Road Trip: Highlights of Scotland

Unveil the secrets of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities at your own pace in a fun-filled day. If you start early enough, you could hike up to Arthur’s Seat to catch the spectacular sunrise. Or, if it’s later in the day, savor bird’s eye’s views of the many iconic landmarks in the city from Calton Hill. Step back in time at Dean Village, a former milling hamlet that retains its old-world charm with charming cottages and cobblestone lanes. You could also choose to relive your youth at the Museum of Childhood with its fascinating collection of vintage toys and board games among others. Having worked up an appetite, step into a typical Scottish pub, maybe one that has been around for decades. Soak in the authentic ambiance as you enjoy live folk music performances and relish hearty local fare. As the sun sets, head to one of the glitzy nightclubs and bars on George Street or Cowgate for a night of fun and festivities. (Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Set out on a quest of the Holy Grail on this tour of medieval abbeys that trace their roots back to the legendary Knights Templar and the mysterious order of the Freemasons. Meet your local guide at the Edinburgh Bus Station. Drive down to the lovely Tweed Valley, overlooked by Scott’s View. Don’t miss this chance to stop by the old statue of the legendary Scottish hero, William Wallace. Wind your way along the Highlands to the quaint little Scottish border town of Melrose, home to the ruined old Melrose Abbey, built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks. The Abbey is said to contain relics of the legendary Robert the Bruce, who had fought in the Crusades. Take a lunch break at Melrose, before heading out to yet another medieval Scottish monument. Made famous by author Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, the elegant Rosslyn Chapel still stands shrouded in legends and mysterious symbolism. Who knows, maybe you could chance upon a Holy Grail of your own at this 15th century stone structure? Return to Edinburgh, with mysterious secrets buried deep within your soul! (Full Day; Duration: 7-8 hrs; Timing: 0920 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfer to the meeting point not Included; Lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Please inform ahead in case of special dietary needs and please wear comfortable walking shoes. Meeting Point: Edinburgh Bus Station (Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ))

Set out from Inverness for the Tomatin whisky distillery that shares its name with the village it is located in. This single malt Scotch whisky distillery has been around since 1897 and is known for its brands, Antiquary and Talisman. Learn all about the intricate process of distilling excellent whisky as your knowledgeable guide explains it all. Pick up knowledge about the different stages involved in processing the ingredients and the time it takes for the whisky to mature and develop its characteristic flavor. After the tour, settle in for a tutored nosing and tasting session featuring six different whiskies from the distillery’s core range. Understand the nuances that distinguish each of these and leave the distillery feeling like a connoisseur of fine whisky! (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity; Self Drive Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Head out from Inverness and travel along the Caledonian Canal to unravel the mysteries of the renowned Loch Ness region in this day tour. At Loch Ness, take your pick of two activities to enjoy the beauty of the large freshwater lake. Go on an hour-long cruise around the loch or opt for the half-hour cruise to Urquhart Castle, where you can step ashore and explore the ancient ruins. The cruises are not included in the tour, but you could choose to experience it, if time permits and the weather is favorable. Travel the short distance to Drumnadrochit, a quaint village that is home to Nessieland center, with exhibits on the mythical monster believed to inhabit the depths of the loch. Enjoy a short break for lunch before you journey on to the charming hamlet of Invermoriston. Travel along the southwest side of the loch to its furthest point, Fort Augustus, to watch the boats sail in on the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy the unique experience of traveling along single track Highland roads till you reach the small community of Foyers. Enjoy a downhill stroll amid soaring pine trees to reach the beautiful Falls of Foyers. Soak in the stunning view of the falls that were a favorite haunt of famous poet Robert Burns, and try to spot the elusive red squirrel. Drive on to the vantage viewpoint at Dores for spectacular views of the loch and the Great Glen rift valley. Return to Inverness in the early evening. (Full Day; Timings: 1000 hrs; Duration: 7 hrs; Shared Activity; Transfer to pick up point not included; Please note that the boat cruises are not included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please arrive at the departure point at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure time; Departure point – Inverness Bus Station, Stance 7, Inverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness, IV1 1LT)

Head out on your own on a scenic drive from Inverness on narrow roads flanked by lush mountains punctuated by waterfalls, and along the world-famous Loch Ness. En route, stop at the iconic, 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, a gorgeous centerpiece of the Scottish Highlands. Located on a small tidal island near the village of Dornie, soak in the romantic vibe at the confluence of three lochs, and surrounded by the forested Kintail mountains. Enjoy picture-postcard moments of Scotland’s most photographed attraction, through various vantages around. Crossing over on the footbridge, admire this landmark monument up-close, tastefully restored by the MacRae family. Browsing through the visitor’s center, learn about the castle’s fascinating stories from being a monastic settlement to resisting Viking invasions! Past the portcullis, explore the various rooms inside filled with period furniture, Jacobean artifacts, weaponry, and historical art. Expect to see canons, spy holes, and claymores across the castle. Before continuing your onward journey, laze about this picturesque setting, also home to native birds and wildlife. (En route Activity; Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy)

Head to Portree Pier in the mid-morning for a leisurely cruise to the charming island of Rona. Settle into your sturdy catamaran and savor stunning views of the iconic Storr and Cuillins mountains as you sail to the gorgeous harbor in Rona. Make use of the binoculars on the boat to get a closer look at the island’s resident seals basking in the sun. Spot different species of seabirds and other wildlife as you cruise along. At Rona, you can disembark and explore the island with your pick of walking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Walk to the 14th century chapel An Teampull or hike to the ruins of a settlement dating back to the Scottish Clearances of the 18th century. Or, you can head to the Church Cave where Sunday worship was held right up to 1912. Put your two hours ashore to good use and work up an appetite! Return to the boat for a delicious lunch spread featuring the fresh local catch of the day and refreshments. After lunch, sit back and relax as the boat sails back to Portree Pier. (Times: 1100; Duration: 5 hrs; Seafood Lunch included; Shared Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please bring along a pair of sturdy walking shoes.)

Experience the treasures of Isle of Skye – Scotland’s Crown Jewel steeped in history and legends at your own pace! Navigating the Trotternish Loop, hop between charming villages and enjoy picturesque picnics surrounded by the Cullins. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of lush landscapes replete with lofty sea cliffs, pristine lochs, rugged plateaus, and mist-covered hills. Meeting locals, soak in the vibrant culture, and maybe, pick up a few Gaelic phrases! On short hikes, expect to encounter myriad native birds and wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. You could visit the Old Man of Storr, a showstopper attraction featuring a dramatic rock formation amid rolling grasslands. Try ‘wild swimming’ in the crystal-clear, blue waters of Glen Brittle Fairy Pools located on River Brittle. Amble about the quaint town of Portree and satisfy your seafood taste buds. You can drop by the Fairy Glen and Quiraing, and witness a magical sunset from the picturesque Neist Point. (Full day; Flexible Duration; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Admission Not Included.)

Escape to a world of fantasy and experience the thrill of seeing the “Harry Potter Bridge” with the “Hogwarts Express”! In layman’s terms, that’s the Glenfinnan Viaduct perched atop Loch Shiel in Scotland’s West Highlands! After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, set off on your own to explore the Scottish Highlands by car. Driving from the Isle of Skye, take a detour to the West Highland Railway Line in Glenfinnan. You could park your car in the parking lot and head out on one of the many paths to the viaduct and enjoy stunning views from either below it or from across it. Savor views of the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, the deep blue waters of Loch Shiel beneath and the stunning Scottish highlands! Next, head to the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola on the north face of the awe-inspiring Aonach Mòr. Originally built to transport skiers to the slopes, the Gondola is now used by adventure enthusiasts like mountain bikers, paragliders as well as hikers. Ascend the Gondola to marvel at the spectacular Highlands scenery all around and breathe in the crisp mountain air. (Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy)

En route to Argyll from the Western Highlands in your rental car take a detour to visit Inveraray Castle and spend a wonderful day discovering the charms of a traditional Scottish castle that has stood by Scotland’s largest saltwater lake, Loch Fyne, for 600 years. Explore the ancestral home of the chief of the Clan Campbell, whose present family live on two floors, while the rest is open to visitors. Admire the vast display of arms and armory in the great hall, used through the ages by the Scottish chieftains and warriors. Drop in by the ornate state dining room and the tapestry drawing room with original Beauvais tapestries. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the MacArthur Room, dominated by an elaborately carved four-poster bed, where a young harpist was murdered. Legend has it that the boy’s ghost still haunts the room! Take a stroll along the walking routes around the castle, before you wind up your trip. (En route Activity; Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy)

Set off from Tullichewan Farm on this memorable horseback journey to explore the serene countryside of the Loch Lomond region. This adventure is suitable for riders of all levels, including novices. Make yourself comfortable on sure-footed and well-mannered ponies as you embark on this leisurely trek. Follow your experienced ride leader over the rugged moorland at the southwestern edge of the loch. Get a bird’s eye view of the picturesque banks of the loch situated at the foothills of the stately peak Ben Lomond. Return with cherished memories of the stunning vistas. (Duration: 70 mins; Timing: 1100/1400 hrs; Shared Activity; Self Drive Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear long trousers and sturdy footwear. Note that the maximum height permitted is 6 ft 5 in (1.9m) and maximum weight is 209 pounds (95 kg). All equipment is included.)

Set off from Tarbet on this gentle cruise up to the northern end of Loch Lomond. Sit back and relax as you sail into the fjord-like depths of the loch. Pass by the stunning Arklet waterfall that gushes down into the loch, making its way amid the lush greenery on the shore. Soak in the tranquil ambiance, aided by the sounds of water and wildlife. Sail past the rugged mountainous scenery of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park before it is time to return to Tarbet. (Duration: 1 hr; Timing: 1130/1230/1345/1600 hrs; Shared Activity; Self Drive transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)