9 Day Country Roads of Scotland – Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations Country Roads Tour starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Glasgow

Beyond Scotland’s tartan façade lies 8,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, while the drama and variety of her natural features never fail to impress. This tour is well paced with two-night stays in Edinburgh, Thurso and Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length and have frequent stops. Arrival in to Glasgow is not until early evening, but this is compensated by the late start in Portree and time on the Jacobite steam train. The modern Marriott hotel in Glasgow and the stylish Georgian Roxburgh in Edinburgh contrast with the Highland hotels, which are much simpler establishments although typical of the region, and often family run.

Day By Day

Day 1 Welcome To Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland – land of legend and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands! On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 & 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception, drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Selected departures also attend the spectacular Military Tattoo – a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. (WR/D) Stay: Crowne Plaza – The Roxburghe/The Carlton, Edinburgh

Day 2 Edinburgh, Athens Of The North

After a restful night’s sleep, join a local expert to see the highlights of the city. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then tour the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s crown jewels. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (FB) Stay: Crowne Plaza – The Roxburghe/The Carlton, Edinburgh

Day 3 To St. Andrews And The Highland Capital Of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, cross the Tay and drive to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap. Continue via Blair Atholl and over the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. The Scottish Border Collie is world renowned for its herding abilities. Visit a working Highland farm for a personal insight into the daily life of a shepherd and his dogs. Continue to stately Inverness, where your luxury signature hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds, offering the very best in Highland hospitality. (BB/D) Stay: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Day 4 By Loch Ness To Culloden & On To Thurso

Travel to Culloden Moor this morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the monster. Now follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Pause at the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky and learn about the production of the national drink. Stay in the town of Thurso, which looks out over the Pentland Firth towards the ‘Old Man of Hoy’. (BB/D) Stay: Station Hotel/St Clair Hotel, Thurso

Day 5 A Day In The Orkney Islands

On the following morning, drive to the most northerly town on the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands – where the hardy locals live ‘below the wind and above the water’. Sightseeing includes visits to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. Return to your Thurso hotel for dinner this evening. (BB/D) Stay: Station Hotel/St Clair Hotel, Thurso

Day 6 Over The Sea To Skye

Through stunning and pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie. (BB/D) Stay: Dunollie, Broadford

Day 7 Drive Through Glencoe And The Scottish Highlands To Oban

A chance to explore this wild and beautiful island, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which, under a clear sky, offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Stop a wee while in the pleasant highland town of Fort William, then back on board your coach and continue to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Tonight, get together with your friends at a sumptuous grand-finalé Celebration meal. Don’t be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you’re “Toasting to the Lassies” or singing “Auld Lang Syne”. (BB/CD) Stay: Ballachulish Hotel/Isles of Glencoe/The Columba, Ballachulish

Day 8 Along The Bonnie Banks Of Loch Lomond To Glasgow

After breakfast, drive to Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow. An orientation drive shows you the city’s grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (FB) Stay: Marriott, Glasgow

Day 9 Depart Glasgow

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow Airport at 07:00 & 09:00. (FB)