Compare Highlights of Scotland by G Adventures vs Royal Scotland by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,294 | $ 2,085 |
| Price Per Day | $ 328 | $ 261 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
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| Meals Included | 6 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
Classic folklore and stunning landscapes make Scotland a compelling destination for historians, those looking to explore their Scottish roots, and pop culture fiends who follow famous TV shows that film here. This seven-day tour takes you through all the best cultural highlights with visits to important Jacobite sites in Inverness like Culloden Moor and picturesque spots (like the Glenfinnan Viaduct) along with moments to soak in the country's natural beauty in Cairngorms National Park. In between, you'll have the opportunity to try traditional Scottish fare (yes, we're talking about haggis!) and learn about how whisky is made with a tour and tasting. It's the best way to satiate your inner history and whisky aficionado, in equal measure. |
Ready, set, explore! This royal vacation is the total package. From magical city stays to drives through the picture-perfect Highlands, this trip is the perfect way to see Scotland at your own pace. From castles and palaces, to forts and yachts, prepare yourself for an unforgettable vacation rich with royal history. First, experience Scotland's charming capital city of Edinburgh. Stroll through winding stone streets lined with colorful pubs, castles, and cathedrals. Gawk at the city's incredible architecture and use your included Scotland Explorer Pass to check out Edinburgh's most raved-about sites and attractions! From Edinburgh, you'll pick up your rental car and hit the road! Enjoy postcard-worthy drives through rolling greenery, mountainous landscapes, and sparkling "lochs" (lakes). With stays at every end of the country, you'll experience Scotland front to back. Explore the western coast near Oban, visit the "capital of the Highlands" in Inverness, head up north near the Cairngorms to Aberdeenshire, soak up Scottish culture in Perthshire, and drench yourself in natural beauty near The Trossachs and Loch Lomond. |
Day 1 Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a few days early to explore Scotland's compact, hilly capital.
Day 2 Edinburgh/Inverness
This morning enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh before departing the city for the Highlands. Visit Cairgorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest. Later, spot some reindeer in the local paddocks.
Day 3 Inverness
In the morning, visit Culloden Moor and the Culloden Moor visitor center, famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745. After lunch, board a cruise towards Loch Ness. Experience the infamous "loch" by boat and learn about the history (and legend) surrounding its mysterious lake creature. Explore Urquhart Castle before returning to Inverness.
Day 4 Inverness/Fort William
Discover the beautiful Isle of Skye. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the iconic Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. Once on the Isle, visit Sligachan, where you can spot the Black Cullin mountains in the background. Watch for the old man's face on the Old Man of Storr hike and in the evening, take a Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig.
Day 5 Fort William
Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Settle back at the viewpoint in time to see the Jacobite Steam train cross over the viaduct. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a forest walk in Ben Nevis followed by a distillery tour and whisky tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery.
Day 6 Fort William/Glasgow City
Head south towards Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's largest city. Take time to explore this port city by visiting its museums, joining a brewery tour or jumping on a bike tour of the city.
Day 7 Glasgow City
Depart at any time.
Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!
Upon arrival in Scotland's medieval capital, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your luxurious hotel. Once you check in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore! With its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, it's easy to see why Edinburgh has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the city's winding colorful streets and treat yourself to a pint on the Royal Mile. Admire Edinburgh Castle, as it's perched atop the crags of an ancient volcano right in the center of the city! Be sure to activate your 7-Day Explorer Pass and take advantage of all its perks!
Day 2 Edinburgh
Recharge with a free day in Edinburgh, where you will begin your royal discoveries! Today, use your Scotland Explorer pass and consider visits to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Yacht Brittania, and of course, Edinburgh Castle. Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the Queen on her visits to Scotland, and the Royal Yacht Brittania has provided a home at sea to the Royal Family on their vacations. The yacht is berthed in Leith, and it gives a great peek into royal life!
Day 3 Edinburgh - Aberdeenshire
Fuel up with a scrumptious Scottish breakfast, then pick up your rental far and embark on the self-drive portion of your trip! Say "see ya" to Edinburgh and head over the Queensferry Crossing into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. From the bridge, you will enjoy views of the "Forth Rail Bridge." We recommend that you travel the coastal route to St Andrews, as it will take you through some of Scotland's most beautiful fishing villages. St Andrews has an ancient history - named after the patron saint of Scotland and said to be the final resting place of his remains. This beautiful town is also the birthplace of golf, and more recently, the location where the royal couple William and Kate met - at St Andrews University! You'll get to make a brief stop at this fascinating place before continuing on.
Day 4 Aberdeenshire
This morning, you might want to pay a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of Queen Elizabeth! Later in the day, follow the road to Blairgowrie, through an area known as the "Royal Deeside." Feel the road climb as you drive through the skiing hills of Glenshee towards Braemar. You will pass Crathie, where you can stop to see the church where the Royal Family attends Sunday service when on holiday at Balmoral Castle. Consider a visit to Royal Lochnagar Distillery, just a mile or so along the banks of the River Dee from Balmoral Castle.
Day 5 Aberdeenshire - Inverness
Today, travel through the Grampian Mountains and pass Tomintoul, the highest village in Great Britain! Head onto Grantown on Spey, where you can visit one of the many whiskey distilleries in the area. Continue onto Nairn, a popular seaside resort area famous for its golf course and beautiful sandy beaches. Time permitting, you may wish to visit Cawdor Castle! Best known for its literary connections to William Shakespeare's Scottish play, Macbeth, as the title character of the play was made Thane of Cawdor. The castle itself, however, was built many years after the events of the play. In the afternoon, travel to the Inverness area for your overnight. Roam around the beautiful city and treat yourself to dinner at a pub!
Day 6 Inverness - Oban
Enjoy a lovely morning in Inverness, then drive south and follow the shores of Loch Ness - the most famous loch in Scotland! You may wish to stop at Urquhart Castle on the shores of the loch. In fact, the castle is where most sightings of the famous Loch Ness Monster "Nessie" have been reported! Continue along the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus. Just before Fort William, make a little detour to Glenfinnan and gawk at the Glenfinnan Monument, situated on the scenic "Road to the Isles." Set amid superb Highland scenery at the head of Loch Sheil, the monument was erected in 1815 in tribute to the clansmen who fought and died for the Jacobite cause. As you drive toward Oban, be sure to make some photo-stops. Check out Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, and Loch Linnhe! Upon arrival in Oban, check into your hotel and enjoy a night at leisure.
Day 7 Oban - Trossachs Area
After breakfast, travel south from Oban through Kilmartin Glen, located between Oban and Lochgilphead. The glen is home to more than 350 ancient monuments, 150 of them being prehistoric! Spend some time at Lady Glassary Wood, a site of standing stones and the Temple Wood stone circle. Learn more about the area in the Kilmartin House Museum of Ancient Culture! South of the glen, you will find the remains of the fortress of Dunadd, marking the royal center of Dalriada, where ancient kings were crowned. Later, follow the shores of Loch Lomond, the largest and perhaps most beautiful of all Scottish lochs in the Trossachs region. Immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty of the region, and enjoy a stay in the Trossachs area tonight!
Day 8 Depart Scotland
Pack up all your souvenirs and head to Edinburgh airport! Be sure to leave yourself enough time to drive to the airport, return your rental car, and still arrive at your terminal the suggested 3 hours prior to your flight's departure. Spend your flight replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
