Country Roads of Scotland - 9 day tour
Country Roads of Scotland
9 day / 8 night
On this easy-paced premium tour explore the great cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit St Andrews, the home of golf and iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Explore the un-rivalled scenery of the Isle of Skye and the ancient treasures of the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a tour along the famous North Coast 500 route, one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. Could this be the ultimate Scottish experience?
Price range: £2,125-£2,995
Edinburgh - join a local expert for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
St Andrews - see the famed Old Course and the historic castle
Orkney Islands - visit 5,000 year old Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar
Highland Gathering - enjoy a celebration dinner with music and dancing
Loch Lomond - take a scenic drive along the “bonnie, bonnie banks”
Movie locations - Loch Ness, Highlander and Braveheart
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Arrive in Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland – a land of friendly people, vibrant cities, enchanting folklore and stupendous scenery. If you are arriving by air there are convenient transfers this morning from Edinburgh International Airport (terms and conditions apply). The remainder of the day is free for you to relax. As your hotel is located in the vibrant port of Leith, famed for its fashionable eateries, why not take a stroll to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea?
This evening join your tour director and fellow passengers at 5.30 pm for a welcome dinner with wine in a local restaurant.
Selected departures will also attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, performed on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Visit our Getting to Scotland page for more information on rail and air links to Edinburgh.
Overnight: Malmaison Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights)
Day 2 - Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Castle
Discover more of Edinburgh in the company of a Local Expert. First travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Monument, then meander through the Georgian New Town with its classical Adam façades and impressive squares. Over in the Old Town, visit the mighty castle, to see the historic buildings, exquisite Scottish Crown Jewels and to admire the views from the battlements. Take a drive along the famous Royal Mile to reach the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of HM The Queen in Scotland. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 - Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Inverness
Leave Edinburgh behind and get stunning views of the Forth Bridges as we cross Forth estuary to reach the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Travel through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk as we make for historic St. Andrews, widely regarded as the home of golf. With plenty time to explore why not head to the Old Course or visit the University the oldest in Scotland and where Kate and William met while studying.
Later drive over the silvery River Tay and make for Highland Perthshire. There is a stop in the delightful Victorian resort of Pitlochry where you can wander down to the River Tummel to spot the leaping salmon. Next spot white-washed Blair Castle as we travel over the Grampian Mountains and head for the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Stop at Ballindalloch Castle, home to the Macpherson-Grants since 1546, to enjoy traditional afternoon tea with scones then continue on to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, and our home for tonight.
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Day 4 - Inverness - Loch Ness - Thurso
This morning we make the short drive to reach haunting Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle fought on British soil. It was here that the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was crushed by the British forces in 1746. Learn all about this ferocious battle at the Culloden Visitor Centre before touring along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness. Can you spot the monster?
Next, join the famous North Coast 500 route, Scotland’s very own Route 66, to experience stunning seascapes and wild scenery all the way to the port of Wick. Make a visit to the Old Pulteney Distillery to discover the traditions and heritage of whisky production before enjoying a taste of a wee dram. There is a two-night stay in Thurso, which overlooks the Pentland Firth.
Overnight: Pentland Hotel, Thurso (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 5 - Orkney Islands Excursion
After breakfast travel to John O'Groats, the most northerly village in Britain to join the ferry for the short 40 minute crossing to the Orkney Islands. Join a Local Expert for a sightseeing tour through the islands. See Scapa Flow, which played an important part in both World Wars then visit the ornate Italian Chapel crafted by Italian prisoners of war who were working on the extensive Churchill barriers. Step back in time to the Neolithic period when you explore the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall, the islands main town before returning to the mainland by ferry. Dinner is served in your hotel.
Day 6 - Thurso - Ullapool - Isle of Skye
Join the North Coast 500 route once more and tour through dramatic and un-spoilt landscapes. Look out for attractive sea lochs, towering mountains and quaint villages as we make our way towards the beautiful Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic island of the Inner Hebrides. See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and as we head to Broadford, hear the romantic story of how young Flora MacDonald helped the fugitive Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, escape by sailing “over the sea to Skye”.
Overnight: Dunollie Hotel, Broadford (or similar)
Day 7 - Isle of Skye - Glen Coe - Ballachulish
Today there is an opportunity to explore this wild and picturesque island, before returning to the mainland. Stop to capture the picture-postcard scene of beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, which stands on its little island on the loch. Move through the highland scenery to reach the WWII Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge where, if the weather is kind, we should get a wonderful view of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Our drive continues through Fort William to reach the glorious scenery of Glencoe with its striking peaks and fast-flowing rivers. Amongst this inspiring scenery listen to the grisly tale of the infamous massacre that took place here in 1692.
Overnight: Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar)
Day 8 - Ballachulish - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
After a relaxed start travel across the vast and desolate great Moor of Rannoch then enter the picturesque Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Spend time by the "bonnie, bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond where there is a chance to take an optional cruise on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs'.
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city. A panoramic tour will highlight many of the city’s opulent Victorian buildings including George Square and the City Chambers (Town Hall). Later head for the Cathedral Quarter to see Glasgow’s oldest house, Provands Lordship and St Mungo’s Cathedral. The remainder of this afternoon and evening are at leisure so you can explore on your own.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Theatreland, Glasgow (or similar)
Day 9 - Depart Glasgow
Sadly, your tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow Airport at 07:00 hrs & 09:00 hrs - terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of travelling in comfort and style then a Premium Escorted Tour is for you. You’ll travel in a group that is restricted to around 40 fellow travellers. Travel is aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, on-board WiFi, reclining seats and oversized windows. For your comfort there is an emergency washroom on-board too. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain cities you’ll be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. These tours are fully inclusive of first class/superior class accommodation, transportation, admission fees and most meals. Savvy travellers appreciate that these tours have no hidden extras – all the ingredients needed for a great tour are included in the tour price. There are no optional extras for you to budget for during your holiday.
What kind of accommodation do you use?
The group will stay together in first class or superior tourist class hotels. Each has been carefully selected for comfort, quality and ambiance located in the best locations close to the shopping areas and the key sights. You will discover a pleasant balance of familiar brand hotels such as Hilton, Marriott and Accor together with locally owned family-run hotels. In rural locations your accommodation will be in the best available hotels. A full hotel list will be provided as part of your EDocumentation.
How do I arrange my airport transfer?
Complimentary airport transfers are included on the first and last day of your tour. If you wish to avail of this facility please provide your flight details (flight number, arrival/departure time and originating/destination airport) as soon as you have this information. We regret that if you are planning pre or post tour accommodation you will need to make your own transfer arrangements. You will meet your driver or guide in the arrivals hall once you have completed the immigration and customs formalities. Full information is included in your tour documentation.
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seats cannot be pre-booked however your tour director will implement a seat rotation system which will allow all passengers the opportunity of experiencing spectacular views from different seats on the motorcoach.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process. Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 8 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Edinburgh (2); Inverness (1); Thurso (2); Skye (1); Ballachulish (1) and Glasgow (1)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (8)
- Welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director
- Table d’hôte dinners (4)
- Celebration dinner in Ballachulish
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Culloden Moor, Skara Brae, Italian Chapel and Ring of Brodgar
- Visit to Ballindalloch Castle with afternoon tea
- City tour of Edinburgh
- Tour and tasting at Old Pulteney Whisky Distillery
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 8 to 29 August departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- Ferry to the Orkney Islands
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
Please check your tour documentation for the commencement time of the tour
From Malmaison Hotel
1 Tower Place
Edinburgh EH6 7BZ
The tour will end in Glasgow after breakfast on day 9
Check-in: 14:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 14:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 09:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 5 to 17 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Selected departures include a visit to this famous celebration of music, dancing and culture performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
IV 00187

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:09 Aug 2016
I liked this Tour, the landsacpe was magnificient and the ways we took were good. What I would have liked were some more Stopps for taking pictures from the bus. Michael Doughty was a careful and responsible Guide!
Ursula from 40699, Germany
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Rating:22 Jul 2014
We really enjoyed this holiday, the tour manager was excellent along with the various specialist guides used. The scenery was breath taking, the Scottish show is a must for everyone and the hspitality of the Scots is amazing. The only negatives were the accommodation in Thurso and the visit to the town in Fort William. The accommodation in Thurso was very poor and Fort William town is very scruffy.
Mrs from Pembroke, United Kingdom
