Scotland City, Highland & Island Road Trip - 12 Days

Day 3: Drive to Pitlochry via Blair Castle & Blair Athol Distillery Tour

After breakfast, collect a rental car and make the drive north toward Cairngorms National Park. At its southern edge lies Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for more than seven centuries. Today you'll explore the fine 18th-century interiors and Scots baronial architecture, including Comyn's Tower, which dates to 1269. After wandering the grand halls, venture out into the 9-acre (3.6 ha) gardens, where you'll find a large wooded grove, a ruined church, a red deer park, and a Gothic folly. Admire Highland cows grazing in nearby fields and look for native red squirrels and peacocks.

Then, visit the Blair Athol Distillery, which has drawn its water from the ancient Alt Dour that flows from the heights of Ben Vrackie since 1798. This local pure mountain water contributes to the whisky's mellow quality and smooth finish. Join a tasting tour to explore behind-the-scenes at the distillery and sample a few drams. If you're driving, ask for takeaway packs. Finally, make your way to the charming town of Pitlochry, your home for the night. If you have time, stop at Queen's View—a famous vantage point overlooking one of the most iconic panoramas in Scotland.

Day 4: Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Safari Tour, Drive to Inverness

Cairngorms National Park offers some of the best wildlife diversity in the United Kingdom. This pristine landscape is home to a quarter of the threatened species, and on today's full-day wildlife safari, you'll encounter the wilder side of the protected park. Explore expansive heather-clad moorlands, pass through towering Caledonian pine forests, admire imposing peaks, and see pristine lochs from the back of a 4WD Land Rover Discovery. Your knowledgeable guide will seek out wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys, and some light walking may be involved.

Day 5: Drive to Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train

Today you'll board the Jacobite Steam Train, a service made famous by the "Harry Potter" movies. This steam locomotive-hauled tourist train service makes two trips per day along part of the West Highland Line. Make the two-hour drive from Inverness to Fort William, where you'll board the service that runs for 41 miles (66 km) to Mallaig at the coast. This two-hour train ride has been described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. Along the route, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of Loch Eil, Loch Morar, River Morar, and Arisaig.

You'll cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at a whopping 1,250 feet (380 m) long. While the "Harry Potter" films made it famous, this bridge with 100-foot-high (30 m) arches was actually completed in 1898. At the end of the line lies Mallaig, a small fishing port where you can enjoy fish and chips for lunch before boarding the train for the return journey to Fort William.

Day 6: Drive to the Isle of Skye via Eilean Donan Castle

Today's final destination is the Isle of Skye, a 2.5-hour drive away, but before crossing over to the island, you'll explore one of Scotland's most famous castles. Eilean Donan Castle is a 13th-century tower and one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by majestic scenery, it's little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

After your visit, cross over to the dramatic and ethereal Isle of Skye, which is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. Make your way to colorful Portree, the island's main town, and check into your accommodation. If you still have daylight, head to the Royal Hotel to snap photos of Portree's famous pastel homes by the water. After, finding a charming pub in town for a local meal.

Day 7: Skye Full-Day Tour, Dinner at The Three Chimneys

You'll spend today with a private guide, exploring the most beautiful spots and historic locations across the island. As a private experience, you can shape the day to your interests and activity level. You might like to stop by the historic Torabhaig Distillery for a tour and tasting, visit Sligachan for views of Glamaig and the Black Cuillin, or see "The Lump," where the annual Highland Games take place. Together you could hike to mystical Fairy Pools, walk the Quiraing, or explore Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeods. After, you'll return to Portree to rest and refresh.

This evening you'll experience one of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom: The Three Chimneys. This special culinary experience has repeatedly made the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, and you'll get to enjoy seven courses at "The Kitchen Table." The chefs pride themselves on "mile 0" produce, gathering oysters from the bay, crab in Loch Bracadale, lobster in Loch Dunvegan, and serving local Talisker whisky, of course. You'll sit down a meal that's at once inventive and traditional in the middle of the kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work.

Day 9: Full-Day Mull, Iona & Staffa Islands Adventure 

Set sail this morning to explore the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa on a full-day boating adventure. Starting in Oban, you'll board the ferry for the Isle of Mull, the second-largest Island of the Inner Hebrides where dramatic and unspoiled scenery created by volcanic activity await. On arrival in Craignure, you'll board a coach for a tour of the island. You'll reach the far side of Mull where you'll board ferries in Fionnphort destined for Iona and Staffa.

The sacred Island of Iona is where Saint Columba came in 563 CE to preach Christianity. Visit the Iona Abbey and learn about the history of this tranquil center of Gaelic monasticism. Then, journey to Staffa, which lies around 6 miles (10 km) west of the Isle of Mull. The tiny island is famed for Fingal's Cave and the puffins that nest here. Return to Fionnphort, board the coach for Craignure, and finally return to Oban by ferry. Expect to arrive late in the evening.

Day 10: Drive to Glasgow, Eat Walk Glasgow

Soak up your final morning in Oban, then jump behind the wheel and make the 2.5-hour drive to Glasgow. A cool and creative destination shaped by its rich industrial heritage, Scotland's largest city is a curious mix of old and new—and today you'll explore the streets via your stomach with a half-day food tour.

Over a few hours, you'll meet locals who will speak passionately about what they, Glasgow, and Scotland as a whole offer when it comes to food and drink. You'll visit some top-class restaurants and bars, and discover where the locals like to go. Starting in the historical heart of Glasgow, you'll sample locally-sourced food and drink from some of the city's standout venues. Your guide will point out sites in the city as you wander and leave you with tips on where to go and what to eat once you part ways. 

Day 11: Street Art & Culture Walking Tour, Drive to Edinburgh

This morning's walking tour takes you on an offbeat route across the city, exploring the best street art and modern culture with a local. Over 90 minutes you'll skip past the cathedrals, grand buildings, and monuments to experience the real Glasgow. Your local guide will lead you down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city's most beautiful pieces of art painted by world-renowned heroes and local artists. You'll hear the stories and inspiration behind each piece while learning about how the art scene in Glasgow has developed dramatically over the last decade.

With a free afternoon in Glasgow, you could continue exploring the city's vibrant cultural scene. Start at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to admire an eclectic collection of art and historical artifacts, then stroll through Kelvingrove Park. Later, make the one-hour drive to Edinburgh and check in at your hotel. On your final night in Scotland, seek out a traditional pub for a hearty meal, then visit one of the city's music venues or theaters.

Day 12: Depart Edinburgh

Your grand adventure with plenty of nature and whisky across Scotland comes to an end today. If you have time, take a walk up Carlton Hill to take in views over the city. When the time is right, drive to the airport to drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!