Enchanting People, Enchanting Travels
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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

You will be transferred from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

3 Nights

Edinburgh

Known by a variety of unique sobriquets such as Old Smoky for the smoke cloud that seems to perpetually hang over it, the beautiful city of Edinburgh sits perched on a range of rocky hills with the sea in the distance. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city has several cultural and historical landmarks worthy of leisurely exploration. Explore the palace, castle, churches, museums and climb up to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for panoramic views of the city. Home to three excellent universities, Edinburgh has a diverse student population that has led to the mushrooming of numerous eateries and restaurants offering varied cuisines ranging from authentic Scottish dishes to exotic Yemeni food and fusion Scottish-Asian delicacies. Stop by the city in summer to soak in the street party ambiance of the annual ‘Fringe’ comedy festival, as well as the many music and literary festivals that happen during this time, or revel in the party atmosphere at New Year during the annual Hogmanay celebrations.

Included activities

Explore Edinburgh on Your Own

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.)

Highland Border Tour: Rosslyn Chapel & Melrose Abbey

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))

Hotel options

Nira Caledonia – Opt 1
Room Townhouse Petite
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel – Opt 2
Room Premium Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Day 4 – 6

Make your own way to pick up your rental car at Edinburgh airport

Drive yourself from Edinburgh to Inverness in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)

2 Nights

Inverness

Famed for its proximity to Loch Ness, Inverness is a busy city that was founded in the 12th century. A splendid castle, cathedral, a pair of battlefields, and graves dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age are the important historical landmarks of the city. Stop by the indoor Victorian Market in the old part of town where you can browse through stalls displaying tantalizing food, apparel, and exquisite crafts. Inverness has its share of distilleries producing fine Scotch whisky, so stop by one for a better understanding of the process as well as for a tasting or two. A short drive from the city will take you to the starting point for cruises into the deep waters of Loch Ness in the quest for the elusive and mythical Loch Ness monster.

Included activities

Tomatin Whisky Distillery Tasting Tour

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.)

Tour of Loch Ness Region

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)

Hotel options

Kingsmill Hotel – Opt 1
Room Cocoon Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Culloden House Hotel – Opt 2
Room Superior Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 6 – 9

Drive yourself from Inverness to Isle of Skye in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

3 Nights

Isle of Skye

Framed by craggy mountains, mysterious lochs, and picturesque sea cliffs, the Isle of Skye has a magical allure all of its own. Besides spectacular scenic vistas, this mystic island is home to stately castles, museums, and awe-inspiring natural rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr. Dunvegan Castle, dating back nearly eight centuries, is the oldest in Scotland and with its beautiful gardens is worth exploring. Hop aboard a boat at the pier on the castle grounds for a fun visit to the nearby seal colony. A hike around Quiraing or Fairy Glen is an unforgettable experience as is watching the sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse. The crystal clear waters at the Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle and the Mealt Waterfall plunging into the sea are mesmerizing sights. Stop by the island’s oldest distillery Talisker which sits on a picturesque bay, for a fascinating tour of the process involved in producing fine Scotch whisky.

Included activities

En Route: Explore Eilean Donan Castle on Your Own

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)

Leisurely Rona Island Cruise

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.)

Explore Isle of Skye on Your own

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.)

Hotel options

Duisdale Hotel – Opt 1
Room Standard Double Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Cuillin Hills – Opt 2
Room Standard Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 9 – 10

Drive yourself from Isle of Skye to Western Highlands in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

1 Night

Western Highlands

The Western Highlands region is famed for its soaring, rocky mountains and lush greenery dotted with lochs or lakes as far as the eye can see. For hiking and trekking enthusiasts, the Scottish Highlands are the stuff of dreams thanks to Lochaber Geopark, home to Britain’s tallest peak Ben Nevis, as well as numerous trails across rolling hills and valleys. Featured in many a movie, such as the Harry Potter series, the gentle slopes of the valley offer astounding photo opportunities. Stop by the two visitor centers in the park to brush up on your knowledge of geology and see samples of rocks and minerals from the area showcased in interesting displays. Nearby, a lighthouse at the mystical Ardnamurchan Point affords sweeping views of the British Isles, all the way from Isle of Mull in the south to Isle of Skye in the north! Wonderfully picturesque, Camusdarach draws you in for a stroll on its wooden footbridge and dunes, as does the Commando Memorial in Glen Spean. From your ideal base near Fort William, spend days exploring the region at your own pace. Climb aboard the Jacobite steam train that traverses a scenic route to Mallaig passing across the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Along the way, quaint little settlements beckon with authentic local pubs that offer fish and chips and Scottish ale on tap!

Included activities

En Route: A Visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct and Nevis Gondola on Your Own

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)

Hotel options

Perle Oban Hotel – Opt 1
Room Superior Room with Sea view
Meals Breakfast
Style Boutique
Inverlochy Castle Hotel – Opt 2
Room Junior Suite
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 10 – 12

Drive yourself from Western Highlands to Loch Lomond in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)

2 Nights

Loch Lomond

Serene and seemingly endless, the impossibly picturesque Loch Lomond is the largest lake in all of Britain! Second in popularity only to its northern cousin Loch Ness, the lake straddles Scotland’s Highland Border, starting as a glacier-cleaved trench in its northern reaches to fan out into a vast expanse studded by islands and skirted by rolling meadows in the south. With Glasgow only a few miles away, Loch Lomond is a favorite with summer crowds flocking to lakeside towns such as Balloch. The eastern shores on the other hand, offer quieter and more scenic stays and hikes interrupted only by the occasional sheep.

Included activities

En Route: Adventures of Inveraray Castle on Your Own

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)

Loch Lomond on Horseback

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.)

Relaxed Cruise to Northern Loch Lomond

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.)

Hotel options

Loch Lomond Arms – Opt 1
Room Standard Room
Meals Breakfast
Cameron House – Opt 2
Room Classic Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 12 – 12

Drive yourself from Loch Lomond to Glasgow in your rental car (Duration: 1 hr)

Drop off your rental car at the airport

Glasgow

Sitting perched on the banks of Clyde River, the vibrant city of Glasgow invites you to explore its unique neighborhoods. Get a glimpse of the city’s rich architectural heritage as elegant Victorian buildings and impressive mansions rub shoulders with newer, innovative designs that line the riverside. Take your pick of museums with the Riverside Museum detailing the region’s transport history, the Hunterian with its eclectic curiosities, and Provand’s Lordship showcasing medieval treasures. Stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Buchanan Street with its upscale stores or explore the weekend markets of the East End. For vintage finds and second-hand books, head to the West End. Big Feed, Glasgow’s sprawling indoor market is the best place for foodies with plenty of street food vans and trucks serving up flavorful specialties and local beer.

International Departure

Experience the vibrant cities, quaint towns, rolling Highlands, and tranquil lakes of Scotland at your own pace. Discover ancient history and architecture, hike in the rugged Isle of Skye, see the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and vast lochs as you drive through this spectacular land peppered with quaint rural villages, castles, forts and whiskey distilleries!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $4,590 USD / person

Option 2

From $6,690 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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