Scottish Splendor | 8 Day Self-Drive

Arrive at Glasgow Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive to your hotel where you can check in and drop off your bags. Take time to get settled in before touring Glasgow by car, foot or public transport. This is a city that flourished in Victorian times. See George Square with its ornate City Chambers and nearby Glasgow Cathedral. Visit Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest house built in 1471, and step back in time to discover Glasgow's unique history.

This morning take a short ferry ride to the Isle of Bute to tour Mount Stuart House. After your guided tour around the highly-decorated chambers, take a walk through the gardens and spend some time in Rothesay, the main town on the island. Next, continue north to the town of Oban where you will spend the night. Oban prides itself on being Scotland’s Seafood Capital so after checking into your hotel, visit an award-winning restaurant and enjoy some freshly cooked seafood.

This morning enjoy the scenery as you travel alongside Loch Linnhe. Venture through the deep valley of Glencoe and continue through Fort William and stop at the Spean Bridge Woolen Mill, where there is an excellent selection of quality Scottish goods. Embark on a short cruise on Loch Ness and keep an eye out for “Nessie”, the famed but elusive Loch Ness Monster. Continue your drive until you reach the town of Aviemore. This a well-known destination filled with beautiful scenery due to its location in Cairngorms National Park.

After breakfast, visit Braemar, renowned for its Highland Games and drive along “Royal Deeside.” The delightful village of Braemar is right in the heart of Cairngorms National Park.This lovely region was made popular by Queen Victoria who built Balmoral Castle as her Scottish retreat. Stop at the Falls of Feugh for lunch and learn about Highland life from a local resident. After some more exploring, return to Aviemore and tour the Cairngorm Brewery to see how their ales are made and you’ll also get to sample a pint!

This morning leave Aviemore and begin driving south. Tour Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. While you are there, enjoy some coffee and shortbread in a 16th century chamber. Next, head to the lovely seaside town of St Andrew's, also referred to as the “World’s Home of Golf.”See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course. Visit the British Golf Museum or browse through the medieval town and check out St Andrew’s amazing cathedral and castle. Continue into Edinburgh. If time permits, take a ghost walking tour to learn some spooky details of the city.

The best way to explore Edinburgh is by one of its many walking tours. 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. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and contains the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Scone. If you happen to be there during the month of August the Military Tattoo Show is definitely worth seeing.

Drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed following the sweeping coastline of the North Sea and cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland. Lindisfarne or Holy Island is a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age.Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in Britain. Used as a film location for 'Mary Queen of Scots', 'Macbeth', 'The Devils' and 'Ivanhoe', a stroll along the magnificent beach is a great way to start the day. The views from the beach of both the castle and Holy Island are stunning so make sure to bring your camera! After a short drive, arrive at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime. This magical place is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. Its sumptuous setting has famously been used as film locations for 'Harry Potter' (Hogwarts) and 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves'. Return to Edinburgh through the charming and historic village of Etal.