Scotland: Principal Cities, Lochs, and Mountains

Highlights

Scotland, a cultural and historical treasure, can be sampled on a 11-day getaway. Start with the intriguing and beguiling principal cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Add in misty lochs, towering highlands, wee drams of whisky, and castles both ruined and forbidding, and you’ll be entranced. Experience the authentic Scotland – Join us on this custom tour of Scotland.

Here’s a sample itinerary for an 11-day trip, but we will tailor a travel plan specifically for your desires and timeframe. Contact us for specific pricing and details.

Day 1

Arriving at Edinburgh airport, you’ll take the Airlink to Princes Street, then take the short stroll to your Old Town accommodation. Today, you’ll start your exploration of the Royal Mile with your personal guide on a walking tour highlighting Old Town and New Town. You’ll find lunch of your choosing, then enjoy exploring the castle at the top of the Royal Mile. In the evening, relish a tasting menu at one of Old Town’s excellent restaurants, complete with wine pairings. 

Day 2

After a filling breakfast, continue your tour of the Royal Mile, visiting the Real Mary King’s Close, Gladstone’s Land, and the Writers Museum, then finding lunch in one of the local pubs.  In the afternoon, you’ll tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Have a well-deserved dinner on your own and sleep at your lodging.

Day 3

Today begins with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a climb of Calton Hill in New Town, as well as visits to Scotts Monument and the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy lunch and shopping on Princes Street. In the evening, you can choose a quiet dinner or partying in one of the inviting pubs in the area – you can always find performances and entertainment if you wish. But be sure to rest for tomorrow!

Day 4

After an early and hearty breakfast, you’ll join a small group tour of the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews, birthplace of golf. Upon arrival in St. Andrews, you’ll have 3 hours to discover the charms of this lovely town -options include St. Andrews Cathedral ruins, St. Andrews Castle ruins, as well as the picturesque beaches. After lunch of your choosing, you’ll continue your small group tour of Fife, returning to your Edinburgh lodging for an early evening.

Day 5

You’ll start early today, taking a ScotRail train to Glasgow. After checking in and dropping your bags, you’ll find lunch of your choosing, then head to two of the premier museums in Glasgow – Kelvingrove and Riverside museums. As time permits, you’ll visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House, before retiring to your lovely park side accommodation.

Day 6

Today begins with a tour of Clydeside Distillery and continues on the east side of Glasgow with an early lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow. You’ll be met by your personal guide for a walking tour that includes the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis and will see a kinetic theatre show before you decide on your dinner plans. 

Day 7

Today, you’ll leave early for a small group tour of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park, and the imposing Stirling Castle.

Day 8

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll journey by train north to Inverness. Once you check in to your accommodation, be sure you take a walk around the happiest town in Scotland and enjoy your relaxing day.

Day 9

Wake early today – you’re going by luxe Mercedes van to tour the gorgeous and haunting Eilean Donan Castle as you wend your way through the Highlands to visit the truly magical Isle of Skye, including lunch in Portree, and a wee dram at Talisker distillery. You’ll tour along the majestic shores of Loch Ness on your return to Inverness in the evening.

Day 10

Today, you’ll return by train to Edinburgh, where you have free time for a last wander before a farewell dinner at your spectacular Old Town lodging, The Witchery.

Day 11

After a delightful and filling breakfast, you’ll bid Scotland “mar sin leat” or farewell to this Gaelic wonderland!!

Price

From $3150 for a solo traveler, not including airfare, but we’re happy to book that as well!

As always, Dragon in Your Pocket’s pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. As such, pricing is based on one person per room. Pricing is typically less with 2 or more persons per room.