Classic Scotland

Programme

Day 1: Forth Bridges and St Andrews

Individual arrival in Edinburgh. From here you will head to South Queensferry, where the iconic Forth Bridges cross the Firth of Forth. Here, the screeching of the seagulls and the clean, salty air will give you a taste of things to come. Then you cross over into the Kingdom of Fife, one of the most fertile regions of Scotland. On the gently rolling hills grows not only the grain for the whisky production but also organic vegetables and fruit, which fill the local shops. All along the North Sea coast you will find small, historic fishing villages where fresh lobster and crabs are landed daily. You continue your tour to St Andrews, one of the most famous historic cities in Great Britain. The noble university has welcomed many famous faces including Prince William. St Andrews Cathedral used to be one of the biggest churches in the country. The St Andrews of today, with its gorgeous sandy beaches, is a Mecca for golf fans from all over the world. Distance: 60 miles, Driving Time: about 1.5-2 hrs, Accommodation: St Andrews/Dundee

Day 2: Cairngorm National Park and Aberdeen

After a hearty Scottish Breakfast you can detour to Aberdeen, the Silver City. On your way you will pass Dunnottar Castle, the ruins of the cliff top fortress sit prominently and dramatic upon a rocky headland 2 miles south of Stonehaven. Alternatively, you can take the scenic tour through the heather covered upland plateau of the Cairngorms National Park and the Royal Deeside. Here you can visit Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal Family.  Across one of the highest mountain passes in Scotland you will reach Corgarff Castle. Surrounded by moorland, the castle has withstood the regions infamous storms since the 16^th century. Your next stop is Aviemore, a famous winter sport town. Distance: 125 miles, Driving Time: about 3.5-4 hrs (without Aberdeen), Accommodation: Aviemore

Day 3: Inverness and Loch Ness

Discover Inverness, the lively capital of the Highlands. South of the city lies Loch Ness, the world-famous lake. On your way there you will cross the Caledonian Canal, which runs some 60 miles from the Scottish east coast at Inverness to the West Coast near Fort William. From the grounds of the ruined Urquhart Castle you have a fantastic view over the Loch. From here the drive into the West Highlands begins. The route will lead you through breath-taking countryside, immortalised in many movies and series. You will pass reservoirs, sea lochs and the mountains of the ‘Five Sisters of Kintail’ before reaching Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in the world. At last you reach the Isle of Skye; the “Misty Isle” is one of the most beautiful islands on the Scottish west coast. Distance: 145 miles, Driving Time: about 3.5-4 hrs, Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 4: The famous Isle of Skye

Explore the magical Isle of Skye, its mountainous interior often draped in mist and clouds! The Cuillin mountain range, picturesque fishing villages, waterfalls and thatched cottages – every view is a great view! The basalt columns of the famous Kilt Rock sea cliff resemble a kilt, here the Mealt Waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. Visit the truly spectacular Quiraing Massive, with its distinctive landscape an icon of Scotland. The landslip on the north eastern side of the Trotternish Ridge is still moving today. Rock formations like The Needle, The Table and The Prison in ever-changing lightin conditions provide superb motives to be captured with your camera. In the afternoon step back in time at the “Museum of Island Life” in the north of the island. Here, traditional thatched blackhouses have been restored and offer visitors a unique experience and a true insight into island life 100 years ago. Or visit the Talisker distillery, which produces the famous island whisky. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 5: Harry-Potter’s ‘Road to the Isles’

You are heading to the south of the island – called ‘Garden of Skye’ due to its lush vegetation – and take the ferry over to the mainland. The picturesque fishing port of Mallaig offers beautiful views over the sea and the islands off the west coast. Following the route of one of the worlds most scenic train journeys, you are heading to Fort William. En route, don’t forget to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has been used as location in several films including Harry Potter and Braveheart. The Glenfinnan Monument on the shores of Loch Shiel is a moving tribute to those who died fighting the Jacobite cause. Via Fort William, the hiking capital of Scotland, you continue your journey along the shores of Loch Linnhe to your next accommodation. Distance: 105 miles, Driving Time: about 2.5-3 hrs, Accommodation: Fort William/Ballachulish

Day 6: Glencoe and Oban

Today the West Highlands have another highlight waiting for you – the spectacular Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most scenic and most historic glens. Made famous by the bloody massacre at the MacDonald clan in 1692, Glencoe is a place of towering mountains and deep valleys shaped by violent volcanic eruptions and sculpted by massive glaciers. Follow the coastal route to Oban, a charming seaside town. Visit the Oban Distillery or take a ferry over to the neighbouring Isle of Mull. In the evening enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the lively harbour. Distance: 70 miles (one-way), Driving Time: about 1 hr (one-way), Accommodation: Fort William/Ballachulish

Day 7: The capital Edinburgh

One of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, the Moor of Rannoch is a vast expanse of boggy moorland, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops. Heading south on the only road through this empty stretch of land, watch out for the stags and red deer on the hills. You continue through the picturesque Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and finally reach Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland  is said to be built on seven hills, an allusion to the seven hills of Rome.

Take a walk through the Old and New Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), discover Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy the view over town from Carlton Hill. In the evening fantastic restaurants and cosy pubs invite you to linger and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you’re brave enough you can join one of the many ghost tours through to discover Edinburgh’s dark past. Distance: 120 miles, Driving Time: about 3hrs, Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 8: Departure 

Today you have to say goodbye to a wonderful, welcoming country. Take a last stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, buy a few last souvenirs or visit one of the many galleries and museums before starting your journey home.

Services

Tour includes

• 7 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B or hotel accommodation (en-suite)
• Scottish breakfast
• hire car for 8 days from/to airport including damage waiver, Sat Nav and 2 drivers
• Scotland road map
• Comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• lunch and dinner
• fuel
• admissions

Optional add-ons

• £ pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£ single supplement)
• £ pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£ single supplement)
• £ per day car hire extension
• from £ pp Royal Military Tattoo tickets (subject to availability)

Additional Information

Duration: 8 days
Participants: from 2 pax
Start: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport
Finish: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport

This tour can also be done by public transport, as an alternative to driving.

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

Dates & Prices

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