Taste of Scotland: Edinburgh to Glasgow

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, where your private driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name and will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Please note that the standard check-in time is 3:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage with the reception.

Spend the rest of the day discovering Edinburgh, Scotland’s enchanting capital. Stroll along the Royal Mile, lined with historic buildings, hidden closes, and charming courtyards. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland, or explore the fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland. Take time to wander through the city’s winding alleys and admire the stunning blend of medieval and Georgian architecture that defines this iconic city.

In the afternoon, visit Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, perched high atop Castle Rock. From its ramparts, enjoy sweeping views over the skyline and beyond while uncovering the stories of Scotland’s dramatic history. Inside, explore the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels), the mighty Mons Meg cannon, and the National War Museum, among many other treasures that bring centuries of heritage to life.

Join a small-group walking tour of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Old Town to learn about the city’s history, religion, and culture, along with a few quirky stories. Spend the afternoon independently exploring more of the Old Town, or walk along the Water of Leith through the New Town and into Stockbridge. Keep going to reach Leith, where pubs and seafood restaurants line the shore. End the day with a gin or whisky tasting before settling in for the night in Edinburgh.
 

Pick up your hire car and leave Edinburgh to drive north toward Inverness. Cross the Queensferry Crossing and look right to spot the Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Make time for stops along the way. An excellent place to start is Perth, also referred to as the Fair City, where the Stone of Destiny is housed in the Perth Museum. The nearby towns of Dunkeld and Pitlochry also offer charming independent shops, delightful cafes, and picturesque scenic walks. Take a detour into the Cairngorms and ride Scotland's only funicular railway for stunning views of the mountains. Spend the night in the Inverness region.

Start the day at Cawdor Castle, a 16th-century estate surrounded by beautiful gardens and still home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor. In the afternoon, see Inverness through a local’s eyes on a guided walking tour that reveals the city’s history, folklore, and character. Later, dive into Highland culture at the Highland Malt Whisky Experience, sampling top local malts while your host shares stories, legends, and music from the Scottish Highlands.

Leave Inverness and drive south toward Glencoe, following the scenic banks of Loch Ness. Stop along the way for a bit of Nessie spotting before reaching Drumnadrochit, where you join a small-group Highland Cow Tour at a local croft. Meet the iconic shaggy Highland cows and learn about the family’s history on the land. Continue to Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest strongholds, and explore its dramatic past overlooking the loch. As you travel farther south, consider stopping in Fort Augustus for a view of Loch Ness, or detour to the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct for a glimpse of Scotland’s natural and historic beauty. End the day at the Glencoe Folk Museum to discover stories of the local community before settling in for the night in the Glencoe area.

Drive south toward Glasgow, starting your day at the Glencoe Visitor Centre. Learn about the area’s haunting past, explore a reconstructed 17th-century turf and creel house, or set off on one of the many walking trails over 60 km of paths that wind through the nature reserve. Continue through breathtaking scenery to the “bonnie” banks of Loch Lomond. Stop in Tarbet for a short cruise across the northern end of the loch, gliding over its deepest waters beneath the shadow of Ben Lomond. Afterward, continue to Glasgow and return your car.

Spend a relaxed morning exploring Glasgow. Visit some of the city’s free museums and galleries, stay in the city center, or head to the West End to see the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Riverside Museum, or The Hunterian Museum. Wrap up your final day with a West End food tour that showcases local flavors.

After breakfast, transfer to Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport and catch your international flight for your return journey home.