A Scottish Journey

4.5/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Edinburgh
 Trip Finishes
Edinburgh
10 Day A Scottish Journey Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: Scotland
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BSJEE5

Overview

Read 4 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 10 Day A Scottish Journey. As soon as you step foot in Scotland, you’ll be under its spell. Revelling in mystical monsters, snug glens and infamous battles, allow yourself to breathe deeply and take it all in. Bask at the edge of the world where sea meets sky. Wander through centuries-old cities filled with a vibrancy for life. And discover a locally owned whisky room filled with flavours (and their secrets!) beyond your imagination. Wherever the path through Scotland takes you, rest assured the memories...read more made here will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Orange glows from low-lit lamps that dot centuries-old houses, leading the path to a stoned castle on top of the hill. Paths smudged with long forgotten footsteps eager to tell their tale. And an array of locally owned stores that have stood the test of time. Edinburgh is the city that hosts our group meet. We'll gather with those we're sharing this journey with, then clink glasses and share stories of our own as we tuck into a welcome meal. (D)

This morning we'll wind northwards, passing through the quaint villages of East Neuk where the sea breeze will caress your cheeks with its fresh saltwater scent. Then: enjoy free time in St Andrews – where young royalty meets golf heritage. Seek out the University of St Andrews, where a certain love story began its once-upon-a-time. Polish off your golf facts with a venture around the British Golf Museum – home to a rich and colourful history that spans centuries.

Or travel back in time to when St Andrews housed the largest cathedral in all of Scotland; its ruins will evoke a sense of age-old nostalgia, inspiring you to imagine a time without modern buildings, renovated houses and the latest technology. As we head northwards to our hotel in the Highlands, bask in the ever-changing scenery filled with rugged glens and dramatic hills. (B)

Ah that fresh Highland air filling your lungs – there's no feeling like it! We'll begin our day with a visit to one of the treasures Scotland is famed for... a magnificent castle. Prominent and majestic in stature, this piece of history looms over the land like the kings and queens who once lived within its walls reigned over its people – with strength, power and perseverance. With a bounty of castles in the area, you might be wondering which stronghold we'll explore... We'll give the honour of divulging to your local Tour Leader.

Following our stroll into the past, Mother Nature calls our name. Something to be aware of? The weather – as varied as it is in bonnie Scotland – will dictate the atmosphere you experience. Low cloud over mulls and glens promises an ethereal feeling that raises the hairs on the back of your neck – as though a Gaelic witch is brewing a storm, whilst clear blue skies vow vast scenery that never ends. Our minds filled with lush landscapes and local tales, we'll return to our hotel where we can slumber and ready ourselves for Day 4's ventures. (B/D)

Wake up and breathe in your morning coffee – another day of embracing all that Scotland has to offer is right beneath our noses. First: buckle up in the minicoach and watch a cacophony of green forest trees, imposing mountains and shimmering waters flit by from the comfort of your seat as we travel towards the Highlands' capital: Inverness.

Before we cross into city lines, let's have a moment for the Highland Folk Museum. It's Britain's first open-air museum buzzing with direct insight into the past. Embrace scurrying red squirrels, rugged thatched homes and a welcoming smile at every turn. And – for guests who have a passion for all things film and TV, this was a location used for Outlander!

Onwards to Inverness. Settle in for dinner with your newfound travel companions as a local bagpiper welcomes you to this evening's meal, playing traditional notes in a melody that will stir the soul. (B/D)

Greet Inverness with joy – this city is nestled in the heart of the Highlands, where the lingering breath of the Loch Ness monster reaches its tall roofs and winding streets. During our walking tour with a local guide, we'll stroll along the cobbled streets of Old Town, glance towards the towering structure of Inverness Castle, and hear the Scottish war-drums and bagpipes in our minds as ancient tales of days gone by are shared.

Later, secrets will be spilled – and hopefully not a single drop of liquid gold – as we experience a whisky tasting at Malt Rooms, a business created by two locals and their love of traditional beverages. More diverse than your usual distillery which proudly houses a signature label, the Malt Rooms is home to a vast array of Scottish whiskies. So, ask yourself... will you prefer a smoked flavour that caresses your throat? Or will it be a sweet, fruity nectar that lifts your spirits? Bellies warmed; the rest of the day is yours to roam the flourishing city as you please – perhaps that includes a spot of haggis! (B)

Wave a fond “mar sin leat” (farewell in Scottish Gaelic) to the spirited city of Inverness – our next stop is just a short drive away, and it's laden with the ghosts of a bloody battle from 1796. Embrace the gooseflesh along your arms as you hear tales of the Jacobite Rising's final, tragic, end. From harrowing history to magical mythology – keep your eyes peeled for Scotland's favourite monster in the calming waters of Loch Ness. Any slight ripple could be her shyly welcoming you to her home!

Back onto the minicoach for our next stop: Plockton! Or, as it's lovingly known as to the locals – “The Jewel of the Highlands”. Seek out fresh, rose-coloured tulips growing in bunches. Cast your eyes over quaint homes that seem to have tumbled out of an old fairytale. Follow the mountain line under a cloud-filled (or clear blue!) sky. Most importantly, feel the peace this place brings to your soul.

Our journey takes us to our home for the next two nights – the Isle of Skye – where we'll stay at a family-owned hotel surrounded by fragrant gardens and splendid views just a peek through your window. But first, a group dinner with decadent food awaits our arrival! (B/D)

Do you know the origins of the word ‘Skye'? It's derived from Old Norse ‘skuy' meaning ‘cloud island'. That may be an indicator of today's weather – but don't let that stop you from experiencing the isle's mythic charm. Today's journey begins in Portree – a quaint fishing village, and Skye's capital. Dotted along the harbour is a line of pastel-coloured buildings bright enough to tussle with any cloudy day. Stroll beside calm waters, breathe in that fresh Scottish air and pick up a spot of lunch (including Scottish favourite Irn-Bru!) ready to eat during our travels later.

Then, we'll immerse ourselves in the gentle hum of mountains, lochs and castles as golden eagles circle in the sky and wild dolphins jump in the sea. A taste of the sights our eyes will twinkle at today? The Old Man of Storr – famed for hiking and views, Kilt Rock – a cascading waterfall with plunging depths, and Quiraing – a walking route where every tickle of wind caresses your cheek.

This evening, enjoy dinner at your own leisure – we suggest embracing the island life with a plate (or two!) of fresh seafood. (B)

From one island to another, our adventure continues. Let's dive into the origins of Scottish Gaelic a little, giving you some food for thought as we pass through languid lochs, gleaming glens and magnificent Munros (mountains to us!). Irish settlers, known as Scoti, brought the language with them during the 4th or 5th century. From then, the language travelled through the land like a rush of water until the 16th century when it began to decline due to the immergence of English. Some words are preserved and many pockets of the population hope to revive Gaelic culture today.

After a lunch stop in Mallaig (try to find some shortcakes to fill that spot!), our Tour Leader will share more stories and historic anecdotes alongside folklore and fairytales about the enchanted setting we find ourselves in until we settle in our new home for the next two nights: Mull. (B)

Do you believe in fairies? How about mermaids, seal people and sea monsters? Today's stop, the Isle of Iona is a bewitched island, filled with magic, mischief and mystery. Every gale, every scent of seawater, and every patch of glen could hold a tiny glimmer of mystical intrigue if you look close enough.

During our meander across Iona, we'll visit Iona Abbey. Being the oldest Catholic church in the UK (and one of the oldest in Western civilisation), this sacred site holds an unearthly amount of history within its stone walls. If you wander to the edge of the land, you can look out onto the glistening waters and imagine the legends of the deep. Is that a flick of a fin you'll see in the distance? Upon our return to Mull, we'll toast to our Scottish journey and the friendships made with a final dinner together. (B/D)

One final adventure for the road? Before we head back to the point where our tale began, let's create a few more memories for the postcards we send back home. We'll briefly stop in Oban for some free time after we arrive at the mainland. The seafood capital of Scotland boasts a bustling port, crashing waves that rival the anger of the old gods, and all the colours of the rainbow dotted along the harbour.

Our second-to-last stop takes us to Stirling where its magnificent hilltop castle will raise the hairs on the back of your necks as it presides over the city and all who wander there. Once we're inside its gleaming walls adorned with immaculately painted crests, high ceilings and rich, decadent materials, we'll soak up sweeping views, gasp at the enormity of it all, and wonder what whispers haunt the rooms.

Our final journey aboard the minicoach is now upon us, so settle in, swap your favourite memories, and follow the back roads to Edinburgh with a heart full of Scottish stories. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Uncover the intricacies behind Scottish whisky culture with a tasting experience
  • Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Culloden Battlefield
  • Savour time exploring the magnificent Cairngorms National Park

  • 9 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation
  • Luxury minicoach
  • Driver, Trip leader
  • Group size: 18 guests (max)

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'A Scottish Journey' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Outstanding introduction to Scottish Highlands and Islands 4 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2019
We were looking for a tour that would give us as much exposure to Scotland as possible in a limited time and without having to drive ourselves. This tour gave us all of that and more. We covered considerable ground but at a pace that did not feel rushed and which gave us time to visit and explore the key places of interest. The accommodation was excellent ...read more - comfortable but also with plenty of charm and atmosphere. The tour guide was superb - very mindful of our comfort and sensitive to the varied interests of the group. He also had an extraordinary knowledge of Scottish history and the ability to present it in humorous, interesting and relevant ways (and, really, you can't understand Scotland without understanding the history). The fact that we also had a bus driver meant that our guide was freed up to talk without having to focus on driving.

I thoroughly recommend this tour. This was our first experience with Back-Roads and Global Journeys, and I'll certainly look seriously at both organisations for future travel.
Stress Free Travel 5 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2018
Would definitely travel with Back-Roads again. Liked the number of passengers and the pace of the tour. Thank you for your help in organising our wonderful holiday.
A Scottish Holiday 8 , Australia, Jun 2016
Very enjoyable even though the weather wasn't always kind to us. Really enjoyed Isle of Skye as we had lovely weather; previous visit very wet. Free day in Inverness was good as we did a cruise from Drumnadrochit on the Loch Ness to Castle Urquhart.
Exceptional tour 7 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2015
Loved this tour. Accommodation perfect. Staying for 2 nights in one place at a time made it very manageable. The Isle of Sky and Mull blew me away. Loved the time spent in each place. The tour was exceptional. Preferred to have 1 spare seat in the coach, as the back seat can be a bit tight if 4 people in it. Recommend the trip.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.