Highlights of Scotland Small Group Tour – 7 Days

Highlights

• Journey through the dramatic valley of Glencoe and take a 50-minute cruise on Loch Ness — included in the tour price — in search of Scotland's most famous legendary resident
• Walk along Hadrian's Wall at Steel Rigg, explore the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, and visit Vindolanda — one of Roman Britain's most fascinating archaeological sites — with admission included
• Take in the breathtaking Queen's View over Loch Tummel, then enjoy an included distillery tour and whisky tasting — three drams including one straight from the cask — at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
• Discover St Andrews — Scotland's oldest university city, home of golf, and medieval cathedral ruins — and stroll the cobbled harbours of the East Neuk fishing villages of Fife
• Spend a full free day in Edinburgh to explore at your own pace, plus one night's arrival and a farewell morning — making the most of Scotland's magnificent capital city

7-Day Highlights of Scotland Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Edinburgh

   Upon arriving in Edinburgh, make your way to the hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets of the city at your leisure.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands

   Depart Edinburgh, heading north past landmarks like the 30m Kelpies and Stirling Castle. Cross the Highland Fault Line into the Highlands, where the Lowlands give way to sparkling lochs, rugged peaks, and lush glens. Take a quick break in a charming Highland town before continuing through Rannoch Moor to Glencoe, a valley renowned for its steep slopes and stunning views — ideal for photos.

   Drive through the Great Glen beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, arriving in Fort Augustus by Loch Ness. Here, enjoy free time for lunch, a stroll along the Caledonian Canal, or a 50-minute cruise searching for Nessie (subject to weather conditions). Afterward, journey south through the Cairngorms National Park with scenic stops along the way. A final break in Pitlochry leads you through Fife's rolling hills before crossing the iconic Forth Rail Bridge back into Edinburgh. Please note: some tours may run in reverse.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Scottish Borders

   Start your journey on the ancient Roman Dere Street, which once ran from southern Scotland through present-day Northumberland. As you enter the Scottish Borders, pass by historic abbeys and peaceful villages. Your first stop is Jedburgh, where you can explore the narrow streets and admire the impressive ruins of its 12th-century Augustinian Abbey.

   Next, head to Carter Bar, a scenic border crossing at the edge of the Cheviot Hills, marking the Scotland–England border for over 700 years. Continue into Northumberland towards Hadrian's Wall. Stop at Steel Rigg to walk along the wall and enjoy the dramatic views once guarded by Roman soldiers. Visit Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, where entrance is included in the tour price.

   Next, return to Scotland through Dumfries and Galloway, with a stop in Moffat, an old spa town famous for its healing waters and toffee. Finally, journey north, passing the Pentland Hills Regional Park on your way back to Edinburgh.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky

   Leave Edinburgh and cross the Queensferry Crossing, with stunning views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. Head north through Fife to Dunkeld, a charming town by the River Tay. Explore its impressive cathedral or stroll through the tranquil village streets. Next, visit the Hermitage for a woodland walk among towering firs, leading up to the beautiful Black Linn Falls.

   Continue along the River Tay to Pitlochry, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its traditional pubs and cafés. Next, travel through Highland Perthshire to the Queen's View, offering a breathtaking panorama of Loch Tummel and, on clear days, the mystical Schiehallion — the "mountain of the faeries."

   From there, head to Aberfeldy and the Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, where a distillery tour and tasting experience is included — featuring three drams of whisky including an exclusive dram directly from the cask. If the distillery is closed, a visit to Glenturret will be substituted. After your dram, the tour returns south through Perthshire's forests to Edinburgh.

5. 5

   Day 5

   St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife

   Leaving Edinburgh, we head to the iconic Forth Bridges Viewpoint, showcasing three stunning bridges from 1890, 1964, and 2017 — each unique but perfectly complementary. Next, we journey into Fife, rolling through lush hills to the East Neuk, or "East Corner," known for its charming fishing villages and maritime heritage. We stop in Anstruther, where you can explore quaint cobbled streets and walk along the harbour.

   Our next stop is St Andrews, a medieval gem with Scotland's oldest university, a famous golf course, and historic ruins. You'll have free time for lunch and can explore the Old Course, the ruins, or enjoy local treats. We continue to Falkland, a picturesque village with a royal palace and cobblestone streets, featured in Outlander.

   Lastly, we pass Loch Leven, famous for Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment by her Protestant nobles, before crossing the Firth of Forth once more to return to Edinburgh.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Day at Leisure

   Spend a day in Edinburgh at your own pace. Whether you're into history, nature, or simply enjoying the city's lively vibe, the day is yours to explore.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Departure Day

   Following breakfast, your journey comes to an end. Check out of your hotel and depart at your leisure, carrying with you the memories of Scotland's extraordinary landscapes, ancient history, and timeless culture.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Transfer to meet the guide for guided visits
• Return transfer to your hotel after guided visits
• Arrival & departure transfers
• City tax to be paid at the hotel
• Optional attractions available during the tour (payable locally)
• Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included

Additional Information

• You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• The sequence of the tours may change depending on the departure date.
• The Loch Ness cruise is subject to weather conditions.
• If Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery is closed, a visit to Glenturret will be substituted.
• If Vindolanda is closed, Housesteads Roman Fort will be visited instead.
• Tour reference code: 318662

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions