You'll get all this!
In this 11-day journey that begins and ends in Edinburgh, you'll be immersed in the rich culture and history of Scotland. You'll visit windswept St. Andrews; an island distillery; Inverness in the Highlands; Lochs Ness, Garry and Lomond; the Isle of Skye; dramatic Glencoe and seaside Oban; spiritual Isle of Iona; and the craggy castles of Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart.
- A small, friendly group of 24-28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art and culture of Scotland come alive for you
- All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 19 group sightseeing events • Walking tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile • National Museum of Scotland visit • Edinburgh Castle tour • Culross Village tour • St. Andrews Cathedral visit • Hermitage visit • Scottish Crannog Centre tour • Sheep dog demonstration • Culloden Battlefield tour • Clava Cairns tour • Cawdor Castle tour • Urquhart Castle tour • Loch Ness visit • Isle of Skye tour • Whisky distillery tour & tasting • Glencoe visit • Isle of Iona visit • Iona Abbey tour • Stirling Castle...and more
- All group transportation by bus from Edinburgh to Edinburgh
- 10 nights accommodations in memorable, centrally-located hotels and B&Bs
- All breakfasts and half your dinners
- All tips for guides and driver
- Free stuff including Rick Steves' Snapshot Scotland guidebook, map, day pack, moneybelt and earplugs
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2012
- 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
- Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
- Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions Agreement for important details regarding everything listed above
Daily itinerary
Walking Key
- Light = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking throughout the day.
- Moderate = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- Strenuous = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs and uneven terrain.
Day 1: Welcome to Scotland
We'll meet around 5 p.m. at our hotel in Edinburgh for a "Welcome to Scotland" get-together. We'll then take a short neighborhood walk and enjoy getting acquainted over dinner. Sleep in Edinburgh (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Conquering Edinburgh Castle
Today we'll see the best of Edinburgh on foot, starting with a walking tour of the Royal Mile and its wealth of historic buildings, quaint shops, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards. Next we'll start the "hike" through the history of this land at the impressive National Museum of Scotland. Then we're off to tour the birthplace of the city, the massive and imposing Edinburgh Castle to soak up its dramatic views. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: Culross and St. Andrews
We cross the famous Firth of Forth this morning as we head into the Scottish countryside. Our first stop is in the picturesque burgh of Culross, where we'll learn about long-ago lifestyles as we tour a 17th-century cottage "palace." Then we're off to St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and mecca for golfers worldwide. You'll have time to explore the ruins of St. Andrews' medieval Cathedral, watch duffers playing The Old Course, and enjoy lunch. On our way into the Highlands this afternoon, we'll stop to learn about Scottish Romanticism amidst the Black Linn Falls and towering forest of The Hermitage. Tonight we'll sleep in the village of Kenmore (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 4: Crannogs and the Highlands
This morning we'll tour a reconstruction of Scotland's unique crannogs: prehistoric, defensive homesteads built on piers out over the lochs. We'll also learn about the first people to farm in this part of the world, millennia ago. After lunch, talented sheep dogs will entertain us with a demonstration at a working sheep farm, where we'll learn the nitty-gritty of Scotland's wool industry. We'll end the day at our riverside hotel in the Highlands city of Inverness. Sleep in Inverness (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 5: Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle
Today we'll tour evocative Culloden Battlefield where, in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat ended decades of Scottish rebellion against the British. On our way back to Inverness, we'll visit the turreted Cawdor Castle and its magnificent gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Inverness or stroll along the banks of the river. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 6: Medieval Castles and Loch Ness
We'll begin our day with a visit to the Clava Cairns, an impressive collection of Neolithic burial chambers. Then we'll enjoy a panoramic view from the ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched atop a rock overlooking Loch Ness (monster sightings possible). After lunch in the canal-side village of Fort Augustus, we'll stop to admire the surreal setting of Eilean Donan Castle, which appears to float on water. We'll end our day on the rugged Isle of Skye, with dinner together followed by a performance of traditional music at our country manor hotel near Kyleakin, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 7: The Dramatic Isle of Skye
Today we'll experience some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery with a bus tour of Skye. We'll explore the beautiful bays and rocky pinnacles of the Trotternish Peninsula. We'll also tour a whisky distillery, learn about this iconic Scottish industry and enjoy a wee dram of single malt. After free time to wander through the delightful harbor town of Portree, we'll end our day with dinner together. Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 8: Ben Nevis and Glencoe
This morning we'll ride the ferry back to the Scottish mainland, stopping at Bonnie Prince Charlie's striking monument at Glenfinnan. We'll also visit the town of Fort William, nestled at the foot of dramatic Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Then it's on to haunting Glencoe, site of Scotland's most infamous massacre (Campbells and MacDonalds, keep your daggers on the bus). We'll end our day in the scenic coastal town of Oban, where we'll sleep (2 nights, group may be split between two B&Bs). Boat: ½ hr. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 9: Iona
Today we'll board a ferry for the windswept Isle of Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. We'll tour the 800-year-old abbey, where monks created the remarkable Book of Kells, one of the sparks of creativity that pulled Europe out of the Dark Ages. We'll then set you free to explore or find a spot to meditate on this tiny, spiritually-charged island. We'll return to Oban, and our own century, in time for dinner. Ferry: 1½ hrs. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 10: Bonny Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
We'll drive along the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond and through central Scotland on our way back to Edinburgh. En route we'll visit the famous castle of the Stuart Kings, Stirling, including the newly restored Renaissance Palace. Tonight we'll share memories of Scotland and toast new friends at our final dinner together. Sláinte! Sleep in Edinburgh (1 night). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 11: Tour Over After Breakfast
Edinburgh's airport and train station are easy connections from our neighborhood. Glasgow is one hour away by train; London is 90 minutes by air. For those tempted to continue their trip, Edinburgh is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam and many other exciting destinations. Cheerio!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Rick Steves tours are physically active!
This is an integral, essential part of the "back door" experience. On our Best of Scotland in 11 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily...
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways to reach your hotel; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Be on your feet for up to 3 hours walking and standing, both inside museums and outdoors in all weather conditions (hot sun, rain, etc.).
- Sleep with no (or weak) air conditioning and street noise in some hotels.
- Be content with the possibility of sharing bathroom facilities at one hotel during this tour.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
- Walk up steep hills in Edinburgh and at Urquhart Castle.
Pre Tour
Getting ready for your Rick Steves' tour can be overwhelming, so we've put together some specific information on what you should know about this tour before you go. You'll also find more general information about "Getting Ready for Your Tour" on our Tour FAQ.
Sightseeing On Your Own
If you arrive in Edinburgh before your tour begins, use Rick Steves' Snapshot: Scotland guidebook to get oriented. Ride the public transportation and get over your jet lag with lots of fresh air and exercise.
Here are a few suggestions for sightseeing in Edinburgh that we will not do as a group: National Gallery, Scottish Parliament Building, Palace of Holyrood House, Royal Yacht Britannia, St. Giles Cathedral, Rosslyn Chapel. Your guidebook also has plenty of ideas for any extra time you may have before or after your tour and your guide will be happy to help you with post-tour plans.
Transportation
Edinburgh is a major transportation hub, making additional travel before or after your tour quite easy. The most direct route is to fly into and out of Edinburgh. You may also want to consider flying into or out of Glasgow and then taking the train to Edinburgh (about an hour), as many low cost airlines service Glasgow.
Many budget airlines also serve Edinburgh. Both London and Dublin are about a $100, one-hour flight away. For current deals, see www.cheapflights.co.uk. (Note: prices are shown in pounds; multiply by 1.6 to convert to US dollars.) Also ask your travel agent or check Rick's list of European budget airlines. For links to helpful rail and air websites, go to www.ricksteves.com/plan/links and look under "Transportation."
Read Rick's Guide to Eurail Passes (www.ricksteves.com/rail) and decide if your travel plans merit a railpass (or contact our Rail Department for advice at rail@ricksteves.com or 425/771-8303 ext. 214). Britain has some of the highest per-mile ticket prices in Europe; advance-purchase, US-only railpass deals can help keep your costs down.
Prior to your tour departure, you will receive detailed directions on how to get from the airport to your first tour hotel, as well as contact information for your first and last hotels in case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations.
For information about traveling in Scotland, please see Rick Steves' Snapshot: Scotland or Great Britain guidebooks. If you need more information about additional European travel or for specific questions about your tour, contact the Tour Department at 425/608-4217 or email tour@ricksteves.com.
Weather
Scotland can be sunny and warm in mid-summer, but cool temperatures and rain are always possible. With appropriate clothing, even the occasional shower won't slow you down.
For more specific weather information, see www.weatherbase.com or www.weather.com.
Packing
For ideas on what to pack, check Rick's Packing List and our Women's Packing List.
Tour Guide Raves
Martin De Lewandowicz
"Martin was incredibly knowledgeable and made the entire trip a wonderful learning experience. He also went far above the call of duty to accommodate every special need our tour members had. In short, he's a very gifted tour guide, and I consider myself lucky to have traveled with him for almost two weeks."
— John in Corvallis, OR
"Our tour guide, Anne, was the best!!! Her leadership skills, diplomacy, and knowledge of the history and art of Scotland and its place in the world, was phenomenal. I would like to go back to Scotland to see so much that we didn't have time for, but would only do it if Anne was the tour guide."
— Donna in Sellersburg, IN
Favorite tour memories from recent alums:
"Being a sports writer, I was particularly 'wow-icized' at St. Andrews when I stood on one highway and saw the beach where 'Chariots of Fire' scenes were filmed, then turned around and saw the royal and ancient golf club. In reality, this trip was one long highlight reel — castles, cathedrals, history, great stories, music, the sheep dogs. Everything was excellent, and we found ourselves saying 'wow!' every day."
— Robert in Villa Park, IL
"There was one 'wow' after another. Wow, wow, wow...if I had to pick a very favorite memory, it might well be the Isle of Iona because of the antiquity, the peace of the place, and the deep roots in Christianity there which still speak profoundly."
— Vicki in Enterprise, OR
"My favorite place that we visited was the working sheep ranch and the Border collie working dogs....amazing and a great treat!"
— Bonnie in Brookfield, WI
To see more comments on Rick Steves' tours, read through our tour member feedback.
Videos & More
This region is rich in history, art and culture. To help you get the most from your trip, we've put together this collection of travel resources from Rick's TV shows, radio interviews and articles, as well as recommended books, films and music.
Watch
Rick Steves' TV Clips & Shows
(For more Rick Steves' TV clips on this region, visit Rick on YouTube.)
Films
- Brigadoon (1954)
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
- Braveheart (1995)
- Rob Roy (1995)
- Monarch of the Glen (TV series)
Listen
Rick Steves' Radio Interviews
(For more radio interviews on this region, see Rick's Audio Europe™ files for iPod, PC & MP3.)
Rick Steves' Audio Europe™
Music
- Scottish Traditional: Alasdair Fraser, Harry Lauder, Boys of the Lough, Battlefield Band
- Pop/rock: Bay City Rollers, Al Stewart, Susan Boyle
Read
Rick Steves' Articles
(For more articles on this region, see Rick's Best Destinations.)
Books: Non-Fiction
- Rick Steves' Great Britain
- Rick Steves' Snapshot: Scotland
- A History of Britain (3 volumes) — Simon Schama (also available on DVD)
- Traveller's History of Scotland — Andrew Fisher
- The Edinburgh Literary Companion — Andrew Lownie
- How the Scots Invented the Modern World — Arthur Herman
- The Guynd: A Scottish Journal — Belinda Rathbone
Books: Fiction
- Kidnapped — Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie — Muriel Spark
- Knots and Crosses — Ian Rankin
- Death of a Gossip — M. C. Beaton
- Outlander series — Diana Gabaldon
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Discount for tour alums
Free Tour DVD & Catalog
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