The Gardens of Scotland
June 24 - July 3, 2026 | Maximum Group Size: 20 Participants | Availability: Open
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 European Discoveries on an unforgettable journey through Scottish landscapes and history, and experience The Gardens of Scotland.
Tour at a Glance:
Jun 24 – Depart U.S. for Edinburgh
Jun 25 – Arrive in Edinburgh • Free time • Welcome dinner
Jun 26 – Edinburgh Castle • Royal Botanic Garden • Jupiter Artland
Jun 27 – Mellerstain House • Abbotsford • Little Sparta Garden
Jun 28 – Scotland’s Garden Scheme visits • Private tour of Broadwoodside • Dinner in Edinburgh
Jun 29 – Train ride on West Highland Line • Arrive in Fort William
Jun 30 – Urquhart Castle • Cruise on Loch Ness • Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey
Jul 1 – Private tour & lunch at Ballindalloch Castle • Whisky tasting
Jul 2 – Drummond Castle Gardens • Pitcurran House • Kinross House (pending) • Farewell dinner
Jul 3 – Transfer to Edinburgh Airport • Return flights to U.S.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a European Discoveries staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.