Edinburgh, Aberdeen & Loch Lomond — A Private Passage Through Time

Edinburgh

For your added comfort, a Meet and Greet assistant will welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. Your assistant will help to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver at the airport, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.. A full welcome package will be waiting at your first property, including your itinerary, destination notes, and any admissions or documents you need for the journey ahead.. Exploring Edinburgh's exhilarating Royal Mile is your best way to get acquainted with the city's Old Town. Forming the main thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile is a series of connected cobblestone streets, spanning Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. From eateries, tartan souvenir shops, historic landmarks, and an eclectic collection of museums, the Royal Mile has plenty to discover and offers something for everyone. Within your final trip documents, we'll provide you with the best route for a self-guided discovery of The Royal Mile, covering all points of interests. From palaces to whisky shops, there's so much to discover along this legendary path through Old Town.. Deciding where to eat in any foreign city isn't always the easiest task. To help narrow the field, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for scrumptious bites in Edinburgh, as selected by Memori Tours Destination Experts.

Accommodation: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (B) (Chamber King Room)

Edinburgh

Meet your private driver and guide at your hotel and depart on a half-day tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago. The New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the famous Princes Street with its ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, along with historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. With a structure-free south side of the street, Princes offers panoramic views back across the scenic Old Town, considered one of the most beautiful skylines in Europe. Explore the renowned Royal Mile in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, bookended by the 12th century Edinburgh Castle at one end, and the 16th century Holyrood Palace at the other, residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Spot the prominent St Giles’ Cathedral, a religious focal point for nearly 900 years. Pass the National Museum of Scotland, and learn of the city’s hidden subterranean passages running below street level. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock with an imposing stance upon the historic old town below. Stroll the courtyard and learn about the historic royal residence from the outside before leaving your guide while you visit the inside of the castle, where you can see the lavish interiors, and even the Crown Jewels.

Accommodation: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (B) (Chamber King Room)

Edinburgh, St Andrews

The Kingdom of Fife in Scotland is home to some of the most picturesque towns and villages to be found. Travel through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk and feel transported back in time. The traditional cottages with crow-stepped gable ends appear unchanged from earlier years. Fishing boats lie at rest in the harbor following the bustle of unloading their catch as they have done for centuries. It is not just the villages that give the East Neuk its appeal - the shoreline of the Firth of Forth is dotted with some of the finest beaches in Britain and some of the most spectacular links golf courses. There are attractive shoreline walks to be enjoyed, as well as a vast array of places to visit, from ancient castles and museums, to country parks and nature trails.

Accommodation: The Rusacks Hotel (B) (Classic), Edinburgh

St Andrews, Aberdeen

Crossing the “silvery River Tay” through Dundee on onwards, you first visit of the day could be Glamis Castle, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years. The present Earl is Michael, 18th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Glamis is a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality; a place of enjoyment, reflection, laughter and wonder for all. The castle has witnessed more than 600 years of history and locals take great delight in sharing the many stories, secrets and intriguing tales that surround it. Next, discover architectural marvels and artistic wonders at V&A Dundee, where Scotland's cultural heritage meets contemporary design in a breathtaking waterfront setting. Immerse yourself in exhibitions that celebrate innovation and creativity, making every visit a journey through the past, present, and future of design. Continue to Aberdeen with a stop at Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven. The impressive ruins of Dunnottar Castle sit on the cliff tops looking out over the North Sea. There is plenty to explore in the extensive buildings including barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses. The oldest part of the castle is the chapel which dates back to the mid-14th century. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II are some of the notable names who have visited the castle. The castle also played host to Hollywood star Mel Gibson for the filming of Hamlet.

Accommodation: Maryculter House (B) (Classic River View Room), St Andrews

Aberdeen

Today you'll explore Aberdeen's magnificent Coastal Trail which covers 165 miles of continuous cliff-tops, coves, and breathtaking beaches. With your private driver-guide, you’ll travel around the northeast coast and encounter a wonderful array of wildlife, picturesque harbors and lighthouses. If it’s spectacular scenery and fresh sea air you are after, the Coastal Trail is the one for you. Please note: Per Person entrances fees have not been included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like all entrances included and this can be added.

Accommodation: Maryculter House (B) (Classic River View Room), Aberdeen

Aberdeen, Inverness

Departing the “Granite City” your journey across country takes you to the Spey Valley. This area is famous for distilleries and as you are going to Islay it would be an ideal opportunity to try some out and see what the differences are. These are just a few you can visit - Glenfiddich, Speyside Cooperage, Strathisla, Aberlour, Macallan. As you near Inverness why not stop at Cawdor Castle. A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle, and just what every visitor is looking for ... Scottish history that you can touch and see and sense for yourself. Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and the home of the Cawdor family to this day. Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. The ancient medieval tower was built around the legendary holly-tree.

Accommodation: Kingsmills (B) (Garden Room), Aberdeen

Inverness

Along with your private driver-guide, the Isle of Skye welcomes you to experience its dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque seascapes. Travel by way of the Black Isle to Garve and lonely Achnasheen, down through picturesque Glen Carron to visit the famously romantic 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on a small tidal island, it's one of Scotland's most picturesque and iconic sights. Your tour then continues via Kyle of Lochalsh where you cross "over the sea to Skye" and head for the stunning Ord-Tarskavaig loop road into the hills for spectacular views overlooking the Sound of Sleat. Experience the rural charm of the area, often meeting up with some of the local characters, namely sheep and cattle on the road. Head inland through rolling hills and wild moorlands, ancient forests, bounded by lochs and streams, before heading back for the mainland. Return to Inverness via scenic Loch Duich, the Five Sisters of Kintail Mountains and Glen Moriston before reaching the famous shores of Loch Ness, and stopping for photographs by the loch side. Keep a careful look out, just in case you-know-who makes an appearance.

Accommodation: Kingsmills (B) (Garden Room), Inverness

Inverness, Loch Lomond

After check-out, meet your private driver-guide for a full day transfer to Loch Lomond, taking in some of Scotland's stunning scenery along the way. En route, you'll pass through the stunning Glencoe Valley of the Scottish Highlands, a picturesque and historic pass - as it was the location of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, where 38 members of Clan MacDonald were killed by forces of King William II. Continuing along, you'll pass through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, catching views of the Arrochar Alps as you skirt alongside the shores of the massive loch. Enjoy a visit of the quaint village of Luss, with cottages for the 18th and 19th century workers of the nearby quarry. At the end of the pier, you can gaze out over Loch Lomond with the imposing Ben Lomond in the background. Conclude your day on arrival to Loch Lomond.

Accommodation: Cameron House on Loch Lomond (B) (Classic Room), Inverness

Loch Lomond, Glasgow

Meet your private driver for a transfer to Glasgow. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.