Depart for the scenic Highlands, driving alongside Loch Lomond, resplendent with lush islands, then across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe – seeing mountains, moors and waterfalls along the way. Stop at Fort Augustus for a short cruise on Loch Ness, famed for its beauty as well as the legendary monster. Continue to your elegant manor house hotel in Nairn. (B, D)

Visit the historic Blair Athol Distillery to discover the art of whisky-making and sample a dram. Continue to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”; take a panoramic drive and spend some time exploring the old city independently. Continue on to your gracious manor house hotel outside Edinburgh, set on 1,000 acres of picturesque grounds. Explore as you wish and dine independently this evening. (B)

Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh to see the main sights, from bustling Princes Street to the wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along the Royal Mile, where compact medieval houses reach several stories tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock, and home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. You’ll have free time to explore in the afternoon, then experience a lively Scottish evening with dinner and traditional entertainment. (July 30 – August 21 departures instead dine independently before attending the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.) (B, D*)

5-day tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.