A Scottish Journey From Edinburgh to Edinburgh
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: With so much to offer beyond the two major cities, this Scotland Back Roads small group tour immerses you all that’s great about this beautiful and unique country. Discover historic castles, murky lochs, and the Isle of Skye before you return to Edinburgh.
Join one of our unique small group Back-Roads touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose-built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader.
This 8-day Scotland tour takes in the best of the countryside on a round trip from Edinburgh, and is ideal for travellers wanting to experience the Highlands in detail.
Set out for the fishing villages of East Neuk on your way to St Andrew's. Here, the cobblestone streets offer just a glimpse of historic sites to come. The first major one of these is Cawdor Castle, dating back to the 14th century. You’ll explore the castle and gardens, then delve even further into the past at Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old burial site. Relive the battle of Culloden at the local museum, then settle overnight at Inverness.
A trip to the Kiltmaker Visitor Centre offers you a keen insight into the humble tartan’s proud history. Nearby of course is Loch Ness, Britain’s largest body of water, and home to the namesake Monster. Visit Plockton en route to the Isle of Skye, home to a blend of wildlife and geological formations. Cap off your sightseeing with a whisky tasting at Portree.
Pass through the dramatic scenery of the Highlands, including towering Ben Nevis, as you make your way to Glenfinnan and Fort William. Then catch your ferry to the Isle of Mull, famed for its red granite landscapes and clifftop Duart Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Another short ferry ride takes you to Iona, home to historic Iona Abbey and Nunnery.
Return to the mainland and go on to Stirling, where the Scottish Wars of Independence were fought. Explore the castle and historic town centre before returning to Edinburgh for departure.
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Edinburgh
Majestic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and imagination-firing stories: Scotland delivers on every level. After meeting the group at the hotel, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers over a delicious welcome meal.
Accommodation: Malmaison Edinburgh City (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Edinburgh - St Andrews - Cairngorms National Park - Cairngorms Region
After breakfast, it's time to board the mini-coach and take to the scenic route. Now the journey begins! You’ll admire the historic fishing villages speckled along the east coast before our first port of call: St Andrews. This small town has a big reputation for world-class golf, as well as a prestigious university – the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Following a spot of lunch, you’ll catch our first glimpse of the otherworldly Cairngorms National Park before settling into our accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: The Lodge on the Loch (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Cairngorms Region
Prepare to travel back to the 16th century this morning as you stop in at stately Crathes Castle. Soaring turrets, intricately painted ceilings and enchanting manicured gardens await at this characteristically Scottish tower house. After an included lunch, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria as you explore the Royal Deeside area – said to have captivated the queen during her 1848 visit. Later, you’ll have the evening at our leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Cairngorms Region - Cairngorms National Park - Speyside - Inverness
Our day will begin in dramatic fashion this morning as you explore the stunning surrounds of Cairngorms National Park and Speyside whisky region – heading to viewpoints specially chosen by the in-the-know Tour Leader. And then? Some truly authentic Scottish experiences are in store. First, you’ll stop at the open-air Highland Folk Museum, used as the filming location for the TV series Outlander. Following that, a lesson in Scotch whisky awaits at a local distillery. You’ll uncover the centuries-old legends and complex processes behind turning malted barley into ‘liquid gold’ - sampling a dram or two while you’re at it. The final stop of the day will be Inverness, the welcoming capital of the Highlands. Tonight, you’ll come together to share stories of the day’s adventures over an included meal.
Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Inverness
After this morning’s orientation tour, the city is your oyster. Visit Inverness Cathedral, explore the charming Victorian Market or simply hunt down a good pub to relax in. What you do today is completely up to you! For dinner tonight, why not take advantage of the array of local eateries filled with character and delicious Scottish fare.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Inverness - Culloden, Loch Ness and Plockton - Isle of Skye
The path will lead us eastwards this morning to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. Here you’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Highlands and gain a unique insight into the battle that took place on this vast moorland. Next, there’s a chance to spot the elusive Nessie in mysterious Loch Ness – binoculars recommended! Following our monster hunt, you’ll pay a visit to the quaint village of Plockton, where painted cottages cluster around a picturesque bay. After strolling the harbour and observing the passing yachts, you’ll continue on to our final destination of the day: the breathtaking Isle of Skye. At the hotel, you’ll share the excitement for tomorrow’s adventures over an included dinner.
Accommodation: Duisdale House Hotel (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Isle of Skye
Sensational landscapes, rare wildlife and imagination-firing history – the Isle of Skye delivers on every level. This is North Highland scenery on a grand scale! You’ll spend the day taking in the island’s unique geology and jaw-dropping scenery – including the extraordinary Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr. After a full day of exploring, you’ll have the evening free to dine at our leisure or relax in our idyllic surrounds.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Isle of Skye - Isle of Mull
Today you’ll continue the journey through soul-stirring Scottish scenery before taking a short ferry ride over to the breathtaking Isle of Mull. Here, the evening will be yours to spend as you please.
Accommodation: Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Isle of Mull - Isle of Iona - Isle of Mull
The best way to explore the bewitching Hebrides is by island hopping – so today, you’ll do just that. From Mull’s little village of Fionnphort, you’ll set sail to Iona: where a medieval abbey and revered pilgrimage site await us. After returning to the hotel on Mull, toast to the Scottish journey with a final dinner with your group.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Isle of Mull - Stirling - Edinburgh
Back to the mainland you go. Its been a tour that’s delved deep into Scotland’s heritage, so it’s only right that you finish with a stop in historic Stirling. A drive through the Old Town will bring you to the magnificent hilltop castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive and significant monuments. Here, you’ll spend some time exploring the castle’s many rooms and soaking up the sweeping views from atop the castle walls. What better way to round off our tour before returning to Edinburgh.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: April 4, 18, 27; May 2, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, 30; June 6, 8, 13, 15, 22;
July 6, 11, 13, 20, 25, 27; August 1, 8, 15, 22, 24, 31; September 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 28;
October 3, 12
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 9 nights first-class accommodations
- Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
- Guided visits and orientation in Cairngorms National Park, the Highland Folk Museum, Inverness, Isle of Skye
- Scotch whisky tasting
- Ferry to Mull and Iona
- Entrance included to all attractions as per itinerary, including: Crathes Castle, Culloden Museum, Iona Abbey and Stirling Castle
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 1 lunch, 4 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share. Subject to availability. The hotels have been hand-picked from an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours, hotels may vary from those listed in this itinerary.
10 Oct 2023
