Incredible Scotland tours

• Pick up your car once you arrive to the airport.
• In the afternoon visit Glasgow’s cathedral, also known as Saint Mungo. This gothic temple is the fourth one built on the spot where Saint Mungo built his church in the 7^th century. The visit includes a stop at the University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Museum. You can also get to know more about Scottish football, learning about the history and rivalry between the Celtics and the Rangers. Spend the night in Glasgow.

• Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark to admire the history and heritage, emerging from the travails of Welsh philanthropist and social reformer Robert Owen. Located in an impressive valley where the rushing Clyde river flows, the New Lanark cotton mills used the water’s energy for 180 years to produce cotton fabric. The settlement – which today is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site – contributed to Britain’s industrial revolution, introducing and reforming work conditions under one of the most successful socialist-led economic models that the world has seen. After lunch in New Lanark, return back to Glasgow.
• The afternoon program in Glasgow can follow in the footsteps of Charles Rennie Mackintosh – famed Scottish architect, designer and artist – beginning with the Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, which itself is an architectural gem built in 1893. You can also take a tour of the Glasgow School of Art, which also marks one of Mackintosh’s most notable feats.

Take off in the morning towards Loch Lomond, Great Britain’s largest lake, and make a stop at the picturesque village of Luss with its charming houses on the lake. Continue on to the Trossachs National Park, considered Scotland’s first and spread over 1865 km2 of mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers and forests. Enjoy a picnic lunch or visit a local restaurant, before moving on to Loch Katerin for a cruise. Once done, head back to the hotel by Loch Lomond for an overnight stay.

In the morning, make your way to the Lothians in southeastern Scotland, the region which is home to the fabulous city of Edinburgh. Visit the neogothic Inveraray Castle with its numerous turrets. The castle has been the seat of the well-known Clan Campbell, dukes of Argyll, since the 18th century. Take some time off for lunch anywhere you like and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Drive along the Glenfinnan railway viaduct. Set off from Mallaig by ferry to reach the Isle of Skye, the largest of the island archipelago known as the Inner Hebrides. You’ll be impressed by the majestic Cuillin mountain range that dominates the island’s landscape. The Isle of Skye is known for its wondrous countryside and nature scenes. Enjoy some free time off and roam around the island to discover its secrets, spending the night there.

• A morning hike is recommended in the island’s verdant nature, otherwise you can just take an easy stroll anywhere you want. Discover the local culinary scene and relax over a hearty lunch.
• In the afternoon, make your way to the shores of Loch Duich and stop for photos at the island of Eilean Donan and its fascinating castle. This landmark featured in many films and is still home to the Clan MacRae. Your next stop should be the legendary Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which once played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Take some time off for lunch.

Let your day begin with a captivating tour of Inverness, considered the business hub of the Highlands. The city lies in an enchanting spot overlooking the river Ness and is the UK’s northmost city, located at the northern end of the Great Glen. Continue on to the village of Culloden near where the Battle of Culloden took place, referring to the Jacobite revolt. The next stop is the splendid Cawdor Castle, complete with its impressive garden, tower, courtyard, dungeon and draw-bridge. The day’s last attraction is Fort George, lying on a peninsula in an inlet known as Moray Firth and boasting breathtaking views of land and sea. The fort was designed to protect the bay around Inverness and offers an intriguing glimpse of life during the 18^th century. Spot a good place to enjoy lunch, keeping in mind that dinner will be served at the hotel.

Set this day aside for hiking through the magical highlands of Scotland. The Scottish Highlands have inspired numerous artists and writers, in addition to offering a magnificent setting for Hollywood movies. Mists and mountains, lakes and trails, old castles and amazing nature await hikers who chose to explore this mythical land by foot.

Take the Malt Whisky Trail to Strathspey, the valley that’s home to several whisky distilleries. Your visit to one of these will reveal the secrets of producing whisky, Scotland’s famed spirit that you can readily sample onsite. After this, make a point to see the ruins of Huntly Castle, ancestral home of Clan Gordon, Earl of Huntly, boasting a long and intriguing history that spans five centuries. A break for lunch can follow before you head towards the medieval city of Sterling, gateway to the Scottish Highlands. A visit to Stirling Castle is a must, especially since it served as a royal residence and a fort, representing one of the finest examples of renaissance architecture in Scotland. Spend the night in Edinburgh where you can check out the city’s nightlife.

Start the morning in Edinburgh with a tour of the city. Discover the Georgian New Town, as well as the medieval quarter and Edinburgh Castle which hosted the royal residence belonging to the House of Stuart. Choose a good spot for dinner in one of Edinburgh’s happening neighborhoods.

Head to the airport to return the car and catch the flight back to Beirut.