Essential Scotland
Essential Scotland
Essential Scotland
7 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry, Inverness, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Fort William, Inveraray, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 35
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
If you are ready to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary castles, and fascinating cities in the UK, this 10-day small-group tour of Scotland is for you! Your journey will begin in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, known for its medieval streets, ancient buildings, and bustling atmosphere. Visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will uncover thousands of years of history and take in the incredible views of the city. From there you will travel to Stirling, where you will visit the Wallace Monument, built in honor of the 13th-century hero William Wallace, and see the Blair Castle in Pitlochry before you explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Explore Fort Augustus, a charming town in Northern Scotland, from where you will board your boat to Loch Ness Lake. Learn about the legend of the Loch Ness Monster as you sail along the misty waters of the lake and see if you can spot the great creature. Next, you will explore the medieval ruins of the Urquhart Castle, which was once one of the largest castles in Scotland, before you drive to Fort William, the Gateway to Ben Nevis — the highest mountain peak in the UK. Head on a stroll around Lake Lamond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland, before you make your way to Glasgow, known for its incredible music scene and fascinating festivals and events. Your small-group tour of Scotland will come to an end in this fascinating city!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh Arrival (-/-/-)
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: JURYS INN
Welcome to Edinburgh! Upon arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can enjoy free time to explore the area, rest, and relax until your tour begins.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 2: Edinburgh (B/-/-)
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: JURYS INN
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your morning at leisure digging deep into the rich history and warm culture of Scotland. In the afternoon you will do a sightseeing tour with a local guide to Scotlands capital city and one of the most active cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle overlooks the city, its steep streets and its parks.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 3: Edinburgh (B/-/-)
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: JURYS INN
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day free at leisure. Stroll through the Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the breathtaking Palace of Holyrood house. Soak up the city's festive atmosphere.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 4: Edinburgh — Stirling — Pitlochry — Blair Castle - Inverness (B/-/-)
Location: Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, You will be traveling to northern Scotland, visiting Stirling, famous for its historic downtown area and the castle that sits atop the mighty Castle Hill. Continuing north, not far from the village of Dunkeld, you will stop at Hermitage Forest to enjoy a nature walk along pleasant paths of low difficulty, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels and ages. Your next stop will be Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of the Scottish region where more whisky is produced. Here, you will visit a traditional whisky distillery (entrance included) and have time for lunch. After the break, you can explore Blair Castle (entrance not included) and its impressive grounds. You will then continue traveling north, aiming for a late-afternoon arrival in Inverness, a seaside town close to the world-famous Loch Ness. Please note that hotel and room availability in northern Scotland can be quite limited. For some departure dates, typically in the peak-season month of August, you may need to arrange accommodation in towns around Inverness due to the limited availability. Please note that due to capacity limitations in traditional distilleries, sometimes the visit can be arranged on a Saturday in Edinburgh as part of the \"Whisky & Gin tour,\" where you will visit the manufacturing processes and enjoy tastings of both gin and whisky.
Overnight in Inverness
Day 5: Inverness (B/-/-)
Location: Inverness, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, you will have a day full of excitement as you travel along the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs and plains of northern Scotland. You will visit the fascinating Eilean Donan Castle probably the most photographed fortress in the entire country (entrance included). Next, you will travel to Fort Augustus where you will visit the sluice gate system. Time to have lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, travel to Loch Ness and go on a boat tour on the lakes dark and mysterious waters. After that, visit the medieval castle of Urquhart (entrance included).
Overnight in Inverness
Day 6: Inverness — Fort William — Inveraray - Loch Lomond — Glasgow (B/-/-)
Location: Inverness, Fort William, Inveraray, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: URYS INN GLASGOW
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning after breakfast, continue enjoying a stage with gorgeous landscapes. You will make a brief stop at Spean Bridge to visit a monument that speaks about the Second World War. You will later stop in Fort William, a tourist center at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Then you will go to Kilchurn Castle, which displays its beautiful ruins right by a dark lake. Inveraray is a quite picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne with a large castle and quiet streets. Lunchtime. Time to return to contouring Loch Lomond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland. Time for a stroll around Balloch, the liveliest town on its banks. Arrival in Glasgow at midafternoon. Time for a stroll around the center of this lively city.
Overnight in Glasgow
Day 7: Glasgow — (B/-/-)
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will make your own way to the airport in Glasgow to board your flight back home.
What's Included
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06 nights accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at superior hotels or similar
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Daily breakfast
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Arrival airport transfers
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Service of Bilingual/English-speaking local tour guide
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All Transportation in a modern AC Motor Coach
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All Tours and Sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary
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Stirling castle
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Whisky distillery in Pitlochry
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Eilean Donan castle
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Urquhart castle
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities
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Departure airport transfer
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 6 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at superior hotels or similar.
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Is breakfast included in the tour package?
Yes, daily breakfast is included in the tour package.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Arrival airport transfers are included, but departure airport transfers are not included.
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Will there be a local tour guide during the tour?
Yes, the service of a bilingual/English-speaking local tour guide is included.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
All transportation is provided in a modern AC Motor Coach.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to Stirling Castle, a whisky distillery in Pitlochry, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and a boat ride in Loch Ness Lake are included.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a city tour in Edinburgh, a visit to Stirling Castle, a whisky distillery in Pitlochry, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and a boat ride in Loch Ness Lake.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Items of a personal nature, tips, gratuities, and items not mentioned as included are not covered by the tour package.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Edinburgh, Scotland, and ends in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Is luggage handling included in the tour package?
Yes, luggage handling at hotels is included.
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Are there any taxes included in the tour package?
Yes, all local applicable taxes are included.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.