We Love —
- Experiencing an incredible journey driving through Scotland, discovering its breathtaking landscapes and sampling local Celtic culture along the way.
- Staying in magnificent castles and elegant country manor hotels of a calibre fit for a clan chief, with mighty breakfasts included.
- Discovering Scottish cities where charm, local architecture and centuries of history collide to take you on a fairytale journey and an unforgettable holiday.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
What better way to discover Scotland? Embark on an unforgettable adventure travelling across the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish countryside, visiting historic towns and cities along the way.
Decide your own pace during this 7-night road trip, while taking in many of the mythical must-see places this captivating country holds in store.
Explore the medieval streets of Edinburgh, renowned for its iconic castle and Fringe Festival. Admire ancient ruins, picturesque beaches and learn about the history of golf in St. Andrews. Travel to Royal Deeside and discover royal castles, scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Follow the malt whisky route to learn more about Scottish craftsmanship and deeply steeped tradition, before losing yourself in the rugged mountains, historic sites and culture of the Highlands. Admire the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Skye and the West Highland Way before alighting in Glasgow, hailed for its vibrant cultural scene.
Your road trip itinerary:
- Days 1 - 2: Edinburgh
- Day 3: St Andrews
- Day 4: Royal Deeside
- Day 5: Malt whisky trail
- Day 6: Highlands
- Day 7: West Coast
- Day 8: Departure
Your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. Please note that you can park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on site.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Edinburgh
- Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Glasgow International Airport (GLA).
- Pick up your hire car and drive the short distance to your castle or manor house hotel, which is set in beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
- Spend the rest of the day enjoying the hotel and its facilities, or drive to Edinburgh to start exploring the Scottish capital.
Overnight stay in the Edinburgh area at Macdonald Houstoun House (a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh).
DAY 2: EDINBURGH
- Edinburgh is renowned for its long, rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene. This very atmospheric capital city is brimming with shops, pubs and restaurants.
- Edinburgh's cityscape is characterised by its striking architecture - a blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian styles.
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock and home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
- Stroll the Royal Mile until you reach Holyrood Palace - the official residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century.
- Whisky connoisseurs can opt to enjoy the Scotch Whisky Experience (extra charge, not included). This immersive experience (located at the top of the Royal Mile) delves into the history, production and appreciation of whisky.
Overnight stay in the Edinburgh area at Macdonald Houstoun House (a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh).
Breakfast included.
DAY 3: ST ANDREWS
- Depart Edinburgh and drive across the Queensferry Crossing to take in spectacular views of the Firth of Forth.
- Head east to St Andrews. Known for its rich heritage, picturesque coastline and prestigious university, it is also considered the home of the golf game.
- Explore this beautiful university town on foot and have your photo taken atop the Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course - a rite of passage on any visit.
- Continue north over the Tay Bridge, taking in Dundee.
- In the afternoon you might enjoy a visit to Glamis Castle (optional, not included) - the childhood home of the Queen Mother who passed away on March 30, 2002, at the grand age of 101.
- Alternatively, visit Dunnottar Castle - a medieval fortress situated atop a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea.
Overnight stay in the Aberdeen area at Norwood Hall.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Royal Deeside
- Why not dedicate a full day to exploring Royal Deeside, a magnificent valley on the River Dee.
- This picturesque valley is home to Balmoral Castle, a favourite family retreat in the Highlands for generations of monarchs.
- Stroll through the colourful gardens of Crathes Castle, a fine example of Scottish tower house architecture which might be best described as 'a classic fairytale castle'.
Day 6: The Highlands
- It's time to head north-west to visit the famous Inverewe Gardens - the world's most northerly botanical garden in the worldf.
- Alternatively, set your compass true north and visit Dunrobin Castle - a stunning structure resembling a French chateau with its imposing conical spires.
- Visit the battlefield of Culloden or stroll around Inverness, which is considered the capital of the Highlands.
- Should you decide to head south, enjoy a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and explore one of Scotland's two national parks.
- Alternatively, you might choose to take a relaxing cruise on Loch Ness (not included, optional extra), which lies a short distance from Inverness. Famous for the Loch Ness Monster, it's loved by locals for its natural beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding Highlands.
Overnight stay in Inverness area at Kingsmills.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: WEST COAST
- Skirt the legendary Loch Ness to arrive at Urquhart Castle. Dating back to the 12th century, this picturesque ruin on the shores of Loch Ness provides glimpses of former grandeur with its crumbling walls and towers.
- Follow the Caledonian Canal along Loch Lochy to Fort William - a town situated in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
- Continue through Glencoe, one of Scotland's most legendary glens, and cross rugged Rannoch Moor.
- Take in Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake, known for the tranquil beauty of its wooded shores and islands.
- Check into your hotel in the Loch Lomond/Glasgow area and enjoy the last evening of your wonderful Scottish road trip in Sherbrooke Castle - an atmospheric establishment known for its distinctive turrets, towers, and battlements.
Overnight stay in the Loch Lomond/Glasgow area at Sherbrooke Castle.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- After breakfasting like a lord one last time, set off to the airport.
- Drop off your hire car to either Glasgow International Airport (GLA) or Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
- Catch your return flight home, full of powerful holiday memories.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For this offer we have reserved the following magnificent castles and elegant country manor hotels for you:
- Edinburgh: Macdonald Houstoun House (40 minutes' drive from Edinburgh)
- Aberdeen: Norwood Hall
- Inverness: Kingsmills
- Glasgow: Sherbrooke Castle
In the event of unavailability of the hotels indicated in the programme, accommodation will be provided in hotels of a similar category.
Your dining choices
Enjoy a bed and breakfast stay in each of your country manor and castle hotels.
Your journey to Scotland —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Scotland
Welcome to the land that's known as 'Alba' in Scottish Gaelic.
A bewitching combination of breathtaking scenery, urban sophistication, outdoor activities and a rich Celtic culture, Scotland is the ideal destination for all lovers of nature and wide open spaces. Moors, lakes, mountains and cliffs await to dazzle you. From Edinburgh to Glasgow via the site of Loch Ness, many wonders will never cease to enrich your trip. Ready to feast your eyes on this famous land of legend?
Edinburgh
With its authentic Scottish charm, medieval Old Town, and rich history, Edinburgh is a treasure to discover. Presided over by the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the great hulk of Arthur’s Seat - the perfect spot for a morning hike - the city also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage city centre and a thriving events scene, making it the perfect, fun-filled city trip whatever the time of year.
Start your day with a spot of boutique shopping in Multrees Walk, before visiting the former medieval market square at the Grassmarket, which also offers splendid views of the Edinburgh Castle. The castle itself is a grand monument, perched on an extinct volcano, leave this monument for an afternoon visit, when you can admire the sunset over the city. Afterwards, head to the West End for chic restaurants and bars - you might even get there in time for a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Arguably the best time to visit the city is in August, when the annual Fringe Festival takes over the city. The largest arts festival in the world, this is your time to catch a future star of comedy or theatre. To escape the city’s crowds, head to Leith, the city’s port and hub for creatives, where you can savour seafood in waterfront restaurants and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Glasgow
Glasgow is a unique city in Scotland that's well worth a visit for any lover of culture, art, shopping or fine dining. Walk through its enticing streets and bask in the friendly atmosphere. Glasgow is routinely regarded as one of the world's friendliest cities, and offers lots of pub, bars and restaurants to explore - as well as a rich and varied history.
Thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, a fantastic complex that houses some of the UK’s best examples of British and European art, the city's Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1197, and the charming Botanic Gardens, which are internationally renowned for their extensive tropical and temperate plant collections.
For guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city's streets, Glasgow Green is also a great place to which to retreat. Here, tourists will find themselves nestled within 129 acres of greenery, complete with the gorgeous 'Winter Gardens' and the 'People's Palace', which tells of Glasgow's colourful history dating all the way back to 1750.
