Itinerary Details
Edinburgh Arrival & Sightseeing
Private Transfer to Edinburgh Hotel (with a stop at the Royal Yacht Britannia)
Welcome to Scotland! After landing at Edinburgh Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. A private transfer will escort you and your luggage to the hotel, stopping at the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Stop to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. Learn about the history of Royal Yachts and see exhibits and photographs of Britannia's intriguing history.
**The Yacht is located outside of the city center. So your airport transfer will make a stop here before taking you to your hotel.
Edinburgh Castle
Stop for a guided tour of the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock. The castle originally was the home of king and queens, such as Queen Margaret, Mary Queen of Scots, and James VI. It evolved into a military base, and held prisoners of war. Today, the Castle is one of Scotland's most famous Castles and houses the crown jewels, the stone of destiny, and the National War Museum of Scotland. It is also an Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Private Walking Tour of the Royal Mile
Take a private walking tour through this medieval thoroughfare that runs from the Castle to Holyrood in the heart of historic Edinburgh. Overlooked by towering tenements, explore the interesting nooks and crannies, and the fascinating ‘closes’ (little side alleys) of the Royal Mile, some of which offer spectacular glimpses over the city. There is a whole catalogue of things to see and do along the way.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh
Stay in this impressive stone building located right on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. It's located close to many popular attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle The contemporary rooms rooms are monochromatic with pops of color. There is a restaurant and bar serving Scottish food, as well as an indoor pool fitness center, and sauna.
Glencoe Sightseeing
Meet Private Driver
Today your private driver services start. Meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 AM this morning. Enjoy your comfortable ride with your knowledgeable driver who will guide you through the popular and hidden gems of Scotland.
Stirling Castle
Drive to the historic town of Stirling to visit Stirling Castle. Captured from the English in 1297 by William Wallace and again in 1314 by Robert the Bruce, Stirling Castle has been featured largely throughout Scottish history. At one time Mary, Queen of Scots resided there.
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Stop to visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre and explore the landscape, wildlife and history of this special place. Also learn about the conservation issues that faces the region both past and present.
2 Night Stay: Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William
Located in a gorgeous 19th century castle, this upscale hotel offers grand rooms decorated in period style. All rooms have either views of the lake, mountains, or gardens that surround the castle. Take in the beautiful scenery with a round of golf or one of the other outdoor activities the hotel can arrange.
Highlands Sigh
Glenfinnan Monument
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument built in 1815 and paid for by the wealthy descendent of a Jacobite. There is also a visitor centre with information and exhibitions along with a shop and café.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The famous Glenfinnan viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground. The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan!
Ardverikie Estate
Ardverikie is one of the most spectacular and visually stunning private estates in Scotland, nestling in the very heart of the Highlands, with Victorian roots as a traditional Highland sporting Estate.
NOTE: This is a private estate which has been used as a filming location for The Crown. Visit the grounds is allowed, however the vehicle is not, so visitors need to walk for about ¼ mile from main road to the gatehouse then on to the estate.
Fort Williams to Pitlochry
Balmoral Castle
Stop to visit Balmoral Castle, which has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852.
Royal Deeside
Drive to Royal Deeside for time to sightsee and shop. Queen Victoria loved this region and even built Balmoral Castle, where the Royal Family still vacation.
Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry
This grand hotel is situated in a castle with stunning views of the Tummel Valley. The property features historic and elegant rooms along with activities to cater to a variety of interests. These include a spa, beautiful gardens, a museum, and restaurants where you can get a meal or enjoy some afternoon tea.
Pitlochry to Edinburgh
Falkland Palace & Gardens
Visit the Falkland Palace, which was once a hunting lodge of the Stuart kings. Behind the castle are small gardens and a Real (royal) Tennis court dating from 1539 (the oldest in Britain).
Linlithgow Palace
Visit Linlithgow Palace, an important royal residence that is now ruined. Enough still remains that it’s possible to imagine what life in such a vast palace must have been like. This was also the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots.
Edinburgh at Leisure
The remainder of the day is free to explore Edinburgh and you can choose from a wide variety of activities. For example, you may wish to visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which is a vibrant arts venue with live Scottish storytelling. You also may want to visit the John Knox House established in 1470, making it the oldest medieval building in Edinburgh. You could stop at the Tartan Weaving Mill, right off of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, to see the inside of a working Scottish mill. Before you leave, you can even dress up in ancient Scottish costume and have your photo taken. Tonight, you may like to dine at one of the many fine restaurants or pubs scattered throughout the city.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh
Stay in this impressive stone building located right on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. It's located close to many popular attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle The contemporary rooms rooms are monochromatic with pops of color. There is a restaurant and bar serving Scottish food, as well as an indoor pool fitness center, and sauna.
Private Driver Services Conclude
Your private driver services will conclude at the end of the day. Ask your driver to reconfirm your return airport transfer, if applicable, before parting ways.
Depart Scotland
Private Transfer to Edinburgh Airport
Your vacation ends after breakfast with a private transfer to Edinburgh Airport. We hope you had a wonderful vacation, and wish you a safe flight on your journey home. We can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Check in with us on any of our social media and website to share your pictures and stories.