Highlands, Castles & Scottish Legends
When
May - October
Price
From $6,013 pp excl. flights
How long
9 nights ideal length
Ideal For
Adventure & Outdoor
Overview
Embark on a scenic train journey through Scotland, where you’ll witness rolling hills, coastal beauty, and top cities from the comfort of your seat. In Edinburgh, stroll along the Royal Mile, explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, and indulge in a classic afternoon tea. Wander the charming Dean Village, then enjoy a whisky-tasting experience at Leith's innovative distillery. Set sail on the mysterious Loch Ness in search of its legendary creature, and explore the historic Urquhart Castle. Finally, dive into Glasgow’s vibrant arts scene and whisky heritage, with experiences tailored by your Destination Expert for an unforgettable journey through Scotland's rich culture and landscapes.
Highlights
- Travel Scotland’s scenic railways, passing through vibrant cities, rolling hills, and stunning coastlines.
- Walk along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy an afternoon tea experience.
- Discover the charming hidden corners of Dean Village and taste spirits at Leith’s cutting-edge distillery.
- Cruise on Loch Ness, search for its mythical creature, and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
- Experience Glasgow’s artistic vibrancy and whisky culture with a personalized itinerary from your Destination Expert.
Itinerary Summary
The Adventure Begins
- Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
- Scotland Welcome Package
- Self-Guided Exploration of Royal Mile
Along Cobblestone Streets
- Edinburgh Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs.) - Private Tour
- Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral's Palm Court
Hidden Gems
- Dean Village & Leith with Distillery Tour (4 hrs.) - Private
- Independent Hiking at Arthur's Seat
The Journey Continues…
- Private Train Station Transfer - Train - 2.5 hrs. - Train
- Private Train Station Transfer
- City Walking Tour (1.5 hrs.) - Shared
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
- Castle & Countryside Braemar, Royal Deeside & Dunnottar Castle (9 hrs.) - Small Group Tour
Lochs and Legends
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Train - Aberdeen - Inverness (2.5 hrs.) - Standard Class
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness Cruise (3 hrs.) - Shared Tour
Sights and Insights
- Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye (12 hrs.) - Small Group Tour
Explore with an Expert
- Private Train Station Transfer - Train - 3.5 hrs - Train
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Central Glasgow Walking Tour (4 hrs.) - Private Tour
- Clydeside Distillery Tour & Tasting (1 hr.)
Bon Voyage
- Private Airport Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Edinburgh
The Adventure Begins
Upon your arrival at the airport, a Meet and Greet assistant will ensure you're warmly welcomed and guided through the customs process. Your assistant will help connect you with your private driver and escort you to your hotel for check-in. A Welcome Package will be provided, containing all relevant documents and tickets for your journey. Start your Edinburgh adventure with a self-guided exploration of the Royal Mile, a historic and vibrant street stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, filled with shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
Day 2
Edinburgh
Along Cobblestone Streets
Meet your private guide at the hotel for a half-day walking tour of Edinburgh. Explore the Royal Mile, with stops at iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland, and take a tour of Edinburgh Castle, learning about its rich history and the Crown Jewels. After the tour, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral Hotel's Palm Court, complete with fine teas and pastries.
Day 3
Edinburgh
Hidden Gems
Take a private guided tour to discover two hidden gems of Edinburgh: Dean Village and Leith. Wander through Dean's picturesque streets, admire its riverside setting, and explore Leith’s vibrant port district with trendy bars and galleries. Visit the Port of Leith Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. In the afternoon, enjoy an independent hike to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh's ancient volcanic hill, for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Day 4
Edinburgh, Aberdeen
The Journey Continues…
Transfer by train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, a 2.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for a city tour that includes a 1.5-hour shared walking tour to explore Aberdeen’s historical streets, street art, and cultural highlights. Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery to enjoy its diverse collection, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, offering a unique insight into both local and international art.
Day 5
Aberdeen
Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
Embark on a tour to discover Scotland's royal heritage, visiting the stunning Royal Deeside region and Dunnottar Castle. See Braemar's scenic beauty and the iconic falls of Feugh, before enjoying lunch in Braemar. Continue the journey to Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve for a peaceful woodland walk. End the day by returning to Aberdeen after experiencing the rich history of Scotland's castles and royal estates.
Day 6
Aberdeen, Inverness
Lochs and Legends
Take a scenic coach and boat tour from Inverness to the legendary Loch Ness. Explore the waters of Loch Ness on a one-hour cruise and discover the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Learn about the myths surrounding the Loch Ness Monster before returning to Inverness by coach. This half-day excursion offers a mix of natural beauty and intriguing legends.
Day 7
Inverness
Sights and Insights
On a full-day adventure, visit some of Scotland’s most iconic sites, including the Isle of Skye and the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Stop in the village of Invermoriston and admire the Five Sisters mountain range. Drive through Glen Suardal, see the Red Cuillin Hills, and enjoy beach combing along Loch Slappin. Your journey includes picturesque views of the Black Cuillin Hills and the seascapes of Rum and the nearby islands, before returning to Inverness via the scenic Black Isle.
Day 8
Inverness, Glasgow
Explore with an Expert
Transfer by train from Inverness to Glasgow, a 3.5-hour journey. Once in Glasgow, embark on a half-day walking tour of the city’s architectural marvels, including Buchanan Street, the Glasgow City Chambers, and the 19th-century Theater Royal. Learn about the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Scotland’s most famous architects. End the tour with a visit to the Clydeside Distillery, where you'll explore Glasgow’s whisky heritage and enjoy a tasting of expertly crafted spirits.
Day 9
Glasgow
Bon Voyage
After an enriching tour of Scotland, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
More Information
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see’s to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you’re celebrating one of life’s big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we’re creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What’s Included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s not Included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel.