Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands

Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands

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8 Days From

$4500

$3600

Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands

8 Days Starting and ending in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Visiting: Edinburgh, Dunblane, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Pitlochry, Braemar

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ASD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

From: $4500 $3600 Operator discount: -$900 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland with the "Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands" tour. This adventure begins in the historic city of Edinburgh, where you'll explore iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and enjoy panoramic views from Arthur's Seat. Travel through time with visits to Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle, and the Battle of Bannockburn site. Experience the charm of a steam train ride on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and relax on a scenic boat ride on Loch Lomond. Discover the beauty of the Highlands with visits to Doune Castle, the Scottish Crannog Centre, and the Balmoral Estate. Conclude your journey with a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Enjoy comfortable stays in three distinct hotels, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Scotland's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Experience classic Scotland, from historic Edinburgh to the majestic Highlands

  • Take a walking tour of the capital, climbing Arthur’s Seat for stretching views

  • Board a historic steam train for a scenic journey on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway

  • Dive into the history and heritage of Scotland at the Balmoral Estate and ancient castles

  • Enjoy a picturesque boat ride on the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond

  • Sip single malt Scotch whisky on a tour of Royal Lochnagar Distillery

  • Visit Stirling Castle and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn

  • Explore the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle, a filming location for Outlander and Game of Thrones

Places You'll See

Edinburgh Castle

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre

Meals Included: Dinner

This trip starts in historic Edinburgh. Meet your tour leader at 4pm at the hotel reception for the welcome briefing. Then enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, in which we get to know each other a little better. If you arrive early, consider heading into the New Town to look around the art galleries or enjoy the varied shopping opportunities of Princes Street.



Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)

Day 2 : Edinburgh Guided Tour; Ascend Arthur's Seat

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our Edinburgh city tour begins at its most ancient stronghold: Edinburgh Castle. It was the home of James VI, the king who united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603.



We then head to King Charles’ official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We continue our tour into the Old Town and meander through the many bustling streets that make up the Royal Mile.



We finish the tour by ascending Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and said to be the location of King Arthur’s Camelot. The climb, which you can sit out if you’d prefer to relax, takes around 2hr 30min and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the city from the top.



Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (or similar)

Day 3 : Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle And Traditional Steam Train Journey

Location: Dunblane

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin with a visit to the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, where we join a guided tour to learn how it has inspired the imaginations of writers and artists throughout the centuries. This afternoon, visit Midhope Castle, the ancestral home of the fictional Jamie Fraser from the TV series Outlander, where it was known as Lallybroch. End the day with a scenic 10mi (16km) trip aboard a steam train on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Our journey takes us along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. We then transfer (30 minutes) to our second hotel in Dunblane.



Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Day 4 : Stirling Castle And Battle Of Bannockburn Experience

Location: Stirling

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit Stirling Castle today, one of the most historically significant castles in Scotland. Explore the great hall, chapel, palace vaults and Queen Anne Gardens, plus exhibitions and museums. Then visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge crossing the River Forth. It’s best known as the spot where Sir William Wallace of Scotland defeated Edward I’s English army in 1297.



Continue our journey through history and visit the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, fought King Edward II’s army for Scottish Independence in 1314. We have free time to explore the site and peruse the visitor centre.



Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Day 5 : Scenic Boat Ride On Loch Lomond Before A Gentle Walk Along The Loch Shores

Location: Loch Lomond

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a picturesque one-hour journey to Loch Lomond through Trossachs National Park, home to a small mountain range. Upon arrival, we join a leisurely boat trip around the waters. Over one hour or so, we enjoy scenic views of Ben Lomond mountain and pass several stately homes and castles.



In the afternoon after a cafe lunch, enjoy serene views on a 3mi-4mi (5km-6.5km) walk along the loch shores. We then transfer back to Dunblane for the evening.



Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (or similar)

Day 6 : Visit To Doune Castle; Highland Cow Experience; Scottish Crannog Centre Visit

Location: Pitlochry

Accommodation Name: Atholl Palace Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our first stop today is the medieval stronghold of Doune Castle, a filming location for Outlander, Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where we have free time to explore. Next up, is the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Callander, a well-known Scottish shop where you can purchase traditional Scottish tweed, enjoy a coffee, and say hello to Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly – the resident Highland cows. After lunch, we journey north to visit the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay for an insight into the lives of the crannog dwellers who lived on the loch 2,500 years ago. We then transfer 30 minutes to Pitlochry and our next hotel.



Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : Visit Braemar In The Cairngorms National Park; Balmoral Visit Before A Whisky Tasting

Location: Braemar

Accommodation Name: Atholl Palace Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer (approximately one hour) to Braemar village in the Cairngorms National Park. Here we have time to explore and visit the Highland Games Museum before taking a leisurely walk to the Balmoral estate, home of the late Queen Elizabeth II. We can take the opportunity to visit the gift shop (depending on operating hours) or walk around the awe-inspiring grounds.



Finish the day with a whisky tasking at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which occupies a picturesque spot at the bottom of the Cairngorm mountains, beside the River Dee. Led by one of their in-house experts, we take a one-hour tour of the distillery and enjoy two tastings of their single malt Scotch whisky.



We then transfer back to Pitlochry, where we have our farewell dinner at the hotel, an excellent chance to relive the highlights of the trip and, perhaps, order a last dram.



Accommodation: Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 : Transfer Back To Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure together ends today, and we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) back to Edinburgh to arrive by midday. With so much to see and do in the capital, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour. Speak to your sales representative to book.

What's Included

  • Seven nights in four-star hotels

    Enjoy a comfortable stay in four-star hotels throughout the tour.

  • All breakfasts, two dinners

    Daily breakfast and two dinners are included in the tour package.

  • Entry into Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle, Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, Doune Castle, Crannog Centre, Highland Games Museum, Lochnagar Distillery and tasting

    Entry fees to various historical sites and a whisky tasting at Lochnagar Distillery are included.

  • Loch Lomond boat ride

    Enjoy a picturesque boat ride on the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond.

  • Steam train ride

    Experience a scenic journey on a historic steam train.

  • Tour Leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany you throughout the journey.

  • Minibus throughout

    Transportation by minibus is provided for the duration of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Flights and rail journeys

    Flights and rail journeys to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

  • Visas

    Visa fees and arrangements are not included in the tour package.

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.

  • Single supplement

    An additional charge applies for single occupancy accommodations.

Accommodation

For this Scottish adventure, we stay in a trio of hotels, two in the city and one in the Pitlochry countryside. Edinburgh: Radisson Blu, Edinburgh City Centre (nights 1-2) Spend the first two nights at Radisson Blu, which occupies a prime address in the Royal Mile. The four-star property has 238 rooms, which are modern in style and come with rain showers. The hotel is also home to the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen, which serves Scottish dishes created with local ingredients. There is also a health club with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Dunblane: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (nights 3-5) Taking over what was a Victorian health spa resort, this DoubleTree by Hilton has a long history of hospitality. The traditional rooms have views over the Perthshire countryside, plus there’s The Kailyard by Nick Nairn restaurant, which serves farm-to-fork dishes. The hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and fitness room. Pitlochry: Atholl Palace Hotel (nights 6-7) The Atholl Palace has classic Scottish countryside elegance with traditional rooms decorated with original features. The property also has award-winning gardens and, should you wish to treat yourself, a spa. There’s also plenty of food and drink options, including the Verandah Restaurant, which serves Scottish produce with views over the Tummel Valley, and the Stags Head Bar, where you can enjoy malt whiskies and their own Atholl Palace Gin.

Food

All breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners and one whisky tasting included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Scotland in comfort with a minibus throughout the tour, ensuring seamless transfers between destinations. Enjoy a scenic steam train journey on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, offering picturesque views of the Forth Estuary and surrounding landscapes. The tour also includes a picturesque boat ride on Loch Lomond, providing a unique perspective of Scotland's natural beauty.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in a trio of four-star hotels. In Edinburgh, you'll stay at the Radisson Blu, which is located in the city centre. In Dunblane, accommodation is at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, a hotel with a history as a Victorian health spa resort. Finally, in Pitlochry, you'll stay at the Atholl Palace Hotel, known for its classic Scottish countryside elegance.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes all breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners. Additionally, there is a whisky tasting included as part of the tour.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as a walking tour of Edinburgh, a steam train journey on the Heritage Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, visits to historic sites like Rosslyn Chapel, Midhope Castle, Stirling Castle, and the Battle of Bannockburn site. You'll also enjoy a boat ride on Loch Lomond, a visit to Doune Castle, a Highland cow experience, and a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

  • Is there a tour leader throughout the trip?

    Yes, a tour leader will accompany the group throughout the trip to guide and assist with the itinerary.

  • What is the mode of transportation during the tour?

    Transportation throughout the tour is provided by a minibus, ensuring comfortable travel between destinations.

  • Is there a farewell event at the end of the tour?

    Yes, there is a farewell dinner at the Atholl Palace Hotel on the last night of the tour, providing an opportunity to relive the highlights of the trip.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.