The Best of Scotland

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

Arrival at Edinburgh airport. Welcome by tour guide and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight at hotel in Edinburgh.

Day 2: Edinburgh

The charm of Edinburgh. Guided sightseeing tour by coach and on foot including the castle and many highlights. Free time in the afternoon. If an eventful break in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities is for you, then you have certainly come to the right place. Optional: Scottish evening or Ghost Tour. Overnight at hotel in Edinburgh.

Day 3: Edinburgh – St Andrews – Perth/Dundee area

The North Sea, golf and fine whisky. Little fishing villages in the Kingdom of Fife invite you to take a stroll. Then the home of golf, St Andrews, with its castle, cathedral and a wander through the old town, awaits you. Further on, over the Firth of Tay and via Dundee to the impressive coronation site of Scottish kings, Scone Palace. Overnight at hotel in the Perth/Dundee area.

Day 4: Perth/Dundee area – Aberdeen – Perth/Dundee area

Royal Deeside and Aberdeen. You discover the imposing mountainscapes of Royal Deeside. Here lies the Queen’s summer residence, Balmoral Castle. You visit Crathie Kirk, the “granite city”, Aberdeen, as well as the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The return journey is along the North Sea coast. Amusing introduction to Scottish ceilidh dancing (optional: whisky lends a spring to the steps). Overnight at hotel in the Perth/Dundee area.

Day 5: Perth/Dundee area – Loch Ness – Fort William area

Celts, kilts and monsters. Through the midst of the wild Central Highlands the route leads, via a break in Inverness, to the Pringle’s Woollen Mill, to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Afterwards a fascinating boat trip on Loch Ness in a sonar boat. Overnight at hotel in the Fort William area.

Day 6: Fort William area – Isle of Skye – Fort William area

The fairy tale Isle of Skye. A day trip to the Isle of Skye taking in Eilean Donan Castle, the Skye Bridge and the Cuillin range. In the afternoon idyllic coastal walk, scenic drive to the Trotternish peninsula, or the little seaside town of Portree. Return by ferry and beside the famous sands of Arisaig. Overnight at hotel in the Fort William area.

Day 7: Fort William area – Glasgow

Drive by Glencoe to Glasgow through the movie landscapes of the Western Highlands with a guided stroll on the West Highland Way. Visit Ben Nevis distillery. Alternatively tea and scones and a romantic rail journey (additional cost) across Rannoch Moor. An interesting drive via Inveraray takes you to the heart of Glasgow. City Tour. An insider’s tip for the evening is the traditional pub, the Horseshoe Bar. Overnight at hotel in Glasgow.

Day 8: Departure

Airport transfer to Edinburgh (or Glasgow).