Taste of Scotland - 5 day tour
Taste of Scotland
5 day / 4 night
If you only have a limited amount of time available and want to see the highlights of Scotland, then this tour may have been designed just for you! Discover the vibrant city of Glasgow, then head into the Scottish Highlands to experience a journey through a landscape of majestic mountains, dramatic lochs and historic villages. Enjoy a two-night stay in Edinburgh, complete with a city tour and a visit its famous castle.
Glasgow - enjoy a fascinating tour and visit the splendid Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Loch Ness - experience a short cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch
Blair Athol Distillery - discover how Scotch whisky is produced and enjoy a wee taste of the end product!
St Andrews - see the famed Old Course and historic castle
Edinburgh - join a local expert for a guided tour and visit Edinburgh Castle
Movie locations - The Angels’ Share, Hallam Foe and One Day
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Glasgow Arrival & City Tour
Your Scottish trip starts at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour director at your Glasgow hotel.
Set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow.
Drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers, then drive through the ancient Merchant City to see Glasgow Cathedral and the fascinating necropolis behind.
Follow the banks of the River Clyde to see the many attractions that line its banks before visiting the impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to one of Europe’s great art collections. Explore the 22 galleries, which house over 8,000 artefacts. You’ll find everything from ancient Egyptian treasures to a Second World War Spitfire fighter plane on display.
Later join your tour director, guide and travel companions for a welcome drink before dinner.
Visit our Getting to Scotland page for more information on rail and air links to Glasgow.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day 2 - Glasgow - Loch Ness - Nairn
Tour along the “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, famed for its natural beauty.
Next drive over the Great Moor of Rannoch to reach Glen Coe, infamous for the Campbell massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.
Travel along the banks of Loch Linnhe to reach Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.
There’s a stop at a local Woollen Mill, where you’ll discover a wide selection of quality Scottish goods.
Stop in the pretty village of Fort Augustus, which sits on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, join a cruiser for a short cruise on the lake and some fun “Nessie” spotting.
Drive along the scenic banks of Loch Ness to see the ruins of mighty Urquhart Castle before heading to Nairn for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn (or similar)
Day 3 - Nairn - St Andrews - Edinburgh
Drive through the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and through the Grampian Mountains to reach Pitlochry in the heart of Highland Perthshire.
Visit Blair Athol Distillery to see how whisky is produced using traditional methods and then sample a "wee dram".
Continue south to St Andrews, renowned as the "Home of Golf" and for its university, Scotland's oldest. See ancient St Andrews Cathedral, then enjoy some time to explore on your own.
Drive south to Edinburgh and your impressive manor house hotel, set amongst 1,000 acres with two golf courses and spa facilities a few miles from the city.
Tonight enjoy a Scottish Evening featuring excellent Scottish cuisine followed by an entertaining show with songs, stories and traditional dancing.
Tour departures between 2 and 23 August 2022 will enjoy a free night to dine independently.
Overnight: Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 4 - Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle
This morning tour the main sights of Edinburgh with a local guide.
Drive along the lively Princes Street and through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town.
Walk along part of the Royal Mile, where compact medieval houses reach 11 floors tall.
Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the cityscape and contains the Scottish Crown Jewels (known as the Honours of Scotland) and the Stone of Scone.
The balance of the day is free for you to explore more of Edinburgh on your own.
Departures between 1 and 23 August 2023 attend a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 5 - Homeward Bound
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of travelling in comfort and style then a Premium Escorted Tour is for you.
You’ll travel in a group that is restricted to around 40 fellow travellers.
Travel is aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, on-board WiFi, reclining seats and oversized windows. For your comfort there is an emergency washroom on-board too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver.
In certain cities you’ll be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are fully inclusive of first class/superior class accommodation, transportation, admission fees and most meals.
Savvy travellers appreciate that these tours have no hidden extras – all the ingredients needed for a great tour are included in the tour price. There are no optional extras for you to budget for during your holiday.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Tell me about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
Staged every year as part of the world-famous Edinburgh Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique and memorable celebration of music, dance and military pageantry.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit Edinburgh Castle, almost a thousand musicians, pipers, drummers, singers, and dancers perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade.
One of the most memorable moments is the stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and Military Bands that emerge from beneath the portcullis gate, playing the rousing battle tunes of Scotland's famed regiments.
As the show unfolds, there are spectacular displays from the many overseas performers who bring a flavour of their national culture through music and dance.
This unforgettable spectacle is brought to an emotional and poignant close each evening as a lone piper, spotlit high on the castle ramparts, plays a haunting lament. A mass chorus of Auld Lang Syne and the dazzling march out brings the curtain down on a truly memorable night's entertainment.
Can you arrange pre or post tour accommodation?
If you are flying internationally to reach United Kingdom then it is worth considering arriving a day early to relax and let the jet-leg subside.
Please email us for a quotation at info@scottishtours.co.uk.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 4 nights hotel accommodation - all rooms with private bathrooms
- Location: Glasgow (1), Nairn (1) and Edinburgh (2)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (4)
- Welcome drink with your Tour Director
- Table d’hôte dinners (2)
- Scottish Evening in Edinburgh (not Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo departures)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Spean Bridge Woollen Mill and Edinburgh Castle
- City tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Cruise on Loch Ness
- Visit a whisky distillery with a tasting
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on departures between 30 July and 21 August 2024
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-legroom, reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
Please check your tour documentation for the commencement time of the tour
From The Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central Hotel
Cambridge Street
Glasgow G2 3HN
The tour will end in Edinburgh after breakfast on day 5
Check-in: 13:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 14:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 09:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 8 to 18 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 8 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Selected departures include a visit to this famous celebration of music, dancing and culture performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
CIE 00763
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
-
Rating: (5 /5) 15 May 2016
The accommodation at the PentaHotel was totally inappropriate for a single 60 year old woman. When I arrived at the bar/reception I had to wait while the bartender served drinks to the men at the bar. When I returned after supper there were men outside the hotel that were drunk and trying telling one another to act sober or they would not be allowed in the hotel. On the way to the elevator two younger men wanted to keep high fiving me and then went up to my floor with me. I felt super uncomfortable. During the evening there were young men banging on the doors of the adjacent rooms and insisting on gaining entry. Around 2am there was a loud bang and then I heard your women crying. In the morning the breakfast area was still dark and played loud music, which was appropriate for a bar but not for breakfast. It would be a real "happening place" for younger people, but I did not feel safe leaving my room. Even though I had paid 66 pounds a night more for a hotel room (I was not aware that there was a cost difference when I booked online), I moved to the B&B that my colleague was booked into - Duncraig Villa. This was perfect in every way - clean, safe, excellent owner, incredible food, and extremely quiet. It made my trip so pleasant and I would recommend it to everyone. Duncan Fraser was the best tour guide and made both days spent with him super enjoyable and informative. Malcolm was the best driver and his partner Gary was so attentive to all the customers. That was a marvelous day as well. I am very grateful for the transfer to Glasgow and John picking me up in the vehicle that drove me to Glasgow airport. If I had been in the Dungraig Villa B&B from the beginning I would say that the tour was perfect. I will recommend it to everyone as the best way to see Scotland. I appreciate the prompt action for moving me to the B&B following the first night at Pentahotel. I wish you continued success!
Louanne from Alberta, Canada
-
Rating: (4 /5) 24 Jun 2015
THE DRIVER/ORGANISER WAS OUTSTANDING. THE GUIDE WE HAD FOR GLASGOW AND SCOTLAND WAS MEDIOCRE. THE GUIDE FOR EDINBURUGH WAS GOOD PRETTY GOOD. THERE WAS A MIX UP AS REGARDS OUR TRANSFER TO AND FROM THE AIRPORTS.
Richard from m.P. Shimshon , Israel
-
Rating: (5 /5) 01 Sep 2014
The only problem we had was with the local guide in Edinburgh. I think his name was Ed.
Jennifer from Fresno, United States
LOADING...
