Explore Scotland's Wild Untamed Landscape
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Embracing the northernmost part of the British Isles, Scotland is wild and untamed. Its landscape of lochs and heathery glens, famous battle sites and fast-flowing rivers provides a dramatic background to historic castles, whisky distilleries and ancient ruins. Its rival cities too are an intriguing contrast: Edinburgh with its captivating history and vibrant Glasgow where festivals, museums and the live music scene create a cultural buzz.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Be captivated by the royal fortress of Edinburgh Castle and the Queen’s Official Residence in Scotland
- Savour the finest single malts on some exclusive distillery visits
- Admire the collection of fine art, porcelain, tapestries and gardens of Floors Castle, home of the Duke of Roxburghe
- Take one of the great railway journeys of the world, aboard the Jacobite steam train
- Discover Victorian Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural capital
- Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Edinburgh.
Arrive into the Scottish capital and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Balmoral (Deluxe Room with Castle View)
Day 2
Edinburgh.
Uncover the rich history of Edinburgh starting at Edinburgh Castle, housing the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. Admire views of the city before heading down the Royal Mile to St. Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s Official Residence in Scotland. If the royal family is not in residence, you’ll be treated to a tour of the staterooms. Admire the eye-catching Scottish Parliament Building next door, one of the most innovative designs in Britain.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Balmoral (Deluxe Room with Castle View)
Day 3
Edinburgh – The Scottish Borders – Edinburgh.
Spend the day in the bucolic surrounds of the Scottish Borders. Visit breathtaking Floors Castle and its significant gardens. Explore the romantic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott, and his fairy-tale home Abbotsford. Wander through the charming town of Melrose and its ruined abbey where Robert the Bruce’s embalmed heart lies. Return to Edinburgh with stunning views of rolling farmland, woodland and the Eidon Hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Balmoral (Deluxe Room with Castle View)
Day 4
Edingburgh – Iverness.
Head north into the highlands of Scotland. Cross the Forth estuary and admire the three iconic Forth bridges. Continue past Perth and upstream to the quaint town of Dunkeld. Venture into the heart of whisky country with an introduction to the ‘water of life’ at Edradour Distillery, the smallest of its kind in Scotland. Pass through picturesque Pitlochry and stop to visit the white-turreted Blair Castle, the home of the Duke of Athol.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Culloden House (Superior Room)
Day 5
Inverness.
Visit one of Scotland’s most poignant historic sites, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746, and learn how these events changed the way of life in Scotland dramatically. Continue to Cawdor Castle, considered one of the highlands’ finest. Learn about its link with Shakespeare’s Macbeth as you explore the castle and its beautifully maintained walled gardens. Later a private tour of the Johnstons of Elgin woollen mill introduces you to Scotland’s highly-prized cashmere.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Culloden House (Superior Room)
Day 6
Iverness – Isle of Skye.
Travel along the shores of Loch Ness, keeping your eyes peeled for Nessie along the way! Head over the mountains to the Valley of Glen Sheil and on to the west coast. Along the way, admire the famous view of romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photogenic. Cross the bridge onto the Isle of Skye and take in the idyllic views of the Cuillin Hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge (Standard Sea View)
Day 7
Isle of Skye.
A day to explore Scotland’s largest and most majestic island. Start with a visit to the Talisker distillery on Loch Harport. On the west coast, explore Dunvegan Castle and its impressive water gardens. Home of the chief of Clan McLeod, it is the only Hebridean castle still occupied. Visit Portree and the iconic Old Man of Storr rock formations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge (Standard Sea View)
Day 8
Isle of Skye – Fort William.
Travel by ferry to Mallaig to board The Jacobite, a steam train that runs 67 kilometres along the final section of the West Highland Railway past the deepest seawater loch in Europe, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, the shortest river in Britain, the Glenfinnan viaduct and Ben Nevis.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inverlochy Castle (Large Room)
Day 9
Fort William – Glasgow.
The landscapes of Argyll are some of the gentlest in the Scottish Highlands, yet still represent the grandeur of the region. Drive through the Pass of Brander into Clan Campbell territory. Cross over to Loch Fyne and Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Campbells. Its impressive interiors are the most richly decorated in Scotland. Through the wooded Trossachs, Loch Lomond beckons and you follow its ‘Bonnie Banks’ south, ending in the port city of Glasgow.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 10
Glasgow.
A day to absorb Scotland’s largest city which lines the bank of the River Clyde. Marvel at the largest medieval cathedral in Scotland and discover the university district with its fine architecture. Admire ‘House for an Art Lover’, the building that Charles Rennie MacKintosh, the city’s famous Art Nouveau artiste, designed in 1901. Or visit the impressive Riverside Museum of transport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 11
Depart Glasgow.
Transfer to Glasgow airport for your departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $14,575
Solo Traveller: On Request
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on booking this itinerary
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Important Terms
- Terms & Conditions apply
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
The Balmoral
The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address. A landmark in the centre of the city, the historic building’s grand clock still dominates the skyline, while its enviable location, stunning views, warm hospitality and world-class facilities provide the perfect retreat. Many of the rooms have views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town and dinner in the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant is a treat. Unwind in the award-winning spa and enjoy the timeless elegance of its 188 rooms and suites each with spacious marble bathroom.
Culloden House
At the time of the Jacobite uprising in 1745-46, Bonnie Prince Charlie used Culloden House as his lodging and battle headquarters prior to the fateful battle on Culloden Moor. Today, this elegant ivy-clad hotel in majestic grounds serves as a luxury hotel offering traditional highland service and cuisine. A wonderfully comfortable drawing-room with magnificent Adam plasterwork, fine antiques and a large open fire is a warm and welcoming place to relax and there are 28 charming bedrooms each uniquely decorated some with crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces. Leisure activities available include croquet, tennis, walks, spa treatments and sauna. Complimentary wireless internet.
Inverlochy Castle
A member of Relais & Châteaux, this atmospheric country house hotel is uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of Scotland’s West Highlands. Built in 1863, the castle played host to Queen Victoria and today prides itself on its elegant surrounds and friendly efficient service. Each of the 17 bedrooms, all with private bathroom, have their own individual design and character, along with splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. Dining at Inverlochy is an experience with modern British cuisine served in period style dining rooms. A host of activities are available from the hotel including golf, riding, white water rafting, mountain biking, shooting, fishing and off-road driving.
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow
First designed for the aristocracy, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel still exudes class, with original architectural features like marble fireplaces, rich wood paneling, and lofty ceilings. But it’s all grounded with a down-to-earth sensibility that makes you feel comfortable, no matter what your nobility rank — all the luxury, none of the attitude. Among the 113 light and bright rooms you’ll find one that perfectly suits you.
Onsite modern brasserie Bo & Birdy is a classic reimagined through a traditional Scottish lens, the restaurant specializes in approachable farm-to-table comfort food made from locally-sourced ingredients. An all-encompassing wine and cocktail list rounds out the offer, complementing The Salon, the first-floor bar hosting sophisticated Scottish high tea on weekends. The talented bartenders craft perfectly balanced cocktails in a bright and airy setting overlooking the gardens.
The Spa at Blythswood Square is a coveted reservation for both locals and hotel guests alike. With nine luxury treatment rooms, a thermal suite, two relaxation pools, a lounge and café area, and lots of tranquil space, the spa has something for everyone looking for a little rest and rejuvenation.
