Start the morning visiting the remarkable Palace of Holyrood House, the official Royal residence of the Royal Family, one of its most famous residents was Mary Queen of Scots. 

Next, you will be taken on a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, where you will learn all about the history of this fascinating city. 

In the afternoon, you will experience a cooking class in Edinburgh, and later enjoy The Scotch Whisky Experience. 

Overnight Edinburgh 

Your first major stop is the magnificent Stirling Castle, perched atop a volcanic rock, and surrounded by steep cliffs. This was one of the principal royal residences of the Scottish kings and queens. Explore the grand halls, the restored Renaissance palace, and exhibitions on key figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce.  

After your castle visit, continue for a well-deserved lunch break. 

After lunch, visit Doune Castle, a remarkably preserved medieval stronghold with a towering gatehouse and a great grand hall. Known widely for its roles in Outlander, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Game of Thrones; the castle also features an entertaining audio guide. It’s a more compact site than Stirling, making for a relaxed and enjoyable stop. 

From Doune, head northeast to the beautiful Perthshire countryside, passing through Dunblane and joining the A9 toward Perth. The drive offers classic views of farmland, woods, and distant hills. 

Overnight Perthshire

Your scenic and heritage-rich from Perth to Stonehaven will include visits to Scone Palace, and Glamis Castle-two of Scotland’s most historic and elegant stately homes. Just outside Perth, Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites. It was the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. The palace is a striking example of Georgian Gothic architecture and features opulent rooms filled with fine French furniture, rare artefacts, and portraits of Scottish royalty. The surrounding grounds include a peaceful woodland walk, a Murray star-shaped maze, and peacocks that roam freely.

From Scone, continue northeast through the Angus countryside—a region known for its soft rolling hills, fertile farmland, and historical estates. The route offers sweeping rural views and passes through charming villages and market towns on the way to Glamis.

Our next stop, Glamis Castle, is one of the most beautiful and storied castles in Scotland. The family seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, it was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. The castle’s fairy-tale towers, richly decorated rooms, and dramatic legends—including tales of ghosts and secret rooms—make for a memorable visit. The gardens and grounds are equally impressive, with seasonal blooms and woodland trails.

After Glamis, head northeast toward the Aberdeenshire coast. The drive becomes increasingly dramatic as you near the North Sea. Rolling farmland gradually gives way to glimpses of cliffs and coastline. 

Stonehaven is a picturesque harbour town known for its scenic setting and relaxed charm. Its historic harbour is lined with traditional buildings, and the seafront promenade offers lovely views. 

Overnight Stonehaven 

Begin your journey with one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Perched on dramatic sea cliffs, Dunnottar Castle is a medieval fortress steeped in history - including its role in hiding the Scottish Crown Jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion. A short coastal path leads to breathtaking views and the striking ruins themselves.

Next you will enjoy a beautifully varied drive along Scotland’s northeast coast. This stretch passes fishing villages, rolling farmlands, and sea views, with optional photo stops in charming harbours like Cullen — home of the traditional dish Cullen Skink. 

Our next stop will be the striking Bow Fiddle Rock, a striking natural sea arch formed by erosion, Bow Fiddle Rock is shaped like the tip of a violin’s bow. 

Next, we will visit Elgin Cathedral,  known as the “Lantern of the North,” this majestic 13th-century ruin showcases Gothic architecture at its finest. Towering stonework, arched windows, and tranquil grounds make it a peaceful yet impressive stop. Visitors can climb the towers for panoramic views of Elgin and beyond. 

We will continue towards Inverness through Whisky Country where you will get the chance to try a “wee dram”. 

Overnight Inverness

Begin your Highland adventure with a cruise on Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most famous and mysterious bodies of water. Enjoy spectacular views of the Great Glen as your boat glides along the dark, deep waters—watching for signs of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie. Disembark at Urquhart Castle, a dramatic medieval ruin clinging to the shore. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart witnessed centuries of clan conflict and Jacobite upheaval. Wander through the ruins, climb the Grant Tower for a commanding view over the loch, and explore the visitor centre’s short film and historic artifacts.

Next, visit the hauntingly powerful site of the Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746. This battle ended the Jacobite uprising and changed the course of Scottish history forever.

Just a short drive from Culloden lies the Clava Cairns, a beautifully preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back over 4,000 years. Set among trees and peaceful countryside, this site features passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns aligned with the midwinter sun, popular with history lovers and Outlander fans alike (as inspiration for the “Craigh na Dun” stones), the Clava Cairns offer a sense of mystery and connection to Scotland’s ancient past.

Conclude your day with a driving tour of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands. This flexible route introduces the city’s key sights and history.

Overnight Inverness

Today we leave Inverness and head West to the magical Isle of Skye.

No trip to the Highlands is complete without visiting Eilean Donan Castle, and this is our first stop, perhaps the most iconic and photographed castle in Scotland. Perched on a small tidal island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, this 13th-century stronghold was originally built to defend against Viking invasions. Lovingly restored in the early 20th century, the castle today offers a journey through centuries of Highland history, including clan battles and Jacobite intrigue. Inside, you’ll find period-furnished rooms, historic weaponry, and dramatic views from the battlements.

As you cross the Skye Bridge, the landscape transforms into the raw beauty of the Isle of Skye. Your next stop is the picturesque Sligachan Bridge, a 19th-century stone arch crossing the River Sligachan with the mighty Cuillin mountains rising behind it. 

More than a photo stop, this location is steeped in Gaelic legend: local lore says the waters below the bridge hold magical powers—those who dip their face in the river will gain eternal beauty. The surrounding scenery is rugged and wild, making this one of Skye’s most memorable spots. 

Your final major stop is Portree, the charming capital of Skye. Nestled around a sheltered harbor with colorful cottages lining the waterfront, Portree is both a picturesque village and a cultural hub. 

Stroll the harborside, browse local artisan shops, or enjoy a meal at one of the town’s excellent cafes or seafood restaurants. This is a perfect place to experience island life, sample local fare, and take in the relaxed atmosphere of Skye. 

Overnight Isle of Skye

Departing from Portree, this unforgettable day tour explores the dramatic beauty and mystical charm of the Isle of Skye. The journey begins with a drive along the Trotternish Peninsula, where towering cliffs, sweeping sea views, and ancient rock formations define the landscape. Your first stop is the iconic Old Man of Storr, a jagged rock pinnacle rising dramatically above the coastline. Formed by ancient landslips, this landmark is one of Scotland’s most photographed sights, offering panoramic views of the Sound of Raasay and surrounding mountains. 

Continuing north, you’ll stop at Lealt Falls, where cascading waters plunge into a gorge framed by rugged cliffs. It’s a peaceful yet powerful spot to take in the raw natural energy of Skye. A short drive onward brings you to the dramatic sea cliffs of Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, where basalt columns resembling a pleated kilt drop vertically into the sea, accompanied by a waterfall that free-falls from the cliffs directly into the ocean.

The journey then leads inland to the Quiraing, an extraordinary landscape sculpted by ancient geological forces. Towering rock spires, sunken valleys, and plateaus stretch across the horizon, creating a surreal and cinematic scene that feels like another world. Whether you choose a short walk or a scenic pause, the Quiraing is one of Skye’s most unforgettable locations. 

Further north, the ruins of Duntulm Castle come into view. Perched precariously on a cliff edge overlooking the sea, this 14th-century stronghold was once the seat of the powerful Clan MacDonald of Sleat. Though little remains of the castle today, its rugged, romantic setting and commanding views of the Outer Hebrides evoke the fierce clan rivalries and maritime power of Skye’s past. It’s a perfect stop for those drawn to evocative ruins and dramatic coastal scenery.

From there, you descend into the village of Uig, nestled along a quiet bay, before venturing into one of Skye’s most magical hidden corners: the Fairy Glen. This whimsical, miniature landscape of grassy mounds, winding paths, and curious rock formations feels straight out of a fairytale. Though no legends link it directly to fairies, the glen’s charm and natural beauty have earned it a place in local folklore. Climb the spiral paths, explore the strange stone ridges, and let the tranquil silence of the place wash over you. The afternoon brings a change of scene as you travel west across Skye to visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Set beside Loch Dunvegan, the castle houses clan treasures including the fabled Fairy Flag, believed to bring protection and victory in battle. The beautifully kept gardens provide a peaceful retreat with woodland walks, streams, and exotic plants. Optional boat trips are available to view the nearby seal colony, adding a special wildlife encounter to your visit.

Overnight Isle of Skye

Begin your day traveling from Portree or Broadford to the village of Armadale, located on the southern tip of the Sleat Peninsula. Here, we board the ferry for a short but beautiful crossing over the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, a traditional fishing village on the mainland. The views from the ferry reveal Skye’s rugged coastline fading into the distance and the green hills of Lochaber rising ahead—a fitting transition from island to mainland. 

From Mallaig, the road leads inland along the Road to the Isles, one of Scotland’s most scenic drives. Along the way, the landscape transforms into a blend of mountains, lochs, and ancient woodlands. The first major stop is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a sweeping stone railway bridge nestled among the hills. Famously featured in the Harry Potter films, this Victorian-era viaduct carries the Jacobite steam train—often called the “Hogwarts Express”—and overlooks Loch Shiel, where a monument commemorates the raising of the Jacobite standard by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. The viewpoint above the viaduct offers one of the most iconic photo opportunities in the Highlands. 

Continuing southeast, you’ll arrive at Fort William, often considered the gateway to the Highlands. Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, Fort William is a lively town with a rich history. Just on its outskirts stands Old Inverlochy Castle, a 13th-century ruin that once played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Surrounded by peaceful greenery and with the River Lochy flowing beside it, the site offers a quiet yet evocative glimpse into medieval Scotland, with its crumbling stone walls and ancient towers steeped in legend. 

Leaving Fort William behind, the journey continues through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring and emotionally powerful glens. Carved by glaciers and steeped in myth, Glencoe is famous not only for its cinematic beauty—towering mountains, sweeping valleys, and winding roads—but also for the tragic 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald. A stop at one of the viewpoint lay-bys or the Glencoe Visitor Centre offers a chance to take in the drama of the landscape and reflect on its history. 

As the route begins to descend toward the coast, you’ll pass by the tranquil waters of Loch Linnhe and eventually catch a stunning roadside view of Castle Stalker, one of Scotland’s most photogenic castles. Perched on a tiny tidal islet, this picturesque tower house seems to float on the loch, framed by distant mountains and the wide skies of Argyll. Though not open for casual touring, it’s a spectacular photo stop and a highlight of the drive. 

The final stretch leads you into the harbor town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles.” Nestled around a bustling bay and crowned by the coliseum-like McCaig’s Tower on the hillside, Oban offers a welcoming end to your journey. Whether relaxing with fresh seafood by the water or exploring its Victorian charm, you’ll arrive enriched by a day filled with history, Highland legend, and world-class scenery. 

Overnight Oban

Departing from the coastal town of Oban, the day begins with a visit to Dunollie Castle, a romantic ruin perched on a wooded hill overlooking the bay. Once the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall, Dunollie’s ivy-clad stone walls and windswept battlements offer a quiet and scenic glimpse into the region’s medieval past. From the castle grounds, you can enjoy sweeping views across Oban Bay to the Isle of Mull and the distant hills of Morvern. A small heritage centre and garden café offer a gentle start to the day with local history and Highland hospitality. 

Leaving Oban behind, the journey continues along the shores of Loch Etive and into the Argyll countryside, where winding roads pass through ancient woodlands and along serene lochs. The route leads to Inveraray, a postcard-perfect town set on the banks of Loch Fyne, known for its elegant, whitewashed buildings and its striking 18th-century castle. Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll and seat of Clan Campbell, is a grand Gothic Revival residence surrounded by extensive parklands. Inside, visitors can explore opulent staterooms, clan relics, and a remarkable collection of weaponry, art, and antique furniture. The castle’s turrets and landscaped gardens create a sense of grandeur that reflects centuries of Highland power and heritage. 

After exploring Inveraray, the route continues through the heart of Scotland, following the scenic A85 and A84 roads as the landscape shifts from rugged mountains to gentle glens and peaceful lochs. Passing through villages such as Crianlarich and Callander, this drive captures the transition from the remote beauty of the Highlands to the soft, cultivated landscapes of central Scotland. 

We then continue toward Edinburgh where we will take you to a hotel near Edinburgh Airport for your departure the next day. 

Overnight Edinburgh Airport

Flight home.