Skye 2

Scotland and the Isle of Skye

Explore Scotland in style, from Edinburgh to Glasgow and everything in between

12 Days in Scotland

An exquisite Scottish experience, you'll travel with your own private driver through major cities, unparalleled scenery and soak in Scottish culture and history.  Begin in Edinburgh and work your way to the Isle of Skye, St. Andrews, Inverness, Glasgow and more! Old Sod Travel can customize this itinerary based on your own travel needs and desires. Note: dinner reservations will be made at top restaurant's for each night of the trip.

Edniburgh

Day 1-2: Edinburgh

Accommodations: Tigerlily Hotel

After arriving at the Edinburgh Airport, your driver will bring you to Holyroodhouse Palace, once the haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots and the official residence of Queen Elizabeth.

You'll also have tim to hike to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with sweeping views of the city. Or, choose the Scotch Whiskey Experience, just outside the Castle gates, it has become one of the top attractions in the city.  Or, for a more cultural experience, take a private tour of the Scottish National Gallery to view three of Scotland’s treasures: The Fury of the Stag, The Monarch in the Glen, and Skating on Duddingston Loch. 

On your second day,  you'll take a walking tour of the Secrets of the Royal Mile, with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. For lunch, try Devil’s Advocate, hidden away down Advocates Close. They feature 400 whiskeys and terrific local Scottish bites. In the evening you can take in the Royal Military Tattoo, an annual series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland.

Day 3: St. Andrews

Accommodations: Rufflets St. Andrews

Your driver will bring you to St. Andrews, where you'll have time to visit St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle ruins. You can also take a tour of the British Golf Museum for today's history lesson.  Enjoy lunch with a view of the famed Old Course at Jigger Inn Pub. If the weather cooperates, you can walk Sands Beach and stroll St. Andrews quaint town with shops and pubs. In the evening, you'll try the Seafood Ristorante for dinner. A reservation has been arranged for 7 PM. Terrific Scottish seafood and a stunning view!

inverness

Day 4-5: Inverness

Accommodations: Rocpool Reserve Hotel

Enjoy a nice ride to Pitlochry this morning where you'll visit the scenic Blair Castle, or Blair Athol Distillery, and House of Bruar for shopping. In the afternoon, you'll continue on to Inverness with stops in Cairngorm National Park or Leault Farms. Arrive in time for a 5 PM cruise on Loch Ness -- perhaps you'll see the famed monster!

On day two, you can visit Culloden Battlefield. You will enjoy a Living History Presentation at the Culloden Moor and learn about the short, bloody battle of the Jacobite supporters. Other options include Clava Cairns, the Bronze Age circular stone memorials and Cawdor Castle. Don't forget to leave time to visit Glendronach Distillery in the afternoon.

skye 3

Day 6-7: Isle of Skye

Accommodations: Bosville Hotel

Travel to Isle of Skye today. Visit Eilean Donan Castle. It is said to be Scotland’s most iconic castle and the most photographed as well. Enjoy some memorable scenery! After lunch with a scenic view at the cafe, you will travel to Kyle of Lochalsh and go over the Skye Bridge with stunning views on either side. Arrive in Portree and check in to the Bosville Hotel for the next two nights. You may want to stretch your legs and walk to the harbor viewpoint to view the famous multi-coloured houses before dinner.reservations.

Your driver will pick you up in the morning to show you around the beautiful Isle. Drive and explore the Trotternish Loop. Visit the Old Man of Storr, a massive rock spire that can be seen for miles around and Neist Point Lighthouse. Visit the Skye Museum of Country Life. After lunch you have the option to take a boat trip from Portree Harbor. You could visit smaller, neighboring islands, Raasay or Rona, and perhaps see otters, dolphins, or seals. The Stardust boat trip is the way to see Sea Eagles, the largest bird of prey in Britain. Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, an impressive property sitting on the north western shore of the Loch of Dunvegan. 

Day 8-9: Glencoe/Eriska

Accommodations: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Golf

This morning, your driver will first take you to the Fairy Pools, a natural waterfall phenomenon in Glen Brittle with vivid blue and green pools. Next, travel to the Armadale Ferry Terminal where you will hop a car ferry to Mallaig. It's a pretty 30 minute cruise. Once in Mallaig, you'll enjoy lunch and take a short stroll along the Mallaig Circuit walk, which has great views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.  You can also check out the Mallaig Heritage Centre nearby which offers stories, films, collections and displays telling the history of West Lochaber people and the area. Continue on to Fort William, then pass along Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Arisaig. Finally, arriving at the Isle of Eriska Hotel, enjoy dinner on property.

If you didn't get enough time in the Glencoe area yesterday - venture back this morning - ‘Glen of the Weeping', is the site of the infamous massacre of the Macdonald clan by the Campbells in 1692. Next come back closer to the hotel and explore Oban. It's a quaint coastal town. Visit McCaig's Tower as well as the surrounding castles - Dunstaffnage, Kilchurn, Dunollie, and Gylen. Visit the Oban Distillery and also the Chocolate Factory!

glasgow 1

Day 10: Glasgow

Accommodations: Principal Grand Central Hotel

Travel today to Glasgow. Driving through the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Take time to walk through those areas and experience the raw Scottish scenery. Once you reach Glasgow, you'll visit George's Square and Glasgow Cathedral with a guide to provide a detailed history of the area. Consider a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and/or the Gallery of Modern Art as well!

Day 11: Stirling

Accommodations: Prestonfield House

Travel first to Stirling today. Visit the Wallace National Monument and discover the life nd legacy of William Wallace. Grab lunch at Brea Restaurant or Henderson’s Bistro nearby. Visit Stirling Castle, which sits high upon Castle Rock, a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. It was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Continue on to the Prestonfield House and enjoy dinner at the restaurant, Rhubarb on property this evening.

Day 12: Return Home

After a wonderful trip, you'll depart for the airport and head home, savoring every moment of an unforgettable Scottish experience.

This itinerary includes 11 nights of accommodations, Scottish breakfast each morning and your own driver and guide starting at $6,750 per person. Activities for each day will be customized based on traveler preferences. (Does not include flights)

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