Cinematic Scotland | 8 Day Self-Drive

Arrive in Glasgow and make your way to your hotel in the city. Leave your hotel and explore the city by foot today. See George Square and marvel at 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. Later, head an hour east to Rosslyn Chapel - a major filming location for The Da Vinci Code, based on Dan Brown's novel with the same title. The main characters of the film (played by Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou) were on site here for several days and most of the interior scenes of the chapel were filmed here. After the movie came out, Hanks said, "Rosslyn Chapel was all one could imagine or hope for." After dinner and drinks in Glasgow, settle into your accommodation. 

Overnight in Glasgow

Make your way north this morning and enjoy a beautiful drive thru the Highlands. As you pass Stirling, stop to tour Doune Castle. You're in for a treat with this gem, as it's been featured in many well known movies and shows. Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the BBC's Ivanhoe, Game of Thrones, as well as Outlander can all boast this beautiful castle as a filming location. Take an audio tour and stop at the hot points to hear about the scenes from some of the world's most beloved small and big screen entertainment. You'll soon learn you're not just walking in the steps of cinema royalty - you're at a prime location of Scottish history. Built as the home of Regent Albany (a.k.a. 'Scotland's uncrowned king'), Robert Stewart and his wife Margaret Graham lived there in the 14th century. As you enter places like the musician's gallery, the double fireplace and the carved oak screen, you'll marvel at the world these royals once resided in. On your way back, stop by Glen Etive and see the breathtaking area where we see 007 returning to his Scottish roots in Skyfall. Once you're done exploring, continue to Glencoe to check into accommodation.

Overnight in Glencoe

Prepare for a fun day of sightseeing around the area of Glencoe today. One "must-see" in this region is the Three Sisters of Glencoe. These three steeply-sided ridges are part of Bidean nam Bian and can be seen during a drive or walk through a luscious valley below them. They're in the perfect spot to take a photo or two. In Glencoe Village, you'll find a tribute to the fallen MacDonald clan members who were killed by the Campbells in the Massacre of Glencoe centuries ago. From there, make your way to the lovely town of Fort William for lunch. This beautiful location was a filming spot for Mel Gibson's Braveheart with some beautiful shots taken in the mountainous region of Glen Nevis. Head east and you'll find the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films taking students to Hogwarts. Return to Glencoe for dinner and drinks before settling into accommodation.

Overnight in Glencoe

Make your way north from Glencoe and deeper into the Highlands. Take in sights of Loch Lochy on your left before heading west. Stop at the stunning Eilean Donan Castle. One of the most photographed Scottish monuments in the country, Eilean Donan is located at the point where three great sea-lochs meet and is surrounded by the mountains of Kintail. It's highly thought of as one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Discover its marvelous history as you walk around its internal rooms featuring period furniture, Jacobean artifacts, displays of weapons and fine art. You may recognize its location from films like Made of Honor, The Wicker Man, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The World is Not Enough. After you're done exploring, make your way to the Isle of Skye and check into your accommodation in Portree. Enjoy a fun evening of dinner and drinks before settling in for the night.

Overnight in Portree

The Isle of Skye awaits for you to explore many of its gems today. Head north toward an area known as The Quiraing. Defined by cliffs and sweeping hillsides - this iconic spot in Scotland is the perfect combination of fairytale meets supernatural. It's no coincidence this is the filming location of recent movies Macbeth, The BFG, Stardust and Snow White and the Huntsman. Explore its beautiful surroundings and immerse yourself in the tranquility that is northern Skye. Continue your journey and make your way south to the Talisker Distillery. Take the Tasting Tour and sample a "wee dram" of the only Single Malt whisky made on the Isle of Skye. You'll also enjoy its location set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. If time permits, continue on to The Fairy Glen - a place as magical as it sounds.This otherworldly glen is made up of a small loch, an ancient ruined castle and unexplained fairy circles made of stones. This is another filming spot of the fairytale movie Stardust, and it's not hard to see why. Return to your accommodation in Portree for the evening.

Overnight in Portree

Begin your trip from Portree to Fort Augustus this morning. Drive east and make your way off of the Isle of Skye. Continue until you reach Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Home to many great clansmen through the ages and a beautiful historical site, Urquhart Castle is a place you won't want to miss. Once you're done exploring on land, be sure to take a boat cruise along Loch Ness and go searching for Nessie - Loch Ness's elusive sea monster. Continue your drive to Fort Augustus from there. When you arrive, check into accommodation. If time permits, visit Fort Augustus gems like the Clansmen Centre and discover amazing stories of the Highlands' rich past. Enjoy a lovely dinner with a view of Loch Ness in the distance and explore any areas of Fort Augustus you wish before settling in.

Overnight in Fort Augustus

Return to Glasgow this morning for some more sightseeing of this vibrant Scottish city. Make your way out to Kelvingrove Museum near the West End and spend a couple of hours appreciating art and history. Alternatively (or additionally) you could pay a visit to Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel which is nearby. Today is a great day for doing anything you didn't get to do on your first day in Glasgow. Spend the evening at a nice restaurant in the city's West End and have a nightcap at one of its many bars before settling in to your accommodation.

Overnight in Glasgow

Make your way to Edinburgh Airport and board your flight home.