This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a walking tour of Edinburgh. We'll learn about Scotland’s illustrious capital—“Dùn Èideann” in Scottish Gaelic—and possibly get a glimpse of a few particularly intriguing gravestones. Along the way, we'll receive an introduction to tartan, and learn a wee bit about Scotland’s Catholic Monarchy. From there, we'll depart the capital and head north into the Highlands. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy a few scenic stop-offs. In the early evening, we’ll check into our grandiose home for the next four nights: Assynt House, a beautiful Georgian country manor and then tuck into a delicious family-style dinner.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive two hours to Brodie Castle, originally built in 1567 by Clan Brodie, once one of Scotland’s most prominent families. Following a tour and a cozy lunch, we’ll then travel to Castle Foulis, the seat of Clan Munro, where we'll be hosted by the Munro family for afternoon tea, a few tales and a tour of their home. (Did we mention that Clan Mackenzie and Clan Munro have a longstanding rivalry?) Back at our private accommodation, we’ll have an evening of Scottish dancing, music, and good cheer, led and accompanied by some Highland friends. A delicious Scottish dinner will then be served by our Assynt House hosts.

This morning is dedicated to relaxing and enjoying the comfort of our accommodations. Toward midday, we’ll drive 45 minutes to Inverness, where you have the afternoon to explore the largest city of the Highlands. Check out the castle, cathedral, and Victorian Market, or simply duck into a bookstore or pub. In the late afternoon, before boarding our bus, we’ll each make a quick outfit upgrade (time to look nice!) for our evening at Castle Leod (about a 30-minute drive from Inverness). Castle Leod is a family home, the seat of Clan Mackenzie. Upon arrival, we’ll be given a tour of the grounds by the clan chief himself, Earl of Cromartie. Then we’ll join him for a private dinner in the castle to learn about centuries of clan rivalries. After dinner it’s back to Assynt House for a good night’s rest.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Culloden, site of the famous battle that ended the Jacobite rebellion on April 16, 1746, for a guided tour of the battlefield and moor. We’ll rest our legs and take lunch at Culloden House, which served as the battle headquarters for Bonnie Prince Charlie, leader of the uprising. We’ll then have time to wander the beautiful grounds and garden, with the option to visit several interesting sites nearby. We’ll return to Assynt House in time for a performance from our resident guide/bagpiper, with an introduction to Great Highland Bagpipes, followed by dinner. If you’re brave, you can try to convince everyone to let you try your hand at the bagpipes!  

This morning we’ll pack up and depart for the Isle of Skye, with stops at Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle, along with a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll pull into the Talisker Distillery on the shores of Loch Harport. Talisker specializes in single-malt Scotch whisky, and we’ll learn more about its history as the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye during a tour and tasting. This afternoon, enjoy some free time and dinner in town, before we retire back to our hotel for the evening.

Today is all about exploring the rugged natural beauty of Skye. After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Storr, a hill overlooking the Sound of Raasay. We’ll need a good three hours to properly enjoy the Storr—walking up takes about an hour and a half, and then it’s 30 minutes to return, but we’ll want to take some extra time to stop and take in the scenery. There will be plenty of flexibility to make your own pace. From the Storr, we’ll stop in the town of Flodigarry for rest and a warm lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Kilmuir, home of the grave of Flora Macdonald, and the Skye Museum of Island Life. We’ll arrive in Portree in the evening for time for wandering and dinner on your own, before returning to our lodge for the night.

We’ll depart Skye after breakfast for the return to Edinburgh, with a few stops along the way. (Total driving time around six hours). We’ll stop to enjoy the view in Glencoe, and take a break for lunch in Strathyre before the final stretch. After checking into our Edinburgh hotel, the evening is yours to relax and explore on your own, around town or in a local pub.

This morning we’ll meet for a special visit to Kinloch Anderson, where we'll hear from the most prominent kilt-makers in the world and have a viewing of the Royal Balmoral Tartan, which can only be worn with the Queen's permission! Kinloch Anderson has been considered the expert in kilts and Highland dress since 1868, including supplying kilts to the Scottish royal family—and our own guide! After learning more about their history and the many types of kilts and tartans, you’ll have the opportunity to rent your own for the night’s celebratory dinner and dancing. (If you’re a Harry Potter fan, choosing the right kilt is a bit like choosing a wand.) You’re then free to explore in the afternoon, though we strongly recommend keeping lunch light since dinner will have three substantial courses. We’ll reconvene at the hotel and walk to dinner together, perhaps in our own Highland attire. We'll be greeted with a round of champagne, followed by plenty of food and wine—and then some live music for our final Cèilidh celebration!