Sensational Scotland

This Fall, join RTT on an epic trip to Scotland, famous for stunning landscapes like the majestic Scottish Highlands and beautiful lochs, such as Loch Ness. Discover a realm of ancient castles steeped in history and immortalized in cinematic masterpieces such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Well-known for whisky, bagpipes, tartan kilts, and dishes like Haggis, Scotland offers a harmonious blend of untamed exploration and sophisticated heritage, all while indulging in the warmth of Scottish hospitality. This is an experience guaranteed to create lasting memories.

Day 1: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Newcastle, Scotland

We journey from Ramstein directly to our first stop, the Port of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Here we board our ferry and check in to our pre-booked rooms before it is time to set sail for Scotland. The modern ship is equipped with an a la carte restaurant, buffet restaurant, pub, supermarket as well as trend shops.  

Day 2: Blair Athol - Inverness

Our Scottish adventure begins with a morning arrival at the port of Newcastle. From there, we'll board our motor coach and head north, following the stunning Scottish coastline towards the majestic Highlands and Inverness. A highlight of our journey is a visit to the esteemed Blair Athol Distillery (or similar), where we immerse ourselves in the world of Scotch whisky-making and witness how the finest Scotch is expertly crafted from malted barley, perfectly capturing the "spirit" of the Scottish Highlands. Equipped with this first authentic sense of Scottish history, we continue to our final destination for today and check in to our hotel in Inverness.

Day 3: Inverness, Culloden, Cawdor Castle & Free Time

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, prepare to delve into the rich history and captivating beauty surrounding Inverness. Our day begins with a guided tour uncovering the city's hidden gems and local stories. We then journey to Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite army under Charles Stuart, also called Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746, forever reshaping Scottish history. Next, we'll visit the Cawdor Castle grounds for a photo stop, renowned for its connection to Shakespeare's Macbeth and its well-preserved medieval architecture and gardens. Returning to Inverness around lunchtime, the remainder of the day is yours to discover local shops, sample delicacies, and soak in the vibrant Highland atmosphere at your own pace.

Day 4: Loch Ness – Stirling - Edinburgh

Following breakfast and check-out, we embark on a breathtaking journey south, immersing ourselves in Scotland's iconic landscapes and historical sites en route to Edinburgh. Our adventure begins with a drive towards the legendary Loch Ness and the charming town of Fort Augustus, Capture stunning photographs of the enigmatic waters while pondering the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

Our journey continues south towards Edinburgh, unveiling a tapestry of breathtaking scenery on the way, pausing at the renowned Queen's View overlooking the serene Loch Tummel. Next, we arrive in Stirling, a city steeped in history, where you'll have free time to explore the Old Town, enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch, perhaps visit Stirling Castle, or browse local shops. We continue towards Edinburgh and check in to our Hotel. 

Day 5: Edinburgh

Wake up to the magic of Edinburgh! After a delicious breakfast, we meet our local guide and embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland's captivating capital. Fondly nicknamed "Auld Reekie" (the "old smoky one"). The smoke from the Industrial Revolution may be long gone, but what remains is a beautiful medieval gem, waiting to be discovered. We stroll through historic streets of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture and soak in the atmosphere uncovering beautiful hidden corners along the way. The only thing still smoky today is the whisky, which is definitely worth trying. Accompanied by a wealth of sugestions from your guide, the afternoon is for you to spend at your own pace.

Day 6: Edinburgh

Today is yours to discover the wonders of Edinburgh! We encourage you to make the most of your free time and perhaps visit Scotland's most famous landmark: Edinburgh Castle.

This imposing fortress, perched atop Castle Rock (an extinct volcano!), has played a pivotal role in Scottish history. Serving as both a royal residence and a formidable military stronghold, the castle's history is rich with tales of wars and intrigue. Edinburgh is a city best explored on foot. As the saying goes, "Everything is twenty minutes away!"

Day 7: Alnwick Castle - Newcastle

After breakfast and check-out, we'll point our motor coach south towards Newcastle port. But our adventure isn't over yet! We have one more gem to discover along the way: the magnificent Alnwick Castle. This well-known medieval fortress boasts a rich history spanning nearly a thousand years. Prepare to be captivated by its impressive architecture and stunning gardens. You might even recognize it as Brancaster Castle from Downton Abbey or as Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films! Enjoy a self-guided exploration of this iconic castle, delving into its fascinating past. Perhaps grab a snack before we continue our journey to catch our overnight ferry back to the port of Amsterdam.

Day 8: Return to Ramstein