The Legends of Scotland

Day 1: Welcome to Scotland

Tour Begins: Edinburgh. A transfer is included from Edinburgh airport to your hotel. Your family adventure starts strong with a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle—one of many inspirations for the Harry Potter series. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Intercontinental Edinburgh George Street Hotel

Day 2: A day of Scottish traditions

Get a true taste of Scottish culture this morning during a bagpipe workshop. While the origins of bagpipes stretch across Asia and Europe as far back as 1000 BC, Scotland uniquely embraced and developed them into its national instrument. Your family will learn the instrument's precise finger-work before transferring your new skills to the bag itself. Continue your morning with a visit to Islander, renowned for blending traditional Harris Tweed heritage with modern footwear and accessories. Here, you'll have the delightful opportunity to create your very own Harris Tweed masterpiece to take home! This afternoon, embark on a foodie tour introducing you to Scottish delicacies, including the adventurous opportunity to try haggis. The rest of the day is yours to explore with your family as you wish.

Overnight: Intercontinental Edinburgh George Street Hotel

Day 3: Land yachting & a visit to a local alpaca farm

As the name suggests, today's activity will "blow you away." Head to West Sands Beach in St. Andrews, famously featured in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, for a thrilling land yachting experience*. Combining the grace of sailing with the adrenaline of motor racing, land yachting is unlike any other sport. After a brief tutorial, feel the wind in your face as you race along the sands! Satisfy your post-race appetite with a farm-to-table lunch at a local farm, including a guided tour of the property. Later, visit a family-run alpaca farm to interact with these friendly, furry locals. Feed them, learn their training methods, and even lead an alpaca through an obstacle course. Return to Edinburgh, where dinner tonight is yours to enjoy at one of the city's many restaurants.

Overnight: Intercontinental Edinburgh George Street Hotel

Day 4: A design museum in Dundee and aboard the RRS Discovery

Today you're off to Dundee, affectionately nicknamed the "City of the Future" for its role as a hub for international research and innovation in medicine, technology, and life sciences. In 2014, Dundee became the UK's first UNESCO City of Design, an honor you'll appreciate on your morning tour of the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first-ever design museum. Explore iconic objects that changed the world, including the museum's showpiece—the beautifully restored Oak Room designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Enjoy lunch at the museum, then visit the RRS Discovery, the historic steamship built for Antarctic research, famous for its groundbreaking three-year Discovery Expedition. Step aboard and relive one of history's most heroic voyages. Return to Edinburgh where the rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish.

Overnight: Intercontinental Edinburgh George Street Hotel

Day 5: Rothiemurchus – Coos and Highland Games

Bid Edinburgh farewell as you journey toward Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. En route, enjoy a day in Rothiemurchus, a picturesque Highland estate nestled within the ancient forests of Cairngorms National Park, providing a true glimpse into traditional Scottish countryside life. Here, a Countryside Ranger will hop aboard your coach and guide you directly to meet some friendly locals—the Highland cows. Affectionately called "Heilan Coos," these beautiful creatures with their big horns and flowing coats originated in Western Scotland and thrive in the rugged landscape of the Cairngorms. Watch in delight as the Ranger calls out, and these gentle animals gallop enthusiastically toward the fence, eager for their meal (mind those horns!). Next, continue your adventure by feeding the majestic red deer. Hand-feed these gentle animals as they approach the fence line, providing an up-close and personal wildlife experience. Your visit culminates with lunch served in a traditional Scottish bothy—a remote wilderness shelter once home to families and workers tending the land, now a charming testament to Scotland's rugged history. In the afternoon, let the fun begin with Tauck's own playful twist on the traditional Highland Games! Rather than the typical caber toss, you'll engage in a spirited "Haggis Hurl," compete in a lively Tug of War, and even throw a wellie (rubber boot)! These entertaining activities offer an enjoyable, hands-on introduction to Scotland's beloved traditions. Afterward, arrive in Inverness and settle into your home for the next three nights—the welcoming Kingsmills Hotel. Dinner tonight is at your leisure at the hotel.

Overnight: The Kingsmills Hotel

Day 6: Uncover the secrets around Loch Ness

The mystery of the Loch Ness Monster comes alive today! Discover 500 million years of myths and legends at the Loch Ness Centre, delving deep into Scotland's most intriguing folklore. Next, hop aboard a high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) for an exhilarating adventure on the loch itself, keeping your eyes peeled at all times for a glimpse of the mythical Nessie herself! Lunch includes a hands-on lesson in making a traditional Scottish treat. Tonight, join us for a special dinner celebrating the day's adventures.

Overnight: The Kingsmills Hotel

Day 7: Take aim at Bowhunter Archery & slán (goodbye)

All adventures eventually come to an end, but fret not; we're finishing strong! At Bowhunter Archery Woodland Adventures, test your skill (and aim!) along woodland trails featuring targets set amidst graveyards, medieval scenes, and prehistoric settings. Next, channel your inner survivalist with a bushcraft session covering shelter-building, safe fire-lighting, knot work, and plant and animal identification. By day's end, you'll be ready to send your application to Jeff Probst for the next season of Survivor! Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner.

Overnight: The Kingsmills Hotel

Day 8: Journey home

Tour Ends: Inverness. Fly home anytime. A complimentary transfer is included from your hotel to Inverness Airport or train station. Please allow up to three hours for check-in.