Duration
7 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Edinburgh
Available
April 2024 / October 2024
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually between 01:00 and 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information sign with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
We’ll begin our journey in Edinburgh.
01:15 p.m. – Panoramic tour with a local guide in Scotland’s capital, one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle overlooks the city, with its steep streets and parks. During the summer, the “Edinburgh Festival” fills the city with shows and activities. After the tour, you will have free time. Transfer to the hotel in the evening.
Note: Depending on distillery availability, this visit may take place in Edinburgh or on another day at a different location in Scotland.
Scenery: Lush landscapes throughout our journey, especially in the afternoon as we pass through the Cairngorms.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Edinburgh. On our way, we’ll stop to photograph The Kelpies, enormous sculptures of two horse heads inspired by Scottish mythology. They symbolize the strength and beauty of horses and their connection to water and land. We’ll then continue to another historic city near Edinburgh.
09:00 a.m. - Stirling. This city has an impressive historic center dominated by the grand castle, one of the most significant in Scotland. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including legendary battles and the coronation of several kings. Tickets to visit the castle are included.
12:00 p.m. – After visiting the castle, we’ll continue our route north through Scotland.
01:15 p.m. - Pitlochry. This picturesque town is in the heart of the Scottish whiskey-producing region. Time for lunch and a walk.
03:15 p.m. – Departure from Pitlochry. Continuing north, we’ll stop at Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history against British forces, resulting in a crushing victory for the English army. The battle had significant consequences for Scotland, leading to laws and policies aimed at suppressing its culture and traditions.
06:30 p.m. – Inverness. We’ll arrive in the “Capital of the Highlands,” a maritime city close to Loch Ness with a notable castle. We suggest enjoying a walk along the banks of the River Ness and the iconic suspension bridge.
Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop in Culloden might be on Monday.
Scenery: Magnificent views of lakes and tall mountains, occasionally dusted with snow.
Note: We recommend having some warm clothes handy, as you may need them for the boat trip. The schedules for this day may change depending on the time assigned for crossing Loch Ness.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Inverness. We have a thrilling day ahead, with beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs, remote plains and fjords of northern Scotland.
10:30 a.m. - Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle sits in the waters of the fjord. We´ll hear stories of the ghosts that fill Scotland´s castles. Tickets included.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Eilean Donan Castle. We’ll enjoy views of mountains and lakes along the way.
12:45 p.m. - Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll learn about the sluice gate system and have time to stroll around and find a place for lunch.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Fort Augustus. We’ll circle Loch Ness and see the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle by the lake. Tickets included.
Around 3:30 p.m., we’ll take a 30-minute boat trip from Urquhart Castle on the dark waters of Loch Ness to Clansmann.
04:30 p.m. - Inverness. Arrival in the capital of the Highlands, the only town in the region located at the mouth of Loch Ness.
Scenery: Once again, we´ll encounter beautiful landscapes of lakes, mountains, desolate moors, isolated areas, and deep forests.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Inverness. We’ll travel back to Aviemore through isolated regions with cold-climate flora and mountains. On our way, we’ll make a brief stop at Spean Bridge, next to the monument commemorating the commandos who trained here before the Normandy invasion during World War II. We’ll also photograph Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.
10:00 a.m. - Fort William - Time for a coffee in this tourist city.
10:45 a.m. – Departure from Fort William. We’ll follow sections of coastline and fjords by the ocean. On our way, we’ll pass Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that projects its image over a beautiful lake.
01:30 p.m. - Inveraray. A historic, picturesque small town by a lake with a beautiful castle (tickets not included). Time for a stroll and lunch.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Inveraray. Our road will take us around part of Loch Lomond with its beautiful scenery.
05:30 p.m. - Glasgow. Free time. We suggest a stroll around the center of this Victorian capital.
Scenery: Scenic hilly landscapes and fields.
Note: Depending on the number of travelers, the route from Glasgow to London may be by bus, train, or plane (without a guide). During this trip, you will be responsible for your own luggage, with a usual baggage weight limit of 20 kg.
While our main group continues to Ireland, our guide will provide you with your railway or air ticket. If traveling by bus, departure will be in the morning (around 10:00 a.m.) with an expected arrival in London (at the Europamundo tour hotel) at around 7:00 p.m., with stops along the way for rest and lunch. If traveling by train, departure will usually be mid-morning, and the trip will take around 5 hours (end of the tour upon arrival at the station). Arrival and end of the tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.