The Gardens of Scotland

Few visitors travel “north of the border” without leaving at least a part of their heart behind in the Highlands. The breathtaking landscapes, the romance of the tales and legends, and the history of the noble and fiercely independent inhabitants all combine to leave a lasting impression. The Highlands are calling!

And whereas the climate is a little harsher than that of our cousins to the south, this has not prevented the Scots from indulging wholeheartedly in the British passion for horticulture. From small private gardens to those of the great castles; from spectacular natural scenery to the second oldest botanic garden in Britain (the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, est. 1670), we’ll take you on a garden-lovers dream.

We’ll spend a few days in the capital, Edinburgh, exploring its intriguing Old Town; an area of winding streets steeped in atmosphere and history. We’ll traverse the Royal Mile, leading from Edinburgh Castle, stopping at St. Giles’ Cathedral on the way, and take a number of excursions to explore the surrounding countryside.

For some, a highlight of the tour will be a train ride on one of the “Great Railway Journeys of the World” – the West Highland Line, running from Glasgow up to Fort William. From here we take a circular tour through the Highlands and back to Edinburgh, encompassing visits to Loch Ness and several spectacular gardens, both public and private.

Along the way there will be unexpected stops and detours, plenty of time for a wee dram in the local pub or distillery, and the best of Scotland’s back roads and scenery. Join Art in Bloom Garden Tours as they team up with Discover Europe once again this summer, to take you on an unforgettable journey through Scottish landscapes and history, and experience the Gardens of Scotland.

Wednesday, August 13th

Departure from your chosen US gateway city. Overnight: Plane

Thursday, August 14th

Your arrival at Edinburgh Airport will be met for the transfer to our city-center hotel. If our rooms are not available for immediate check-in, there will be time to find lunch and begin exploring the neighborhood. This afternoon we will have a chance to unpack and rest up from the overnight f light before gathering this evening for a reception and dinner at the hotel. (D) Overnight: Edinburgh

Friday, August 15th  The elegant city of Edinburgh is the political and cultural capital of Scotland. Set atop seven volcanic hills, it brims with historic treasures, but its finest is surely Edinburgh Castle, a towering fortification that dominates the skyline. Morning sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the historic castle, where you can admire the Honours of Scotland, her crown jewels. Our tour will end at the Royal Botanical Garden, where you’ll be able to have lunch and explore. This afternoon we will visit Jupiter Artland, the sculpture garden at Bonnington House, just on the outskirts of the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore the city and sample one of its many fine restaurants. (B) Overnight: Edinburgh

Saturday, August 16th

Our first visit this morning takes us south of the city in Lowland Scotland. We’ll have a tour of the Robert Adam masterpiece, Mellerstain House and Gardens. After time for lunch here, we’ll drive the short distance to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. Turning back towards Edinburgh, we’ll pay a visit to Little Sparta Garden. Set in the Pentland Hills, just south of Edinburgh, Little Sparta is the garden of the artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. His idea is of a “Garden Gallery”—an outdoor space to exhibit his work that has become a piece of art in its own right. We return to Edinburgh for a free evening. (B) Overnight: Edinburgh

Sunday, August 17th

Our first stop this morning will be at Inveresk Lodge Garden, where we’ll explore this garden paradise, tucked away inside its walled grounds in the charming village of Inveresk. From here, a short drive to the coast brings us to Greywalls. Now a wonderful hotel, this Edwardian country house and its gardens were the result of the long collaboration between Gertrude Jekyll and the architect Sir Edward Lutyens. We’ll have lunch here and a chance to wander the gardens before continuing on to our final visit of the day, Tyninghame House. There has been an estate here since 1094 CE, although the current house was remodeled in 1829. The walled garden is considered one of the treasures of the Lothian region. The evening is free back in Edinburgh. Drummond Castle Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (B, L) Overnight: Edinburgh

Monday, August 18th

This morning, we visit 2 gardens that participate in the Scotland’s Garden Scheme, whereby private gardens open the gates to the public in aid of charity on special occasions or by prior arrangement for groups. Our two target gardens for this morning are Whitburgh Walled Garden and Stobshiel House. (Note: Being private gardens their availability may change between now and August 2025, but rest assured, we will find other suitable replacements among the ranks of the scheme’s membership if that proves to be the case. Our final visit of the day will be to Broadwoodside Garden, where we’ll have a private tour. Completely derelict as recently as 1998, the buildings and garden at Broadwoodside are the result of the work, dedication and vision of Robert and Anna Dalrymple. We return to Edinburgh for dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D) Overnight: Edinburgh

Tuesday, August 19th

Leaving Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, we drive west to her largest city, Glasgow. Here we board a train north to Fort William on the fabulous West Highland Line. This route is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering—long sweeping viaducts carry the track through breathtaking scenery. Truly one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World. Our coach will meet us off the train at Fort William and bring us to our hotel where there will be time to freshen up before dinner. (B, D) Overnight: Fort William

Wednesday, August 20th

From Fort William, we drive to up the Great Glen, the fault line that crosses Scotland from Inverness in the northeast to Loch Linnhe in the southwest. We’ll stop and visit the romantic, lake side ruins of Urquhart Castle and then take a boat ride on Loch Ness—keeping our eyes peeled for any monsters that may be lurking in the depths. We’ll disembark at Inverness and continue to our hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, Banffshire, where dinner will await us. (B, D) Overnight: Grantown-on-Spey

Thursday, August 21st

This morning, we take an excursion to Ballindalloch Castle, where we will enjoy a private tour and lunch with the owner (subject to availability). The Macpherson-Grant family have owned the castle since 1546 and carry the title of Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire. After lunch we’ll visit an area distillery for a whisky tasting (perhaps at Ballindalloch itself, or the nearby, and more famous, Glenlivet or Glenfiddich Distilleries). We’ll return to our hotel for a free evening. (B, L) Overnight: Grantown-on-Spey.

Friday, August 22nd

A fairly early start today (around 8.00 am) as we head back south, through the Cairngorm Mountains. We’ll make a stop at Drummond Castle, where we’ll have a private tour of “one of the finest formal gardens in Europe.” Making a wonderful contrast, is our next visit—Pitcurran House. This is the home of the Honourable Ranald and Mrs. Noel-Paton, who generously open the garden to private groups. Our final visit (subject to availability) is to Kinross House, a lavish late 17th-century country house overlooking Loch Leven. The house and estate are often rented out for filming and they will not know their availability until early 2025. We will either dine here or at a country house hotel, near to Edinburgh Airport. (B, D) Overnight: Nr. Edinburgh Airport

Saturday, August 23rd

Morning transfers to Edinburgh Airport for return flights to the US. (B)

Key to included meals: B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner