7 Nights, 3* Taste of Scotland, Self-Drive

SELF-DRIVE - Valid for travel between 21 May - 31 October 2025.

Famous cities, sights, historical locations, varying accents and dialects, stunning scenery, cosy pubs, haunting music, humorous and friendly locals - all accompanied by Scotland's  gloriously unpredictable weather!  This Taste of Scotland self-drive itinerary is the perfect way to experience the cityscapes, history and scenic beauty.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Welcome to Bonnie Scotland!

• Arrival to Scotland.  Depending on your time of arrival, you might have time to visit Glasgow, Scotland's largest City.  It is known for its architecture, culture, and art districts as well as acclaimed museums and thriving music scene.  Alternatively stop in Stirling and visit its majestic castle.
• Overnight area Glasgow

Day 2 - Loch Lomond - Glencoe Valley - Fort William

• Head north towards Fort William and drive past the largest Loch of Scotland - Loch Lomond.  Once you leave Loch Lomond behind you, you will notice a change in the landscape.  Brace yourself for windy roads and steep mountains.  Once, you are hit by the full force of the breath-taking and beautiful scenery that is in front of you, you will know that you have reached the Glencoe Valley.  Take advantage of the parking facilities along the road for photos.
• 2 Overnights in the Fort William / Ballachulish area

Day 3 - Fort William - Glenfinnan

• Fort William is a hub for adventurers and hikers.  Today you can either explore the area and go for a hike or venture west towards Mallaig.  You will almost drive parallel to the Jacobite Steam Train.  Stop at Glenfinnan where you will find an interesting visitor centre, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument.  We recommend scheduling your visit according to the times when the Jacobite Steam Train is crossing the viaduct.  Continue to Mallaig.  It's not a big village but is surrounded by lovely white sandy beaches.  Return to Fort William.

Day 4 - Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Cruise - Inverness / Aviemore

• Today, hunt for the mystical monster of Loch Ness - Nessie.  Pass the quaint town of Fort Augustus and continue towards Inverness.  Stop at the Clansman Hotel and enjoy a traditional Cream Tea with a unique view over Loch Ness.  Take a relaxing cruise as you experience the Loch Ness from a different angle and see the famous Urquhart Castle. If you are lucky, Nessie might make an appearance!  You should include a quick visit to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.  We recommend a relaxing walk along the river Ness.
• 2 Overnights in the Inverness / Aviemore area

Day 5 - Speyside - Distillery - Cooperage

• You should explore the Speyside today.  It is currently home to well over 60 distilleries and you should attend a distillery tour including tasting.  We also suggest visiting the Speyside Cooperage.  The only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering (closed Saturday & Sunday).

Day 6 - Cairngorms National Park - Pitlochry - Edinburgh

• Make your way down South.  You will notice that the rugged mountains slowly turn into green hills and forests.  If you fancy a bit of souvenir shopping, we recommend stopping at the House of Brurar, a department store that focusses on Scottish products.  In Pitlochry you should visit the Blair Castle and its gardens.  Continue your journey to Edinburgh.
• 2 Overnights in Edinburgh area

Day 7 - Edinburgh Castle - Royal Mile - Carlton Hill

• Today you have the chance to visit Edinburgh.  Take a stroll along the Royal Mile and visit the Edinburg Castle, sitting proudly atop Castle Rock.  Listen to one of the many pipers in Old Town, enjoy the scenic view from Carlton Hill and visit one of many boutiques on George Street.

Day 8 - Farewell Scotland

• It's time to bid beautiful Scotland farewell....