9 Day A Scottish Journey

Itinerary

9 Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh to Edinburgh with Back-Roads

Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic cliff-top castles and hideaway villages. Infamous battles and inexplicable legends. We journey up and down Scotland, from coastal cities to Hebridean Islands, seeking out one-of-a-kind landscapes, mesmerising history and undeniable charm.

Day 1: Edinburgh – St Andrews – Ballater

After meeting in Edinburgh, we’ll board the minicoach and take to the scenic route. Now, the journey begins! After travelling past towering mountains and tiny East Neuk fishing villages, we’ll reach St Andrews: a tiny town with a big reputation for world-class golf. Later today, we’ll check into our accommodation near the beautiful village of Ballater – where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together.(D)

Day 2: Ballater - Crathes Castle - Ballater

Get ready to dive into some truly authentic Scottish experiences today. First, we’ll visit the grand Crathes Castle – where we’ll learn more about its fascinating history (and pay a visit to the glorious gardens) on a guided tour. Then: we’ll take a tour of the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef farm, where we’ll receive a traditional piper welcome, meet the famous Highland cattle and enjoy a premium beef tasting lunch.(B/L)

Day 3: Ballater – Cairngorms National Park – Culloden – Inverness

Our day will begin in dramatic fashion as we travel through the awe-inspiring scenery of Cairngorms National Park on the way to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield – where we’ll immerse ourselves in history at the Visitor Centre. Our final stop of the day will be Inverness, the welcoming capital of the Highlands.(B/D)

Day 4: Inverness

After this morning’s walking tour, the city is your oyster. Visit Inverness Castle and Cathedral, explore the charming Victorian Market or simply hunt down a good pub to relax in. What you do today is completely up to you!(B)

Day 5: Inverness – Plockton – Isle Of Skye

First today: a visit to the quaint village of Plockton, where painted cottages cluster around a picturesque bay. After working up an appetite strolling the harbour and observing the yachts, we’ll move on to Kyle of Lochalsh for a sumptuous seafood lunch. Today’s final destination will be the Isle of Skye: our home for the next two nights.(B/L)

Day 6: Isle Of Skye

Sensational landscapes, rare wildlife and imagination-firing history – the Isle of Skye delivers on every level. This is North Highland scenery on a grand scale! While here, we’ll discover the island’s unique geology, including the extraordinary Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr.(B/D)

Day 7: Isle Of Skye – Isle Of Mull

Today we’ll continue our journey through soul-stirring Scottish scenery before taking a short ferry ride over to the breathtaking Isle of Mull. Here, the evening will be yours to spend as you please.(B)

Day 8: Isle Of Mull – Isle Of Iona – Isle Of Mull

First today, we’ll embark on a tour of the grand staterooms and empty dungeons of the imposing Duart Castle – the oldest inhabited castle on the island. Then: the best way to see the Hebrides is by island hopping – and this afternoon, we’ll do just that. From Mull’s little village of Fionnphort, we’ll set sail to Iona: where the Abbey and Nunnery await us. After a busy day, we’ll return to our hotel on Mull to share a final dinner together.(B/D)

Day 9: Isle Of Mull – Stirling – Edinburgh

Back to the mainland we go. It’s been a tour that’s delved deep into Scotland’s heritage, so it’s only right that we finish with a stop in historic Stirling – where a drive through the Old Town will bring us to the magnificent hilltop castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive and significant monuments. What better way to round off our tour before returning to Edinburgh?(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner