Scotland
In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
Program No. 20321RJ
Discover what makes the Scottish Highlands one of Europe’s most unique natural wonders, as you learn the history of ancient lochs, clan lands, castles and glens.
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13 days
12 nights
31 meals
11B 10L 10D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Transfer to Strathpeffer, The Highland Folk Museum
Strathpeffer
5
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle
Strathpeffer
6
The Black Isle
Strathpeffer
7
Aigas Field Centre
Strathpeffer
8
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric
Strathpeffer
10
South Skye, Eilean Donan, Armadale
Ballaculish
11
The Isles of Mull & Iona
Ballaculish
12
Transfer to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle
Edinburgh.
13
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Legend blends with history in the Scottish Highlands, where soaring peaks, low-lying glens and famous lochs set a stage for discovery. Experience this unforgettable region as you venture to some of its most noted locations, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Glen Affric and the misty Isles of Skye and Iona.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Light walking of up to three miles a day; some uneven terrain and stairs at historic sites.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Join historians as they offer a view into Highland Scotland’s ancient history, the downfall of Gaelic clans, the Highland Clearances and New World emigration.
- Discover Skye and the Isle of Iona.
- Step back in time at Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Alasdair MacDonald
Alasdair MacDonald has a lifelong love of the Scottish countryside, as well as Scottish history and architecture. Alasdair grew up in the north east of Scotland, and has lived in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. After living and working abroad for many years as a journalist and photojournalist, he returned to Scotland in 2011.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Alasdair MacDonald
View biography
Alasdair MacDonald has a lifelong love of the Scottish countryside, as well as Scottish history and architecture. Alasdair grew up in the north east of Scotland, and has lived in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. After living and working abroad for many years as a journalist and photojournalist, he returned to Scotland in 2011.
James Leslie
View biography
James Leslie is a retired police officer who now shares his passion for Scotland as an STGA qualified guide. His wide-ranging interests include clan history, whisky, golf, Rabbie Burns, battlefields, the Jacobites, and church architecture.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
Program Number: 20321
Glencoe
The Highland Clearances
Scotland: A New History
This full length history of Scotland is made up of 25 chapters spanning 18 centuries, from the Picts to the 1980s and is designed for the general reader. A particular feature of the book is the attention it gives to social and cultural history, including life in towns, the changing role of the nobles, and the shifting images of Scottish identity through the ages. The landmarks of Scottish history - the Wars of Independence, the Reformation, the Union of Crowns and the Union of Parliaments, the Jacobite rebellions, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, are all covered. The author is the editor of "The Innes Review", literary editor of the Scottish History Society and has written books on Edinburgh and the Reformation, Mary, Queen of Scots and the Scottish Burghs.
Scotland's Mountains: A Lanscape Photographer's View
Century of the Scottish People
A new cover reprint of the second volume of T. C. Smout’s magnificent – and indispensable – account of the Scottish people, from 1830–1950.
‘Professor Smout’s “History of the Scottish People 1560–1830” was hailed as a classic piece of social history. If you had time to read only one book on Scotland, this was it…Unfortunately, you now have to read two…“A Century of the Scottish People” is as satisfying and enlightening as its predecessor.’ John Kenyon, Observer
‘An admirable example of how academic history may yet be written for the general reader. It is deeply enjoyable, lively, packed with interesting detail, illuminating anecdote and pithy observation.’ Allan Massie, The Times
Scotland: The Story of a Nation
Scottish Highlanders-A People and their Place
Concise History of Scotland
. The Scottish Nation: 1700-2000
The Scottish Nation examines the social, political, religious and economic factors that have shaped modern Scotland. Drawing on the latest research, Devine places Scotland firmly within an international context and provides a key focus for the ongoing debate regarding Scotland's future. This new edition brings the reader up-to-date with Scotland's recent history, from the high politics of the devolved parliament to the everyday effects of huge and growing levels of social inequality.
Castle and Tower Houses of the Scottish Clans
The Highlands (Exploring Scotland's Heritage
Scotland's Coast: A Photographer's Journey