Scotland: Art, Architecture & Romantic Castles

Depart US for Glasgow Airport

Arrival

Upon arrival at Glasgow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our hotel for the next three nights, the Voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Kelvingrove Museum & Glasgow

This morning, we step into the grand halls of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Scotland’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Housed in a stunning Spanish Baroque-style building, the museum is home to a dazzling array of treasures, from Renaissance masterpieces and the iconic Salvador Dalí Christ of Saint John of the Cross to artifacts that trace the story of Scotland itself. We enjoy a special curator-led talk, offering insight into the building’s rich history and its role in celebrating Scottish heritage and identity.

In the afternoon, we set out on a panoramic guided tour of Glasgow, a city known for its bold spirit, architectural splendour and cultural creativity. As we travel through elegant Georgian squares, along the banks of the River Clyde and past landmarks such as Glasgow Cathedral, the University and the iconic Glasgow School of Art, we gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s vibrant past and its modern-day energy. With stories of shipbuilding, industry, music and revolution, today offers a captivating glimpse into the beating heart of Scotland’s largest city.

Pollock House & Burrell Collection Museum

The morning begins with a visit to the elegant Pollock House, a grand Georgian mansion tucked away in the leafy expanse of Pollock Country Park. Once the family home of the Maxwell family, the house offers a glimpse into the lives of the Scottish aristocracy, with richly decorated interiors, fine furniture and an impressive collection of Spanish art, including works by El Greco and Goya. There’s time to enjoy the beautifully kept gardens or perhaps take a stroll along the nearby woodland paths before we return to our hotel for some free time.

In the afternoon, we continue to the Burrell Collection, one of Scotland’s most remarkable museums. Set within the same park, the recently renovated museum houses the extraordinary private collection of shipping magnate Sir William Burrell. The range is astonishing – from Chinese ceramics and Islamic art to medieval stained glass, French Impressionist paintings and ancient artifacts. As part of our evening experience, we sit down to dinner in the restaurant after exploring The Burrell Collection.

Hill House Helensburgh & Loch Lomond

After checking out of the hotel, we make our way to Hill House in Helensburgh, one of the most celebrated domestic buildings in Scotland. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for publisher Walter Blackie in 1902, the house is a masterpiece of early 20th-century design. As we step inside, we’ll be struck by the perfect balance of simplicity and detail – delicate stencilling, stained glass and elegant furniture all come together in a harmony of Art Nouveau and Scottish tradition. The house is currently enclosed in a protective steel frame, allowing a fascinating view of conservation work in progress while preserving this architectural treasure for future generations.

We then enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, nestled in the village of Luss with views of the surrounding hills and waters. In the afternoon, we take to the water for a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond, the largest inland stretch of water in Britain. Gliding past wooded islands and misty peaks, we are reminded why this loch has inspired poets and travellers for centuries – it’s a truly timeless Highland scene.

This evening, we check into the Cameron House Hotel, our base in Loch Lomond for the next two nights.

Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute

This morning, we travel to Wemyss Bay, where we board the ferry to Rothesay, crossing the Firth of Clyde to reach the peaceful Isle of Bute. From the moment we arrive, there’s a sense of stepping into another world – quieter, greener and somehow gentler. Our destination is Mount Stuart, a magnificent neo-Gothic mansion set within 300 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.

Led by an experienced guide, we explore this extraordinary house, built in the late 19th century by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The interiors are dazzling. Soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass, rich marble and astrological symbolism all combine to create a space that feels more cathedral than country house. It’s a place of imagination and grandeur, where every detail tells a story.

After our tour, we enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, with time to take in the gardens or simply soak up the beauty of the surroundings. Later in the afternoon, we reboard the ferry and make our way back to Loch Lomond, returning to the comfort of our hotel after a day of architectural wonder and island charm.

Inveraray Castle & Trossachs National Park Scenic Drive

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey west to the shores of Loch Fyne for a private tour of Inveraray Castle, the striking ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll. With its fairy-tale turrets and grand façades, the castle is a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture, set against a backdrop of wooded hills and glistening water. Inside, the rooms are richly adorned with tapestries, fine furniture, family portraits and a rather spectacular armoury hall.

In the afternoon, we enjoy one of the most picturesque drives of the tour as we pass through the Trossachs National Park, a region of shimmering lochs, rolling hills and dense forest that has inspired writers and artists for generations. We pause at the famous Queen’s View Viewpoint, where the panorama across Loch Tummel is said to have been a favourite of Queen Victoria.

We arrive later in the charming town of Dunkeld, where we settle into our hotel for the next chapter of our Scottish journey.

Blair Castle & Blair Athol Distillery

Our first visit today is to the stately Blair Castle, nestled in the heart of Highland Perthshire and home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for over 750 years. Our private tour reveals a fascinating blend of Scottish history, aristocratic heritage and personal stories. From the fine 18th-century interiors to the grand Victorian ballroom, each room is filled with portraits, weapons and treasured heirlooms. Outside, the landscaped gardens and wooded grounds offer a peaceful setting, with red deer and Highland cattle often seen roaming nearby.

In the afternoon, we travel a short distance to the Blair Athol Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, tucked beneath the Grampian foothills in the charming town of Pitlochry. Here we enjoy a Signature Tour, discovering how the distinctive, rich, smooth single malt is made using traditional copper stills and pure Highland water. The tour ends with a tasting, where we savor the warm, mellow flavors of the whisky and toast to a day rich in Highland tradition.

Scone Palace, Dunfermline Abbey & Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

After leaving our hotel in Dunkeld this morning, we travel south to Scone Palace, near Perth, a site steeped in Scottish royal history. Once the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, the palace is now the stately home of the Earls of Mansfield. Inside, we can see the rich interiors, with their fine collections of furniture, porcelain and family portraits. Outside, the grounds are equally enchanting, with a maze, pinetum and the fabled Moot Hill, where kings were once crowned upon the Stone of Scone.

In the afternoon, we continue east to Dunfermline, the former capital of Scotland. Here, we visit the striking Dunfermline Abbey, resting place of many Scottish monarchs, including King Robert the Bruce, whose tomb lies beneath the abbey’s tower. Just a short stroll away is the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, set in the humble weaver’s cottage where the great philanthropist and industrialist was born. We enjoy a tour of the museum – a fascinating glimpse into a remarkable life of transformation and generosity.

Tonight, we check into our overnight hotel and dine in style aboard the Fingal, Edinburgh’s luxurious floating hotel, in their elegant 2AA Rosette restaurant.

Royal Yacht Britannia, St Giles Cathedral & Spirit of Scotland Dinner Show

This morning, we step aboard a true icon of British heritage – the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family for over 40 years. Our private tour takes us through the elegant State Apartments, the cozy crew quarters and even the gleaming engine room. As we wander the decks, imagine the royal voyages across the globe, the glittering receptions and quiet family moments that unfolded at sea. This is a rare and intimate glimpse into royal life.

From the waterfront, we head into the heart of Edinburgh to visit St Giles’ Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Its soaring gothic architecture and magnificent Thistle Chapel are awe-inspiring, a fitting testament to Scotland’s turbulent religious history and enduring spiritual heritage.

Later in the day, we check into our Edinburgh hotel before being transferred to a special evening event – the Spirit of Scotland Dinner Show. With traditional music, highland dancing and a taste of classic Scottish fare, it’s a lively and joyful celebration to round off our day in this storied capital.

Holyrood House & Edinburgh Castle

This morning begins with a private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the monarch, nestled at the foot of the Royal Mile. Walking through its grand halls and intimate chambers, we are immersed in centuries of royal history – from the turbulent times of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the elegant State Apartments still used by the King today. The ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey add a haunting beauty to the palace grounds, echoing the weight of time and tradition.

In the afternoon, we make our way up the Royal Mile to the mighty Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on its volcanic rock. With a knowledgeable guide, we explore the castle’s storied past – from ancient sieges to royal births – and take in breathtaking views across the city skyline. We stand before the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, symbols of sovereignty steeped in myth and memory.

We finish the day with a touch of indulgence – afternoon tea with Prosecco, a well-earned treat in historic surroundings.

Mellerstain House & Floors Castle

Our final day begins with a visit to the exquisite Mellerstain House, set amidst the gentle Borders landscape near Gordon. Designed in part by the great Robert Adam, the house is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. As we wander through the richly furnished rooms, note the elegance of the classical interiors – plasterwork ceilings, delicate colour schemes and remarkable collections of art and furniture. Outside, the formal terraced gardens open onto a sweeping view of the lake and hills beyond – serene and utterly timeless.

We continue to Floors Castle in nearby Kelso, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and the grand seat of the Duke of Roxburghe. With its fairytale turrets and French-style architecture, the castle is a striking sight. On our guided tour, we explore opulent rooms filled with fine tapestries, antiques and paintings, alongside personal touches that reveal the story of a living home.

In the evening, we return to Edinburgh for a farewell dinner at Prestonfield House, a baroque mansion where candlelight, rich décor and exquisite cuisine create the perfect setting to reflect on our Scottish journey.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.