A Scottish Journey - 10 day tour

Day 2 - Edinburgh - St Andrews - Aboyne

We travel to the picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk region, such as Pittenweem, which is home to brightly hulled fishing boats and a jumble of red-painted and grey slated houses.

We continue to St Andrews, known as the home of golf and where Prince William met Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton while studying at St Andrews University, Scotland’s oldest. The town’s medieval centre, with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets, leads to the now ruined St Andrews Cathedral and the adjacent church of St Regulus.

Later, we travel into Highland Perthshire to visit the delightful village of Dunkeld, enjoying free time to explore its medieval cathedral attractively situated by the banks of the River Tay. 

The final part of our journey takes us through the Grampian Mountains to reach Aboyne, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

Overnight: The Lodge on the Loch, Aboyne (2 nights) or similar

Day 3 - Cairngorms National Park Excursion

After enjoying breakfast in our Highland surroundings, it's time to head out to discover the picturesque beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. This is Britain's largest National Park and is "one of the top 20 places to visit in the World", according to National Geographic Traveller magazine!

Today's highlight is a visit to the fairytale Crathes Castle. This outstanding example of a sixteenth-century tower house is famed for its striking turrets, oak panelling and painted ceilings. Crathes was home to the Burnett family for over 350 years.

After time exploring the castle, enjoy a relaxing stroll in the beautiful grounds.

Later, enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.  

Day 4 - Aboyne - Whisky Trail - Inverness

Start today with a scenic drive to Newtonmore to visit the Highland Folk Museum, which explores rural life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the present. Set in a beautiful natural setting, you can explore the homes, farms and shops of the past so authentic that they've been used as a filming location for the popular Outlander TV series.

The Speyside region is famed for the production of Scotch Whisky and is home to around half of all Scotland's working distilleries.

We'll stop at a distillery to discover the traditions of whisky-making using just three ingredients malted barley, yeast and pure Highland water. At the end of the visit, enjoy a tutored tasting of a dram or two.

Our hotel for the next two nights is in the "Highland Capital" of Inverness.

Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 5 - Exploring Inverness

After a busy start to the week, it’s time to relax in our new Highland surroundings.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Inverness this morning, then explore the city on your own.

You could stroll through the Old Town and shop in the Victorian Market, take in the views from Inverness Castle, or follow the river, listening for the tell-tale splash of leaping salmon.

A popular visit is to Fraser’s Highland House to discover the history of tartan through the centuries.

Day 6 - Inverness - Loch Ness - Isle of Skye

Today starts with a short drive to evocative Culloden Moor. It was here that the bloody battle between the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the British army under the command of the Duke of Cumberland took place in April 1746.

A visit to the award-winning visitor centre will explain the chain of events that brought these two forces together on that fateful day. Afterwards, take a walk on the moor to see the Clan memorials.

Enigmatic Loch Ness is famed throughout the World as the home of "Nessie", the Loch Ness Monster. Keep your camera close as we drive along the banks of this mysterious loch, just in case! 

We travel through the picturesque scenery of the Scottish Highlands to reach Plockton, a charming little village comprised of neatly painted cottages surrounding a picturesque bay.

There is free time to enjoy lunch and take a stroll around the harbour before we drive across the bridge to reach the stunning Isle of Skye.

Our island base for the next two nights is the Duisdale House Hotel on the attractive Sleat Peninsula, known as the garden of Skye.

Overnight: Duisdale House Hotel, isle of Skye (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - Isle of Skye Excursion

Today is devoted to the Isle of Skye, renowned for its incredible scenery, geology, wildlife and history.

Our scenic drive starts amongst the rugged beauty of the Cuillin Hills, which provides some of the most attractive landscapes in Scotland.

The north of the island delivers scenery on a grand scale. Today we see examples of Skye’s most startling geological features, including the extraordinary Quiraing, famous Kilt Rock and the spectacular Old Man of Storr.

Day 8 - Isle of Skye - Fort William - Isle of Mull

Returning to the mainland, we travel through remote Moidart before catching the ferry to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides.

Our base for the next two nights is near the ferry port of Criagnure.

Tonight the evening is yours to spend as you please.

Overnight: Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, Craignure (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 9 - Isle of Mull & Isle of Iona Excursion

Today is dedicated to exploring the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull & Iona.

We first travel along the island's scenic roads to reach the charming village of Fionnphort, which means 'Port of the White Sands' in Gaelic. Home to just 100 people, it is famed worldwide for its unique red granite, quarried just north of the village.

We take the ferry for the short crossing to Iona, a tiny island steeped in history and renowned for its natural beauty and serenity. After visiting Iona Abbey and Nunnery, we return to Mull and our hotel where there is time to relax.

Tonight, we gather to enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 10 - Isle of Mull - Stirling - Edinburgh

After returning by ferry to the Scottish mainland, we travel to Stirling, known as the heritage capital of Scotland. This is where the Wars of Independence were fought and won, and three centuries of Monarchs ruled.

There is time to explore the Old Town before entering Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's largest and most important castles. On our tour, visit the Royal Palace, Great Hall and the Chapel Royal.

It was here that Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned Queen of Scotland, aged just 9 months old.

As we make our way towards Edinburgh, we'll pass the impressive Kelpies horse head statues.

Sadly, the tour ends on arrival in Edinburgh.