Scotland Grand Tour with Driver Guide View Full Screen Itinerary

Arriving into Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, you will be met at the Arrivals Terminal by your local driver guide. With your luggage collected, you will jump into a the luxurious Range Rover Vogue and whisked off to the stunning West Coast of Scotland. The journey today will take you via some of Scotland's most famous sites, Loch Lomond for example, famed around the world due to numerous folk songs and ballads - the beauty here is worth drinking in before making your way to Inveraray Castle.

Inverarary Castle is the home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell - one of the largest clans in the world with over 14-million members! For various reasons, this is one of Scotland's most important castles, and as you would expect steeped in captivating history. We take the time today to tour the castle learning more about the important and often controversial role the Clan and various Dukes have played in the history of both Scotland and Great Britain. Inverarary recently featured in Downton Abbey, the hit TV show depicting the early 20th century 'upstairs, downstairs' life of a stately home. 

Moving on from the grandeaur of Inveraray, your driver guide will snake his way through the dramatic mountainous landscape towards the coast, arriving into Oban a charming west coast fishing port. Here you will check-in to your luxurious castle hotel. The Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa is situated just 10-minutes outside the town of Oban, on a 300-acre private islands accessed via road bridge. Check-in and enjoy the secluded grounds and castle accommodation before a sumptious dinner with local Highland produce. 

Enjoy an after dinner whisky by the roaring fireplace in the cosy small bar. 

Acccommodation: The Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa. Standard Double Room in Main Castle on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

What can be better than waking up on the West Coast of Scotland in a beautiful castle located on its very own private island! This morning enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast and walk arond the gardens and grounds before joining your driver guide and hitting the road. Together with your driver guide you will be heading a short drive south of Oban to the tiny fishing village of Easdale. Here you will be embarking on a fascinating marine safari with local experts and guides. The safari will head out and thread its way through local islands and together with your skipper, you will keep an eye our for seals, dolpins, otters and both Golden and Sea eagles! This unique trip may also take you close to the world's largest natural whirlpool, however this depends on the tides and whether conditions, nonetheless your skipper will enthrall you with tales of the area as well as bringing you up to speed with all the incredible marine wildlife we have in our waters here. 

Following lunch on returning to shore, either taking in Easdale or in the charming harbour town of Oban (great seafood restaurants!) it will be time to drive on towards the remote mainland peninsula of Ardnamurchan. Along the way, keep an eye out for castles perched on rocky islands and outcrops.

Your journey takes in a short ferry crossing across Loch Linnhe, before a long drive out west to the UK's most western mainland point! Here the roads narrow to single-track roads and the views of the beautiful sea lochs only increase in beauty. Ardnamurchan has a unique feel for the mainland, being so remote, the mainland peninsula has its own island feel. Small communities, teeming wildlife and nature in abundance - from the western reaches of the peninsula the views across to 'neighbouring islands' are captivating whilst standing at the famous Stevenson lighthouse. 

Your destination today of course is the 13th century castle hotel, Mingary Castle. Recently completely refurbished having been in a ruinous state for centuries, the castle is today run as a beautiful boutique property with only 6-rooms. Expect to be amazed here not only by the castle but also the incredible high-end cuisine. Travel back in time walking the ramparts watching passing far off vessels navigate the Sound of Mull. Keep your eyes peeled on the rockpools below for ottars and above for the resident Sea eagles.  

Accommodation: Mingary Castle Hotel, MacDonald Suite on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Enjoy a lazy start to the day at your castle stronghold. The thick walls of this 13th centuary castle provide the perfect hideaway from the rest of the world. Enjoy breakfast in your own time before setting off for a walk, or jumping in with your driver guide who will take you to the local breathtaking beaches, the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and / or on a guided walk. 

Today is mostly about relaxing and exploring an area that feels a million miles away from the rest of the world. We're able to leave you to your own devices should you wish, or potter on the peninula if you wish. We can consider a visit the Ardnamurchan Distillery, although the whisky here is still in its 8-year maturation process, the distillery provides illumating tours of the whisky making process and when the bottles hit the market in the not too distant future, you will always remember your tour of this remote distillery. If the stars align we could also arrange a special 'off-market' visit to Kinlochmoidart House, one of the few remaining private 'Scottish Big Houses' - grand Highland lodges that are adorned with beautiful memorbealia and articfats from bygone ages. The quintessential Baronial Scots dream - perhaps stuck in a Victorian timewarp. 

Leaving behind Ardnamurchan today you will follow some of the road out west known as 'the road to the isles', this follows the Jacobite steam route which cuts its way through dramatic glens and rocky outcrops. If we time our journey right, we may even be afforded a glimpes of this beautiful steam train and she puffs her way out to Mallaig - the once hugely important Herring fishing port. 

The drive out west will allow us to stop off at some famous Jacobite sites, the Glenfinnan Memorial for example where it is said Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived and met the clans before the attempted uprising (as featured in the Outlander TV series).

Our destination this morning is Mallaig - but en-route will pass by some of the area's famed white sandy beaches (as used in the cult classic filmed 'Local Hero' - if you've not see this movie I suggest watching it before you come to Scotland!), with far reaching views to the Small Isles, Hebridean islands such as Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.

This part of Scotland seems more like Norway that Scotland - the islands rise out of the ocean as if sculpted by Norse Gods! It's easy to forget that the area was controlled and run by Vikings for centuries and many Scottish Clans trace their roots infact back to the Viking settlers - as to most West Coast place names. The Isle of Skye for example, 'Skye' meaning cloudy in Old Norse!

On reaching Mallaig, today you will meet our local skipper. Billy is an ex-fisherman turned local guide who enjoys nothing more than taking visitors from around the world out onto the water in his private 40-ft motoryacht. He'll enthrall you with captivating stories of old and more recent times. Bringing to life the area with stories you will not find in the guide books. Learn how the area was a Jacobite stronghold, why the area was chosen as the perfect training ground for WW2 Commandos and the original Special Forces, and discover what it means to grow up and make a living of the land and sea today! 

You private marine safari with Billy will see you cross from the mainland village of Mallaig, to the southern tip of the Isle of Skye! Along the way expect to haul up Billy lobster pots and even try your hand at fishing - you will also be treated to a luxury seafood platter onboard and be able to sample a dram or two of the regions lesser known whisky. Once dropped off on Skye you will reconnect with your driver guide and the Range Rover, and be driven the short 10-minute journey to your luxurious Highland Lodge. 

Dinner tonight will be at the lodge, the food here is exceptional - with a Michelin starred chef the reputation of Kinloch Lodge for food has been well earned. 

Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge in a Cosy Sea-view Double on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Today is an exploration of the Isle of Skye by road with your driver guide.

Heading north from the southern tip of the island, you will be free to explore areas of your own interest based on your pre-trip research, or allow your driver guide to take you to the island's most famous sites.

Visit Dunvegan Castle, the clan seat of the Macleods who for centuries have owned the lands across the island and still do to this day, head down Glen Brittle to the famous Fairy Pools and marvel at the imposing Cuillin mountains looming high above - one of the few Alpine ridgelines in Scotland. Why not pop up to Talisker and Carboots or meander your way across to the charming fishing port of Portree to grab a traditional fish and chips (watch out for the hungry seagulls!).  

Heading home after a day's exploration to the comfort and luxury of Kinloch Lodge, enjoy a relaxing dram by the fireside before an incredible dinner in the dining room. 

Accommodation: Kinloch Lodge, Cosy Seaview Double Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Enjoy breakfast at Kinloch Lodge looking across the Sound of Sleat to the mainland in the south. Checking-out of the lodge, you will drive the short distance across to the mainland via a road bridge, here you will take a very short detour to perhaps the most recognisable castle in Scotland, or the world, Eilean Donan Castle! 

Arriving at the castle, you will be able to buy tickets at around £10 per person for a self-guided tour. The history of the castle is utterly fascinating - and a tour will take in the region of 45-minutes to an hour. 

Heading on from the castle, you will be driven north along one of the West Coast of Scotland's most beautiful drives, heading to Plockton, Applecross and ultimately up to Torridon. Here the geology is otherwordly, with mountains rising out of the water towering above the sea-lochs. 

Check-in today to The Torridon for a relaxing stay at one of Scotland's premier hotels. 

Accommdation: Main Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Heading on from the castle, you will be heading along the southern stretch of the now world-famous driving route, the North Coast 500 or NC500. You will be aiming for Alladale Wilderness Reserve today, where you will meet the owner Paul Lister for a late lunch. Learn more about Paul's incredible rewildling project and the trailblazing movement he's pretty much pioneered here in the Scottish Highlands. Paul's 23,000 acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve is a marvel, it is here that Europe's most western outpost of the Boreal forest clings on and here that one day we hope to see the likes of reintroduced species such as wolves and lynx. 

After an afternoon 4x4 safari or tour of the reserve with an Alladale Ranger, you will head our to the east coast, to the history town of Dornoch. Here you check-in to Dornoch Castle Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in the town, the castle is now a hotel in the centre and provides a cosy traditional atmosphere to savour. 

Accommodation: Dornoch Castle Hotel, Tower Room on a Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

This morning on checking-out of Dornoch Castle Hotel you will drive the very short hop to the home of the Duke of Sutherland. Dunrobin Castle is in our opinion, the very best stately home in Scotland - an assult on the senses, this is opulence defined. Once the richest family in Europe, the castle being their family seat reflects this immense wealth in both architectural design and interior decor. Journey through the galleries and rooms soaking up the history and art - take your time and marvel. 

Inspired by your visit to Dunrobin, your driver guide will take a detour to one of the Highland's most charming wee market towns, Beauly. Here you can visit Campbell's of Beauly, the highland tailor and tweed outfitter, and across the steet directly opposite is Iain Marr Antiques, specialising in Inverness Silver and rare highland curios and gems. This is a superb experience, you will meet geninue locals who are experts in their fields with a lifetime of knowledge and an obvious passion. Regale stories with Iain of your recent visits and travels and allow him to host you for an espresso or dram before hitting the road once more! 

From Beauly you will head across the Cromarty Firth to Inverness, where a short distance to the east is the famous Culloden Battlefield. Here we recommend you embark on a self-guided audio tour of the battlefield, the audio headsets guide you across the battlefield and bring to life the scene. This was the last battle fought on British soil, and the ultimate end to the Jacobite cause and a way of life here in the Scottish Highlands. The whole clan system disappated as a result. Learn more about this at the visitors centre on-site and gain a much more real understanding of events portrayed in the hit TV show Outlander. 

From Culloden Moor, your drive takes you winding up and over the famous Tomintoul road, passed one of Scotland's ski-stations high in the mountains and down into Royal Deeside, so named as it's the home of the Royal family when they are in residence at their castle, Balmoral Castle. You will be checking-into one of Scotland's most unique hotels. The Fife Arms, is something of a wonder. Owned by the world's largest independant art dealers, it's home to 14,000 peices of individual art work, including works by Picasso and many otheres. We are sure you will appreciate this magical trip back to the golden age, where Victoriana was all the rage. 

Tonight we've booked a table for you in the Clunie Restaurant on-site. 

Accommodation: The Fife Arms, Victoriana Suite, Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Traditional Scotland - Private Highland Pony-Picnic, by Balmoral

Journey through Glenshee heading south towards Edinburgh. Today we can travel to Edinburgh via a detour to St Andrews. Here we can visit the ruins of St Andrews Abbey, wonder the beautiful streets of this world famous small town on Scotland's East Coast, as well as visit the Old Course, the home of golf!

Leaving St Andrews, we will head to Falkland, this a sleepy small town in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife, here you will step back in time hundreds of years to a town that seems frozen in time. Visit Falkland Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots once lived, wonder the narrow streets and alleyways used for the filming of Outlander (as Inveress in series one). 

Leaving Falkland, your driver will head over the brand new Queensferry Crossing Bridge from Fife to Lothian, heading to Edinburgh. Alongside the bridge, sits the Forth Road Bridge as well as the Victorian era Forth Rail Bridge - arguably the world's most famous canterlever bridge. Your driver will take you down to the historic village of South Queensferry for a quick detour. Here you will see the bridge from up close, and gain a sense of the setting for many of Robert Lewis Stevenson's books such as 'Kidnapped' set in the 1700's. 

Shortly after Queensferry and the bridges, you will arrive into Edinburgh. You are checking into one of the city's most quirkie and interesting hotels, this boutique property sits at the top of the Royal Mile, just a stone's throw from the portcullis of Edinburgh Castle and the esplanade. You will be staying right in the beating heart of the medieval Old Town of Edinburgh. 

Accommodation: The Witchery By The Castle, Suite on Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Today you will be waking up in the centre of beautiful and atmospheric Edinburgh. There is a special buzz about the Old Town, the air has an energy that is hard to describe but it is certainly there! Enjoy breakfast before taking a mooch around town discovering hidden gems and quickie shops that have been there for years. Speak to your guide for the best recommendations and tips.

Later this morning you will be meeting up with our local antiques guide, hoping in with your driver once more, the three of you will be ferried around the city (short journeys) between the city's most interesting hidden gem shops and dealers. Your guide is also a luxury Scottish fashion expert, and can show you the very best of tweed tailors, kilt-makers, dress makers and artisnal makers - from bagpipe shops to leather workers - today's time with your expert local guide will mean you can come away having hit the nail on the head with your city souvenir shopping. Around mid-afternoon you will be left to your own devices and armed with top recommendations based on your tastes - enjoy exploring once more on foot soaking up the atmosphere and best of Edinburgh. 

Accommodation: The Witchery By The Castle: Suite on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

This morning you will be checking out of The Witchery By the Castle. After a morning on the esplanade caputuring some final photographs of the city skyline, it will be time to jump in with your driver guide who will show transfer you out of the city directly to Edinburgh Airport. 

Here you will say goodbye to your guide who will bid you safe travels on to London and home to the USA. 

Thank you so much for choosing to travel with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions, it means a huge amount to us and we hope we have exceeded your expectations of Scotland with this carefully curated trip of discovery through the Highlands.