Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of TartanScotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Meet for a special visit to Kinloch Anderson, where you'll hear from the most prominent kilt-makers in the world and have a viewing of the Royal Balmoral Tartan, worn only with the Queen's permission! Kinloch Anderson has been considered the expert in kilts and Highland dress since 1868, including supplying kilts to the Scottish royal family—and your guide! You'll discover the history and designs of Scottish tartans and the many types of kilts. Heading north to the Highlands, you'll stop to enjoy a few scenic spots before arriving at your grandiose home for the next three nights: Assynt House, a beautiful Georgian country manor.

After breakfast, visit Culloden, the site of the famous battle that ended the Jacobite rebellion on April 16, 1746, for a guided tour of the battlefield and moor. After pacing out the battlefield, you'll head to Castle Foulis, the seat of Clan Munro. The Munro family will host you for a light lunch, a few tales, and a tour of their home. In the evening, your resident guide/bagpiper extraordinaire will provide an introduction to the Great Highland Bagpipes. Join in the fun and try your hand at the bagpipes!

Take the morning to relax before making your way to Castle Leod, a family home and the seat of Clan Mackenzie. (Did we mention that Clan Mackenzie and Clan Munro have a longstanding rivalry?!) Upon arrival, you'll tour the grounds with the clan chief, the Earl of Cromartie. Then enjoy a private lunch with him in the castle to learn about centuries of clan rivalries. After lunch, enjoy Scottish dancing, music, and good cheer with some Highland friends, followed by a delicious Scottish dinner served by our Assynt House hosts.

This morning depart for the Isle of Skye, home of some of the most iconic scenery in Scotland. Along the way, you'll stop at Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle. In the afternoon, you'll pull into the Talisker Distillery on Loch Harport. Talisker specializes in single-malt Scotch whisky, and you'll learn more about its history as the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye during a tour and tasting. This evening, enjoy the Skye landscapes as we retire to the hotel for dinner. 

Today is all about exploring the rugged natural beauty of Skye. After breakfast, you'll head to the Storr, a hill overlooking the Sound of Raasay. The walk up takes about an hour and a half, and then it's 45 minutes to return, but you'll want to take some extra time to stop and take in the stunning scenery. There will be plenty of flexibility to set your own pace. From the Storr, we'll stop in the town of Flodigarry for rest and lunch. In the afternoon, explore Kilmuir, home of the grave of Flora Macdonald, and the Skye Museum of Island Life. Arrive in Portree in the evening to wander and have dinner on your own before enjoying a restful night at the hotel.

Make the scenic six-hour trip back to Edinburgh, stopping along the way. Take in the otherworldly views of Glencoe and take a break for lunch in Fort William before the final stretch. After checking into our Edinburgh hotel, you'll have a few hours to relax or explore before reconvening for a farewell dinner and Cèilidh full of great food, wine, and live music.

Today, catch flights home or onto your next destination. We recommend checking out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Edinburgh if you'd plan to stay a few extra days on your own. Until the next adventure!