Scotland Explorer

Arriving in to either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports, collect your vehicle and make your way to Glasgow. Scotland's largest centre of population, Glasgow is a vibrant modern Scottish city with a rich history. Soak up the urban Scottish vibe as you explore the city from the Victorian monuments and impressive town hall facade of George Square, to the bustling Sauchiehall Street ideal for your Scottish shopping. The stunning Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis are well worth a visit whilst in the fashionable West End you can visit the renowned Kelvingrove Park and Museum.

Overnight: Glasgow

Journey details: 40 miles / 1 hour (approx.), if starting at Edinburgh Airport*

Today get your first flavour of Scotland’s raw natural beauty, passing firstly along the banks of Loch Lomond and through the scenery of the Trossachs National Park and then across the desolate and awe-inspiring Rannoch Moor. A potential stop is at the Glencoe visitor centre which marks the place of the infamous clan battle. Then reaching the stunning west coast make your way to the lively port town of Fort William on the shores of Loch Linhe; here you may choose to hike in the foothills of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, or simply enjoy the Highland shopping or a tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery.

Overnight: Fort William or Glencoe

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 105 miles / 2hrs 30mins (approx.)*

This morning, take the "Road to the Isles" stopping to see the Glenfinnan Monument dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express. Then take the ferry to the stunning Isle of Skye; you may choose to stop at Armadale Castle and the Clan Donald Centre in the South of the island before passing the beautiful peaks of the Cuillin Hills on route to the island main town at Portree, and its bustling harbour and pastel fisherman's cottages.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 90 miles / 3hrs approx.* (including ferry crossing to Skye)

Dedicate day four to exploring the breath-taking natural beauty of this peaceful island; from the quaint port town of Portree, tour the north of the island and the Trotternish Peninsula with its natural features such as “Kilt Rock” and “the Old Man of Storr” or visit the famous Fairy Pools. Wildlife is in abundance, in the coastal waters you can spot seabirds, dolphins and seals. Possible cultural visits include Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan, the Museum of Island Life and nearby Flora Macdonald's Grave or the distillery of famed malt whisky Talisker.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Cross back to the mainland via Skye Bridge and visit one of Scotland’s icons at Eilean Donan Castle reaching out in to the Loch, before crossing the wild Highlands and in to the Great Glen. Passing along the windswept banks of the eerie Loch Ness keep an eye out for the renowned monster Nessie; perhaps take a boat ride on the loch to uncover the mysteries of the waters or make a visit to the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched overlooking the loch it offers the perfect look-out. Arriving in Inverness, capital of the Highlands, explore the city and its hilltop castle and museum.

Overnight: Inverness area

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 115 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx* (travelling via Skye Bridge)

Dedicate today to exploring the outlying Highlands surrounding Inverness; here you will find the eerie Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the ancient battlefield where the Jacobites rose against the English. Also nearby are the intriguing standing stones of the Clava Cairns which inspired the Outlander series. Cultural sites you can visit include the contrasting castles of Cawdor Castle and Fort George; the former is a turreted, fairy-tale mansion romantically connected to Shakespeare's Macbeth whilst the latters demonstrates 18th century military engineering at its best.

Overnight: Inverness area

Meals: Breakfast included

Departing Inverness head East through the Grampian Highlands where you can visit the elegant Spynie Palace and nearby Elgin Cathedral. Passing through the renowned Whisky country you can enjoy a tour of once or more of Speyside's famous single malt distilleries before arriving Aberdeenshire which is home to a host of beautiful castles and baronial manor houses such as Fyvie Castle or Leith Hall and Gardens. BY evening, see Aberdeen itself; known the granite city Aberdeen displays a unique granite architecture and is home to much of Scotland's rich maritime heritage.

Overnight: Aberdeen

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 105 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx*

From Aberdeen follow the coastline south, you may choose to stop at spectacular ruin of Dunottar Castle dramatically perched on a cliff-top overlooking the North Sea or at the elegant Glamis Castle child-hood home of the late Queen Mother. Then cross the Tay bridge in to the Kingdom of Fife to the historic town of St Andrews, a charming university town, where Prince William met his future wife Kate Middleton. Wander the castle and cathedral ruins or visit the famous “Old Course” and golfing museum. Later continue to historic Stirling.

Overnight: Stirling area

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 130 miles / 3hrs approx*

Spend this morning exploring historic Stirling; wander the cobbled old town to Stirling Castle which was once the Royal Seat of Scotland and rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. A short drive away you’ll find Bannockburn Battlefield and the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero "Braveheart" William Wallace. Heading for Edinburgh make a stop to see the enigmatic sculpture at he Kelpies before arriving in Edinburgh. Return your vehicle at the airport and make you way in to the city on public transport.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 35 miles / 45mins approx*

The final day of your trip can be spent discovering the magnificent city of Edinburgh, best explored on foot and public transport. From the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian Edinburgh holds a unique atmosphere. Visit Royal sites such as the Palace of Holyrood House or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building. The highlight of your day will be climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included