Scottish Heritage and Highlands Highlights in 7 Days
Scout out Scotland's sprawling scenery, from Edinburgh's Royal Mile through the lush Highlands, on this week-long trip of regal history, loch landscapes, and all the Scotch.
Scotland
7 days / 6 nights
$5,600 /person
$5,600 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Scouring for mythological monsters and impeccable views at the notorious Loch Ness
Walking in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, at the opulent and well-preserved Holyrood Palace
Venturing into the sweeping Highlands, where lush hills, craggy cliffs, and remote mountains await
Embracing your inner wizard at Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic "Harry Potter" bridge
Tasting Scotland's signature beverage on optional whisky and distillery experiences
Welcome to Edinburgh!
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Scottish Whisky
Glencoe and Loch Lomond Landscapes
Legends of Loch Ness and the Greatness of Great Glen
Culloden Battlefield, Highland Cows, and Prehistoric Clava Cairns
Glencoe and Loch Lomond Landscapes
Overview
Now that you’ve experienced the urban fabric of Edinburgh, it’s time to get out of the city and into Scotland’s renowned landscapes. This morning, you’ll pick up your rental car for the start of your roughly four-hour road trip, leaving the city behind for the sublime countryside. The day’s route will lead you west toward Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where you’ll stop for loch views and short walks. You’ll also have the option to visit a distillery en route, savoring Scotland’s signature sips. After your Loch Lomond break, you’ll continue north, winding into wild and dramatic terrain. Keep your gaze fixed out the window to watch as towering mountains and deep glens signal your arrival in Glencoe — one of Scotland’s most powerful and atmospheric locales. Check in to your new hotel, then enjoy your first countryside afternoon at leisure. You’re free to take a short walk along local trails and grab dinner at a recommended restaurant. The Highlands await! (Breakfast)
Highlights
Loch Lomond
Established in 2002 as Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond falls on a geographical fault line. It's a natural gateway that separates the Lowlands from the rugged mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands, bridging the gap between one adventure to another. Among the national park's must-visit destinations, the loch dates back to the last ice age, formed between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, and ranks as the largest loch by surface area in the entire United Kingdom.
Distillery Visit (optional)
During today's exciting road trip to Loch Lomond and Glencoe, you'll have the option to add on a Scottish distillery visit, settling in for a locally made whisky — or two. The Scottish distillery you'll pass en route has been producing exceptional single-malt scotch for nearly 200 years, offering you a taste of history in addition to the land. Not only will you try premier Scotch, but you'll also enjoy a one-of-a-kind ambiance in the Highlands, savoring the area's most breathtaking scenery.
Glencoe
Glencoe, often called the "Valley of Tears," blends history with natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience. Driving through the glen is like stepping into a living postcard, with towering, rugged peaks — like the famous Three Sisters — looming majestically over lush, sweeping valleys. The winding roads provide breathtaking views at every turn, with shimmering lochs, cascading waterfalls, and herds of red deer grazing peacefully in the wild.
Glencoe History
Steeped in stories, Glencoe is most famously known for the tragic events of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, where members of the MacDonald clan were betrayed and killed under orders from the government. This somber chapter adds a poignant depth to the glen’s haunting beauty, making it a place of reflection as well as wonder. As you arrive here today, you'll have the option to stop at the visitor's center to learn about the place's history and geology, or simply pause at one of the many scenic lay-bys to take in unparalleled views.
Accommodations
Aos Si Lodges (or similar)
The closest you'll get to nature without sacrificing the luxuries of a boutique hotel, Aos Si Lodges positions guests on the cusp of the forest, where views abound and fresh air is plentiful. Accommodations range from well-stocked and ultra-cozy log cabins to quaint rooms in the grand Victorian house, allowing you to tailor your trip according to your preferences. Regardless of your room's specifics — which may include fireplaces, Victorian bathtubs, and four-poster beds — it's the surrounding nature that will prove most enchanting, as you'll awaken to the chirp of local birds and the lull of the adjacent river.
Location:
St John's Old Rectory, Ballachulish PH49 4JP, United Kingdom
Phone:
+447498414680
Transportation
Pick up your private vehicle for the start of your road trip. Today's total drive time, including scenic stops, takes up to four hours.
Edinburgh
Glencoe, Aos Si Lodges (or similar)
How it works
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Car rental for the Highlands
- Service fees
- Planning support and on-the-ground assistance
- Accommodations for six nights, with daily breakfast included
- Airport transfers
- All entrance fees to castles, museums, and activities listed in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary