Highlights of Scotland

This small group tour of Scotland will take you from Edinburgh all the way through the Highlands and to the Isle of Skye. You will also be treated to true Scottish hospitality, staying in unique hotels around the country and enjoying gourmet local cuisine.

Every day includes around 8 hours of travel and exploration as a group.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including St Giles Cathedral and the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: SCOTLAND'S DRAMATIC EAST COAST

Today, your guide will pick you up to start your adventure around Scotland. You'll first drive through Fife where you'll stop at the village of Falkland for a visit to the Renaissance Falkland Palace.

Later, you'll have some time to explore the historic town of St Andrews before continuing north via Dundee. The next stop is the spectacular cliff-side Dunnottar Castle where you'll be able to take some fantastic photos.

When you reach the hotel near Aberdeen, the group will take part in a private whisky tasting for a flavour of the locally-produced Speyside malts before enjoying a gourmet dinner. 

Spend the night in Aberdeen.

Included: Entrance to Falkland Palace, breakfast at your hotel and dinner and private whisky tasting at the hotel restaurant.

DAY 3: ROYAL DEESIDE, CASTLES AND WHISKY

Today you venture further into the Scottish Highlands, all the way to Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands". The journey will take you through Royal Deeside for an enchanting drive into the Cairngorms National Park. On the way you'll have time to visit the 16th-century Crathes Castle.

Your guide will then drive through Speyside, the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making country. You'll enjoy a tour and tasting at a local distillery. When we reach the hotel near Inverness, we will enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Spend the night in Inverness.

Included: Entrance to Crathes Castle, whisky tasting and tour of local distillery, breakfast at your hotel and dinner at hotel restaurant.

DAY 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS

This morning, you'll explore some of the top attractions near Inverness. First, the haunting Battlefield of Culloden Moor, where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746. And then you'll have time to wander through the mysterious Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you north into the Black Isle Peninsula. At Chanonry Point, dolphins can often be spotted at low tide. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet meal at the hotel.

Spend another night in Inverness.

Included: Entrance to Battlefield of Culloden, breakfast at your hotel and dinner at hotel restaurant.

DAY 5: LOCH NESS & SKYE

Today you will see some of Scotland's most famous natural wonders and sights. Your guide will first drive along the mysterious Loch Ness, where you'll have the chance to hop on a boat tour to take photos and see if we can catch a glimpse of Nessie. 

Next up is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognise from many film appearances. This afternoon, the group will finally arrive on Skye. Tonight, you'll enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel.

Spend the night on Skye.

Included: Loch Ness boat tour, breakfast at your hotel and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

DAY 6: WONDERS OF SKYE

You'll spend the full day exploring Skye. First, you'll have some time to wander around Portree, the colourful main town of the island. You'll then travel along the Trotternish Peninsula where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr" rock formation, the Quiraing, and Kilt Rock waterfall. Tonight, you'll enjoy dinner at the hotel with the group.

Spend another night on Skye.

Included: Breakfast at your hotel and dinner at hotel restaurant.

DAY 7: SCOTTISH WILDLIFE AND GLENFINNAN

This morning, you'll head south on Skye and enjoy a walk to the beautiful Fairy Pools. Later, you'll return to mainland Scotland by taking a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig.

Your guide will then drive you to Fort William, stopping along the way in Glenfinnan. You can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking the beautiful Loch Shiel, and admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at your leisure in one of Fort William's restaurants.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Included: Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, breakfast and dinner at your hotel.

DAY 8: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS AND LOCHS

Today’s journey will take the group down to the Inveraray area. On the way, you'll be able to marvel at the stunning Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous valley offering breathtaking scenery. You'll go on a guided 20-minute walk here, a perfect chance to take photos.

Then on the way south, you will have the chance to stop at Kilchurn Castle. Finally at the hotel, you'll enjoy one last gourmet dinner as a group.

Spend the night in the Inveraray area.

Included: Breakfast at your hotel and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

DAY 9: TROSSACHS AND STIRLING CASTLE

Today your guide will drive through the impressive Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The first stop of the day will be the charming town of Luss, before passing by Stirling. Here you'll have some time to visit the impressive hilltop castle.

The final stop of the tour is at the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head statues. Your guide will then drop you off at your accommodation in Edinburgh. You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Scotland’s capital. 

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Included: Entrance to Stirling Castle and breakfast at your hotel.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

On your day of departure, make your way to the airport for your return flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

Included: Breakfast at your hotel before departing.