Easily accessible from the UK, Europe and beyond via plane, public transport or the well-linked road network Glasgow is the perfect place to begin your trip. Let us know if you'd like a pre-trip night in Glasgow and your specialist will happily arrange this for you. If you can, we recommend allowing time in your schedule for sightseeing and making the most of the vibrant foodie scene. Stroll around the city’s West End, where you can marvel at the impressive sandstone architecture of the University of Glasgow, founded in 1796, and nearby Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
Once you've had your fill of the city's hustle and bustle take a scenic drive through the National Park of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs as you follow the "bonnie banks" north into the Highlands. Spend the afternoon exploring Inveraray Castle, as featured in Downtown Abbey, and home of the chiefs of Clan Campbell since the 18th century. The castle and nearby town are situated on the shores of Scotland's longest sea loch - Loch Fyne. The loch is renowned for its delicious fresh seafood - for dinner seek out the best award-winning oysters at The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.
Drive time: 1 hr 30 mins
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Overnight Inveraray
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Stay at the Brambles nestled on the banks of Loch Fyne in the friendly west coast town of Inveraray. This boutique hotel seamlessly combines traditional Scottish charm with modern efficiency. The full Scottish breakfast is said to be among the best as well as the delicious home baking.
Creag Dhubh is a beautiful country house dating from 1851 and retaining most of its original features. The accommodation is within walking distance of the town centre and with panoramic views across Loch Fyne to the Cowal Hills.
Built in 1755, the Inveraray Inn is the oldest hotel in Inveraray and one of the most iconic hotels on the west coast of Scotland. Enjoy views to Loch Fyne while enjoying traditional Highland hospitality and excellent local food.
Today choose between two scenic route options that meet just south of Fort William before continuing onto Eilean Donan Castle. The first brings you to the seaside town of Oban with its distillery and bustling harbour then heads north along the west coast to reach Fort William. Alternatively, drive through the wild interior of Scotland, via the Rannoch Moor and the iconic valley of Glencoe passing Scotland's most photographed mountain - Buachaille Etive Mor.
In Fort William you'll pass by the base of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Here we recommend detouring to the Jacobite Monument and Glenfinnan Viaduct to look out for the Jacobite steam train, otherwise known as the "Hogwart's Express" made famous in the Harry Potter films. From Fort William continue through ever more mountainus scenery until Eilean Donan Castle comes into view. This impressive castle, is perhaps Scotland's most famous! Situated at the confluence of three sea lochs on a small island connected to the land by an arched stone bridge it makes for a truly inspiring sight. On a clear day don't miss a visit to the upper viewpoint to get the perfect photo of the castle with the Isle of Skye in the distance. Overnight in the small village of Dornie overlooking Eilean Donan Castle.
Drive time: 3 - 4 hours
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Overnight Dornie
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Conchra is situated on the shores of Loch Long and enjoys stunning views towards Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most iconic castle. Relax in your comfortable en suite rooms or in front of the roaring log fire in the guest lounge overlooking Loch Long.
Sealladh Mara is a charming accommodation situated in the quiet village of Ardelve, overlooking the historic Eilean Donan Castle and conveniently located within walking distance of the village of Dornie. Your host Phyllis will make you feel right at home during your stay.
From Scotland's wild west coast drive through the magnificent valley of Glen Shiel with towering mountains on either side to reach the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland's most storied loch. Home to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster ("Nessie"), the loch also has positioned dramatically on its shores the 13th century ruins of Urquhart Castle. On a clear day there's nothing like a boat trip for taking in the spectacular scenery!
A visit to Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness, is a must - the battlefield was the sombre site of the final 1745 Jacobite Uprising battle. Explore your clan history at the visitor centre's ancestry hub or detour to nearby Cawdor Castle for a stroll in the peaceful gardens.
The Highland city of Inverness makes for an ideal overnight stop with many restaurants and pub options serving everything from hearty Highland fayre to locally-sourced cuisine. Why not round off the day with a dram in the Castle Tavern overlooking the castle and the River Ness?
Drive time: 1 hr 40 mins - 2 hr 30 mins
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Overnight Inverness
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.
Glencairn and Ardross Guest House is a family run guesthouse. The building is an elegant detached listed Victorian building situated in a quiet street close to the scenic River Ness. Room are comfortable and tastefully furnished and have all the amenities you require.
Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.
Today you'll stay in The Cairngorm National Park - Scotland's largest. Located within the park is Royal Deeside where you'll find not only Balmoral Castle and its sprawling estate, Scottish home of the royal family, but also the castles of Braemar, Crathes and Craigievar. Craigievar with its turrets and pink paintwork is particularly special and well-worth a visit.
If you've had your fill of turrets and battlements then we recommend a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery or the picturesque Victorian village of Braemar, home of the world-famous Braemar Gathering & Highland Games. Near Braemar enjoy tranquil strolls in the Caledonian pine forest with views of the Cairngorm Mountains from the Linn of Dee viewpoint. The viewpoint over the River Dee gorge was one of Queen Victoria's favourite picnic spots.
Drive time: 2 hr 30 mins - 3 hr 20 mins
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Overnight Ballater
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
The Alexandra Hotel offers a friendly service, comfortable accommodation and excellent meals. All rooms are en-suite with free Wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and other essentials that go to make up everything you would expect of a quality family run hotel.
The Deeside Inn is known for its traditional Scottish hospitality and lively music scene as much as it is for its homely lounge, open fires and welcoming bar with quality homemade food. The lovely rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.
No.45 is a stunning Victorian granite house originally built in 1890, set in an acre of walled gardens at the end of a private drive. No.45 has many original features including a pitch pine staircase and open fires. The house is furnished in Scottish style with tartan carpets, leather sofas and a stag's head. The eight bedrooms are each decorated in individual styles with modern en-suite bathrooms, televisions, tea trays and hair-dryers. Wi-fi is available free of charge. During the summer months breakfast is served in the conservatory looking out over the walled garden where you can often see red squirrels in the copper beech trees.
Discover Scotland's dramatic east coast as you explore Aberdeenshire and Fife. Visit iconic Dunnottar Castle perched atop seacliffs on the Aberdeenshire coast. This stunning spot is thought to have been occupied since the middle ages but most of the remaining castle ruins date from the 15-16th century. The nearby town of Stonehaven, with its sheltered beach and harbour, makes for the perfect lunch stop.
Also not to be missed is Glamis Castle - the inspiration behind Shakespeare's Macbeth and childhood home of the Queen Mother. This spectacular castle is set in beautiful gardens with numerous trails for visitors to explore.
Overnight in St Andrews, Scotland's first university town and home to the country's oldest golf course (the aptly named "Old Course"). Spend an afternoon wandering its cobbled streets and exploring the 10th century cathedral and castle ruins. Stroll the 2 mile long West Sands Beach and sample the myriad of delightful cafes, restaurants and cosy pubs that pepper the town's streets.
Drive time: 2 hrs 45 mins
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Overnight St Andrews
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Doune House is a carefully maintained Victorian townhouse with many original features and modern comforts. The accommodation has been completely modernised to offer the highest quality of comfort and the rooms have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.
The Saint, St Andrews, is located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. There are 4 comfortable ensuite bedrooms that are spacious and have been decorated in modern style. The restaurant serves high-quality food with a menu that combines contemporary and traditional dishes.
Jim, Glynice and their staff assure you of a warm welcome when you come to stay with at Craigmore Guest House. You will stay in one of their seven lovely rooms, all with our newly refurbished en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails. Every room is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, flat screen TV with DVD player and complimentary toiletries.
On your return to Edinburgh take an optional detour through Fife's charming fishing villages of Crail, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie. Stop off in Crail to admire the colourful seaside cottages and the little boats bobbing in the deep harbour. Alternatively, visit Elie's lighthouse for dramatic views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.
If you would like to break up your onward journey we recommend adding an overnight in Edinburgh at the end of your trip. Simply let us know when you book and we will happily arrange this for you.
Drive time: 1hr 30 – 2 hrs
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