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Within NZ: (03) 365 0746 • International: +64 3 365 0746
From wild coastlines to iconic castles, historic battlefields to large wilderness areas, spectacular wildlife and stunning scenery, Scotland has so many treasures crammed into this compact nation. Rich in history, culture and ancient architecture, you’ll be made welcome by the hospitable and down to earth locals as you travel around this dramatic and surprising country.
Duration: 18 days
Holiday Type:
Independent Motorhome Tours
Departure dates:
Make an enquiryOn arrival in Edinburgh, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private car to your downtown city hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this beautiful and cultured city.
Stay: Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel
Distance: 180km (112miles)
Collect your motorhome this morning and make you way to the ‘Fair City’ of Perth, located on the banks of the River Tay. This gorgeous city was once the capital of Scotland and a picturesque playground for kings and queens. Nestled between two sprawling public parks, it boasts elegant Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets and medieval spires, together with an array of outstanding monuments, art galleries and museums that you can explore. Continue your journey to Dundee, Scotland’s sunniest city, with its historic ships, museums, theatres and arts centres. From here, it’s a relatively short drive to the pretty harbour town of Stonehaven, located just south of Aberdeen and your stay for the next 2 nights. Be sure to eat at The Bay Fish & Chips, located on the picturesque waterfront. This highly acclaimed, award winning eatery serves the freshest fish caught daily in the North Sea. Another recommendation is the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant, reputed to serve some of the finest seafood in the world.
Distance: 186km (115miles)
There are two ways to travel to Inverness. The first is the longer coastal route, where you will experience plenty of charming little villages, distilleries and even some dolphin spotting. The alternative highlands route will take you via Ballater, a Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside and the closet settlement to Balmoral Castle. Drive through the Cairngorms National Park into Speyside, the Scotch Whisky region that is home to 50 distilleries and the two best single malt whiskies in the world, Glenfiddich & The Glenlivet. Your campsite for the next 2 nights is Culloden Moor near Inverness, where in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his clansmen allies met the end of their grand rebellion in battle. On day 5, enjoy a morning cruise on Loch Ness with an included visit to the 1000 year old ruins of Urquhart Castle. Be sure to keep an eye open for sightings of ‘Nessie’, the loch’s famous monster.
Distance: 93km (58miles)
First stop this morning is Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It overlooks the Moray Firth and is located just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Castle, which resembles a French chateau with its towering conical spires and boasts 189 rooms. You can also enjoy falconry displays, a museum and a walk through the formal gardens. From here, it a short drive to the historical coastal village of Brora.
Distance: 120km (75miles)
Travel north through the village of John o’Groats to the Castle of Mey, purchased by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 1952 and enjoy a tour of the castle and wander around its Walled Gardens. Your stay at Dunnet Head offers majestic views over the Pentland Firth and is the most northerly point of both Scotland and the island of Great Britain. On day 9 you have the option of taking a ferry trip to the nearby Orkney Islands with their special historic sites including Skara Brae Neolithic Village and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle.
Distance: 338km (210miles)
The tiny village of Durness is situated in the northwest highlands of Scotland in the traditional county of Sutherland. One of the most sparsely populated wilderness areas in Western Europe, the rugged terrain is one of mighty mountains, russet heathland and turquoise sea lochs. After your overnight stay beside the beach, continue your journey on to the small but pretty village of Kinlochewe, close to the head of Loch Maree, a very strong contender for the title of Scotland’s most scenic loch.
Distance: 217km (135miles)
We recommend an early start this morning to make the most of a suggested visit to the Isle of Skye. It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. The island will enchant you with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history. Portree, its largest town, overlooks a sheltered bay decorated by a picturesque string of brightly coloured houses. Be sure to explore Eilean Donan Castle as you drive on to Morvich. This 13th century castle is one of the most recognised in Scotland and has featured in numerous movies and television shows including the hit series ‘Outlander’.
Distance: 105km (65miles)
An easy drive this morning as you continue on to Fort William and Glen Nevis, your next destination. The surrounding area offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities. There is a multitude of walks and cycle tracks at your doorstep with the path up to the mighty Ben Nevis just a short walk away and there are many historical sites for you to explore. On day 15, board ‘The Jacobite Steam Train’ for an 84 mile round trip from nearby Fort William to Mallaig, described as one of the great railway journeys of the world.
Distance: 160km (100miles)
Be sure to stop at the iconic Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne today. The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, it recently featured as ‘Duneagle Castle’ in the hit TV series ‘Downtown Abbey’. Wander through the castle and formal gardens or perhaps take a woodland walk. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is surrounded by charming villages and rolling countryside. It offers some truly wonderful land and water-based activities … everything from golf, hiking, cycle and boat hire, cruises (including a waterbus ferry to several small islands within the loch), canoeing, Segway safaris, local distilleries to name just a few. And less than an hour away is Glasgow, easily accessible by bus or train.
Distance: 128km (80miles)
Return your motorhome to the Edinburgh depot by midday and the transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. If time permits, perhaps enjoy another night or two to explore this magical and charismatic city which offers the visitor so much.
Price per person is based on two people sharing. Prices for solo travellers are available on request.
Within NZ:
(03) 365 0746
International:
+64 3 365 0746
