Scenic Scotland | 9 Day Self-Drive

Arrive in Glasgow and make your way way to your hotel in the city. Get out and about on foot and explore George Square and the main shopping area in Glasgow. Enjoy an evening meal and an early night after a long day traveling.

Overnight in Glasgow

Leave your hotel and explore the city by foot today. See the marvel and its many statues and monuments. If you're up to it, walk the half mile (or take a taxi) to Glasgow Cathedral. It is spectacular both inside and out with The Necropolis providing a suitable backdrop. While you are out that direction, make a stop at Provand's Lordship - the oldest house in the city. Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Highland peaks. Stop off at Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe for a photo. Move further north along the shores of the spectacularly beautiful Loch Awe and the River Orchy. The drive into Glencoe is one of the most beautiful in all of Scotland so make sure you arrive there in daylight. Arrive at your hotel for the second night of your trip.

Overnight in Glen Coe

Today might be a nice day to take a ferry to the Isle of Mull. Ferries leave Oban for Craignure every few hours. The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Hebrides. It is an island of peninsulas which give it a long and varied coastline offering the visitor endless days of exploration and discovery. The mountains which stretch across the middle of the island rise to over 900m and are well-loved by hill walkers such is the variety of routes and views to be enjoyed. Between its beaches, long and interesting history, and beautiful scenery, you will have lots to do on Mull or nothing at all if you so choose. You will return to Glencoe for a second night at your hotel.

Overnight in Glen Coe

After an early rise, make your way along the shores of Loch Eil before cutting west at Fort William for the coast. See Glenfinnan Monument and Glenfinnan Viaduct along the way before you reach Mallaig. Here you will take a short ferry ride across to Armadale. Visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle and walk the gardens after lunch. After this just enjoy the drive to Portree, a picturesque little harbor town where you will stay the night.

Overnight in Portree

Today spend the whole day touring the Isle of Skye. Drive alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge and stop at Lealt Waterfall and the Kilt Rock. After a walk at the Quiraing, drive to Uig. Explore the magic of the Fairy Glen, legendary home of the 'wee people'! After lunch drive to the most westerly point on Skye and walk to Neist Point lighthouse and see some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Scotland, sea birds and maybe even marine wildlife. Along this drive, stop at Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. View priceless family heirlooms and stroll through formal gardens. Return to Portree at your leisure. 

Overnight in Portree

Drive along the coast of Loch Ness - all the while keeping an eye out for the mythical Nessie - and stop at Urquhart Castle on the shore for a tour. You might also like to take a cruise on the loch a little further on. Arrive in Inverness on time for lunch and take a short walk around the town. From Inverness, make your way out to Culloden Battlefield and spend some time in the museum and the walking around the battlefield outside. Return to Fort Augustus by the opposite shore of Loch Ness to take in its beauty from a different angle. You will spend the night here.

Overnight in Fort Augustus

Treat yourself to a late breakfast as you have a longer journey ahead of you today. As you make your way to the beautiful city of Edinburgh take in the beautiful scenic landscape as you navigate back down through the rugged Scottish Highlands. You should arrive in Edinburgh by early evening which gives you time to check into your hotel and explore the the surrounding area of the city and enjoy an evening meal.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Today you can see the bustling Princes Street and the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach 11 floors tall. Take a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn all about the whisky making process. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and contains the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Scone. Take a Ghost Walking Tour tonight to learn some of the city's darkest secrets.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Make your way to the Edinburgh Airport where you will return your car and board your flight home.