Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
8 Days Starting and ending in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Dunblane, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Pitlochry, Braemar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ASD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland with the "Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands" tour. This adventure begins in the historic city of Edinburgh, where you'll explore iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and enjoy panoramic views from Arthur's Seat. Travel through time with visits to Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle, and the Battle of Bannockburn site. Experience the charm of a steam train ride on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and relax on a scenic boat ride on Loch Lomond. Discover the beauty of the Highlands with visits to Doune Castle, the Scottish Crannog Centre, and the Balmoral Estate. Conclude your journey with a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Enjoy comfortable stays in three distinct hotels, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Scotland's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre
Meals Included: Dinner
This trip starts in historic Edinburgh. Meet your tour leader at 4pm at the hotel reception for the welcome briefing. Then enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, in which we get to know each other a little better. If you arrive early, consider heading into the New Town to look around the art galleries or enjoy the varied shopping opportunities of Princes Street.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)
Day 2 : Edinburgh Guided Tour; Ascend Arthur's Seat
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our Edinburgh city tour begins at its most ancient stronghold: Edinburgh Castle. It was the home of James VI, the king who united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603.
We then head to King Charles’ official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We continue our tour into the Old Town and meander through the many bustling streets that make up the Royal Mile.
We finish the tour by ascending Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and said to be the location of King Arthur’s Camelot. The climb, which you can sit out if you’d prefer to relax, takes around 2hr 30min and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the city from the top.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)
Day 3 : Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle And Traditional Steam Train Journey
Location: Dunblane
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin with a visit to the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, where we join a guided tour to learn how it has inspired the imaginations of writers and artists throughout the centuries. This afternoon, visit Midhope Castle, the ancestral home of the fictional Jamie Fraser from the TV series Outlander, where it was known as Lallybroch. End the day with a scenic 10mi (16km) trip aboard a steam train on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Our journey takes us along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. We then transfer (30 minutes) to our second hotel in Dunblane.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)
Day 4 : Stirling Castle And Battle Of Bannockburn Experience
Location: Stirling
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Stirling Castle today, one of the most historically significant castles in Scotland. Explore the great hall, chapel, palace vaults and Queen Anne Gardens, plus exhibitions and museums. Then visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge crossing the River Forth. It’s best known as the spot where Sir William Wallace of Scotland defeated Edward I’s English army in 1297.
Continue our journey through history and visit the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, fought King Edward II’s army for Scottish Independence in 1314. We have free time to explore the site and peruse the visitor centre.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)
Day 5 : Scenic Boat Ride On Loch Lomond Before A Gentle Walk Along The Loch Shores
Location: Loch Lomond
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a picturesque one-hour journey to Loch Lomond through Trossachs National Park, home to a small mountain range. Upon arrival, we join a leisurely boat trip around the waters. Over one hour or so, we enjoy scenic views of Ben Lomond mountain and pass several stately homes and castles.
In the afternoon after a cafe lunch, enjoy serene views on a 3mi-4mi (5km-6.5km) walk along the loch shores. We then transfer back to Dunblane for the evening.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)
Day 6 : Visit To Doune Castle; Highland Cow Experience; Scottish Crannog Centre Visit
Location: Pitlochry
Accommodation Name: Atholl Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today is the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle, a filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where we have free time to explore. Next up, is the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander, a well-known Scottish shop where you can purchase traditional Scottish tweed, enjoy a coffee, and say hello to Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly – the resident Highland cows. After lunch, we journey north to visit the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay for an insight into the lives of the crannog dwellers who lived on the loch 2,500 years ago. We then transfer 30 minutes to Pitlochry and our next hotel.
Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 : Visit Braemar In The Cairngorms National Park; Balmoral Visit Before A Whisky Tasting
Location: Braemar
Accommodation Name: Atholl Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer (approximately one hour) to Braemar village in the Cairngorms National Park. Here we have time to explore and visit the Highland Games Museum before taking a leisurely walk to the Balmoral estate, home of the late Queen Elizabeth II. We can take the opportunity to visit the gift shop (depending on operating hours) or walk around the awe-inspiring grounds.
Finish the day with a whisky tasking at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which occupies a picturesque spot at the bottom of the Cairngorm mountains, beside the River Dee. Led by one of their in-house experts, we take a one-hour tour of the distillery and enjoy two tastings of their single malt Scotch whisky.
We then transfer back to Pitlochry, where we have our farewell dinner at the hotel, an excellent chance to relive the highlights of the trip and, perhaps, order a last dram.
Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 : Transfer Back To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our adventure together ends today, and we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) back to Edinburgh to arrive by midday. With so much to see and do in the capital, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour. Speak to your sales representative to book.
What's Included
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Seven nights in four-star hotels
Enjoy a comfortable stay in four-star hotels throughout the tour.
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All breakfasts, two dinners
Daily breakfast and two dinners are included in the tour package.
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Entry into Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle, Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, Doune Castle, Crannog Centre, Highland Games Museum, Lochnagar Distillery and tasting
Entry fees to various historical sites and a whisky tasting at Lochnagar Distillery are included.
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Loch Lomond boat ride
Enjoy a picturesque boat ride on the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond.
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Steam train ride
Experience a scenic journey on a historic steam train.
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Tour Leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Minibus throughout
Transportation by minibus is provided for the duration of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights and rail journeys
Flights and rail journeys to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Visas
Visa fees and arrangements are not included in the tour package.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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Single supplement
An additional charge applies for single occupancy accommodations.
Accommodation
For this Scottish adventure, we stay in a trio of hotels, two in the city and one in the Pitlochry countryside. Edinburgh: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (nights 1-2) Spend the first two nights at Radisson Blu, which occupies a prime address in the Royal Mile. The four-star property has 238 rooms, which are modern in style and come with rain showers. The hotel is also home to the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen, which serves Scottish dishes created with local ingredients. There is also a health club with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Dunblane: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (nights 3-5) Taking over what was a Victorian health spa resort, this DoubleTree by Hilton has a long history of hospitality. The traditional rooms have views over the Perthshire countryside, plus there’s The Kailyard by Nick Nairn restaurant, which serves farm-to-fork dishes. The hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and fitness room. Pitlochry: Atholl Palace Hotel (nights 6-7) The Atholl Palace has classic Scottish countryside elegance with traditional rooms decorated with original features. The property also has award-winning gardens and, should you wish to treat yourself, a spa. There’s also plenty of food and drink options, including the Verandah Restaurant, which serves Scottish produce with views over the Tummel Valley, and the Stags Head Bar, where you can enjoy malt whiskies and their own Atholl Palace Gin.
Food
All breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners and one whisky tasting included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Scotland in comfort with a minibus throughout the tour, ensuring seamless transfers between destinations. Enjoy a scenic steam train journey on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, offering picturesque views of the Forth Estuary and surrounding landscapes. The tour also includes a picturesque boat ride on Loch Lomond, providing a unique perspective of Scotland's natural beauty.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in a trio of four-star hotels. In Edinburgh, you'll stay at the Radisson Blu, which is located in the city centre. In Dunblane, accommodation is at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, a hotel with a history as a Victorian health spa resort. Finally, in Pitlochry, you'll stay at the Atholl Palace Hotel, known for its classic Scottish countryside elegance.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes all breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Additionally, there is a whisky tasting included as part of the tour.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a walking tour of Edinburgh, a steam train journey on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, visits to historic sites like Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle, Stirling Castle, and the Battle of Bannockburn site. You'll also enjoy a boat ride on Loch Lomond, a visit to Doune Castle, a Highland cow experience, and a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
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Is there a tour leader throughout the trip?
Yes, a tour leader will accompany the group throughout the trip to guide and assist with the itinerary.
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What is the mode of transportation during the tour?
Transportation throughout the tour is provided by a minibus, ensuring comfortable travel between destinations.
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Is there a farewell event at the end of the tour?
Yes, there is a farewell dinner at the Atholl Palace Hotel on the last night of the tour, providing an opportunity to relive the highlights of the trip.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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