The picturesque beauty of Edinburgh comes second to the natural grandeur of the Highlands and unique fairytale scenery of the Isle of Skye during your luxury Scotland tour. The country has inspired magical stories and freedom fighters, archeological discoveries and elegant architecture spreading from cities to towns, villages to remote woodlands. Relish a chance to enjoy the opulence of Scotland’s iconic accommodations on an intimate group excursion highlighting the proud history and distinctive...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Loch Lomond – Arrive in Scotland with a Tour en route to Loch Lomond
The city of Edinburgh emanates culture and a powerful 500-year history. The streets host fantastic museums and lavish art galleries, cozy pubs, and historical homes spread across two separate districts, Old Town and New Town. Your semi-private transfer greets you at Edinburgh International Airport and escorts you northeast to Loch Lomond, introducing you to the famous Scottish landscape and history along the way. The Wallace Monument commemorates William Wallace with a tower crowning the summit of Abbey Craig.
The 19th-century edifice promotes Scottish identity reaching 220 feet tall reflecting the Victorian Gothic style. The volcanic hilltop acted as the meeting place at which Wallace watched the gathering army of King Edward I of England before the Battle of Stirling Bridge in the 13th century. You continue to Stirling Castle, which stands in view of the monument.
The fantastic historical grounds were erected atop a volcanic rock, providing a view for miles in every direction. Legend claims Romans erected a fort on the grounds, however, the castle stands on 12th-century foundations laid by King Alexander I. The outer fortifications were erected in the 18th century reflected in the French Spur. The interior of the Great Hall has a Renaissance influence dating back to the 15th century.
What's Included:
Day 2
Loch Lomond – Explore the Ayrshire Coast and Charming Town of Alloway
Day 3
Skye – Visit Glencoe and Fort Willian en route to the Isle of Skye
Day 4
Skye – Explore the Enchanting Landscape and Castles of Isle of Skye
Day 5
Inverness – Travel to Inverness to Find the Fascinating Scottish Highlands
Day 6
Inverness – Discover the Highlands’ Hidden Cultural and Literary Histories
Day 7
Edinburgh – Traverse Cairngorms National Park before reaching Edinburgh
Day 8
Edinburgh – Experience the Splendor of the City’s Rich History and Culture
Day 9
Edinburgh – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover the fairytale landscape of Scotland’s secluded scenery on the Isle of Skye
- Relish a scenic and elegant ride connecting Fort Williams to Mallaig on a steam train captured in the Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express
- Experience the grandeur of the Highlands at Cairngorms National Par, which hosts woodlands, mountains, and glistening lakes, including Loch an Eilein
- Visit the marvelous castle grounds of Eilean Donan and Urquhart to uncover historic architecture and mythology near the shores of famous Loch Ness
- Venture to the Cawdor Castle, an estate forever associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth
- Bask in the aromas and historical cultivation of a scotch distillery on a guided tour ending in a delicious tasting
- Embrace Scottish culture and history upon your arrival by witnessing the grandeur of the William Wallace Monument
- Indulge in the irresistible ambiance of Edinburgh to find the Stone of Destiny, grand castle grounds, charming alleys, and alluring historic architecture
Detailed Description
Move beyond the images of kilts and bagpipes to witness secluded castles and magnificent Highlands during your 9-day Scotland tour. The fabric of the unique landscape inspires countless explorations amidst the wealth of cultural history in the cities and spreading to the remote towns and villages protected famously northern position. Fabled battlefields lead to trails blazed by poets and writers. Remote heathers open to the wilds of hidden beaches. Mountain slopes fall into famous lochs revealing the true nature of Scotland’s captivating combination of scenery and history.
Your Scotland tour begins with your arrival in Edinburgh. Your semi-private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you out of the cultural capital to reach the welcoming sights of the William Wallace Monument and neighboring Stirling Castle. The banks of Loch Lomond showcase the largest inlet of water in Great Britain. The countryside along the Ayrshire coastline highlights the beauty of historic bridges and Robert Burns’ Cottage. The grandeur of Culzean Castle battles for supremacy against the opulence of Stirling Castle.
Outside of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park offers a stretch of woodlands and mountains enticing weekenders and tourists eager to relax in the tranquil scenery. Ride the exciting scenic Jacobite Express steam train from Fort William to Mallaig before taking the ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. The island landscape resembles the contours of a fairytale through fairy glens and pools, along with hills meant for giants and natural rock formations resembling castles. Spend time exploring the archeological foundations of the Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles, the latter of which overlooks the shores of Loch Ness.
Traverse the Highlands outside of Inverness to find battlefields and the castle used as the setting for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The final leg of the journey takes you closer to Edinburgh, stopping en route to discover the beauty of Cairngorms National Park, home to staggering woodlands, mountains, lakes, elegant castles, and a number of historic distilleries. The city of Edinburgh embodies the splendors of Scotland within a single area featuring dramatic strongholds, historic architecture, lively cobblestone streets, fascinating artifacts, and splendid scenery to discover.
Starting Price
$5,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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