CIE Tours
Head a little off the beaten path on this tour of Scotland's rugged Highlands, coastal byways, and the archaeological treasures on Orkney and the Isle of Skye.
Authentic Local Experiences:
- July 26 - August 11 departures will have reserved seats for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. All other departures will experience an exclusive Scottish Evening with dinner and traditional entertainment.
- Spend two nights on Orkney exploring its fascinating heritage, including the prehistoric monuments of the Stone Age and the surprising role the island played during World War II.
Trip Highlights:
- Dunrobin Castle
- Inverewe Gardens
- Isle of Skye
- Loch Ness
- Isle of Bute
- Mount Stuart House and Gardens
- Two Nights on Orkney Islands
- Skara Brae
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Scottish Evening*
*July 26 - August 11 departures.
Dining Experiences:
- 11 hot breakfasts (B) and 7 Dinners* (D)
*Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
Hotels:
- Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel, Glasgow (2)
- Balmacara Hotel, near Kyle of Lochalsh (2)
- Gairloch Hotel, Gairloch (1)
- Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall (2)
- Highland Hotel, Strathpeffer (1)
- Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff (1)
- Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh (2)
Please note: On this off-the-beaten path tour, your hotels will match the Highland atmosphere. Most of them are locally owned, family-run, and independent.
Featured Destinations
Strathpeffer
Strathpeffer
Strathpeffer is located in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. This charming Highland village began as a popular spa town, and now attracts visitors due to its Victorian architecture, scenic golf courses and extreme mountain biking.
|
|
Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle of Lochalsh is a small town with lots of personality. The town has been around since the 17th century and retains a large collection of charming whitewashed buildings. There are a variety of markets, restaurants, and shops for visitors to enjoy. Most visitors arrive here by train in order to enjoy the superb mountain scenery. Once in Kyle there is excellent hiking and walking paths to explore the surrounding landscape.
|
|
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."
|
|
|
Crieff
|
|
|
Gairloch
|
|
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.
|
|
Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city and major tourist destination, possessing some of Britain's finest architecture and hosting a variety of cultural events and attractions.
Glasgow has been described as the finest surviving example of a great Victorian city. Of particular interest is George Square - lined by several buildings constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. Few buildings pre-date 18th century. The most prominent of these are Glasgow Cathedral, and Provand's Lordship, which is the city's oldest house (c. 1471) and now a museum. The cathedral, situated on high ground to the east of the city and dating in parts from 12th century, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The city has numerous parks and ornamental open spaces, including the Botanic Garden and zoological gardens. Glasgow grew around a church built in the 6th century by St Kentigern, who converted Scots to Christianity. The commercial growth of the community dates from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 and the opening up of trade in the 18th century when Glasgow became a major port and shipbuilder.
|
Destination Guide
|
View Full Itinerary
Valid Date Ranges
-
May 2025
| 05/24/2025 |
06/04/2025 |
$4,345 per person
|
-
June 2025
| 06/23/2025 |
07/04/2025 |
$4,345 per person
|
-
July 2025
| 07/21/2025 |
08/01/2025 |
$4,345 per person
|
| 07/26/2025 |
08/06/2025 |
$4,745 per person
|
-
August 2025
| 08/02/2025 |
08/13/2025 |
$4,745 per person
|
| 08/04/2025 |
08/15/2025 |
$4,745 per person
|
| 08/11/2025 |
08/22/2025 |
$4,745 per person
|
| 08/30/2025 |
09/10/2025 |
$4,345 per person
|
-
September 2025
| 09/01/2025 |
09/12/2025 |
$4,645 per person
|
| 09/08/2025 |
09/19/2025 |
$4,645 per person
|
| 09/22/2025 |
10/03/2025 |
$4,645 per person
|
| 09/29/2025 |
10/10/2025 |
$4,645 per person
|
-
October 2025
| 10/04/2025 |
10/15/2025 |
$4,395 per person
|
| 10/06/2025 |
10/17/2025 |
$4,395 per person
|
| 10/13/2025 |
10/24/2025 |
$5,145 per person
|
