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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

A Scottish Journey

10 day small group tour

Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic castles and quaint villages. Infamous battles and gripping legends. This Scottish Journey takes us from coastal cities to Hebridean islands, seeking out one-of-a-kind landscapes, mesmerising history and undeniable charm.

Your tour highlights

  •  Spend days touring the breathtaking Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull
  •  Uncover the intricacies behind Scottish whisky culture with a tasting experience
  •  Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Culloden Battlefield
  •  Savour time exploring the magnificent Cairngorms National Park

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Edinburgh

Majestic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and imagination-firing stories: Scotland delivers on every level. After meeting the group at our hotel, we’ll get to know each other over a delicious welcome meal. Accommodation: Malmaison Edinburgh City (or similar)

Day
2
Edinburgh – St Andrews – Cairngorms National Park – Cairngorms Region

After breakfast, it’s time to board the mini-coach and take to the scenic route. Now the journey begins! We’ll admire the historic fishing villages speckled along the east coast before our first port of call: St Andrews. This small town has a big reputation for world-class golf, as well as a prestigious university – the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Following a spot of lunch, we’ll catch our first glimpse of the otherworldly Cairngorms National Park before settling into our accommodation for the evening. Accommodation: The Balmoral Arms (or similar)

Day
3
Cairngorms Region

Prepare to travel back to the 16th century this morning as we stop in at stately Crathes Castle. Soaring turrets, intricately painted ceilings and enchanting manicured gardens await at this characteristically Scottish tower house. This afternoon, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria as we explore the Royal Deeside area – said to have captivated the queen during her 1848 visit. We’ll round off the day with a delicious included dinner back at the hotel. Accommodation: The Balmoral Arms (or similar)

Day
4
Cairngorms Region – Cairngorms National Park – Inverness

Our day will begin in dramatic fashion this morning as we explore the stunning surrounds of Cairngorms National Park – heading to viewpoints specially chosen by our in-the-know Tour Leader. Then, truly authentic Scottish experiences await. We’ll stop at the open-air Highland Folk Museum, used as the filming location for the TV series Outlander. Following that, we’ll traverse to Inverness, the welcoming capital of the Highlands. And tonight, we’ll come together to share stories of the day’s adventures over an included meal. Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)

Day
5
Inverness

After this morning’s orientation tour, a lesson in Scotch whisky awaits. We’ll uncover the centuries-old legends and complex processes behind turning malted barley into ‘liquid gold’ – sampling a dram or two while we’re at it. Later, the city is your oyster. Visit Inverness Cathedral, explore the charming Victorian Market or simply hunt down a good pub to relax in. What you do this afternoon is completely up to you! For dinner tonight, why not take advantage of the array of local eateries filled with character and delicious Scottish fare. Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)

Day
6
Inverness – Culloden, Loch Ness and Plockton – Isle of Skye

Our path will lead us eastwards this morning as we make our way to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. Here we’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Highlands and gain a unique insight into the battle that took place on this vast moorland. Next, there’s a chance to spot the elusive Nessie in mysterious Loch Ness – binoculars recommended! Following our monster hunt, we’ll pay a visit to the quaint village of Plockton, where painted cottages cluster around a picturesque bay. After strolling the harbour and observing the passing yachts, we’ll continue on to our final destination of the day: the breathtaking Isle of Skye. At our hotel, we’ll share the excitement for tomorrow’s adventures over an included dinner. Accommodation: Duisdale House Hotel (or similar)

Day
7
Isle of Skye

Sensational landscapes, rare wildlife and imagination-firing history – the Isle of Skye delivers on every level. This is North Highland scenery on a grand scale! We’ll spend the day taking in the island’s unique geology and jaw-dropping scenery – including the extraordinary Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr. After a full day of exploring, we’ll have the evening free to dine at our leisure or relax in our idyllic surrounds. Accommodation: Duisdale House Hotel (or similar)

Day
8
Isle of Skye - Isle of Null

Today we’ll continue our journey through soul-stirring Scottish scenery before taking a short ferry ride over to the breathtaking Isle of Mull. Here, the evening will be yours to spend as you please. Accommodation: Western Isles Hotel (or similar)

Day
9
Isle of Mull - Isle of Iona - Isle of Mull

The best way to explore the bewitching Hebrides is by island hopping – so today, we’ll do just that. From Mull’s little village of Fionnphort, we’ll set sail to Iona: where a medieval abbey and revered pilgrimage site await us. After returning to our hotel on Mull, we’ll toast to our Scottish journey with a final dinner together. Accommodation: Western Isles Hotel (or similar)

Day
10
Isle of Mull - Stirling - Edinburgh

Back to the mainland we go. It’s been a tour that’s delved deep into Scotland’s heritage, so it’s only right that we finish with a stop in historic Stirling. A drive through the Old Town will bring us to the magnificent hilltop castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive and significant monuments. Here, we’ll spend some time exploring the castle’s many rooms and soaking up the sweeping views from atop the castle walls. What better way to round off our tour before returning to Edinburgh?

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Tour pricing:

from $7,049

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Meals 

  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

Accommodation

  • 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation

Crew

  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Transport

  • Premium mini-coach transportation

Not included:

Conditions:

Booking an August departure in 2025? You’ll be in Edinburgh during The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – an unforgettable music festival. Applies to 5, 7, 12, 19 and 21 August departures.
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne