Highlights
- Take a musical walking tour of Edinburgh and discover history through song
- Delve into Scotland's greatest battle with a guided visit of Bannockburn Battlefield
- Sip the finest single malts with a tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery
- Join a cruise on Loch Ness and hunt for the legendary monster yourself
- Taste your way across Glasgow during a guided food tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh, Musical Walking Tour | Edinburgh |
| Day 2 | Drive to Inverness via Stirling, Bannockburn Battlefield & Dalwhinnie Distillery | Inverness |
| Day 3 | Sheepdog Demonstration, Visit Cawdor Castle, Free Time in Inverness | Inverness |
| Day 4 | Loch Ness Cruise, Visit Urquhart Castle, Drive to Fort William | Fort William |
| Day 5 | West Highland Museum, Drive to Glasgow, Food Tour & National Orchestra | Glasgow |
| Day 6 | Visit Pollock Country Park, Depart Glasgow |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Musical Walking Tour
Welcome to bonnie Scotland! You've landed in Edinburgh, a captivating historic and modern city known for its festivals, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. On arrival, meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel. En route, you might catch a glimpse of the historic Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop an ancient volcanic hill and overlooking the Old and New Town centers. Drop your bags, refresh, and lace up your walking shoes.
This afternoon you'll set off on a musical journey, discovering the Old Town vibrant with life, music, and the occasional murder. Your host, an Edinburgh native, will perform traditional and modern songs that relate to real events and characters. Wander the Royal Mile, hearing the history and stories of the city as your guide breaks into the occasional song to recount key events. They say the small closes, streets, and courtyards of the Old Town have great acoustics!
Day 2: Drive to Inverness via Stirling, Bannockburn Battlefield & Dalwhinnie Distillery
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today you'll walk through some of the most significant sites in Scottish history. But first, go collect your rental car. Just an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle is where the Great Siege took place in 1304, when Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots, besieged the fortress. Nearby you'll delve into Scotland's greatest battle with Dr. Murray Cook on a guided walk of the historic Bannockburn Battlefield. Here a monumental conflict unfolded over two pivotal days in June 1314, and you'll hear tales of bravery, determination, and the relentless struggle for independence.
Continue on the road to Inverness, a three-hour drive north. You could pause in the quaint town of Pitlochry for lunch before reaching Dalwhinnie Distillery. After a guided tour of Scotland's highest distillery, you'll sit down for a whisky masterclass and taste six smooth single malts paired with local artisan chocolate (if you're the driver, you can ask for "driver drams" to enjoy at your hotel later). From here, continue following the edge of Cairngorms National Park through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.
Day 3: Sheepdog Demonstration, Visit Cawdor Castle, Free Time in Inverness
Make your way to Leanach Farm this morning for a special sheepdog demonstration. Watch as a friendly clan of intelligent border collies round up their woolly subjects under the careful watch of farmer Iain. Continue on the road to Cawdor Castle, a farther 15 minutes from town. This traditional Scottish castle was built and has been inhabited by the Cawdor family for more than 600 years. The fantastic medieval tower was constructed around a legendary holly tree. You can visit the 14th-century fairy-tale castle and explore the three distinct gardens.
Day 4: Loch Ness Cruise, Visit Urquhart Castle, Drive to Fort William
No one can resist the mythical Loch Ness: its beauty evokes a sense of wonder, while its monstrous depths are legendary. This morning, make your way to Dochgarroch, just outside of Inverness, for a two-hour cruise on the legendary waters of Loch Ness and Thomas Telford's famous Caledonian Canal. Aboard a catamaran, you'll set off, soaking in the views of Great Glen, Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the spectacular Urquhart Castle, following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria. Hear stories about the elusive Loch Ness Monster, and try to spot "Nessie."
After, unearth more than 1,000 years of history at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Snap panoramic pictures with the loch from the Grant Tower, imagine the banquets that once took place in the Grand Hall, and peer into a gloomy prison cell said to have held legendary Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn. Back in the car, continue an hour southwest to Fort William, known as the "adventure capital of the UK." This loch-side town sits between crystal clear lakes and snowcapped mountains. Drop your bags and find a restaurant with local mussels for dinner.
Day 5: West Highland Museum, Drive to Glasgow, Food Tour & National Orchestra
Before leaving Fort William this morning, make time to pop by the West Highland Museum. Founded in 1922, the museum's most renowned and unusual collection relates to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. You can also learn about the lives of the people of the West Highlands, from political warfare to the economic impact of tourism. After, continue on the road to Glasgow, a 2.5-hour drive away.
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. Your local host will take you to small, local restaurants and eateries so you can taste the best of the city from wee businesses that make everything with love. Hear grand stories as you taste your way across Glasgow's culinary and cultural map, then cap off the evening with a performance by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Day 6: Visit Pollock Country Park, Depart Glasgow
If you have time before your flight today, venture out of the city limits to Pollok Country Park. The largest park in Glasgow, this green oasis offers over 360 acres (146 ha) of woodland and garden. Admire the Georgian beauty of Pollok House, see Highland cattle, and even visit a "magical" Fairy Garden. While you can simply get lost within the big park, you might like to follow one of the official routes: the Highland Cattle Walk (red markers), the Pond Walk (blue markers), or the Burrell Walk (yellow markers).
And finally, your six-day road trip across Scotland comes to an end. Hop in the car one last time and make the drive to Edinburgh airport. Make sure you allow enough time to drop off your rental car ahead of your flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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