Welcome to Scotland! You're flying from Germany to Edinburgh today. You can easily reach your hotel from the airport using public transport. Alternatively, taxis and other transport services are also available, so you can easily organize your journey independently. Around 7:15 pm, you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at the hotel reception for a welcome dinner to get to know each other better and prepare for the days ahead. If you arrive after 7:15 pm, dinner will be omitted. 2 nights in Edinburgh. (A)

Today, you'll travel together by public transport to the heart of the Scottish capital. Edinburgh is nestled in a hilly landscape of extinct volcanoes and is therefore considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Scotland. The city is divided into the medieval Old Town and the New Town. During the walking tour, you'll also climb Edinburgh Castle on Castlehill and the striking Calton Hill (exterior view only). From here, you'll enjoy breathtaking views over the city. Afterward, you'll have plenty of free time to explore the sights on your own. Your tour guide will be happy to offer some suggestions on how to spend the afternoon. How about climbing the Scott Monument in honor of the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott? Or a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, which is worth seeing not only for its unique architecture but also for its immersive experience of Scottish history. Alternatively, stroll along the Royal Mile or wander through the Old Town with its many traditional pubs, cafes, and small shops. Once you feel you've seen all the highlights in the city center, you can make your own way back to your accommodation. Since you already traveled into the city this morning, the return journey will certainly be a breeze. (F)

After breakfast, you will head west towards Glasgow, where you can get a first impression of Scotland's largest city, which impresses with its stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant cityscape. The journey then continues into the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. At the famous Loch Lomond, you'll make a photo stop in the picturesque village of Luss. The charming cottages and idyllic location right on the shore give this little village its very special appeal. Now you set off for Inveraray Castle, the magnificent ancestral seat of Clan Campbell. This fairytale castle, with its distinctive towers, is one of the most impressive aristocratic residences in the country and is picturesquely situated on the shores of Loch Fyne. You'll continue your journey along the diverse west coast to Oban. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and can reminisce about the day's experiences over a group dinner. 2 nights in Oban. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 260 km, travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Today you'll take the ferry from Oban to the unspoiled Isle of Mull. The journey itself, across the water and along the picturesque coastline, is an experience in itself. You'll arrive in Craignure and then travel to Tobermory. This charming little harbor town is particularly captivating with its unique array of colorful houses along the promenade. A hike will take you through gently rolling hills covered in lush greenery to the impressive lighthouse. Take a few deep breaths of the fresh sea air and enjoy the natural paths (easy, 5 km, walking time: approx. 2 hours, +/- 80 meters elevation gain/loss). After the hike, you'll return to Tobermory, the only sizable settlement on the island. You'll have some free time to stop at a cozy café, stroll through the streets, and explore on your own. Later, you'll return to Tobermory together by ferry. (F) (Distance: approx. 70 km, travel time: approx. 2 hours)

Glencoe is considered by many to be the most impressive valley in the Scottish Highlands. Today's hike follows the famous West Highland Way long-distance trail, traversing the Devil's Staircase. This winding path east of Loch Leven offers wonderful panoramic views (moderate to challenging, 9.5 km, walking time: approx. 4.5 hours, +/- 400 meters elevation gain/loss). The mountains around you appear much higher than they actually are, and the landscape seems to stretch endlessly. Take in the view stretching to the ocean on one side and the Three Sisters mountain range on the other. The trail offers numerous natural vistas perfect for taking photos. If this route proves too demanding, you can alternatively opt for an easier hike in the valley itself, following the well-marked and wider paths. The journey then continues to Lochailort, a small town on the "Road to the Isles" between Fort William and Mallaig. Before arriving, however, there will be time for a photo stop at the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – an impressive structure and an important piece of Scottish railway history. Built between July 1897 and October 1898, the viaduct consists of 21 arches, with piers reaching heights of up to 30 meters. While the railway line crossing the viaduct was originally important for the local fishing industry, today it is primarily a tourist attraction, especially due to the Jacobite steam train – better known as the Hogwarts Express (the train from the Harry Potter films). You can spend a relaxing evening at your accommodation. 2 nights in Lochailort. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 100 km, travel time: approx. 1.5 hours)

Today a special excursion awaits you: In the morning, you'll take the ferry from Arisaig to Mallaig and continue on to the legendary Isle of Skye. First, you'll visit the Fairy Pools, whose crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery are among the island's highlights. Afterwards, you'll reach Portree, where brightly painted houses line the harbor of the lively main town, and take a short break. Traffic permitting, on the way back you'll stop for a photo opportunity at the Old Man of Storr, where you can admire one of Skye's most famous landmarks. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Lochailort and end the day with a group dinner. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 210 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Your journey today takes you to the legendary Loch Ness. Scotland's most famous lake is said, according to numerous myths, to be the lair of a monster. Depending on the weather, you have two options today. You can either take a short walk from Fort August along the Caledonian Canal (moderate, 4-6 km, walking time: approx. 2 hours, +/- 150 meters elevation gain/loss) or you can travel to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to explore a typical Scottish heath landscape. Afterwards, you'll make a brief stop in Inverness to visit the Clava Cairns, which are burial mounds and stone circles from the Bronze Age. In the late afternoon, you'll continue by bus to your next accommodation near the Cairngorms National Park, specifically Pitlochry in Perthshire – a true hidden gem and a friendly, colorful, and very well-kept small town in the Highlands, situated on Loch Faskally and the River Tummel. 3 nights in Pitlochry. (B) (Distance: approx. 210 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Look forward to a relaxing hike to Black Spout Waterfall today. Enjoy the calming atmosphere of the ever-present water along your way and let yourself be enchanted by the grace of the waterfall. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Blair Athol Distillery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take part in an interesting guided tour that will explain the philosophy of whisky production. You'll also enjoy a tasting of Scotland's "water of life," which will give you an insight into the subtle nuances and aromas of whisky. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. For example, take a stroll through the small village of Pitlochry, where your hotel is located, or visit one of the nearby restaurants for dinner. (F)

We want to experience the Highlands one last time. We'll embark on a beautiful and varied hike up Ben Vrackie, offering a breathtaking panorama of the central Highlands (moderate, 10 km, walking time: approx. 3.5 hours, +/- 420 meters elevation gain/loss). Certainly a bit more challenging than the hikes of the past few days, but also one of the most beautiful hikes of our trip. We won't be climbing the entire mountain, however. We'll take a break at the edge of a loch and turn around. The view will reward us. After descending, we'll enjoy our last dinner together at the hotel. (B/D)

Goodbye Scotland! Today your journey through Scotland comes to an end. The transfer to the airport will be shared with other travelers and is scheduled to depart from the hotel at approximately 8:30 a.m. You will receive the exact transfer times with your final travel documents. As the transfer times are coordinated with the departures of all guests, there may be waiting times for later return flights. Before your return flight, you may have some time for independent exploration in Edinburgh. Your luggage can be stored at the airport for a fee. If you prefer to travel to the airport independently of the transfer times, public transport, taxis, and other ride-hailing services are available. Then you will begin your return flight to Germany. (F)