Introduction
We begin in ancient Edinburgh. Exploring the Royal Mile, sampling the Scotch Whisky Experience and visiting Edinburgh Castle. Next day drive over Queensferry Crossing with its dramatic views over the Firth of Forth to St Andrews, the home of golf. Visit Glamis Castle or Dunnottar Castle en route and overnight in a beautiful manor house near Aberdeen.
Onward to Royal Deeside, home to the Royal Family’s highland retreat, Balmoral Castle. Discover the colour bedecked gardens of Crathes Castle, a classic fairy-tale castle. Nearby is also Drum Castle with its 13th century tower and fine Jacobean mansion house. Heading to the highlands, we visit Inverewe Gardens, the most northern Botanic Garden of the world. We conclude along the Caledonian Canal from Loch Lochy to Fort William. The town is set in the shadow of Ben Nevis, we drive through Glencoe and across rugged Rannoch Moor. Overnight near the loch or Glasgow and depart.
Quick overview by day:
Day
1
EDINBURGH ARRIVAL
Day
2
EDINBURGH
Day
3
ST ANDREWS
Day
4
ROYAL DEESIDE
Day
5
MALT WHISKY TRAIL
Day
6
HIGHLANDS
Day
7
WEST COAST
Day
8
GOODBYE
1
Day 1
EDINBURGH ARRIVAL
Arrive into Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, and pick up your car at the car rental company desk and drive the short distance to your castle or manor house hotel, set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying your hotel and its facilities, or head into Edinburgh to start exploring Scotland’s capital city.
Overnight: Edinburgh area.
2
Day 2
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh has a lot of shops, pubs and restaurants to offer the visitor, as well as a good selection of activities to choose from. Edinburgh Castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Visit the castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Family’s official residence in Scotland. For whisky connoisseurs, don’t miss the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Royal Mile.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
3
Day 3
ST ANDREWS
This morning drive to cross the Queensferry Crossing with its dramatic views over the Firth of Forth. Head east to St Andrews, the home of golf. Explore the beautiful university town on foot, and have your photo taken standing on top of the Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course. Continue north across the Tay Bridge, and you have the option to visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, or Dunnottar Castle, one of the most dramatically situated castles in Scotland this afternoon. Check into your manor house hotel in the Aberdeen area.
Overnight: Aberdeen area
4
Day 4
ROYAL DEESIDE
Today you have a full day to explore Royal Deeside, a magnificent valley of the river Dee and home to the Royal Family’s Highland retreat, Balmoral Castle. You can wander through the colourful gardens of Crathes Castle, a classic fairytale castle, or discover nearby Drum Castle with its 13th century tower and fine Jacobean mansion house. Spend some time exploring the villages on Royal Deeside as well, all with their own distinct character. Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, which explains the many “By Royal Appointment” signs that you will see on local shops and businesses.
Overnight: Aberdeen area
5
Day 5
MALT WHISKY TRAIL
Travel northwards towards Inverness. Follow the Malt Whisky Trail and visit some of the distilleries behind the world's most famous, and some would say, finest malt whiskies. Speyside is a must visit destination for any whisky lover, and this is where you find Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenlivet and several other famous distilleries along the river Spey. The area is also home to magnificent castles, such as Cawdor Castle, and Brodie Castle, connected to the Jacobite story. Continue to your castle hotel in in the Inverness area.
Overnight: Inverness area
6
7
Day 6
HIGHLANDS
Today, why not head Northwest to visit the famous Inverewe Gardens, the most northern Botanic Garden of the world. Or you can head north to visit Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale castle resembling a French chateau with its towering conical spires. Stay in the Inverness area to visit Culloden battlefield, or stroll around Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. If you head south, you can take a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, to explore one of Scotland’s two national parks. You may also choose to take a cruise on Loch Ness, a short drive from Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness area
Day 7
WEST COAST
Drive alongside the legendary Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle which dates back to the 12th century and is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch Ness. Follow the Caledonian Canal along Loch Lochy to Fort William. The town is set in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most legendary glens, and across rugged Rannoch Moor. Drive along Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Britain and known for the tranquil beauty of its wooded shores and islands. Check in to your hotel in the Loch Lomond or Glasgow area and enjoy a final evening in your hotel.
Overnight: Loch Lomond/ Glasgow area
8
Day 8
GOODBYE
Depart Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport.
Trip Details
Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Contact a travel expert for a comprehensive itinerary and pricing:
US$ 450+ per person per day (based on 5-star hotels)
US$ 450 – 400 per person per day (based on 4-star hotels)
US$ 400 – 350 per person per day (based on 3-star hotels)
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