Scotland & Isle of Skye in 9 days

9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS | Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, St. Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Oban & Inveraray  

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PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

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Discover Scotland — see the best of Scotland in 9 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 enjoy visits to Stirling Castle, the Isle of Skye, the Highlands, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. 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!​

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Day 1) Arrive in Edinburgh & Royal Britannia

Arrive at Edinburgh airport where you will be met by your driver-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 three-night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide at a local restaurant and some whisky tasting.

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. 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. The castle was built in the 15th century, and massively strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress.

Day 4) St. Andrews

Depart Edinburgh for the beautiful medieval city of St. Andrews, set on the stunning north coast of the Kingdom of Fife. St. Andrews is an important Scottish city, packed with history and charm. Enjoy a private-guided walking tour of historic St. Andrews. You’ll visit the university (founded in 1413), the ruins of the 12th-century cathedral and castle, and for those interested in golf, see the Old Course and learn about some of the city’s golfing history. This afternoon, depart St. Andrews for the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll arrive at your hotel in Inverness for a two-night stay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Inverness, included this evening.

Day 5) Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle & Whisky Tasting

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. Walk the battlefield and explore the key areas of action on Culloden Moor. Next, discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites—the Clava Cairns, an ancient burial ground said to have inspired Outlander. Continue to Cawdor Castle & Gardens for lunch, a traditional Scottish Castle built and privately owned by the Cawdor family for over 600 years, with beautiful gardens. This afternoon, visit Glenfarclas Distillery on a distillery tour where you’ll learn about how whisky is made and sample a “wee dram” of single malt. Tonight, dinner is included in Inverness.

Day 6) Loch Ness, The Western Highlands & Isle of Skye 

This morning, leave for Loch Ness, famous for the legendary Nessie. You’ll enjoy a cruise on this beautiful loch and be treated to panoramic views of the Highlands as you approach Urquhart Castle, visiting this famous castle perched majestically above the shoreline. Then, follow the long straight valley called the Great Glen to Fort Augustus for lunch. Continue to Loch Duich, where you will visit the romantic Eilean Donan Castle before crossing by bridge to the Isle of Skye. Arrive at a former hunting lodge for Clan MacDonald and now a delightful family-run inn where you are assured a comfortable, relaxing stay with loch views. Enjoy dinner at the lodge serving delicious home cooking and lounge in the bar and living room, all with a waterfront view.

Day 7) Isle of Skye

Today, set out to explore the Isle of Skye beginning with a drive to the Sligachan, with views to the Black Cuillin mountains. Then journey along the west coast where you will visit Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacDonald, or Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye, with dramatic sea and cliff views. Continue to the harbor town of Uig for lunch. This afternoon tour around the stunning Trotternish peninsula with visits to include the Museum of Island Life, the Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock, with its magnificent views from Quiraing. Return to your hotel through Portree, the largest town and capital of the Isle of Skye. It is here at Portree that Flora MacDonald aided Charles Edward Stuart’s (Bonnie Prince Charles’) escape after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. Tonight, dinner is included at the inn.

Day 8) Loch Ness & the Western Highlands

Depart for Armadale where you will board the ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. Continue by the silver sands of Morar, the Glenfinnan Tower Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charles rallied support for the Jacobite Rising of 1746, and the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe. This afternoon, visit Glencoe, where you will learn about the Glencoe Massacre and see a replica 17th century turf and creel house, before arriving in Oban, known as the seafood capital of Scotland, for a one-night stay at a superb Georgian House built in 1780 by the 5th Duke of Argyll, offering spectacular views over Oban Bay and the neighboring isles. Dinner tonight is included.

Day 9) Inveraray Castle & Loch Fyne

Depart Oban for Inverary for a visit to Inveraray Castle—home to the Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Campbells. 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 through the Trossachs National Park on your way to Edinburgh, where you will arrive by late afternoon where we can book accommodation for you near the airport or in Edinburgh at extra cost.