Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. This visit is an amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

Loch Katrine & the Trossachs

The Trossachs refers to the romantic area of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling. It is sometimes known as the “Highlands in miniature”. It is packed with interesting corners for us to explore in Scotland’s great outdoors! The group will take a bike ride around beautiful Loch Katrine (weather permitting), and learn the process of making whisky at Glengoyne Distillery!

Isle of Skye & Loch Ness

Our two-night/three-day excursion to the Isle of Skye is bound to be a highlight of your time in Scotland! Just like the folk song, we will be heading “Heading Over the Sea to Skye” where we will have the chance to explore some of the island’s most iconic spots. We will also be venturing through the Scottish Highlands with an opportunity to spot Nessie on the banks of Loch Ness. With plenty of photo stops along the way, I hope you are ready for an adventure!

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. This visit is an amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!

Loch Katrine & the Trossachs

The Trossachs refers to the romantic area of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling. It is sometimes known as the “Highlands in miniature”. It is packed with interesting corners for us to explore in Scotland’s great outdoors! The group will take a bike ride around beautiful Loch Katrine (weather permitting), and learn the process of making whisky at Glengoyne Distillery!

Isle of Skye & Loch Ness

Our two-night/three-day excursion to the Isle of Skye is bound to be a highlight of your time in Scotland! Just like the folk song, we will be heading “Heading Over the Sea to Skye” where we will have the chance to explore some of the island’s most iconic spots. We will also be venturing through the Scottish Highlands with an opportunity to spot Nessie on the banks of Loch Ness. With plenty of photo stops along the way, I hope you are ready for an adventure!

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

Glasgow

As Scotland’s largest city, a visit to Glasgow is not to be missed! This is a city with striking architecture, contemporary art spaces, fascinating museums, and one of the best shopping destinations in the UK. We will start our visit with a walking tour with a local expert to show us the main sites and introduce us to some of Glasgow’s famous murals. You will have free time in the afternoon to grab some lunch and explore on your own, before we return to Edinburgh.