Day 1 : Arrival in Edinburgh
Arrival in Edinburgh and transfer to the hotel of your chosen category.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2 : Edinburgh
Free time to explore the Scottish capital. Use the day for a city tour, sightseeing (the Castle, museums, galleries, Calton Hill) or a hike to the top of Edinburgh’s extinct Volcano, Arthur’s Seat. In the evening, round off your day with one of the city’s renowned ghost tours, visit the famous jazz club or enjoy a traditional Scottish evening’s entertainment. (Supplement applies).
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 3 : Carlisle
You could enjoy another day in Edinburgh or take the train across the beautiful Borders region to the English city of Carlisle. The imposing citadel is worth a visit as is the art museum and the cathedral. In the afternoon take the train back to Edinburgh via Glasgow.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 4 : Glasgow – Oban
In the morning take the train to Glasgow. Explore this fascinating city with all its art and shopping possibilities. Alternatively take the train straight to the picturesque harbour town of Oban.
Overnight in Oban.
Day 5 : Oban
Today you have plenty time to unwind and stroll around the picture-perfect west coast town of Oban. A visit to one of the harbour’s fish restaurants or the stands along the pier for fresh sea-food is a must. Why not take a boat trip to the Isle of Mull and discover the island’s capital of Tobermory with its famous single malt distillery. Or maybe carry on by boat to Iona, known as the cradle of Christendom. (Supplements apply)
Overnight in Oban.
Day 6 : Oban – Mallaig
The West Highland Railway, passes over the wild and romantic Rannoch Moor, arriving at Mallaig on the Atlantic. This historic region has featured recently in films such as Rob Roy, Highlander and Braveheart.
Overnight in Mallaig / Morar / Fort William.
Day 7 & 8: Mallaig
Stroll around the pretty little coastal town of Mallaig. Let Armadale Castle, on the Isle of Skye, charm you with its glorious gardens or visit one of the small isles of Muck, Eigg and Rhum for a picnic. Discover one of the many idyllic hikes of the area, for example to Loch Morar, the UK’s deepest lake or trek far into the wild Knoydart peninsula. The warm waters of the gulf stream invite you to bathe in the sea.
During July and August the historic steam train to Fort William operates daily and crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter movies.
Overnight in Mallaig / Morar / Fort William..
Day 9 : The “Wild Wild West“
You have the choice between :
A romantic ferry trip to the Isle of Skye followed by a scenic bus tour across the island and return to the mainland via the famous Skye Bridge. Some free time in the picturesque village of Kyle of Lochalsh. Continue by train through the remote but beautiful Northwest of Scotland to Inverness.
Or: Take the train to Fort William, transfer to a bus and travel the length of the Great Glen to Inverness, taking in the sights of the Caledonian Canal, the ruins of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness along the way- will you see Nessie?! You then have the opportunity to explore the idyllic little city of Inverness on foot.
Overnight in Inverness.
Day 10 : The North
Celts, Kilts and Monsters: plan the day depending on your interests.
Maybe you want to find out the truth about the famous Loch Ness Monster? Public bus is available or it can be organised for a supplement.
If on the previous day you have already seen Loch Ness or are leaving Inverness late on day 11, you can opt for an enjoyable train trip to the north coast to Thurso or the east coast to Aberdeen.
Overnight in Inverness.
Day 11 : Central Highlands
Today you can either enjoy the whole day in Inverness or travel onwards in the morning. Your trip continues by train to Pitlochry in the heart of the Central Highlands.
Overnight in Pitlochry.
Day 12 : Central Highlands
Enjoy stunning scenery, impressive mountain views, waterfalls and lochs. The mountain hike to Ben Vrackie is an amazing experience. Equally breath-taking is the hike to the River Tummel with picturesque views from the Pass of Killiecrankie and Queens View. Visit the impressive Blair Castle and Gardens, seat of the Duke of Atholl, famed for its salmon run. Not to be missed is a visit to Edradour, Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery.
Overnight in Pitlochry.
Day 13: Departure from Edinburgh
Return to Edinburgh by train. Airport transfer and flight home or connecting programme.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- 12x overnight in double/twin rooms with bath/ shower
- 12x Scottish breakfast
- All train and bus rides according to the programme
- Vouchers and comprehensive information package
- Airport transfers, train station-hotel transfers, as soon as a hotel is more than 10 minutes' walk from the train station
- 24 hour telephone service
Our services do not include :
- International flights
- Drinks and beverages
- Optional Tours
- Check in time at the hotel is 15.00/ check out at 11.00
Scotland, part of the United Kingdom, is known for its rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From bustling cities to remote islands, there's something for everyone.
Major Cities :
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Edinburgh :
- Attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur's Seat.
- Activities: Fringe Festival (August), Hogmanay (New Year), ghost tours.
- Dining: Try haggis, neeps and tatties, and local whisky.
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Glasgow :
- Attractions: Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum.
- Activities: Music scene, shopping on Buchanan Street, West End cafes.
- Dining: Diverse cuisine, craft beer, and whisky bars.
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Aberdeen :
- Attractions: Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Beach, Duthie Park.
- Activities: Exploring the Granite City, visiting Balmoral Castle.
- Dining: Seafood, especially fresh fish and chips.
Natural Attractions :
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Loch Ness :
- Famous for the mythical Loch Ness Monster.
- Activities: Boat tours, Urquhart Castle, Nessie spotting.
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Isle of Skye :
- Known for its dramatic landscapes.
- Attractions: Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing.
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Cairngorms National Park :
- Largest national park in the UK.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, winter sports.
Historical Sites :
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Stirling Castle :
- One of Scotland's grandest castles with rich history.
- Activities: Guided tours, exhibitions.
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Eilean Donan Castle :
- Picturesque and often photographed.
- Activities: Exploring the castle, photography.
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Rosslyn Chapel :
- Featured in "The Da Vinci Code."
- Activities: Tours, exploring intricate carvings.
Culture & Festivals :
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe :
- World's largest arts festival held every August.
- Activities: Theatre, comedy, music performances.
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Highland Games :
- Traditional Scottish sports and cultural events.
- Activities: Caber toss, tug of war, dance competitions.
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Burns Night :
- Celebration of poet Robert Burns on January 25.
- Activities: Burns Supper, reciting Burns' poetry, ceilidh dancing.
Practical Information :
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Travel :
- Airports: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness.
- Trains: Extensive network; scenic routes like the West Highland Line.
- Driving: Left-hand side; scenic drives include North Coast 500.
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Accommodation :
- Cities: Wide range of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs.
- Rural Areas: Charming cottages, guesthouses, and camping options.
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Currency :
- Pound Sterling (£).
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Weather :
- Summer: Mild and pleasant, average temperatures around 15-17°C (59-63°F).
- Winter: Cold and wet, average temperatures around 0-6°C (32-43°F).
Tips :
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Pack for All Weathers :
- Scotland's weather can be unpredictable; layers and waterproof clothing are essential.
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Respect Local Customs :
- Be mindful of local traditions and etiquette, especially in rural areas.
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Wildlife Watching :
- Scotland is home to diverse wildlife; bring binoculars and be respectful of nature.
Scotland offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers, from its historic cities and stunning landscapes to its vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, hiking in the Highlands, or enjoying a dram of whisky by a loch, Scotland's charm is sure to leave a lasting impression.