are home to some of Europe's most expansive and spectacularly scenic wilderness characterised by majestic mountains, secluded beaches, mythical lochs and fairy-tale castles. 

Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel Glencoe  

Day 4 - Thursday 10 August 2023

Fort William - Isle of Skye (B, D)

Today, after breakfast we'll head to the train station in Fort William where we board the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig. On arrival in Mallaig we'll take the ferry to the Isle of Skye before driving to our hotel. 

Resting just off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands and Scotland’s second most visited tourist destination after the capital city of Edinburgh. This popularity is attributed to its magnificent natural environment and the island’s accessibility from the mainland by ferry or over the Sky Bridge. Despite this ease of access, the island has managed to retain its remote atmosphere. The landscape is characterised by rugged mountains, misty moors, glistening lochs and majestic sea cliffs. While this spectacular scenery is undoubtedly the island’s main drawcard, visitors can also discover countless historical castles, crofting museums, distilleries, art galleries, cosy pubs and tempting restaurants to keep you blissfully entertained. With its vibrant culture, long and rich history, and its profusion of fascinating wildlife, the Isle of Skye has an allure that is hard to ignore. 

Dinner will be included at our hotel tonight.

Overnight - Overnight: The Inn at Àird a’ Bhàsair, Ardvasar (one of Skye's oldest inns)

Note: The Jacobite Train is a steam locomotive which operates over part of the West Highland Railway Line, a very scenic route of 41 miles from Fort William to Mallaig, passing Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Arisaig. The Jacobite's route was used for filming Harry Potter. Our tickets will be 2nd class (one way).

Day 5 - Friday 11 August 2023

Isle of Skye Sightseeing (B)

Today we enjoy a full day tour of the Isle of Skye. Drive towards Sligachan where you can see the Black Cuilin Hills. From here we travel to the Skye Museum of Island and Life. The museum offers visitors a unique experience and a true insight into island life 100 years ago. Later we will drive around the Trotternish Peninsula seeing such natural beauty as the Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr (if time permits we can walk up the path). In Portree we will have some free time before heading back to our hotel.

Resting on the banks of Loch Portree in the Isle of Skye, Portree is the largest village in the Inner Hebrides. Overlooking the sparkling bay, this lively village boasts spectacular views and serves as the capital of the island. The surrounding landscape boasts scenic hills such as Ben Chrachaig, Ben Tianavaig and Suidh Fhinn. Portree features a host of amenities including excellent restaurants and cafes and a collection of book and gift shops. We can enjoy a walk along the forsehore and soak up the beautiful views of the surrounding hills as well as the picturesque harbour lined with colourful buildings. 

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - The Inn at Àird a’ Bhàsair, Ardvasar

Day 6 - Saturday 12 August 2023

Isle of Skye - Inverness (B)

This morning we farewell the Isle of Skye and travel to Dornie where we visit Eilean Donan Castle; one of the most recognised castles in Scotland. After our visit to the castle we head to Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness where we'll visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Situated on the banks of the Loch Ness beside the village of Drumnadrochit, the castle is one of the most picturesque landmarks in Scotland. For centuries the castle has played an important role in controlling the key route through the Scottish Highlands. Built in the 1300s it has witnessed violent clan rivalry and has withstood many uprisings.

In the afternoon, we'll take a cruise on Loch Ness with the chance to spot the legendary Loch Ness and then a visit to Urquhart Castle.

Then it's off to Inverness. This ancient cathedral town is crowned by a pink crenellated castle adorned with colourful flowers. This vibrant city sits astride the River Ness at the northern end of the Great Glen and attracts considerable numbers of tourists drawn to the iconic legend of the Loch Ness Monster. With impressive scotch, excellent restaurants and shops and even white water rafting on offer, there is plenty to do in and around this 'bonny wee town'. 

Overnight - Pentahotel Inverness 

Note: Eilean Donan Castle - This 13th-century castle is located on the shores of Loch Duich. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms and its period furniture, Jacobean artefacts, displays of weapons as well as plenty of fine art. 

Day 7 - Sunday 13 August 2023

Inverness - Full Day Tour (B, D)

Today we'll enjoy a full day excursion from Inverness. Travel to Poolewe where we'll visit Inverewe Gardens, a botanical garden created from barren land. Set on an 850-hectare estate in the Scottish Highlands, Inverewe Garden & Estate features a botanical garden and Inverewe House. Visitors can explore the garden with it’s over 2,500 exotic plants, flowers and trees, spot red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals, and golden eagles, or visit the gallery on the estate. 

From Poolewe we travel across Scotland to the east coast villages of Balintore and Shandwick to view the Shandwick Stone, a well preserved Pictish stone and the Mermaid statue of the North. 

Return to our hotel for dinner.

Overnight - Pentahotel Inverness

Day 8 - Monday 14 August 2023

Inverness - Aviemore (B, D)

This morning we visit the Culloden battlefield site (Outlander Fans will be excited by this!). From here we travel to the village of Aberlour stopping at the Knockando Woolmill; a traditional wool mill which is still operating and where we have the chance for a little shopping. 

Next we enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at the Aberlour distillery before continuing onto the quaint little town of Aviemore.  Set within the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, this town serves as a central base to explorethis magnificent area featuring ancient forests, abundant wildlife, spectacular mountains and hidden lochs. 

Dinner tonight at our hotel.

Overnight - Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, Aviemore

Day 9 - Tuesday 15 August 2023

Aviemore - Kincraig - Dundee (B)

Today we head to Kincraig where we visit a working sheepdog farm. Afterwards, we'll visit the picturesque town of Pitlochry where we'll have free time before heading to Glamis Castle. Glamis Castle is the home to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, located in Angus. The castle is also the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

Our journey today takes us through more of the scenic Cairngorms National Park. Then onto Dundee, situated on the Firth of Tay and the Eden Estuary.

Dundee is a characterful place which is rapidly growing as a major ‘city break’ destination. It contains some notable historical sights such as the Verdant Works Museum which details the history of Dundee’s jute industry the cutting-edge V&A Design Museum and Discovery Point. Here you will see the ship RRS Discovery which was built in Dundee and took Robert Scott to the Antarctic. Meanwhile, the McManus Galleries house a broad selection of artefacts relating to Dundee’s history in a gorgeous Victorian Gothic house. The Dundee Law is an extinct volcano offering exceptional panoramic views of the city.  

We end our day in Dundee with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Centre, Dundee 

Day 10 - Wednesday 16 August 2023

Dundee - St Andrews - Dundee (B)

In the morning after a visit to the V&A museum, we continue on to St Andrews, a small town on the east coast. Famously known as the ‘Home of Golf’ there is much more to see and do in this charming town. View the medieval ruins of the St Andrews Cathedral which were abandoned in the mid-1500s as well as St Andrews Castle.

The town is also home to an attractive pier and harbour area as well as three popular beaches. 

Returning to Dundee in the afternoon with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Centre, Dundee 

Note: The V&A Dundee is situated at the heart of Dundee's waterfront and is the international centre for design for Scotland. It was built to host major exhibitions, to inspire and promote contemporary talent and encourage design innovation for the future. One of its first major exhibitions included the works of Scottish artist John Byrne, displaying a stage set design in the form of a giant pop-up book.

Day 11 - Thursday 17 August 2023

Dundee - Perth - Stirling (B, D)

Today we travel to Perth to visit Scone Palace; home to the Stone of Destiny and the crowning place of many Scottish Kings. After our visit to the castle we have time to enjoy afternoon tea on the castle grounds before heading to Stirling in time for a visit to its famous Castle. Stirling Castle is one of the most important castles in Scotland, both architecturally and historically. 

Located in central Scotland, Stirling is one of the country’s most historic cities and known as the ancient ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. History has bequeathed Stirling with a rich array of sights and attractions, including Stirling Castle, a beautifully preserved hilltop fortress and the nearby Wallace Monument. Both offer great views of the city and its surrounds. The Monument provides some good information on William Wallace one of the key figures in the Scottish War of Independence brought to Holywood as Braveheart. History fans may be familiar with the nearby battlefields of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. 

Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Overnight - The Stirling Highland Hotel 

Day 12 - Friday 18 August 2023

Stirling - Edinburgh (B, L)

Today enroute to Edinburgh we visit a couple of Outlander filming sights with a local guide. These include Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle and the Royal Burgh of Culross. This will be a fantastic day and includes a packed lunch. 

We arrive into Edinburgh in the afternoon with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge Hotel

Note: Culross - a former royal burgh and parish idyllically situated in the Kingdom of Fife. An incredibly scenic village which boasts cobblestoned streets lined with quaint heritage buildings and features the ochre-coloured Culross Palace, with its intricately painted ceilings, many rooms, labyrinthine passageways and reconstructed authentic garden. Serving as the setting of the hit US TV series, Outlander, the village has recently been put on the map. Visitors can step into the past and explore this pocket of history by wandering around the delightful streets and exploring the numerous historical buildings including: the 17th-century Town House and the ruins of the Culross Abbey. With all of its magnificent charms, it's no surprise Culross is considered to be one of the best- preserved and most picturesque villages in Scotland.

Day 13 - Saturday 19 August 2023

Edinburgh (B,D)

This morning we discover Edinburgh on our walking tour where we'll walk along the Royal Mile, view Outlander filming locations such as the Canongate Kirk and World’s End Tavern and visit the famous and impressive Edinburgh Castle. Running between two locations of great historical significance in Scottish history, namely Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile forms the main thoroughfare of the Old Town in Edinburgh and includes Castle Hill, the Lawnmarket, Parliament Square, the High Street, the Canongate, Holyrood, and Holyrood Park. With a diverse range of shops, restaurants, pubs, and attractions, the Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in the Old Town, and it becomes even busier during the annual Edinburgh Festival when street entertainers and buskers join the throng.

Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has been dominating the skyline of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland since as far back as the 12th century. Apart from having been the residence of several reigning monarchs, it was also one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland. Today, the stone walls of the castle protect countless treasures including the nation’s Crown Jewels. Highlights include the Crown Room, the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the Scottish National War Memorial. 

In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the old city. 

Later we'll regroup and enjoy the Spirit of Scotland dinner and show

Overnight - Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge Hotel

Day 14 - Sunday 20 August 2023

Edinburgh (B)

After breakfast we'll enjoy a full day excursion. 

Beginning with Jedburgh where we visit the Mary Queen of Scots’ visitor centre housing a collection of objects associated with Mary, reflecting the cult that has grown up around her. Then we transfer to Melrose to visit Melrose Abbey, where several Scottish Kings and nobles are buried.

Later we'll go to Roslin where we visit Rosslyn Chapel; one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings. 

We arrive back in Edinburgh late in the afternoon with dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge Hotel

Day 15 - Monday 21 August 2023

Edinburgh (B)

This morning we visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the first Royal Yacht to be built with complete ocean-going capacity and designed as a Royal residence to entertain guests around the world. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British Royal Yachts, dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II.

An afternoon free before our special event - The Edinburgh Tattoo. This takes place on the esplanade of the Castle as part of the Edinburgh Festival each August. The tattoo is a celebration showcasing the talents of military bands as well as artistic performance teams from all over the globe, with an audience of over 220,000 visitors every year, including the Royals. Apart from the performance, the venue features other attractions such as shops, restaurants and pubs.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge Hotel

Day 16 - Tuesday 22 August 2023

Edinburgh - London (B)

Today we say farewell to Scotland and head south by train to London.  

Upon arrival at King's Cross Station, we'll be transferred to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Hilton London, Kensington, London

Day 17 - Wednesday 23 August 2023

London (B)

Today we'll enjoy a full day exploring London on a guided tour. During our tour we'll see the main sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. 

Returning back to our hotel for dinner at leisure.

Overnight - Hilton London, Kensington, London

Day 18 - Thursday 24 August 2023

London - Windsor - London (B,FD)

After breakfast we'll enjoy an excursion to Windsor where our highlight will be famous Windsor Palace. Just 35 kilometres west of London on the River Thames lies regal, resplendent Windsor. The town is dominated by Windsor Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and is famously the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. Don’t miss the chance to tour this impressive historical structure, while the ritualistic Changing of the Guard is one of the country’s most iconic sights. Other key attractions include the Guildhall, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and Runnymede, the site of the signing of the Magna Carta. 

We'll return to London for an afternoon at leisure.

Tonight we will head out to our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate great times spent with new friends.

Overnight - Hilton London, Kensington, London

Day 19 - Friday 25 August 2023

London - Depart to Airport (B)

We'll head to the airport this morning for our flight back home.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head homewards.

Day 20 - Saturday 26 August 2023

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home Sisters! 

We thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and look forward to welcoming you on another one!