Experience the magic of Edinburgh and the mystique of the Scottish Highlands, soaking up history and local culture as you travel to fabled places from Glencoe and the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness.
Scotland: A Tailor-Made Journey to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
9 days from $8,999
Experience the magic of Edinburgh and the mystique of the Scottish Highlands, soaking up history and local culture as you travel to fabled places from Glencoe and the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness.
Overview
The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a tailor-made journey to Scotland. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.
Experience the magic of Edinburgh and the mystique of the Scottish Highlands on a journey that highlights Scotland’s natural splendor and its riveting history. Tour Edinburgh two ways, uncovering the secrets of the city and enjoying free time to explore on your own. Then head off for the Highlands with your private driver, venturing to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, hiking Glencoe, and encountering castles and wild geology on the Isle of Skye.
Highlights:
- Fly in a seaplane over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
- Explore the mystical Isle of Skye on privately guided visits to Dunvegan Castle and the Trotternish Peninsula.
- Spot wildlife on a private Land Rover tour of a private estate in Cairngorms National Park.
- Explore hidden tunnels on a ghost tour of Edinburgh.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Edinburgh
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel. After time to settle in and explore the neighborhood, head out on an evening Ghosts & Ghouls tour, venturing into hidden tunnels beneath the city and learning about the Edinburgh’s haunted past.
Day 2 — Edinburgh
Set off with a private guide on a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. Stroll the Royal Mile, and learn about the city’s history as you discover its celebrated and lesser-known sites. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore as you wish. Consider a tour of Edinburgh Castle or a hike up Arthur's Seat for great views of the city. (B)
Day 3 — Loch Lomond
This morning, your private driver brings you to the beautiful town of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Pick up rental bikes for a self-guided cycle around the loch, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding glens and mountains. End the day with a champagne seaplane ride over the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park before settling into your lakeside accommodations. (B)
Day 4 — Glencoe
Continue into the Highlands with your private driver, passing through the scenic Glen Etive on your way to Glencoe. Here in this tranquil valley in 1692, the MacDonald clan was famously massacred by government troops they were hosting. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour guided hike to the intriguing “Lost Valley,” where the ill-fated MacDonalds are said to have hidden their cattle. (B)
Day 5 — Isle of Skye
Board a ferry in Mallaig and cross to the fabled Isle of Skye. Check into your hotel in Isleornsay, and head off for a full day exploring the island’s mystical mountains and otherworldly landscapes. Venture to the northern Trotternish Peninsula to discover the unusual rock formations known as the Old Man or Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. (B)
Day 6 — Isle of Skye
Begin the day on the water, fly-fishing with a local ghillie. Then visit Dunvegan Castle, where the chiefs of the MacLeod clan have lived for more than 800 years. Join a guide for a private tour of the castle and its fabulous gardens, and hear the history and legends of the clan. Go on a boat outing to see the loch’s resident seal colony and take in views of the castle from the water. At the end of the tour, join the estate manager for a dram of whisky in the Great Hall. Return to Skye’s east coast late this afternoon. (B)
Day 7 — Inverness
Stop to see the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan, set on a tiny tidal island where three lochs meet. Then follow the shore of the famous Loch Ness to Inverness. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to stroll through the city, seeing its castle and cathedral or crossing the River Ness to the Ness Islands for a forest walk. (B)
Day 8 — Rothiemurchus Estate and Edinburgh
This morning, set off on a rollicking adventure as you explore the Rothiemurchus Estate by Land Rover with a private ranger. Covering 10,000 hectares of lochs, glens, and ancient forests, this Highland estate has been in the same family for 18 generations. Venture through its wild landscapes and meet some of its residents—including red deer and Highland cattle—as your ranger regales you with local lore. Afterwards, take a scenic train trip through the countryside and enjoy a final evening in the magical city of Edinburgh. (B)
Day 9 — Return Home
Your driver escorts you to the airport in time for your onward flight today. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)