Scottish Treasures & Gems | 10 Day Self-Drive

Day 1 : Glasgow Riverside Museum

Arrive in Glasgow and head to your accommodation to check in and drop off your bags. Explore George Square and the main shopping area in Glasgow. Make your way out to Kelvingrove Museum near the West End and you could pay a visit to Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel which is nearby.

Day 2 : Loch Lomond & Glengoyne Whisky Distillery 

Take the Rabbie’s Loch Lomond and Whisky Distillery Half Day Tour. Rabbie’s is sure to show you a fun and adventurous time. From there, the tour continues north where you’ll find Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This area will give you a perfect cultural mix of Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands. Enjoy walking along the shores of the tranquil Loch Lomond with sights of Balloch Country Park. 

Day 3 : McCaig's Tower & Oban War and Peace Museum

Depart from Glasgow this morning and head to Oban. Do some exploring in the afternoon. You can visit the Oban War & Peace Museum or stop by McCaig’s Tower for a beautiful view of Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands. If you’d like another whiskey sample, Oban Distillery won’t disappoint and complements the one you saw yesterday quite nicely. Enjoy dinner in Oban, dubbed the “Seaside Capital of Scotland.”

Day 4 : Isle of Mull 

Take today to visit the Isle of Mull. While on the water, enjoy stunning sights of the islands and rustic Scotland from a different perspective. When you arrive in Mull, make your way to Duart Castle. Tip toe through the ghostly dungeons. Stroll inside the Banquet Hall. Take in the Edwardian State Rooms. Go outside and walk in the footsteps of battles that took place on Duart Castle grounds. Enjoy the blossoming Rowan Tree in the Castle Courtyard.

Day 5 : Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness

Make your way north this morning as you head toward Culloden. You’ll pass Glencoe, located within Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands. This area is worth stopping to walk around and take some photos. You may also recognize some of its scenery from Blockbusters like Skyfall and a few of the Harry Potter films. Continue north and make your way to Urquhart Castle. Situated on the bank of Loch Ness, this castle has seen more than 1,000 years of history and offers a look at medieval life in the Highlands.

Day 6 : Cairngorms National Park 

Head toward Pitlochry as you depart from Culloden. Enjoy lovely sights of the Highlands during your drive. Not long after you reach Cairngorms National Park, you’ll come across The Cairngorm Brewery. Take the tour and discover its brewing style, involving a mix of the old with the new and some twists along the way. From there, visit The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Not just for Christmas, these tame and friendly reindeer bring joy to all who see them. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer located in the Cairngorm mountains.

Day 7 : Scottish Crannog Centre

Take some time to explore Pitlochry today. After a traditional Scottish breakfast, visit Blair Castle & Gardens. Tour its halls and grounds and discover its role in the lives of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Day 8 : Dundee & St Andrews 

This morning, make your way to Edinburgh. Stop to stretch your feet in Dundee, Scotland’s lively, cultural, fourth largest city. Take in the character, quirks and charm provided with ‘one city, many discoveries’. Continue your drive and stop in St Andrews.

Day 9 : Bird's Eye View of Edinburgh

Get an early start for a day of exploring Scotland’s capital. After breakfast, take a stroll around Old Town and explore the sights of the Royal Mile. Visit Edinburgh Castle for a tour like no other. There, you’ll feast your eyes on Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. This “must-see” Scottish experience will leave you feeling like a royal and a historian all at once. Climb Calton Hill for a gorgeous view of the city and Greater Edinburgh. Tour Rosslyn Chapel and explore its medieval history and architecture. From there, explore any other areas you wish and enjoy a night on the town before returning to accommodation for the evening.

Day 10 : Return Home