Day 1-2 – Depart Home / Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland

Following an overnight flight, arrive in Glasgow and transfer to your historic hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with this dynamic city, known for its unique architecture. Consider a short walk to the Glasgow School of Arts, an iconic building designed by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or take a stroll through pedestrian streets of the old town.  Meet your trip leader and fellow travelers this evening for a welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

Day 3 – Loch Lomond / Trossachs National Park / Oban

After breakfast, head for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a rippling landscape of hills and lakes that became Scotland’s first national park in 2002. From the tiny village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond, set out on your first hike, following a section of the West Highland Way through the forest before emerging onto the gentle slope of Conic Hill. Sweeping views of the parks waterways and islands await you on the hilltop. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before driving deeper into the park to the Falls of Falloch. Here, an easy walk through the woods brings you to Scotland’s “hidden” waterfall, where the River Falloch drops some 30 feet. Drive east to Loch Awe and take a guided tour of the intriguing St. Conan’s Kirk, where a mash-up of architectural styles offers up plenty of surprises. Arrive in the seaside town of Oban late this afternoon and check in to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 3-4 miles, some steps and a short rocky scramble; 1,100 feet of elevation gain.

Day 4 – Inner Hebrides / Oban

Start the day with a short ferry ride to the rugged island of Kerrera, just off the coast of Oban. This morning’s trail circles the island’s southern half, crossing the rolling hills of the interior and then following the coast. Take in views of the surrounding islands if the weather is clear, and hike amid meadows and hillsides dotted with sheep—they far outnumber the residents on the island. On a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, encounter the well-preserved tower of Gylen Castle, built as a stronghold of the MacDougall clan in 1582 and burned just 65 years later. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the hike or stop in for refreshments at the charming tea garden at Lower Gylen. Return to Oban in the afternoon and head for the Oban Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. Gain insight into the whisky making process, which has taken place here since 1794, and cap off the experience with a dram of single malt. Take advantage of a free evening to try one of Oban’s seafood restaurants or grab dinner with fellow travelers at a local pub. (B,L)

Hiking: 6-7 miles, undulating trail with grassy paths and some steep ascents over rocky terrain; 700-800 feet of elevation gain. Those who prefer may shorten this hike by returning from Gylen Castle to town independently.

Day 5 – Glencoe / Fort Augustus

Awaken for an early breakfast before driving along the shores of Loch Linnhe to the Glencoe Viewpoint. From here, set off on an easy hike along the River Etive, walking between sweeping slopes and soaking up the mystique of the scenery. Continue by coach to Glencoe, a spectacular valley known for the notorious massacre of the MacDonald clan by government soldiers in 1692. After lunch in the village of Glencoe, hike a loop trail through the forests to the lake at the foot of Glencoe mountain. Keep an eye out for interesting birds and other wildlife as you walk. Alternatively, stay in the village to visit its museum. Travel on to Fort Augustus, at the tip of Loch Ness, and settle into your hotel before an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 3-4 miles, moderate hiking trail, at times steep and rocky terrain; 700 feet elevation gain.

Walking: 2 mile loop trail, easy paths, 300 feet of elevation gain.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Spend a full day on the magical Isle of Skye, exploring its craggy mountains, peat moors, and wild geological formations. Begin with a hike to the Fairy Pools, crystal-clear blue pools formed by the waterfalls of the River Brittle. Hear the legends associated with the site and, if you’re feeling brave, jump in for a bracing swim in the pools. Later, travel to the picturesque fishing village of Portree where you’ll have free time for lunch on the waterfront. Continue north to the Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Skye’s most unusual rock formations. The afternoon’s hike winds through an otherworldly landscape of soaring cliffs and undulating green slopes to a cluster of narrow pinnacles—the tallest of which is known as the Old Man of Storr. Take in awe-inspiring views out over the Sound of Raasay from these iconic rocks. Return to Fort Augustus late this afternoon and gather for dinner together. (B,D)

Hiking: 2-3 miles, morning hike to Fairy Pools, gravel path with some rocky sections, 500 feet of elevation gain.

Hiking: 3 mile afternoon hike, hilly trails with some rocky terrain; 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Day 7 – Cairngorms National Park / Pitlochry

Drive north along the shores of Loch Ness this morning, stopping at medieval Urquhart Castle on the way.  Hear about its dramatic history, then enjoy a short hike and time to explore the lakeside castle ruins on your own. Turn east toward Cairngorms National Park, where you’ll pause for lunch at a restaurant in Aviemore. Go on a peaceful hike through the ancient pines of Rothiemurchus forest and skirt the shores of Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna, catching sight of a crumbled 13th-century castle on a lake island. Journey on to the lively town of Pitlochry and enjoy a evening at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 2 mile morning hike to Urquhart Castle, gentle, uphill path through fields.

Hiking: 4-5 mile afternoon hike, hilly and forested terrain, 500 feet of elevation gain.

Day 8 – Pitlochry

Take a walk through time with a local guide, discovering the sites of Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside. Following path, track, and field, ramble from the 120-foot-high Black Spout waterfall to the ruins of Caisteal Dubh, or the Black Castle. Continue to the village of Moulin, home to an old inn and brewery, and encounter a prehistoric standing stone in a nearby field. Reach the banks of Loch Faskally and cross the Pitlochry dam and fish ladder. Sit down to a well deserved lunch before a guided visit to the Blair Atholl Distillery. Follow a whisky expert through the process of producing whisky from local water sources, and end the tour with a tasting. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to explore Pitlochry on your own. (B,L)

Hiking: 5-6 miles, mix of hills, valley and forest trails, occasionally rocky and uneven; 700 feet of elevation gain.

Day 9 – Edinburgh

Journey from Pitlochry to Edinburgh, where you’re joined by a local expert for a guided walking tour of the city center. Stroll the Royal Mile, tracing Scotland’s turbulent history and the evolution of Edinburgh. Stop for lunch on your own at one of the many pubs and eateries in Old Town or along Princes Street. During a free afternoon, discover this enchanting capital city as you wish, perhaps on a tour of Edinburgh Castle or a hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano overlooking Edinburgh. Meet up with the group to toast your hike through Scotland at a festive farewell dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants. (B,D)

Walking: 2-3 hour city tour, hilly city streets; 200-300 feet of elevation gain.

Day 10 – Return Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)