A Scottish Journey 2022

A Scottish Journey 2022

351 Views

A Scottish Journey 2022

10 Days Starting in Edinburgh, UK and ending in Edinburgh

Visiting: Scotland, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Back-Roads Touring

Tour code:

BEHSJEE-2

Recommended For:

50 plus, Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Shopping, Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Towering mountains and enchanting lochs. Dramatic castles and quaint villages. Infamous battles and gripping legends. This Scottish Journey takes us from coastal cities to Hebridean islands, seeking out one-of-a-kind landscapes, mesmerising history and undeniable charm.

Highlights

  • Spend days touring the breathtaking Isle of Skye and Isle of Mull

  • Uncover the intricacies behind Scottish whisky culture with a tasting experience

  • Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Culloden Battlefield

Places You'll See

Cairngorms National Park - We'll Explore The Stunning Surrounds Of Cairngorms National Park, Heading To Specially Chosen Viewpoints-

Duart Castle - Visit The Grand Staterooms And Empty Dungeons Of The Imposing Duart Castle – The Oldest Inhabited Castle On The Island.

Cairngorms National Park - We'll Explore The Stunning Surrounds Of Cairngorms National Park, Heading To Specially Chosen Viewpoints-

Duart Castle - Visit The Grand Staterooms And Empty Dungeons Of The Imposing Duart Castle – The Oldest Inhabited Castle On The Island.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Eden Locke (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Majestic landscapes, scenic roads and imagination-firing landscapes: Scotland delivers on every level. After meeting the group at our hotel, we’ll get to know each other over a delicious welcome meal.

Day 2: Edinburgh – St Andrews – Aviemore

Accommodation: TBC

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and take to the scenic route. Now, the journey begins! Travelling along the coast, we’ll stop in at tiny East Neuk fishing villages before reaching St Andrews: a small town with a big reputation for world-class golf. Next, we’ll visit the historic town of Dunkeld, enjoying a walk around to discover its medieval cathedral. Later today, we’ll check into our accommodation in Aviemore.

Day 3: Aviemore – Cairngorms National Park – Aviemore

Accommodation: TBC

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get ready to delve into a day of truly authentic Scottish experiences. First, we'll explore the stunning surrounds of Cairngorms National Park, heading to specially chosen viewpoints. Next, we’ll stop at the open-air Highland Folk Museum, used as the filming location for the TV series Outlander. Then, a lesson in Scotch whisky awaits. We’ll uncover the centuries-old legends and intricate processes behind turning malted barley into ‘liquid gold’ – sampling a dram or two while we’re at it. This evening, we’ll have some free time to spend as we wish.

Day 4: Aviemore – Culloden – Loch Ness – Inverness

Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our day will begin in dramatic fashion as we travel through the awe-inspiring scenery of Cairngorms National Park on the way to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield. At the Visitor Centre, we’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of the Highlands and gain a unique insight into the battle that took place on this vast moorland. Next, a chance to spot the illusive Nessie in mythical Loch Ness. Our final stop of the day will be Inverness, the welcoming capital of the Highlands. Tonight, we’ll come together to share stories of the day’s adventures over an included meal.

Day 5: Inverness

Accommodation: The Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After this morning’s orientation tour, the city is your oyster. Visit Inverness Castle and Cathedral, explore the charming Victorian Market or simply hunt down a good pub to relax in. What you do today is completely up to you! For dinner tonight, why not take advantage of the array of local eateries filled with character and delicious Scottish fare.

Day 6: Inverness – Plockton – Isle Of Skye

Accommodation: Redwood House (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning: a visit to the quaint village of Plockton, where painted cottages cluster around a picturesque bay. We’ll have the opportunity to stroll the harbour and observe the passing yachts – before enjoying lunch at our leisure. The day’s final destination will be the breathtaking region of Skye: our home for the next two nights. At our hotel, we’ll share the excitement for tomorrow’s adventures over an included dinner.

Day 7: Isle Of Skye

Accommodation: Redwood House (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sensational landscapes, rare wildlife and imagination-firing history - the Isle of Skye delivers on every level. This is North Highland scenery on a grand scale! We'll spend the day taking in the island's unique geology and jaw-dropping scenery - including the extraordinary Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr. After a full day of exploring, we'll have the evening free to dine at our leisure or relax in our idyllic surrounds.

Day 8: Isle Of Skye – Isle Of Mull

Accommodation: The Western Isles Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we’ll continue our journey through soul-stirring Scottish scenery before taking a short ferry ride over to the breathtaking Isle of Mull. Here, the evening will be yours to spend as you please.

Day 9: Isle Of Mull – Isle Of Iona – Isle Of Mull

Accommodation: The Western Isles Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

First today, we’ll visit the grand staterooms and empty dungeons of the imposing Duart Castle – the oldest inhabited castle on the island. Then: the best way to see the Hebrides is by island hopping – and this afternoon, we’ll do just that. From Mull’s little village of Fionnphort, we’ll set sail to Iona: where the Abbey and Nunnery await us. After a busy day, we’ll return to our hotel on Mull to enjoy a final dinner together.

Day 10: Isle Of Mull – Stirling – Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Back to the mainland we go. It's been a tour that's delved deep into Scotland's heritage, so it's only right that we finish with a stop in historic Stirling. A drive through the Old Town will bring us to the magnificent hilltop castle, one of Scotland's most impressive and significant monuments. Here, we'll spend some time exploring the castle's many rooms and soaking up the sweeping views from atop the castle walls. What better way to round off our tour before returning to Edinburgh.

What's Included

  • Entrance Fees

  • Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

  • Guide

    Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

  • Country Entry Visas

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Hand Picked and Boutique

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    All Entrance fees listed are included

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No they are not.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on final documentation

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Guests from all over the world could be joining you

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No they are not.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    From the Age of 13

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, All guides are English speaking

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's

  • What is the tipping policy?

    At the discretion of the guest

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Euro

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, please request at time of booking

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes the Coach is air-conditioned

  • What is the maximum group size?

    18 is the maximum on any tour

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Ample free time due to low drive days

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

    We have solo capacity, however no single share.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.

  • What level of mobility do I need?

    You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.

  • Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

    The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.

  • What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?

    The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.

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

    All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.

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

    Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.

Reviews of this Operator

Elspeth Chalmers (Google Reviewer)  

Wow what an incredible trip!...

22-Jun-2023

Wow what an incredible trip! Backroads thought of everything and the staff were incredible. We had an unbelievable experience.

Cindy Black  

13 trips and still amazed!

04-May-2018

This was my 13th trip with Backroads and it definitely exceeded my expectations, which is harder and harder to do!

Lori Harmon (Google Reviewer)  

Backroads is a premium travel/adventure...

12-Oct-2023

Backroads is a premium travel/adventure company. They provide structure but also promote making the journey your own. Guides highly trained and totally focused on making each person’s experience safe, fun and memorable. They seek out the best opportunities to play hard and rest well. Hands down the best tour company I have experienced.

Roger van den Boogaard (Google Reviewer)  

I had a wonderful experience...

02-Aug-2023

I had a wonderful experience touring Italy, this July 2023, with Backroads. Our tour leader was exceptional in her knowledge of all things around us. Our driver did an amazing job under VERY difficult circumstances. Bravo Luciano. The accommodations were fantastic. The provided meals were delicious.(not to mention the wine tasting🍷 or the ‘two a day’ gelato rule🍦, so we won’t)😁 The scenery as we passed through was astounding, particularly Tuscany and then up into the northern mountains. Breathtaking. Thoroughly enjoyable. Roger.

Debbie Waltermine  

First Experience?

12-Jul-2019

This was our first experience with Backroads and it was wonderful!! Your staff at the office and your group leaders are wonderful—you made it so easy to organize and plan all we needed. Truly a 5 star experience!

julie walton (Google Reviewer)  

We have just come off...

28-May-2023

We have just come off a Back Roads Highlights of Britain Tour 2023! Our tour guide and bus driver were amazing! Shabby our guide absolutely created magic for the whole bus! Magnificent itinerary, incredible commentary from young Shabby with music included to pay homage to the districts we were in! 🎶genius! Talk about an experience of a lifetime! A small group means going to the places the big buses can’t and time to get to know your fellow adventurers! Loved this tour and Back Roads if you’re reading this you have struck gold with your guide Shabby! Highly recommended 👍

Stephanie Breedlove  

Commitment to travellers is brilliant!

26-Sep-2019

The Backroads commitment to a personal level of service is apparent and so very appreciated. The genuine interest and execution of so many detailed extras made a significant difference in the experience. Backroads is truly a Small Giant.

Fiona Balsillie (Google Reviewer)  

Currently on a Portugal tour,...

08-May-2023

Currently on a Portugal tour, at this moment on the Douro river cruise. Sad to say but truely don’t bother. Small little boat we are stuck inside no ventilation limited views and you can’t take pictures due to the closed dirty windows

Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP 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 back-roads touring charges.

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

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.

pts logo

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews