SCOTLAND - Into the realm of Legends

Day 1: Athens – Inverness – Loch Ness – Pitlochry – Edinburgh

We gather at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for our flight to Inverness, via Amsterdam. Inverness is the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.

Upon arrival, we board our luxury coach and immediately begin our exploration of the mysterious Scottish countryside.

Our first stop is the legendary Loch Ness, where we will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful Scottish winter landscape and search for traces of the famous “Nessie”.

We then visit Inverness, situated on the banks of the River Ness. This charming city has a distinctly Scottish character and is known for its historic centre, imposing castle and unique atmosphere.

Next, we travel through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, with its snow-covered mountain peaks and dense forests, before reaching the wonderful stone-built village of Pitlochry.

This beautiful Victorian village looks as though it has stepped straight out of a Christmas fairytale.

Departure for Edinburgh, arrival and check-in at our hotel. Free time for a first introduction to Scotland's capital.

Overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Edinburgh – City Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour of magnificent Edinburgh.

The city is often referred to as the “Athens of the North”, as during the 18th and 19th centuries it sought to emulate the spirit and culture of ancient Athens. A characteristic example is the monument on Calton Hill, known as the “Parthenon of Edinburgh”.

Edinburgh immediately captivates us with its wonderful architecture, monumental Georgian and Victorian buildings and, above all, the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the rocky hilltop in the heart of the city.

During our tour, we will also see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland. Following the historic Royal Mile, we will reach Princes Street, the city's main shopping thoroughfare, which separates the Old Town from the New Town.

Free time to explore the Christmas markets or visit some of the city's museums and galleries, such as the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish National Gallery.

Overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Edinburgh – Deanston Distillery – Stirling Castle – Glasgow

Breakfast and departure for the historic region of Stirling.

Today, an authentic Scottish experience awaits us as we visit the famous Deanston Distillery, housed in an impressive 18th-century cotton mill.

Here, we will discover the secrets of single malt whisky production during a guided tour and enjoy a tasting of the exquisite “water of life”.

We continue with a visit to the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important historic castles, renowned for its panoramic views and rich history.

The castle is nestled amid lush emerald-green landscapes and steeped in centuries of history.

This area was the setting for one of the greatest battles between the English and the Scots in 1297, known as the Battle of Stirling Bridge, when the Scottish forces led by William Wallace defeated the English army.

We then head towards Glasgow, Scotland's largest city and an important economic centre, often described architecturally as the “Chicago of Europe”.

This dynamic and attractive city is situated on the banks of the River Clyde, with picturesque neighbourhoods and impressive modern buildings that reveal its contemporary character.

Arrival, check-in at our hotel and free time for a first introduction to the city.

Overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Glasgow – City Sightseeing Tour

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by our sightseeing tour.

We will see the River Clyde, which flows through Glasgow from east to west, passing through the city centre.

In 2022, the city's population was estimated at approximately 635,000 inhabitants.

The area where Glasgow stands has been inhabited since ancient times. The city was officially founded in the 6th century by Saint Kentigern, also known as Saint Mungo, with the construction of a church on the site of today's Glasgow Cathedral, which we will view from the outside.

Architecturally, Glasgow is also known as the “Chicago of Europe”. This is due to the city's grid-like street layout, with broad avenues running parallel and perpendicular to one another, as well as its buildings, which display influences of American architecture, with imposing, substantial and dark-coloured façades.

During our tour, we will see the main building of the University of Glasgow, the magnificent City Chambers overlooking the city's central square, George Square, the Mackintosh Building of the Glasgow School of Art and the famous Glasgow Necropolis.

Free time.

Overnight accommodation.

Day 5: Glasgow – Edinburgh – Athens

Breakfast at the hotel and free time for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the streets of Glasgow.

We then depart for Edinburgh Airport for our return flight to Athens.

END OF TOUR