Classic Tour of Scotland
08 Days / 07 Nights
We visit Stirling Castle of William Wallace and Braveheart fame. Heading west we encounter Loch Lomond and a host of castles such as Inveraray. Another option is to route via Glencoe for spectacular highland vistas. Overnight Oban or Fort William. Next day we ferry to the famed Isle of Sky. Home to some of the famed Scottish whiskey distilleries and the wildest landscapes. We also see Eilean Donan Castle and famed Loch Ness, here you can cruise the lake to find the monster!
From Inverness we explore the wilds of Cairngorm National Park and idyllic Victorian villages en route to Perth. To conclude we call to St Andrews Golf Course. The home of golf since the 15th Century. Then onward to Edinburgh and explore Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Family’s official residence in Scotland. The perfect end to a perfect tour of Scotland!
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
Welcome to Scotland! We drive the short distance from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland situated upon a volcanic plug with a wonderful view over Stirlingshire, or you may choose to visit Bannockburn – a fun, interactive visitor centre depicting one of the most important battles in Scottish history – or the Wallace Monument, commemorating William Wallace, famous from the Braveheart film.
Overnight: Stirling area
DAY 2 – STIRLING - LOCH LOMOND – FORT WILLIAM
This morning leave Stirling and drive towards the west coast via Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the whole of Great Britain and known for the tranquil beauty of its wooded shores and islands. Continue Northwest along Loch Fyne and its beautiful landscape. Pass by Inveraray Castle and the charming homeland of the Duke of Argyll, the head of the Campbell Clan on your way to Oban. The castle testifies to the power and wealth of the Campbells, one of the most powerful of the Highland Clans. Or you can choose to travel via the rugged landscape of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, one of the most scenic valleys in Scotland.
Overnight in Oban or Fort William area
DAY 3 – OBAN/FORT WILLIAM - ISLE OF SKYE
This morning drive north and take a ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye or continue via Loch Lochy to Kyle of Lochalsh and take the bridge to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic of the Hebridean Islands.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
DAY 4 – LOCH NESS - INVERNESS
Travel east today for Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Continue for the Inverness area via Loch Ness. You may choose to stop at Urquhart Castle, which is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch Ness. If you dare, take a cruise on Loch Ness, most famous for the elusive monster!
Overnight: Inverness area
DAY 5 – INVERNESS - PITLOCHRY - PERTH
This morning, drive east of Inverness where you can visit Cawdor Castle and its beautiful gardens, or drive south via Aviemore where you can explore the impressive Cairngorm Mountains located in the Cairngorm National Park. Continue to Pitlochry where you may choose to visit the smallest distillery in Scotland, the Edradour Whisky Distillery. Why not stroll through the Victorian village before travelling south towards Perth.
Overnight: Perth area
DAY 6 – ST ANDREWS – FIFE - EDINBURGH
Today, visit St Andrews, named after Scotland's patron saint. St Andrews is the famous home of golf, played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Continue along the coast via the small fishing villages of Elie and Pittenweem. Cross the Queensferry Crossing with its spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
DAY 7 – EDINBURGH
Welcome to Edinburgh! Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city. Visit some of its many attractions such as famous Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Family’s official residence in Scotland.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
DAY 8 – GOODBYE
Return home from Edinburgh Airport or extend your stay in Edinburgh.