Spectacular Scotland | 14 Day Self-Drive

Start your trip at Glasgow Airport where you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. TThis 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. Overnight in Glasgow

Drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond and embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch. Then travel across the mountains to visit Inveraray Castle. Browse around the nearby town, planned by the Campbell family. Journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe. Continue your drive to Oban on the west coast and visit Oban Distillery to see how whiskey is distilled. Overnight in Oban

Take a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull, which is one of the most beautiful of the Hebrides. After a scenic drive across the mountains of Mull take another short ferry ride to the peaceful Isle of Iona, the burial place of many Scottish kings. Visit Iona Abbey, where St. Columba founded Scotland’s first Christian settlement in the 6th century. Overnight in Oban

Travel the scenic “Road to the Isles”. Cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye, often called the “Misty Isle” due to the showers that drift across the mountains. Visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to discover the history of the clans of the region. Overnight on Skye

Today spend the whole day touring the Isle of Skye. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Drive alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge and stop at Lealt Waterfall and the Kilt Rock. Overnight on Skye

Tour and take photos of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. It’s a very popular attraction and one of the most recognized castles in all of Scotland. Enjoy more Highland scenery as you drive to Inverewe Gardens. Travel to Ullapool, an active fishing and ferry port that was built in 1788. Overnight in Ullapool

Today explore a remote Highland area with huge tracts of bogland, rugged mountains and coastline. Stop in Durness, one of Scotland’s most remote hamlets and learn about the 18th and 19th century Highland Clearances. Overnight in Thurso

Take a ferry ride from the mainland to explore the largest island of Orkney. Visit Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village, to see remains of houses. View the Ring of Brodgar, a circle of prehistoric standing stones and see 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Overnight in Thurso

Drive along the coast to John o' Groats, the most northerly village on the British mainland. Visit Dunrobin Castle, dating to 1275 but renovated in the mid-1800’s. Continue south towards Inverness. Stop and visit the picturesque ruins at Urquhart Castle. Overnight in Aviemore

Aviemore is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. Check out the 17th Century Braemar Castle and learn of its exciting story. Lastly, end your day with a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery where you will enjoy a guided tour of the distillery. Overnight in Aviemore

Today, drive south past the majestic Cairngorm Mountains and through mountainous countryside and to the east coast to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” Overnight in Edinburgh

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. Overnight in Edinburgh

Drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed 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. Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in Britain. 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. Return to Edinburgh through the charming and historic village of Etal. Overnight in Edinburgh

Return your car at Edinburgh Airport before your flight home.