Relax on the bonnie banks of famous Loch Lomond at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where quaint loch-side villages enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Enjoy the outstanding scenery of the Isle of Mull, home to magnificent sea cliffs, and visit its neighbour, the tiny and tranquil Isle of Iona. Further north, experience the Isle of Skye, popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery.
From Lochcarron to Achiltibuie, the area of Wester Ross has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the world. Journey along a spectacular coastline and visit undiscovered beaches, hidden glens, bird sanctuaries and breathtaking twisty single-track roads.
Speyside is home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. This area is the heart of the whisky industry, and concentrated within a few miles are more distilleries than any other area in Scotland.
Visit the Queen’s stunning Scottish ‘holiday home,’ a royal retreat since the 1850s, where you can enjoy the extensive castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.
Explore the lovely town of St Andrews, with its many historic buildings and spectacular beaches. St Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as the world-famous Old Course.
Journey through wonderful lochside and mountain scenery, from the banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Discover the magical Isle of Skye and the outstanding natural beauty of wild Wester Ross. Travel through whisky country and visit fairytale castles in Royal Deeside, as you continue southward through the Kingdom of Fife towards beautiful Edinburgh.
Beginning on the western banks of bonnie Loch Lomond, this self-drive tour takes you on a journey across the Scottish Highlands towards the dramatic west coast. Wander around the picturesque town of Oban, the hub of the southern Hebrides and northern Argyll. Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you will be amazed by the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, famous for its pretty coloured houses along the seafront.
As you continue northward along the west coast, you will cross the inspiring Isle of Skye, visited for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery. From here, Wester Ross awaits, a raw and remote region on the northwest of the country which features breathtaking unspoilt scenery. After navigating through spectacular mountainside windy roads, enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.
It will now be time to begin your journey south, as you head towards Inverness, the Capital of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield before travelling eastward towards Speyside, home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. Discover Royal Deeside, with its fascinating Victorian history and home to countless romantic medieval castles and grand country houses.
As you travel along the East Coast, enjoy a round of golf at St Andrews and explore the East Neuk of Fife on your way to your final destination in Edinburgh.
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.
We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.
Arrive in Edinburgh, collect your hire car, and travel west to the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond. Enjoy a boat trip on the loch or simply relax in your beautiful surroundings. Your first night will be spent in a quaint lochside village with stunning views across the famous loch.
Overnight – Loch Lomond
A wonderfully scenic journey leads to the picturesque coast of Argyll. Visit charming Inveraray and explore the 18th century Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Campbell Clan. Travel on to Oban, ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland.’
Overnight – Oban
Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland and brooding Castle Stalker are short journeys from Oban. Cruise and experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the west coast of Scotland. See one of the classic malt whiskies being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle, which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive.
Overnight – Oban
Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s most beautiful island retreats. Visit Duart Castle, once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean. Tobermory is the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.
Nearby, the Isle of Iona, known as ‘The Cradle of Christianity,’ is a special place with impossibly clear turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves.
Overnight – Oban
Travel on the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. On the way, take a detour to visit Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Take the magnificent Road to the Isles and then the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across to the west coast.
Overnight – Isle of Skye
A full day on Skye to visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample some fine island whiskies, enjoy a great day’s walking or take a fabulous cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains.
Overnight – Isle of Skye
Depart Skye and visit the most famous of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route now travels through an idyllic corner of northwest Scotland as you discover the tranquil Applecross Peninsula. Enjoy a spectacular road trip before travelling along the splendour of Loch Maree, and perhaps pay a visit to Inverewe Gardens. Continue your journey north to Ullapool, a beautiful white-washed fishing village and the largest settlement in Wester Ross.
Overnight – Ullapool
Explore the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands, with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing and magnificent waterfalls. There are many opportunities to wander on a deserted sandy beach at Gruinard Bay, Laide or Aultbea, climb one of the iconic peaks of Wester Ross, or just sit by the side of a loch and soak up the romance and history of the area.
Overnight – Ullapool
Your route now takes you south to Inverness – the Capital of the Highlands – via the brooding shores of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Overnight – Inverness
A full day to explore Inverness, visit the 14th century Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield, where, in 1746, the last battle on British soil took place.
Overnight – Inverness
Travel into Royal Deeside with a drive through the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail and one of the loveliest areas of Scotland. Visit the famous distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan before heading into the castle country of Royal Deeside.
Overnight – Royal Deeside
Discover the close associations Royal Deeside has with the Royal family in the pretty Highland towns of Braemar and Ballater. Visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s official ‘holiday home’ with its wonderful grounds and exhibition of paintings, artwork and royal tartans. Explore the nearby Castle Trail, home to some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture in Scotland. Let your imagination run wild in dark romantic ruins or magnificently furnished castles from the Norman era, to the Renaissance.
Overnight – Royal Deeside
Travel south from Royal Deeside through the Angus Glens and into the Kingdom of Fife, to the medieval seaside town of St Andrews.
Overnight – St Andrews
St Andrews is most famously known as the home of golf, with the Old Course located just off the town centre, next to the long sandy beach, which itself was featured in the opening credits of ‘Chariots of Fire.’ The town is also home to a huge Norman cathedral and the oldest University in Scotland.
Overnight – St Andrews
Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital is your final destination. On your journey south, visit the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.
Edinburgh is a great place to wander – narrow alleys, flights of stairs and hidden courtyards tempt you off the main streets at every turn, and take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for one of the most spectacular views of any city in the world .
Overnight – Edinburgh
Enjoy a City Sightseeing Bus Tour and a visit to majestic Edinburgh Castle. Sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience and take a walk through Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the fine views of the Castle high above. Take a tour to nearby Rosslyn Chapel and uncover the myths and legends around the Da Vinci Code.
Overnight – Edinburgh
Visit the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile, as Edinburgh’s glorious past is brought to life.
Overnight – Edinburgh
Today, your unforgettable Grand Road Trip of Scotland will come to an end.
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