Arrive in Glasgow Airport where your CIE Tours guide or representative will greet you. Complimentary group transfers depart Glasgow Airport at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. Your hotel is centrally located near Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow’s main pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare. At 3:00 pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently refurbished. Chat with your guide and fellow travellers over a welcoming drink before dinner. D

Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. Pause at the quaint village of Luss with charming cottages, which stretch to the lakeside. Embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous lake and admire panoramic views. Return to your coach and journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor. Drive through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Arrive at Loch Linnhe, an inlet of the sea, and check into your hotel in Ballachulish, where you can enjoy the magnificent views or relax in the swimming pool. BD

Drive down the coast to Oban and take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, one of the Inner Hebrides. Visit Duart Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest castles overlooking the Sound of Mull. For centuries the Castle was home to the Chief of Clan Maclean. It fell into ruin but was extensively restored in 1911. Travel through the island to see open hills and delightful coastal views around Loch Na Keal and Sound of Mull. Drive to the colourful harbour town of Tobermory. Take a ferry to discover the scenic Movern Peninsula and another short ferry to return to Ballachulish on the mainland. BD

Drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern end of the famous Loch Ness. Travel beside Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous monster and enjoying the scenic views of this delightful body of water. Take a break in Inverness, a popular marketing town, and stop for photos at Culloden Battlefield. Continue to the Spey Valley where many whisky distilleries are located due to the plentiful supply of pure water. Stop at one of the prominent distilleries to see how malted barley and water combine to make whisky and sample a ”wee dram”. Drive to Blairs on the outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th century mansion in time for dinner. BD

Depart your hotel mid-morning to visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale fortress dating from 1323 with a wealth of fine furnishings. See the wonderful gardens before driving along the River Dee Valley, favoured by Queen Victoria and most of the Royal Family since her era. Stop in the attractive town of Ballater where many shops show a royal warrant, indicating patronage by the Royal Family. Visit a farm to sample freshly baked scones and tea and learn about Aberdeen Angus cattle. Return to Blairs in time to relax before dinner at your hotel. BD

Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews where golf originated. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and enjoy free time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town with its cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. At this evening's entertaining cabaret sample Scottish specialties, including haggis, and enjoy bagpipe music, dancing and storytelling. BD

This morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Drive along Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. Compare the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Learn about the many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see many historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities. On July 29 to August 19 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. B

Your tour ends with a group transfer to arrive at Edinburgh Airport by 6:30 or 9:00 am. This will allow you plenty of time for check-in procedures and duty-free shopping before boarding the aircraft for your return Flight. A transfer to Glasgow Airport will be provided on request at a cost of €50 per person. B