Country Roads of Scotland - Premium

9 Days
From CAD $5,485 Was CAD $6,095
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Easy

Rating


(10 reviews)

Experience Overview

Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on the tranquil Orkney islands as you explore the 1000-year-old Norse Town of Kirkwall and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choice Highlights

  • Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artifacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
  • Wick: Share a wee dram with a master distiller during a whisky tasting.

Additional Included Highlights

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Edinburgh: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers.
  • Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
  • Glencoe: Your adventure culminates with a wonderful evening enjoying the best Highland hospitality and market-fresh ingredients.

Brendan Choice

  • Wick: Visit the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum to gain a full picture of this once thriving fishing community and how your visit helps keep the story of this town alive.  The Wick Society is committed to preserving and promoting Wick's proud heritage for the inspiration of future generations. They collect, collate and display the many artifacts that tell the history of Wick and their community ethos is one of welcome and sharing. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
  • Wick: Share a wee dram with a master distiller during a whisky tasting.

Brendan Experiences

  • Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Glencoe: Join a ranger in the spectacular Valley of Glencoe, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve carries out important scientific research and conversation initiatives to protect the fragile biodiversity including rare alpine flowers, mosses, mountain hares, red deer and birdlife such as golden eagles. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  • Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artifacts with your Local Expert.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
  • Inverness: Discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
  • Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
  • Isle of Skye: Take in the wild beauty, from the jagged Cuillin Hills to the harbor village of Broadford.
  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.
  • Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
  • Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
  • Loch Lomond: Enjoy time to explore the beautiful 'Queen of Scottish Lochs'.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 20895

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Deluxe

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 41.85A

StartStarts: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

FinishFinishes: Glasgow, United Kingdom

DurationDuration: 9 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5485 (CAD $609 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Accommodation: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh Leith
Meals: Dinner

2
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?

Accommodation: Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh Leith
Meals: Breakfast

3
Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many traditional features.

Accommodation: Kingsmills, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Afternoon Tea

4
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso

Keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness monster this morning during a scenic drive along the legendary lake. See Culloden Battlefield in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Next, with Brendan Choice discover the fishing port of Wick. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskies. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.

Accommodation: The Pentland, Thurso
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5
Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquility supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water’. Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar.

Accommodation: The Pentland, Thurso
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

6
Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye

Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.

Accommodation: The Dunollie, Broadford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

7
Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start

Take in this wild and beautiful landscape before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

Accommodation: Ballachulish, Glencoe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8
Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquility of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

9
Day 9: Depart Glasgow

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of Scotland as you transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Similar Experiences

Premium Scotland

8 Days from CAD $5,837

Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure

14 Days from CAD $6,665

Literary Walking in the Lake District

7 Days from CAD $2,080

Japan's Kumano Kodo

14 Days from CAD $10,165

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

13 Days from CAD $4,415

Discover Northern Portugal - Premium Adventure

8 Days from CAD $4,200

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

22 Days from CAD $14,955

Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations (CA)

In Business Since 1931

Reviews

 

Ellen   -  Traveled, June 2024

The tour with the sites that we visited was great. Alison, out tour director, was wonderful, very knowledgeable. Arthur, our bus driver was also great. Our one day tour guide and bus driver, Ann, was also great. I was not so impressed with the breakfast menu of cooked food. It was the same at every hotel. They need to change up the menu.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/10/2024

 

Geneviève   -  Traveled, August 2023

We had a fantastic and thorough tour experience of Country Roads of Scotland with our Tour Director Greg Colgin. He gave us a holiday to always look back on with very fond memories. In nine days on the road we saw more and did more than expected. The Optional Experiences amped up the energy required but thank good goodness we bought in. Greg has a strong knowledge of Scotland's history, other points of interest and proudly talked about the stunning countryside. We appreciated hearing about Scotland's music artists and movie and book titles we might find later. Greg has a nice manner, is very energized and engages easily with others. Les our coach driver was very responsible behind the wheel and the coach vehicle was extremely comfortable. Would do it again!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/10/2023

 

Perry   -  Traveled, August 2023

It was really enjoyable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/13/2023

 

Anne   -  Traveled, August 2023

This is a great tour for people who have not visited Scotland before and want a good overview of the whole country. It has a fast but comfortable pace, allowing us to experience both large and small cities, and many historical sites along the way. We took all of the optional excursions, but a person could also have a good experience by doing some exploring on their own. Our tour included tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an amazing performance by both military and civilian performers. It was a real high point of the trip! We are already thinking about a return trip to beautiful Scotland, and based on what we learned from this trip there are several places we would like to focus on in greater depth. I highly recommend this tour.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/01/2023

 

Nancy   -  Traveled, August 2023

What a wonderful trip I had with my tour guide, Greg Colgin. He made the country and its heritage come alive. It was fun and it was educational. I have traveled many places, but Never had such an exceptional guide. He was very personable and really cared about us all. Loved all the local treats as well. Nancy Wood My roommate, Debbie Ross and I signed up with GET, but was included with Insight.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/31/2023

 

Sheila   -  Traveled, August 2023

The tour around Scotland exceeded all expectations. The Tour Director kept us entertained with the history, myths and songs of the region as we were driven through the beautiful countryside. Highlights were the Edinburgh Tattoo and the Isle of Skye - such a beautiful experience.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/31/2023

 

Nancy   -  Traveled, August 2023

Absolutely fantastic. Educational along with such fun. Highly recommended.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/30/2023

 

Fiona   -  Traveled, May 2023

The tour by Insight Vacations, Country Roads of Scotland, surpassed our expectations. Hosts at hotels did everything to ensure a smooth and quick check-in and a comfortable stay (knowing in advance that the rooms might be smaller than some travelers are used to was helpful). The food was good overall with lots of choices and variety. The coach was very roomy, lots of space and very comfortable. Peter (tour director) and Steve (driver) worked together as a great team and were always available to assist, answer questions or provide insights.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/12/2023

 

RamonaValadka   -  Traveled, September 2022

Very well organized tour. Seamless travel with all details managed perfectly. Greg has endless, interesting and entertaining information to share while we travel in comfort or stop for the many picturesque and historic sites. Thanks for all the extra Scottish treats. Thanks for your sense of humour and professionalism! Well done!!!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/14/2022

 

David   -  Traveled, August 2022

Well organized. Terrific Tour Director (Dani) We’ll Being Director (Anne Marie) and Driver (Michael) were wonderful.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/06/2022

Download a personalized trip brochure!

Why book with us?

Rating

Best Rate Guarantee

Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate

Selection

Best Selection

The best operators from around the world

Trusted

Trusted Payments

Secure payments with Stripe

Advice

Expert Advice

Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience