Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Britain, Ireland, Scotland

Best of Scotland in 11 Days

$2,995 + air • 24-28 people • Begins and ends in Edinburgh

On our 11-day journey along the mossy mountains, salty isles, bottomless lochs and heathered meadows of Scotland, we'll taste the haggis, hear the bagpipes and feel the winds of history blowing through the glens. We'll go time-tripping through evocative stone castles, wander the back lanes of Edinburgh, and gaze across Loch Ness for the one monster we truly wish were real.

Thanks to your guide, Scotland will also "get personal" with you, from stories of heroes great and small, to heartfelt hospitality most would think no longer survived, and traditional music in the pubs that puts a wee and knowing glint in every eye.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Welcome to Scotland

We'll meet around 4 p.m. at our hotel in Edinburgh for a "Welcome to Scotland" get-together. After introductions, we'll take a short walking tour of the Royal Mile and enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Edinburgh (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Conquering Edinburgh Castle

This morning we'll delve into this region's rich history at the Museum of Scotland. Then we're off to conquer Edinburgh Castle and enjoy its dramatic city views. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: St. Andrews and Scone Palace

We'll cross the famous Firth of Forth this morning as we head into the countryside. Our first stop is in the picturesque burgh of Culross, with its narrow cobbled streets and 17th century cottages. Then we're off to St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and home to the world's most famous golf course. After lunch we'll visit Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scotland's kings. Sleep in or near Pitlochry (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Whisky Drams and the Highlands

This morning we'll explore the woodlands, river, and waterfall of the nearby Hermitage. Then we'll return to Pitlochry for a visit to a whisky distillery and a wee dram. After lunch, we'll visit the Pass of Killiecrankie, a breathtaking wooded gorge and site of the important 17th century Battle of Killiecrankie. We'll end the day in the only city of the Highlands, Inverness. Sleep in or near Inverness (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle

Today we'll drive east to visit Culloden, the site of the last battle ever fought on British soil. We'll also stop for a look at the Clava Cairns, an impressive collection of prehistoric burial chambers. This afternoon we'll visit the turreted Cawdor Castle, linked with Shakespeare's Macbeth, and its magnificent gardens. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Inverness or stroll along the banks of the River Ness. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: Medieval Castles and Loch Ness

We'll start out the day with a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched atop a rock next to Loch Ness (monster sightings possible). After lunch in the village of Fort Augustus, we'll stop for the spectacular views of Loch Garry and the beautifully located Eilean Donan Castle, which seems to float on water. We'll end our day on the Isle of Skye. Sleep near the town of Kyleakin (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: The Dramatic Isle of Skye

This morning we'll explore some of Scotland's best scenery with a bus tour of this rugged island. We'll see the dramatic scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula, with its tiny villages, and beautiful bays and inlets. After free time to explore the delightful harbor town of Portree, we'll end the day with dinner together at our country hotel. Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Ben Nevis and Glencoe

This morning we'll ride the ferry back to the mainland, stopping in Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied his troops. We'll also stop in the town of Fort William for a peek at Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Then it's on to thought-provoking Glencoe, site of the infamous massacre. We'll end the day in the coastal town of Oban. Sleep in Oban (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Free Day to Explore Oban

You have the entire day free in Oban. Catch a ferry to the island of Iona (birthplace of Christianity in Scotland), climb up to a breathtaking view from the Colosseum-like McCaig's Tower, or explore the back streets of this charming town. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 10: Bonny Loch Lomond and Edinburgh

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 see the impressive monument to William Wallace and visit Bannockburn, site of Robert the Bruce's famous victory over the English. Tonight we'll toast Scotland as we celebrate with our final dinner together. 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. Cheers!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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