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Country Roads of Scotland

9 Day Tour to Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands | Operated by InsightVacations

  • 9 Days

  • 1 Country

    Scotland

  • 13 Cities

    Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Wick, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow

  • 15 Meals

    6 Dinner with Wines, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Afternoon Tea

  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Hotel: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Edinburgh Welcome Dinner Enjoy a relaxing Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers. 
Top Rated Highlights: Witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Notes
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?

Hotel: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Edinburgh Castle Visit Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
Top Rated Highlights: Edinburgh City Tour Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Notes
Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features.

Hotel: Kingsmills Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Visit the University Town of St. Andrews Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
Top Rated Highlights: Inverness Orientation See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
Authentic Dining: Afternoon Tea at Blair Castle and Gardens Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.
Notes
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso

Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning duringa scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.

Hotel: The Pentland Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Make Travel Matter: Discover Wick's Heritage on a Visit to the Wick Heritage Museum Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.
Authentic Dining: Old Pulteney Distillery Whisky Tasting Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavors, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.
Top Rated Highlights: Highlands Culloden Visitor Center At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
Top Rated Highlights: Drive the Shores of Loch Ness Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
Notes
Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.

Hotel: The Pentland Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Discover the Orkney Isles Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae. 
Notes
Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
Hotel: The Dunollie Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: See Cuillin Hills See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in pretty Broadford.
Notes
Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe

Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

Hotel: Ballachulish Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Make Travel Matter: Meet a Ranger to Learn about Conservation in Glencoe Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights: See Eilean Donan Castle Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
Top Rated Highlights: Fort William World War II Commando Memorial Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
Top Rated Highlights: Glencoe Orientation Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this Highland village on Loch Leven.
Authentic Dining: Glencoe Celebration Dinner Your adventure culminates with a wonderful Celebration Dinner. Enjoy the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients accompanied by delicious wine or beer.
Notes
Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Explore Loch Lomond Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.
Top Rated Highlights: Glasgow Orientation See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Notes
Day 9: Depart Glasgow

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

Dining Summary
  • - 6 Dinner with Wines (DW)
  • - 8 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Authentic Dining
  • Enjoy a relaxing Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers. 
  • Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.
  • Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavors, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.
  • Your adventure culminates with a wonderful Celebration Dinner. Enjoy the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients accompanied by delicious wine or beer.
Top Rated Highlights
  • A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  • Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
  • Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
  • At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
  • Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
  • Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae. 
  • See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in pretty Broadford.
  • Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
  • Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
  • Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this Highland village on Loch Leven.
  • Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.
  • See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Make Travel Matter
  • Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.
  • Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Royal Edinburgh (Available on Day 2)

We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland.  Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.

 

Adult Price: £44 Edinburgh - The Untold Story (Available on Day 2)

Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.

Adult Price: £29 Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 2)

Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience. 

Adult Price: £85 An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture (Available on Day 4)

A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry

Adult Price: £33 Blair Castle (Available on Day 4)

Journey into the fascinating past with a visit to the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Brimming with treasures inside and out, magnificent Blair Castle is set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. During your visit, see how the castle has been transformed through the ages and learn how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army.

Adult Price: £30 Isle Of Skye Tour (Available on Day 7)

A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Adult Price: £24 Lake Cruise (Available on Day 8)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise around picturesque Loch Lomond - the largest stretch of inland water to be found in the British Isles. Settle with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the flawless natural beauty, while all the history and legend is brought to life by on-board commentary.

Adult Price: £22 Glasgow Dinner (Available on Day 8)

In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night.

Adult Price: £62 Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow (Available on Day 8)

Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.

Adult Price: £73