7 Day Best of Scotland Escorted Coach Tour depart Edinburgh
The serene Isle of Skye, perfectly photogenic castles and the grand cities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Glasgow beckon on this excellent Scottish tour. Your experience of Scotland is enhanced with visits to a traditional whisky distillery and breathtaking views of the striking Cuillin Mountains on Skye and Scottish Highlands.
Tour Highlights: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Open-top bus tour of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Blair Castle, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Robert Burns Country and Culzean Castle
Day One - Arrive Edinburgh (2 nights)
Welcome to Bonnie Scotland! Courtesy transfers from Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) operate at 09:00 hrs, 11:30 hrs and 14:00 hrs. After check-in to your hotel in Edinburgh you have time to relax or start exploring this extraordinary capital city. Later join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome drink and typical Scottish pub meal.
Overnight Stay: Novotel City Centre Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)
Day Two - Edinburgh Sightseeing
Your guided morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle perched high on a volcanic rock. During our visit you will see the Scottish Crown Jewels, "Mons Meg”, a 15th Century cannon and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. You will also see the Royal Mile, the 18th century New Town with its classical facades, the new Scottish Parliament building and Princes Street with the ornate and slightly ghastly Scott Memorial. During the Edinburgh Festival, included tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo are provided. In the evening, why not enjoy a Scottish night out.
Day Three - Edinburgh – St Andrews - Scottish Highlands (2 nights)
The morning starts with a drive over the Firth of Forth and past the famous Forth Railway Bridge to St. Andrews, one of the most renowned golf courses in the world. It is believed that golf in some fashion or rather has been played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Time to take a picture at the 18th hole and stop at the ecclesiastical ruins in the town before continuing through Dundee and Perth to the small Highland town of Pitlochry. Why not enjoy an excursion to Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, which houses the headquarters of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's only remaining private army? We enter the majestic Cairngorm National Park and our hotel for the next two nights.
Hotel: Four Seasons/Highlands Hotel, Aviemore (or similar)
Day Four - Isle of Skye Excursion
We head westwards following the "road to the Isles" to Mallaig where we catch the ferry "over the sea to Skye". Visit the Clan Donald Centre and the Museum of the Isles. Listen to romantic tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie as you enjoy the majesty of the Cuillin Hills. Later return to the mainland for views of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. We end the day with a drive along the banks of Loch Ness. Keep a close watch just in case you know who makes an appearance!
Day Five - Scottish Highlands - Glen Coe - Glasgow (2 nights)
Drive past Fort William and have views of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. The stunning scenery of Glen Coe has a tragic tale to tell, as it was here in 1692 that Campbell soldiers slaughtered 40 Macdonalds who had been their hosts. This infamous act remains controversial to this very day. We will pass close to the Clan Memorial where each year, on the 13th February, the Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh arranges an annual wreath laying ceremony attended by Clansmen from across the world along with local people. Desolate Rannoch Moor is next before we descend into the little village of Tyndrum. A drive along the "bonnie, bonnie" banks of Loch Lomond will bring us to Glasgow, Scotland’s second city. This afternoon visit St Mungo's Cathedral, dedicated to the Patron Saint and founder of the City. Your orientation tour will also include magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, once the heart of the ship-building industry.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day Six - Stirling Castle excursion
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore this vibrant city. Later visit Stirling Castle, a symbol of National pride and once home to the Scottish Court. See the "Stirling Heads" and visit the Grand Hall and the Chapel Royal of this imposing castle. From the castle battlements view the Wallace Monument, dedicated to Sir William Wallace (the real Braveheart), which sits overlooking the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Later journey into the Trossachs National Park to visit pretty Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery to sample a "wee dram".
Day Seven - Homeward Bound
This morning after breakfast it is time to bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as this tour of Bonnie Scotland comes to an end. Return home with many happy memories. Transfers are available to Glasgow International Airport (GLA) at 07:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs.
Inclusions
• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
• 6 full Scottish breakfasts
• 2 three-course dinners
• Welcome Pub Reception with your Tour Director in Edinburgh
• Farewell Dinner at a working hill farm
• Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Clan Donald Centre, Glasgow Cathedral and Stirling Castle
• Tour and tasting at Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery
• All hotel tips and baggage handling fees
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard
• The services of a professional Tour Director
• Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 3 to 21 August departures
• A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 7
• Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
• Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Coach
- Months of Operation: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Duration of Tour: 7 days
- Departure Point: Edinburgh
- Departure Point: Novotel Edinburgh City Centre Hotel, 80 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DE
- Departure Time: Check In: 14:15 Departs: 14:30
- Expected return Time: Returns: 09:00 (day 7)
- Duration of Tour: 7 days
Rates & Dates
| Dates | Type | |
| Hotel Package per person from: | ||
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Sundays |
Sharing a Twin Room: £1250.00
Single Room: £1425.00
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Seasonal Price Range
£1,250-£1,570
Child* discount £120
*child rate apply from 5-17 years inclusive.
We regret that children under the age of 5 are not carried on this tour.
Cancellation Policy: For cancellations more than 30 days prior to departure date - 90% refund. 30 to 15 days - 50% of tour cost will be refunded. 14 days or less - no refund.
Full payment is required at the time of booking. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any need to cancel.
Booking Notes
- Prices are quoted per person per tour
- Customers must provide a valid credit card number.
- Limited availability : advanced booking required.
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
Click on the "Book Now" button to make your reservation. Enter your dates and requirements and complete the booking. Scottish Tours will confirm availability to you immediately or very soon thereafter. Rest assured no payment will be taken if they cannot confirm the booking to you.
Full tour operator information including local contact telephone numbers and departure details will appear on your tour voucher/confirmation.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Fort William
Fort William is the gateway to the Western Highlands and one of the country's main tourist centres. It stands at the head of Loch Linnhe, with the snow-topped mass of Ben Nevis towering behind.
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Loch Ness
Loch Ness is world famous for the wrong reasons: the mythical watery monster than has been subject to repeated scientific investigations without success. Its fame ignores the real attractions of this huge lake framed by mountains and castles that cuts the highlands in two.
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Loch Lomond
Britain's largest inland waterway, measuring 22 miles long and at certain points up to five miles wide, is Scotland's most famous (uninhabited!) loch, thanks to the Jacobite ballad about its "bonnie banks".
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Inverness
The Highlands' largest town and enjoying a real renaissance over the past ten years as young professionals have moved to the city. The gateway to the far north and a fun night out if you stay.
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Glencoe
Dramatic landscape with a dramatic history. Few who visit the glen are unmoved by its majesty and power.
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St Andrews
St Andrews is not just about the golf, the place has a medieval charm with beautiful sights and also an ancient university where the rich and the famous study.
Castle Visited
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Culzean Castle & Country Park
Superb castellated house overlooking the sea with wonderful history of visitors. Stunning and worth visiting to time with setting sun in the west.
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Eilean Donan Castle
One of the world's quintessential castles: Eilean Donan is familiar from films and stunning in its romantic location. Open daily.
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Blair Castle
Home to the Duke of Atholl who is the only person other than the monarch to raise a private army. The duke's army is ceremonial only. The castle is not a med
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Edinburgh Castle
Iconic image of Edinburgh and one of the most perfectly located castles on the planet.