Compare Whisky & wildlife on Scotland's west coast and islands (self-drive tour) by Audley Travel vs Scotland in 8 days - Highlands, Castles and Medieval Cities - Charm by Exoticca
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 1,599 |
| Price Per Day | $ 374 | $ 200 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | 7 Breakfasts. |
| Description |
Our Scottish travel guides reflect the recent findings of our specialists who travel regularly to Scotland to seek out new places to stay and visit as well as imaginative ways of discovering the well-known highlights. The guides give tips on everything from Edinburgh for first timers to the culture and history of Scotland, so that you can get the most out of your time there. Our Scotland specialists can guide you along the way using personal experience and in-depth knowledge on pursuits from touring the region's whisky distilleries or its medieval castles, to exploring the Isle of Skye or hiking through untouched valleys. |
Discover Edinburgh, the mountainous and compact capital of Scotland. Explore the different castles that the cities of Stirling and St. Andrews offer. Discover the port city of Aberdeen on a panoramic tour. Relax whilst tasting the famous whiskeys in Speyside. Admire the wild nature of the Highlands on the way to Inverness and enjoy a quick visit to the Trossachs and the city of Glasgow. |
Day 1: Oban
Make your own way to Oban. Whichever way you're approaching the 'gateway to the isles', the last section of the drive is guaranteed to be a scenic route as you journey through the rugged hills of Argyll. We recommend passing by the ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, where you can stop to explore and stretch your legs.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 2: Oban
Your three-day wildlife exploration through some of the Inner Hebrides islands begins today. You'll head over to the island of Kerrera with your private guide (who’ll accompany you for the next three days), for a leisurely hike. You'll cover about 11 km (7 miles) over the course of four to five hours, with plenty of time to stop and rest and to explore interesting sights along the way. Lunch is included in a local teahouse.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 3: Oban
Today you take the ferry over to the Isle of Mull, where you'll spend the day with your guide watching for white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, seals and otters. Lunch is included.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 4: Tarbert
With your guide, explore the island of Lismore and the mainland north of Oban by bike today, cycling along easy, quiet roads and bike paths. You’ll learn about Lismore’s history as you cycle, including its role in early Christianity in Scotland. Once you've taken the ferry back to the mainland, we recommend stopping for lunch at the seafood restaurant in Port Appin. You’ll then drive south through Kilmartin Glen to the small fishing village of Tarbert, where you’re well-positioned to catch the ferry to Islay in the morning.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 5: Port Ellen
After crossing to Islay, join a shared wildlife cruise along the island’s rugged coastline, passing hidden coves and beaches as you watch out for seals, porpoises, dolphins and many seabirds. Once back onshore, visit Bowmore Distillery for a tour and tasting. We also suggest visiting Kildalton Cross, an exemplary remnant of an early Christian cross adorned with intricate Celtic designs. End your day at the Museum of Islay Life, where you can learn about the way of life on this rural Scottish island.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 6: Port Ellen
This morning, board the tiny car ferry that connects Islay with nearby Jura — a five-minute journey by water. Jura is one of Scotland's last wildernesses, with only around 300 inhabitants, but over 5,000 deer. Most of the island is inaccessible by road, but you'll join a shared tour with a local to visit some excellent viewpoints and learn about Jura's history. After returning to the main village, visit Jura Distillery for a tour and tasting, before heading back across to Islay.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 7: Loch Lomond
Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning, then drive along the shore of Loch Fyne toward Loch Lomond. Here, you’ll meet your private guide for a kayaking trip out on the loch, enjoying the peace and stillness as you paddle its calm waters, before spending your final evening in Luss, a picturesque lochside village.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 8: Return home
Your west coast Scottish adventure ends today.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Edinburgh. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh and self-transfer* to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure. * You will have the option to add a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.
Day 3: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 4: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 5: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.
Day 6: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore
Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.
Day 8: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 9: Edinburgh - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer to the airport in the next step of the booking process.
