Scenic Scotland

Scenic Scotland

Tour Overview

10 Days
From $1,500
Moderate
Max 14 People
English
Scotland

Journey through Scotland’s breathtaking Highland landscapes on this 10-day tour that covers the very best of this dramatic nation. From the medieval splendour of Edinburgh Castle to the legendary shores of Loch Ness, from the volcanic peak of Arthur’s Seat to the otherworldly Isle of Skye, every day brings a new and extraordinary landscape.

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About This Tour

Scotland is a land of raw, elemental beauty — a place where ancient castles emerge from morning mist, Highland cattle roam open glens and mythical creatures lurk in the depths of dark lochs. This 10-day journey takes you from the sophisticated streets of Edinburgh through the historic golf courses of St Andrews, the wildlife-rich Cairngorms National Park and all the way to the remote, ethereal Isle of Skye.

Along the way you’ll encounter Glamis Castle — inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth — visit the Jacobite-haunted pass of Glen Coe and stand in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Your expert Scottish guide will share tales of clans, battles, Highland legends and the history that has shaped one of Europe’s most distinctive cultures.

Small group sizes ensure authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences that larger tour operators simply cannot provide. Comfortable accommodation throughout, daily breakfast and all major attraction entries are included. This is the definitive Scottish experience — wild, beautiful and utterly unforgettable.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Evening orientation walk along the Royal Mile with your guide, soaking in the atmospheric Old Town and its medieval closes. Welcome briefing dinner.

Day 2
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile

Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle perched atop an ancient volcanic rock — see the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and One O’Clock Gun. Afternoon exploration of the Royal Mile’s historic closes, museums and traditional pubs.

Day 3
Holyrood Palace & Arthur’s Seat

Morning tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse — the official Scottish residence of the monarch — including the chamber where Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the murder of her secretary Rizzio. Optional afternoon hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views.

Day 4
Drive to St Andrews

Drive east through Fife to St Andrews — home of golf and a magnificent ruined cathedral. Explore the historic university town, walk the famous Old Course and visit St Andrews Cathedral ruins and the castle overlooking the sea.

Day 5
Dundee & Glamis Castle

Visit Dundee’s waterfront V&A Design Museum before driving to the magnificent Glamis Castle — the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Guided tour of the castle interior and grounds.

Day 6
Cairngorms National Park

Full day in the spectacular Cairngorms — Britain’s largest national park. Optional activities include a funicular railway ride to 1,097m, wildlife spotting (red squirrels, red deer, ospreys) and walking trails through ancient Caledonian pine forest.

Day 7
Inverness & Loch Ness

Drive to Inverness — the Highland capital — for a morning city tour. Afternoon cruise on the legendary Loch Ness, visiting the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle and learning about the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness Monster.

Day 8
Glen Coe & Fort William

Drive south through the dramatic, haunting pass of Glen Coe — site of the infamous 1692 massacre — with stops for photography at the most spectacular viewpoints. Arrive at Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak.

Day 9
Isle of Skye

Full day on the magnificent Isle of Skye — explore the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle (clan seat of the MacLeods). The otherworldly landscape of Skye is widely considered the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles.

Day 10
Departure

Final breakfast before transfer arrangements back to Edinburgh or Glasgow airport. Farewell to magnificent Scotland — a country that will stay with you long after you return home.

Price & Inclusions

What’s Included
9 nights in quality 3-star hotels
Daily breakfast at the hotel
All transport in private coach
Entry tickets to all listed attractions
Expert Scottish-licensed guide
Loch Ness cruise ticket
V&A Dundee & Glamis Castle entry
Not Included
International flights to/from Scotland
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Optional activities (Cairngorms funicular etc.)
Price from $1,500 per person

Tour Gallery

Edinburgh Castle Scotland
Loch Ness Scotland
Isle of Skye Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour is rated moderate. Most days involve 3-5 miles of walking. The optional Arthur’s Seat hike and Cairngorms walks are more strenuous but entirely optional. Most landscapes are accessible from the coach with short walks to viewpoints.

Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots and warm clothing even in summer. Midges (small biting insects) can be present May-September in the Highlands — bring insect repellent.

Yes, the Isle of Skye is a full included day on Day 9 of the itinerary. We cross the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh and spend the day exploring the island’s most spectacular locations with overnight accommodation in the Fort William area.

Scotland has wonderful wildlife. Red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles and ospreys are commonly seen in the Cairngorms. Seals can be spotted along the coast and red kites in some lowland areas. Your guide knows the best spots for wildlife watching.

The tour runs April through October. Summer (June-August) offers the longest daylight hours and mildest weather. May and September are excellent shoulder-season months with fewer tourists and dramatic heather and autumn colours. Winter tours are available on request.

Ready to Discover Scotland?

Book your Scenic Scotland tour today and experience the most dramatic landscapes in the British Isles.