Country Roads of Scotland - 9 day tour

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.