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Pure Barry means “Utterly Wonderful & Fantastic” in Scottish

 This classic tour of Scotland starts in Glasgow and explores the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, plus there is plenty of wonderful scenery as we travel through the Scottish Highlands. We’ll discover castles, watch skilled sheepdogs and cruise Loch Lomond. We’ll stay in elegant manor house hotels, including the special Atholl Palace Hotel. Trip highlight: seeing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! 

Special Tour Feature: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 

The world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an open-air show of spectacular military marching bands in colorful uniforms and special entertainment from across the globe! This event is an international favorite and is sure to leave us in awe!

Day 1 – Depart the United States 

Our adventure to Scotland begins as we take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. We’ll enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service. The R&J Tour Director will be with the group the entire time. 

Included Meals: Inflight Meals as served 

Day 2 – Arrive Edinburgh, Scotland 

We arrive at the Edinburgh Airport, where we’re welcomed by our Scotland guide. First, we’ll drive into Glasgow and set off on a guided tour to see George Square, filled with statues of Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria and other influential people. We’ll also view the Victorian City Chambers, opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria. We pass Glasgow Cathedral, a splendid 12th century Gothic building dedicated to St. Mungo, the patron saint of the city. Then we stop to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, which was built to house the 1901 International Exhibition. The collection inside ranges from local historical art to even a Storm Trooper costume from the original Star Wars films. Afterwards we’ll check into the hotel and relax before enjoying an included dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Apex City Hotel, Glasgow (2 Nights) 

Day 3 – Culzean Castle 

Today, we visit the Culzean Castle and Park, which is set on a cliff top perch and has been associated with the Kennedy family since the 14th century. Stop to visit the Robert Burns Museum building for a 21st century tribute to this famous Scottish poet & lyricist. The museum houses the world’s most important collection of Burns’ original works and personal belongings, all in a bright and impressive surrounding. Returning to Glasgow, the remainder of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining options. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 4 – Loch Lomond Cruise 

This morning we stop at the celebrated Loch Lomond, Scotland’s longest loch, and embark on a cruise of the loch which offers wonderful views, such as the 30+ islands scattered within. One of the islands is the burial place of the Chiefs of the Clan MacGregor. Disembarking, we head to Inveraray to visit Inveraray Castle, home of the 12th Duke of Argyll. Tour the elaborately decorated castle, which contains an armory, many historic relics, and a portrait collection. Continuing our travels through the Glencoe Region, an area known for the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, in which the Campbells slaughtered many of the MacDonald clan. We then drive into Fort William, check into our hotel and settle into our rooms. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Nevis Bank Hotel, Fort William 

Day 5 – Eilean Donan Castle/Loch Ness Drive 

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we take a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. Next, we visit the Clan Donald Centre, which encompasses the romantic ruins of the Armadale Castle, the spiritual home of Clan Donald. We’ll explore the lovely, historic gardens and woodland trails before driving up the Isle of Skye and across the Skye Bridge to the Mainland. Stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic images of Scotland. At least four different versions of the castle have existed as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries on this site. Continue our journey along the scenic shores of Loch Ness, best known for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie.” Upon arrival into Inverness, we’ll check into our hotel and join our fellow travelers for an authentic Scottish dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Palace Hotel, Inverness (2 Nights) 

Day 6 – Culloden Visitor Centre 

This morning we travel to Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. We’ll walk around the battlefield where, on April 16, 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. The brutal measures imposed after the battle signaled the end of the distinctive Highland way of life and culture. Then we drive a short distance to the northern flank of the Cairngorms. Enjoy the amazing views as we travel on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway through the Cairngorm. Afterwards we return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 7 – Leault Farm 

Today, visit Leault Farm in Kingcraig, where we will see a sheepdog demonstration and learn about farming life in Scotland. Next we travel into Pitlochry and visit the Blair Athol Distillery, where we can learn the process of whisky production and sample the finished product at the end of the tour. Then we drive a short distance to our hotel, and after checking in, our group will gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry (2 Nights) 

Day 8 – Blair Castle 

After a wholesome Scottish breakfast, we drive a short distance to visit Blair Castle, home of the Duke of Atholl. We’ll take a tour of the castle and enjoy the fine collections of furniture, portraits, china and armor. We continue our journey into Dunkeld and stop at The Hermitage, home to giant Douglas firs and the thunderous Black Linn Falls. Then we head to Loch Tummel and take in the incredible “Queen’s View,” which Queen Victoria made famous in 1866. Next we’ll arrive in the small Village of Killiecrankie for some free time. Return to our hotel in time for dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 9 – Glamis Castle 

Today, travel through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of the story, “Macbeth” and childhood home of the Queen Mother. Then we drive into St. Andrews, where golf originated, and embark on a guided walking tour to see the highlights of this historic town. We’ll see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the British Golf Museum, which tells the story of British golf both past and present. Also, we’ll view St. Andrews Castle, once home of the Bishop of St. Andrews and St. Andrews Cathedral, which was founded in 1160. We continue our drive through Scotland’s green pastures and into the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where we’ll check into our hotel and settle into our rooms before this evening’s festivities. Tonight we head to a unique Scottish venue for dinner, followed by a traditional Scottish ceilidh, a night of lively music and dancing. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Principal George Street Hotel, Edinburgh (2 Nights) 

Day 10 – Edinburgh Guided Tour 

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Edinburgh to see some of the city’s magnificent highlights. During our tour, we will travel through the Old Town, and of course, along the Royal Mile. If time permits, we will also see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles Cathedral and even the National Museum of Scotland. Then we stop for a guided tour of the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock. Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts including 26 sieges in its 1,100-year-old history! Return to our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free to relax, sightsee, shop and dine on your own. This evening, we’ll walk to experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a tremendous outdoor spectacle held annually. See many international performers both military and civilian, set against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 11 – Scotland to Home 

All too soon, our vacation has come to its final day. We’ll depart Edinburgh Airport and fly across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States. We’ll fondly recall our Pure Barry – our utterly wonderful & fantastic – Scotland journey! 

Included Meals: Breakfast