​

PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

​

​

Discover Scotland — see the best of Scotland in 7 days with your very own chauffeur-guide! This beautifully guided journey starts in Edinburgh where you will visit the Castle and explore the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile. Visit Scotland’s must-see historical sites, charming towns, gourmet restaurants, spectacular mountain scenery, and beautiful isles. You'll also enjoy visits to Stirling Castle, Cairngorm National Park, Balmoral Castle, Culloden Battlefield and a cruise on Loch Ness. Cherish private-guided walking tours, experience the spectacular mountain landscape of Glencoe, learn how whisky is made and sample a wee dram, and much more! Discover Scotland!​

​

Day 1) Arrive in Edinburgh & Royal Britannia

Arrive at Edinburgh airport where you will be met by your chauffeur-guide. On your way into Edinburgh, visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former yacht of the Royal family. From the elegant State Apartments to the gleaming Engine Room see where the Royal family spent their summer holidays. You may enjoy refreshments or a light lunch at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Next, arrive at your hotel for a 3-night stay. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with whisky tastings.

 

Day 2) Edinburgh 

Today, your local kilt-wearing guide will take you on a whole-day tour of Edinburgh. Learn all about Edinburgh’s long history—see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile contrast with the fine Georgian architecture of the 200-year-old New Town and learn about the many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors, and writers for whom Edinburgh is famous. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle to tour this historic military stronghold, the birthplace of the city, and soak up the dramatic views. This afternoon, wind your way through the medieval streets of the Royal Mile. For Outlander fans, you’ll see the Bakehouse home to Alexander Malcolm’s print shop. It is here that we see Claire reunited with Jamie after years of separation. Visit the impressive Palace of Holyrood, home to many kings and queens and where, recently, Queen Elizabeth lay in state before being transferred to Westminster Abbey in London. David I founded the impressive palace as an Augustinian monastery in 1128. In 1501, James IV built a Palace for himself and his bride, Margaret Tudor— the sister of Henry VIII. Mary, Queen of Scots spent most of her turbulent life in the Palace. 

 

Day 3) Stirling Castle & Blackness Castle

This morning, visit Stirling Castle, just an hour away. The last stronghold of Scotland, Stirling Castle was besieged by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and residence to the Stewart monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots and King James. You’ll tour the castle, including the newly restored Renaissance Palace. This afternoon, on your return to Edinburgh, visit Blackness Castle on the south shores of the Firth of Forth. Built in the 15th century, and massively strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, Blackness Castle has been a royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for Outlander, where it depicted Fort William.

 

Day 4) Cairngorms National Park & Balmoral Castle

Today, journey north into the Highlands of Scotland, crossing the Firth of Forth by the Queensferry Crossing, a remarkable construction that runs parallel to the legendary Victorian railway bridge. The three iconic Forth bridges showcase Scotland’s continued talent for being at the forefront of engineering. Continue north past Perth, and then enter the Cairngorms National Park. Visit the Highland village of Braemar Castle and this afternoon, Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family where you’ll be able to tour the gardens, as well as admire the castle from the outside. Continue your journey to close to Inverness for a two-night stay. Dinner at a local restaurant in Inverness.

 

Day 5) Scottish Highlands: Glenfarclas, Culloden & Cawdor Castle

This morning, learn about how whisky is made on a distillery tour and sample a “wee dram” of single malt, at Glenfarclas Distillery. Then visit the Culloden Battlefield—the powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. You’ll discover the true story of the 1745 Rising, from both the Jacobite and Government perspectives, in the newly accredited museum where unique artifacts from the time are displayed. Walk the battlefield and explore the key areas of action on Culloden Moor. Continue to Cawdor Castle & Gardens, a traditional Scottish Castle built and privately owned by the Cawdor family for over 600 years, with a beautiful walled garden. Tonight, dinner is included at Cawdor Tavern.

​

Day 6) Loch Ness, Glencoe & Oban 

This morning, leave for Loch Ness, famous for the legendary Nessie. You’ll enjoy a cruise on this beautiful loch. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Highlands as you approach Urquhart Castle, where you’ll visit this famous castle perched majestically above the shoreline. Then, follow the long straight valley called the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, where Loch Ness meets Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal featuring a series of stepped locks that connect the Scottish lakes and where you will enjoy lunch. Continue to Glencoe where you will learn about the Glencoe Massacre and visit a replica 17th-century turf and creel house. Continue to Oban, known as the seafood capital of Scotland, for a one-night stay at the Manor House Hotel and where dinner is included tonight. The Manor House, a superb Georgian House built in 1780 by the 5th Duke of Argyll, offers spectacular views over Oban Bay and the Isles of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. Dinner at the Manor is included tonight.

 

Day 7) Inveraray Castle & Loch Fyne

Journey to Glasgow or Edinburgh, visiting Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Campbells, enroute. Enjoy the castle’s impressive interiors, considered the most richly decorated in Scotland. Enjoy lunch in the delightful town of Inveraray by Loch Fyne. This afternoon, view the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lamond as you continue to Glasgow, or pass through the Trossachs National Park on your way to Edinburgh. Arrive at Glasgow or Edinburgh airport for your departing flight or at your preferred drop off point in either city.

 

​​