Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic castles and quaint villages. Infamous battles and gripping legends. This Scottish Journey takes us from coastal cities to Hebridean islands, seeking out one-of-a-kind landscapes, mesmerising history and undeniable charm.
After meeting in Edinburgh, we’ll board the mini-coach 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. Accommodation: The Loch Kinord Hotel (or similar)
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 meet the famous Highland cattle and enjoy a premium beef tasting lunch. Accommodation: The Loch Kinord Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)
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! Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: The Sligachan Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: The Sligachan Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: The Western Isles Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: The Western Isles Hotel (or similar)
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?
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With more than 30 years’ experience in small group and tailor-made tours across the UK, Europe and Asia, Back-Roads Touring is truly the original Small Group Touring company.
With each tour capped at 18 passengers (14 for Asia tours), Back-Roads curates authentic, off-the-beaten-track travel experiences.
Catering for the mature traveller, Back-Roads has built up a brand rooted in expert local knowledge, sustainable tourism, culinary excellence and premium boutique accommodation.
Their award-winning tour leaders are committed to delivering the ‘Back-Roads difference’ whether that be dining with the group, offering the flexibility to change the itinerary, giving personal recommendations for lunch or bringing each destination to life with their insight and knowledge. Their Tour leaders are dedicated to delivering a truly authentic, personalised experience. The Back-Roads Difference inludes:
Back-Roads Touring was named Best Small Coach Holidays Company for 2015, 2016 and 2017 in the British Travel Awards and have been nominated for two awards in 2018.