Country Roads of Scotland (Small Groups, 9 Days)

Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Edinburgh
Duration
9 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of this fascinating country. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the tranquil Orkney Islands, you'll explore a variety of destinations, each with its unique charm. Discover iconic attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Enjoy local experiences like a traditional Scottish dinner, a whiskey tasting session, and a visit to the Old Pulteney Distillery. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Read more

Included

1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive. 

The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artefacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Wick Heritage Museum advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Alternatively, visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky.

Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Glencoe: Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.

Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.

Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae.

Isle of Skye: See the dramatic Cuillin Hills and stay in pretty Broadford.

Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.

Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.

Loch Lomond: Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Read more

6 Dinner with Wine (DW)

8 Breakfast (B)

Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.

Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.

Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavours, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques.

Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful Celebration Dinner. Enjoy the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients accompanied by delicious wine or beer.

Read more

8 night hotel accommodation

Read more

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Glencoe: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Read more

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Read more

Map

Attractions

Tomb of the Eagles, R-375982, R-58446, R-62149Tomb of the Eagles
Ring of BrodgarRing of Brodgar

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your Scottish adventure with a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in Edinburgh. Enjoy a glass of wine as you get acquainted with your Travel Director. On select departures, you'll also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a vibrant display of pipes, drums, and dance set against the illuminated backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Join a Local Expert for a tour of Edinburgh's highlights. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King, and the ornate Scott Memorial. Drive along Princes Street and explore the 18th-century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the art treasures in the National Gallery.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: St. Andrews and Spey Valley

  • St Andrews
  • Highland
  • More

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, the birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach or visit St. Andrews University. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. Enjoy a delicious cream tea during your visit.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness, and Wick

Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness, and Wick

  • Tomb of the Eagles
  • More

Visit Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated in 1746. Explore the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for the legendary monster! Follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Choose between a visit to the Old Pulteney Distillery for a whiskey tasting or a visit to the Wick Heritage Museum to learn about the past of this once thriving fishing community.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Orkney Islands Adventure

Day 5: Orkney Islands Adventure

  • Ring of Brodgar
  • More

Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands, where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic. Visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Explore Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Enjoy the tranquility of the islands, where locals live 'below the wind and above the water.'

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to the Isle of Skye

Day 6: Journey to the Isle of Skye

Travel through stunning landscapes along the northern coast and further inland to misty valleys, lochs, and rushing waters. Cross 'Over the Sea to Skye,' the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Isle of Skye to Glencoe

Day 7: Isle of Skye to Glencoe

Explore the Isle of Skye on your own before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at the remote Eilean Donan Castle and the WWII Commando Memorial with a view of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger to learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous Celebration Dinner with your newfound friends, featuring market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Loch Lomond and Glasgow

  • Glasgow
  • More

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, described as the 'Queen of Scottish Lochs' by Sir Walter Scott. Consider an optional cruise to experience the beauty and tranquility of the loch before continuing to Glasgow. An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Read more
Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell to Scotland

  • Glasgow - Departure day
  • More

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport. Take home the memories of a lifetime, filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible country.

Read more

Verified reviews

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.