6 day tour
Scottish Highland Escape
From
£880.00
Tour Summary
This superbly balanced tour combines lively cities and breathtaking scenery to create the perfect introduction to Scotland. Edinburgh, the historic capital city, is the starting point. Enjoy a city tour, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Visit St Andrews, the home of golf, before heading into the Highlands to see the stunning panoramas, including towering Ben Nevis and dramatic Glen Coe. Exciting overnight stays in Inverness and Oban allow time to explore mysterious Loch Ness and even tour a distillery to see how whisky is lovingly made. The tour concludes in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.
Edinburgh - join a local expert to explore the Georgian New Town, Medieval Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, to view the Scottish Crown Jewels
St Andrews - visit the home of golf to grab a selfie at the famous "Old Course"
Scottish Highlands - experience an overnight stay in Inverness together with never-ending vistas of mountains, lochs and castles
Oban - enjoy an overnight stay in this bustling port famed for its quality seafood
Glasgow - discover the impressive architecture and unique culture of Scotland's largest city
Movie locations - Sunshine on Leith, Loch Ness and The Batman
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland
Welcome to Edinburgh. On arrival, check in to your city centre hotel. This afternoon, why not head out to enjoy a walk along the tumbling Water of Leith to visit Stockbridge? This village within the city has a bohemian feel and is home to a wide variety of artisan shops, cafes and cosy pubs.
Meet your fellow passengers and Tour Director at 6 pm for a pleasant dinner served in your hotel.
Overnight: Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 2 - Explore Edinburgh
Today, we explore Edinburgh in the company of a local expert. Our tour begins with a drive through the neo-classical New Town, where we can see grand squares, elegant terraces, and impressive gardens. Learn about the many famous authors, scientists and thinkers who lived in these imposing Georgian townhouses.
Later, head over to the medieval Old Town to visit massive Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and to admire the views from the battlements.
On a drive down the famous Royal Mile, hear tales of medieval life in this overcrowded thoroughfare before viewing the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The King's official residence in Scotland and the nearby modern Scottish Parliament building.
This afternoon, enjoy free time for independent sightseeing. Tonight, why not enjoy a Scottish Evening to experience Highland dancing, the skirl of the Pipes and a wee taste of Haggis?
Day 3 - Edinburgh - St Andrews - Inverness
Our tour starts by crossing the Forth Bridge to reach the Kingdom of Fife. St Andrews is famous as the home of golf. During our visit, see the Old Course and the Clubhouse of the Royal & Ancient, which was founded in 1754.
Cross the River Tay and drive through Highland Perthshire to reach the Victorian resort of Pitlochry, where we'll make a stop. Our journey continues through the Grampian Mountains and the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
On the outskirts of Inverness lies Culloden Moor, the site of the fierce battle between the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Government troops under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. This event took place in April 1746 and was the last battle fought on British soil. The outcome of this bloody encounter changed life in the Highlands forever, as we will discover.
It's a short drive to our hotel overlooking the River Ness.
Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Day 4 - Inverness - Loch Ness - Oban
Enjoy a traditional Highland breakfast before leaving Inverness and making the short drive to Loch Ness. Everything about this mysterious body of water is vast - 24 miles long (38 km) and up to 800 ft (240 m deep). We'll drive the entire length of the loch, so keep a careful watch, just in case "Nessie" pops up to say hello!
Loch Ness is one of four attractive lochs that are part of the Great Glen, a massive fault line that cuts through the Highlands from Inverness to Fort William. We'll tour through the picturesque scenery of this impressive valley, stopping to view the lofty peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain.
At Fort William, we will stop at Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. Join a guide for a tour to discover how expert distillers produce Scotch Whisky using traditional methods handed down through the generations. Our visit ends with a tutored tasting of a fine malt.
Glen Coe is famed for its natural beauty, so we'll make a photo stop before heading to Oban, a bustling port on the Firth of Lorne known as the "Gateway to the Islands".
Overnight: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban (or similar)
Day 5 - Oban - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning with free time in Oban before heading through the picturesque Western Highlands to reach Loch Lomond and a tour along the "bonnie, bonnie banks".
Upon arrival in Glasgow, enjoy a panoramic tour that showcases Scotland's largest city.
Discover the bustling West End to view the imposing façade of Glasgow University, then drive along the banks of the River Clyde to see the medieval Cathedral and Glasgow's oldest house, Provands Lordship. Next, take a tour through the city centre to see the magnificent Victorian architecture before heading to our hotel.
Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner served at our hotel
Overnight: Maldron Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day 6 - Homeward bound
Sadly, our tour ends after breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!
You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.
On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.
What type of room should I choose?
This tour includes guest house accommodation.
There are different bedroom types to choose from. Here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room, sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Can you check availability for me?
If you need to check that there are seats available for your party then please contact us by email or by telephone. Please note that availability may change and we are unable to “hold seats' without payment.
How much travelling time will there be between stops?
On an Escorted/Premium Escorted Tour you’ll not be travelling for much more than two hours without a stop.
There are washrooms/toilets at each stop and most coaches are equipped with on-board toilets, however for safety reasons their use is restricted whilst the coach is in motion.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.
The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
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