Scotland in a Week | Winter | 2025/2026

Scotland in a Week | Winter | 2025/2026

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6 Days From

$1249

$999

Scotland in a Week | Winter | 2025/2026

6 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland

Visiting: Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWSCMA20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1249 $999 Operator discount: -$250 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Scotland in a week-long winter adventure for 2025/2026. Begin your journey in Edinburgh, exploring its historic Royal Mile and iconic castle. Roam freely or join a guided tour to delve into the city's rich history. Travel to Inverness via St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, and Stirling, home to the legendary William Wallace. Cruise along the mystical Loch Ness and visit the picturesque Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Conclude your trip in Glasgow, Scotland's vibrant largest city, known for its live music, gothic cathedral, and quirky charm. This tour includes 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner, ensuring you savor the local flavors while soaking in Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • St. Andrews: If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.

  • Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.

  • Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.

  • Fort William: Heads up ‘Potterheads’. Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express.

  • Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end.

  • Check out Aviemore, a picturesque jewel in the Cairngorms' crown - home to lochs, mountain trails and plenty of panoramic views.

  • Feast your eyes on the railway viaduct – once a calling stop for the magical Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of adventure up ahead, go out in search of haggis, a whisky bar and join the jolly locals before meeting up with the crew tonight, in anticipation of the good times that are yet to come.

Day 2: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!!) to kickstart your love affair with this city. Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street or indulge in some whisky tasting.

Day 3: Edinburgh To Inverness Via St Andrews And Stirling

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for Inverness. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. We make a stop in Stirling, known for its famous Castle nestled right on a hill, and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeeedom!" Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in Inverness amped up for mystical tales.

Day 4: Inverness Via Loch Ness And Aviemore

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness, the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... We'll also check out Aviemore, a picturesque jewel in the Cairngorms' crown - home to lochs, mountain trails and plenty of panoramic views. With breath-taking scenery still in mind, today's sights will leave you more than content with your day's discoveries.

Day 5: Inverness To Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a few days of remote and rugged goodness, a change of pace in Scotland's biggest city is sure to fire things up a notch. Feast your eyes on the railway viaduct – once a calling stop for the magical Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel, which seems to stretch on endlessly. Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for a delicious home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience.

Day 6: End Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say goodbye to your travel squad, and get started on planning the next big travel adventure.

What's Included

  • Meals

    5 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar) is included.

  • Sightseeing

    Visits to St. Andrews, Stirling, Loch Ness, Aviemore, and Glenfinnan Viaduct are included.

  • Cruise

    A cruise along Loch Ness is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tour of Edinburgh Castle and optional home-cooked meal in Glasgow are not included.

  • Transport

    Transport to and from the start and end locations (Edinburgh and Glasgow) is not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Scotland in style with your Contiki crew, enjoying scenic drives and comfortable transportation between Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow, with stops at iconic locations like St. Andrews and Loch Ness.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect on the first day in Edinburgh?

    On the first day in Edinburgh, you can explore the Royal Mile, visit the old Castle, and experience the local culture by searching for haggis, visiting a whisky bar, and mingling with the locals.

  • Is there an optional tour available in Edinburgh?

    Yes, on the second day, you have the option to join a local guide for a tour of Edinburgh Castle, which is situated on an extinct volcano.

  • What are some of the key stops on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness?

    On the way from Edinburgh to Inverness, key stops include St. Andrews, known as the birthplace of golf and home to Scotland’s oldest university, and Stirling, famous for its castle and its association with William Wallace.

  • What can I expect to see at Loch Ness?

    At Loch Ness, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the most voluminous lake in the UK, which is rumored to contain the legendary creature 'Nessie'.

  • What is special about the Glenfinnan Viaduct?

    The Glenfinnan Viaduct is notable for being a filming location for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and offers breathtaking views of Loch Shiel.

  • What can I do in Glasgow?

    In Glasgow, you can enjoy live music, visit the gothic cathedral, and experience the city's unique character. There is also an option to sign up for a delicious home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day of the tour, you will have breakfast in Glasgow and then say goodbye to your travel group, marking the end of the trip.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$1319 $1055

Operator discount: -$264

Monday - Saturday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1285 $1028

Operator discount: -$257

Monday - Saturday

Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$1285 $1028

Operator discount: -$257

Monday - Saturday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$257

Monday - Saturday

Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
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Operator discount: -$257

Monday - Saturday

Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$1349 $1079

Operator discount: -$270

Sunday - Friday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
$1349 $1079

Operator discount: -$270

Wednesday - Monday

Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026
$1349 $1079

Operator discount: -$270

Monday - Saturday

Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$1249 $999

Operator discount: -$250

Monday - Saturday

Jan 26, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$1249 $999

Operator discount: -$250

Monday - Saturday

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$1249 $999

Operator discount: -$250

Friday - Wednesday

Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026
$1249 $999

Operator discount: -$250

Monday - Saturday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$1249 $999

Operator discount: -$250

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.