Highlands, Castles & Scottish Legends
When
May - October
Price
From $6,013 pp excl. flights
How long
9 nights ideal length
Ideal For
Adventure & Outdoor
Overview
Embark on a scenic train journey through Scotland, where you’ll witness rolling hills, coastal beauty, and top cities from the comfort of your seat. In Edinburgh, stroll along the Royal Mile, explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, and indulge in a classic afternoon tea. Wander the charming Dean Village, then enjoy a whisky-tasting experience at Leith's innovative distillery. Set sail on the mysterious Loch Ness in search of its legendary creature, and explore the historic Urquhart Castle. Finally, dive into Glasgow’s vibrant arts scene and whisky heritage, with experiences tailored by your Destination Expert for an unforgettable journey through Scotland's rich culture and landscapes.
Highlights
- Travel Scotland’s scenic railways, passing through vibrant cities, rolling hills, and stunning coastlines.
- Walk along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy an afternoon tea experience.
- Discover the charming hidden corners of Dean Village and taste spirits at Leith’s cutting-edge distillery.
- Cruise on Loch Ness, search for its mythical creature, and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
- Experience Glasgow’s artistic vibrancy and whisky culture with a personalized itinerary from your Destination Expert.
Itinerary Summary
The Adventure Begins
- Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
- Scotland Welcome Package
- Self-Guided Exploration of Royal Mile
Along Cobblestone Streets
- Edinburgh Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs.) - Private Tour
- Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral's Palm Court
Hidden Gems
- Dean Village & Leith with Distillery Tour (4 hrs.) - Private
- Independent Hiking at Arthur's Seat
The Journey Continues…
- Private Train Station Transfer - Train - 2.5 hrs. - Train
- Private Train Station Transfer
- City Walking Tour (1.5 hrs.) - Shared
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
- Castle & Countryside Braemar, Royal Deeside & Dunnottar Castle (9 hrs.) - Small Group Tour
Lochs and Legends
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Train - Aberdeen - Inverness (2.5 hrs.) - Standard Class
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness Cruise (3 hrs.) - Shared Tour
Sights and Insights
- Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye (12 hrs.) - Small Group Tour
Explore with an Expert
- Private Train Station Transfer - Train - 3.5 hrs - Train
- Private Train Station Transfer
- Central Glasgow Walking Tour (4 hrs.) - Private Tour
- Clydeside Distillery Tour & Tasting (1 hr.)
Bon Voyage
- Private Airport Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Edinburgh
The Adventure Begins
Upon your arrival at the airport, a Meet and Greet assistant will ensure you're warmly welcomed and guided through the customs process. Your assistant will help connect you with your private driver and escort you to your hotel for check-in. A Welcome Package will be provided, containing all relevant documents and tickets for your journey. Start your Edinburgh adventure with a self-guided exploration of the Royal Mile, a historic and vibrant street stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, filled with shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
Day 2
Edinburgh
Along Cobblestone Streets
Meet your private guide at the hotel for a half-day walking tour of Edinburgh. Explore the Royal Mile, with stops at iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland, and take a tour of Edinburgh Castle, learning about its rich history and the Crown Jewels. After the tour, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral Hotel's Palm Court, complete with fine teas and pastries.
Day 3
Edinburgh
Hidden Gems
Take a private guided tour to discover two hidden gems of Edinburgh: Dean Village and Leith. Wander through Dean's picturesque streets, admire its riverside setting, and explore Leith’s vibrant port district with trendy bars and galleries. Visit the Port of Leith Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. In the afternoon, enjoy an independent hike to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh's ancient volcanic hill, for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Day 4
Edinburgh, Aberdeen
The Journey Continues…
Transfer by train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, a 2.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for a city tour that includes a 1.5-hour shared walking tour to explore Aberdeen’s historical streets, street art, and cultural highlights. Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery to enjoy its diverse collection, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, offering a unique insight into both local and international art.
Day 5
Aberdeen
Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
Embark on a tour to discover Scotland's royal heritage, visiting the stunning Royal Deeside region and Dunnottar Castle. See Braemar's scenic beauty and the iconic falls of Feugh, before enjoying lunch in Braemar. Continue the journey to Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve for a peaceful woodland walk. End the day by returning to Aberdeen after experiencing the rich history of Scotland's castles and royal estates.
Day 6
Aberdeen, Inverness
Lochs and Legends
Take a scenic coach and boat tour from Inverness to the legendary Loch Ness. Explore the waters of Loch Ness on a one-hour cruise and discover the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Learn about the myths surrounding the Loch Ness Monster before returning to Inverness by coach. This half-day excursion offers a mix of natural beauty and intriguing legends.
Day 7
Inverness
Sights and Insights
On a full-day adventure, visit some of Scotland’s most iconic sites, including the Isle of Skye and the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Stop in the village of Invermoriston and admire the Five Sisters mountain range. Drive through Glen Suardal, see the Red Cuillin Hills, and enjoy beach combing along Loch Slappin. Your journey includes picturesque views of the Black Cuillin Hills and the seascapes of Rum and the nearby islands, before returning to Inverness via the scenic Black Isle.
Day 8
Inverness, Glasgow
Explore with an Expert
Transfer by train from Inverness to Glasgow, a 3.5-hour journey. Once in Glasgow, embark on a half-day walking tour of the city’s architectural marvels, including Buchanan Street, the Glasgow City Chambers, and the 19th-century Theater Royal. Learn about the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Scotland’s most famous architects. End the tour with a visit to the Clydeside Distillery, where you'll explore Glasgow’s whisky heritage and enjoy a tasting of expertly crafted spirits.
Day 9
Glasgow
Bon Voyage
After an enriching tour of Scotland, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
More Information
Custom Curated
- Select from an exceptional collection of accommodations, ranging from world-class five-star hotels to charming and distinctive boutique stays.
- Curate your journey with a thoughtfully balanced mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, authentic local encounters, and rare, invitation-only experiences.
- Embrace the freedom of a fully flexible itinerary—travel when you want, how you want, with no rigid dates or schedules.
- Whether marking a milestone or pursuing a deeply personal adventure, we collaborate closely with you to craft a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Included
- A tailor-made itinerary thoughtfully designed around your interests, pace, and preferred travel dates
- Round-the-clock, in-destination support from our trusted local team
- Accommodations, guided tours, and transfers for all scheduled experiences, unless otherwise noted in your personalized itinerary
- A private driver for all tours and transfer where applicable, your guide may also serve as your driver, as advised by your Destination Expert
- Expert-led private or small-group tours that bring your destination to life; your final itinerary will outline the exact format
- A warm welcome on arrival, whether at the airport or your accommodation, by one of our local representatives, as confirmed by your Destination Expert
- Daily breakfast at your hotel, along with any additional meals detailed in your itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Not Included
- International airfare - if you'd like assistance, your Destination Expert can connect you with our dedicated Air Team for pricing
- Travel insurance, available for purchase once your tour is confirmed
- Visa fees, unless otherwise specified in your itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers
- Meals and beverages not listed in your itinerary, including lunches, dinners, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Charges for excess baggage or any luggage not included in your ticketed fare
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone usage, SIM cards, or in-room dining
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels, unless specifically noted in your itinerary
- Additional sightseeing, activities, and experiences not included in your confirmed itinerary
- Optional enhance Optional enhancements such as upgraded rooms or flights, or local camera and video permit fees
- Passport application fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes where applicable
Safeguard Your Journey
- We strongly recommend travel protection to safeguard your plans. From missed connections and delayed luggage to unexpected medical emergencies, it offers peace of mind and coverage for the unexpected.
- Regardless of where you choose to purchase it, we encourage securing a travel protection plan before your departure to help protect your investment and your experience.