Edinburgh & Highlands, Scotland; Medieval Castles and Wild Nature
Scotland is the land of dramatic landscapes. The diverse regions of Scotland are the Highlands, the Lowlands and the Southern Uplands. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has historic monuments and world-class museums. The Cairngorms National Park, situated in the mountainous region of the Highlands, includes majestic mountains, nature reserves, forests, lakes and wildlife. Isle of Sky is known for its beautiful coastlines and rugged mountainous terrain. Our Edinburgh & Highlands, Scotland Itinerary explores the historic heritage of Edinburgh, the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and magnificent castles.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Edinburgh, Scotland
There are direct flights to/from Edinburgh, Scotland from London, England. Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we walk a few minutes to the Fishers in the City Restaurant and degust regional seafood.
Day 2 – Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse
We walk to Edinburgh Castle, a fortress and historic residence of Scottish monarchs. We visit the Royal Regimental of Scotland Museum and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum. We observe a traditional Scottish wedding in St. Margaret’s Chapel. We visit the Royal Palace and the Medieval Dungeons. We follow the Royal Mile, a promenade in the Old Town of Edinburgh, discovering iconic St. Giles’ Cathedral. We visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of King Charles III in Edinburgh. We have a gourmet dinner at the Rhubarb Restaurant, situated in Prestonfield House.
Day 3 – Stirling Castle
In the morning, we depart the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and drive one hour to Stirling Castle, a historic residence of Scottish monarchs. We visit the Royal Palace, the Stirling Heads Gallery, the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Queen Anne Gardens. We have lunch at the Hermanns Restaurant, situated a short distance from Stirling Castle. After lunch, we drive three hours traversing beautiful landscapes to the Lovat Hotel Loch Ness. We have dinner in the hotel.
Day 4 – Cairngorm Reindeer Center, Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery
In the morning, we depart the Lovat Hotel Loch Ness and drive one hour and a half to Cairngorms National Park, the expansive park in the Scottish Highlands. The Aviemore iCenter is the starting point and the visitor center in the Cairngorms National Park. We drive 6 miles from Aviemore to the village of Glenmore to visit Cairngorm Reindeer Center. We pass Loch Morlich on the right side and look for the visitor center. The guided tour includes a 30-minute walk toward the slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains to observe the reindeer herd.
Next, we drive one hour and a half through the Cairngorms National Park to Balmoral Castle, the home of the British Royal family. We visit the castle and its gardens, then have lunch at the restaurant located in the royal estate. Afterward, we drive a short distance to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and take a tour of the distillery. Afterward, we drive around three hours to the Torridon Hotel and have dinner.
Day 5 – Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle
In the morning, we depart Torridon Hotel and drive one hour to Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic 13th century castle and fortress. We explore the castle’s collection of artefacts and admire the panoramic scenery encircling the castle. Next, we take a scenic driving route along the Caledonian Canal and visit Fort Augustus. We drive 30 minutes to Urquhart Castle, historic ruins situated on the shore of Loch Ness. After the visit, we drive one hour and a half to Glencoe House and have dinner.
Day 6 – Isle of Sky, Dunvegan Castle
In the morning, we drive three hours from the Glencoe House to Isle of Sky. We follow the scenic coastal route to the northeastern point of the island, observing the Trotternish Ridge and the Old Man of Storr. We continue the route toward the Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, a historic residence of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. We visit the castle and the gardens and have a late lunch. We drive three hours to Glencoe House and have dinner.
Day 7 – Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Glamis Castle
In the morning, we depart Glencoe House and drive two hours to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. We take a one and half hour tour of distillery and have lunch. Next, we drive one hour to Glamis Castle, a fairy tale castle. We take a guided tour of the castle and explore its expansive grounds, comprising the gardens and the woodlands. After the visit, we drive one and a half hour to the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburg and have dinner at Brasserie Prince, situated in the hotel.
Day 8 – Edinburgh Departure
In the morning, we drive 30 minutes to Edinburgh Airport, return the rental car and fly to London. Note: Our Edinburgh & Highlands, Scotland Itinerary may be used separately or combined with our London & Castles, England Itinerary.
Special Places
Scotland
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is bordered by the North Sea to the east, the English Channel to the south, the Celtic Sea to the south-west and the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the west. The United Kingdom includes four countries in the British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus the British Overseas Territories. The largest of the British Isles is Great Britain, a landmass that incorporates England, Scotland and Wales. England is the largest country in the UK and occupies a large portion of Great Britain.
Scotland, the land of dramatic landscapes, occupies the northern part of Great Britain. The Highlands, the northern and western part of Scotland, is a mountainous region with many lochs (lakes in Scottish language) and glens (valleys). The Lowlands, in the central and southern part of Scotland, has flat lands, farmlands and rolling hills. The Southern Uplands, a region bordering England, is defined by rolling hills and valleys.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, hosts fascinating monuments, grand architecture, world-class museums and interesting galleries. The Royal Mile runs through the Old Town of Edinburgh, connecting two royal residences, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile reveals the historic St. Giles’ Cathedral and its Thistle Chapel with rib-vaulted ceiling. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a symbol of Scottish royal history, is the official residence of King Charles III while he visits Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the state apartments, Holyrood Abbey and the tranquil gardens.
Our journey to Scotland takes place in September, a season of mild weather and fewer crowds. Our Edinburgh & Highlands, Scotland Itinerary explores the historic heritage of Edinburgh, the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and beautiful castles.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, a magnificent landmark of Edinburgh, is a fortress and historic residence of Scottish monarchs. The Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the Stone of Destiny, are exhibited in Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Regimental of Scotland Museum and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum showcase the history of Scottish regiments. St. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh, built by King David I in 1130. During our visit, we observe a traditional Scottish wedding in the small chapel. The Mons Meg is a medieval gun and a weapon that can cause massive destruction.
The Royal Palace, a residence of Scottish Kings and Queens, served as the residence of Queen Mary of Guise, the last defender of the Catholic faith in Scotland. The Laich Hall was used as a dining hall for James VI. The Scottish National War Memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the Scots servicemen. The Medieval Dungeons was a complex of rooms used for the prisoners of war and politicians. The Great Hall was originally built for King James IV for official state banquets and other ceremonial events. The Great Hall has a magnificent hammer-beam roof. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Edinburgh and is a captivating symbol of Scottish history.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is an iconic stone castle located in Stirling, a one-hour drive from Edinburgh. The Stirling Castle, a historic royal residence used by Scottish Kings and Queens, held coronations and grand celebrations. Stirling Castle endured the most defining battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Queen Anne Gardens features rose bushes and overlooks the surrounding countryside. The Royal Palace, a magnificent Renaissance building, was built for Mary of Guise, mother of Mary, the Queen of Scots. The Stirling Heads Gallery exhibits a collection of royal portraits carved in wood. The Great Hall is a stunning royal hall with a hammer-beam ceiling. The Chapel Royal at Sterling Castle is the coronation place of Mary, the Queen of Scots.
Balmoral Castle
The Cairngorms National Park, situated in the Scottish Highlands, includes majestic mountains, nature reserves, forests, lakes and wildlife. Cairngorms surround beautiful villages and the Balmoral Castle, the home of the British Royal family. A short distance from the castle, Ballater is a charming village on the River Dee. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle in 1852 for the Royal Family. The expansive estate showcases the grand castle, beautiful gardens and pristine landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Balmoral rental cottages offer a chance to stay in the historic royal estate. The estate features majestic trees, manicured lawns and seasonal flower displays. Balmoral Castle is a unique royal estate, surrounded by native woodlands, a majestic wildlife and a serene countryside. Visitors may verify the website of Balmoral Castle for opening times.
Situated a short distance from Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery (malts.com/en/royal-lochnagar) is a small traditional distillery, offering tours showing the production process of high-quality single malt Scotch Whiskey.
Eilean Donan Castle
The Eilean Donan Castle is an iconic 13th century castle and fortress, located in the western Scottish Highlands. The medieval castle is situated on the islet at the confluence of three lochs: Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, connected to the mainland by a footbridge. Eilean Donan Castle served as a defensive structure against the raids of the Vikings. The castle is encircled by scenic lakes, the forested mountains of Kintail and the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Skye. Walkways by the lake and across the bridge lead to the inner courtyard of the castle. The castle has a remarkable collection of artefacts, paintings and furnishings. The Banqueting Hall symbolizes true grandeur with its oak-timbered ceiling and elegant furniture collection. Eilean Donan Castle epitomizes a romantic and picturesque setting.
Glamis Castle
The Glamis Castle is a fairy tale castle encircled by beautiful gardens. Glamis Castle is situated in the historic county of Angus, in eastern Scotland. It served as the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Mary, the Queen of Scots, was one of the famous visitors to the castle. Guided tours showcase the opulent chambers, summarizing the historic events. The Duncan Hall was the setting for the king’s murder in Macbeth, the famous play of William Shakespeare. The castle complex comprises the Italian Gardens, the Walled Garden and the pathways running through the woodlands. The Castle Kitchen Restaurant, located in historic Victorian kitchen, serves lovely afternoon tea.
Urquhart Castle
The Great Glen, a long narrow valley, is equally breathtaking and historically important. Urquhart Castle is medieval castle situated on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. The historic ruins with its Grand Tower offer magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness. The Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness are connected to the sightings of a mystical sea creature, the famous Loch Ness Monster.
Great Glen
The Great Glen is a 62-mile-long narrow valley that cuts across the Scottish Highlands. It was formed by glacial erosion thousands of years ago. The Caledonian Canal was completed in 1822, connecting several lochs, including the vast Loch Ness. The scenic route A82 runs along Caledonian Canal, starting from Inverness to Fort William, overlooking the landscapes of the Great Glen. Neptune’s Staircase is the staircase lock that comprises eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Fort Augustus is a charming village set along the loch and historic military garrison town. The scenic cruises along Loch Ness offer another way to explore the wild beauty of Great Glen.
Glencoe
Glencoe is a 10-mile-long valley in the western Highlands, formed by glaciers. Glencoe is a branch of Great Glen, boasting stunning scenery of the cliffs and mountains. Glencoe Village, situated between Loch Leven and the Glencoe valley, is an excellent base to discover the region’s turbulent history and dramatic landscapes.
Isle of Sky
Isle of Sky is known for its beautiful coastlines and rugged mountainous terrain. The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge spanning the Kyleakin Narrows between the village of Kyle and the village Kyleakin on the island. A drive toward the northeastern region of the island leads to the Trotternish Ridge and the Old Man of Storr, a famous volcanic rock pinnacle surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. The Quiraing is another spectacular landscape, ancient volcanic landslides and a hiking route along the Trotternish ridge. We follow the coastal route to the northern point and continue the route toward Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.
The Dunvegan Castle & Gardens served as the residence of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. The castle is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and the sea. The castle complex comprises five acres of formal gardens, including the Water Garden, Rose Garden, Woodland Garden and Walled Garden. The castle’s interiors are decorated with remarkable paintings. Visitors can enjoy Loch Cruises and Boat Trips to watch the seals. The Dunvegan Castle & Gardens may be explored on your own or by taking a guided tour (departing from the main castle entrance hall). Visitors may verify the website (dunvegancastle.com) for opening times.
Favorite Adventures
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorm Mountains are the major mountain range in Scotland. Cairngorms National Park is an expansive park in the Scottish Highlands with beautiful forests, lakes and rural landscapes. It is an ideal destination for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Aviemore iCenter is the starting point as the visitor center in the Cairngorms National Park. We drive 6 miles from Aviemore to the village of Glenmore to visit Cairngorm Reindeer Center (cairngormreindeer.co.uk). We drive near Loch Morlich on the right side and look for the visitor center.
Reindeers were introduced to the Cairngorms in 1952 and since then roam freely in the slopes of the mountains. The guided tour comprises a 30-minute walk toward the slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains to observe the reindeer herd. We observe picture-perfect scenery and different-colored reindeer.
Selected Cuisine
Scottish Cuisine
The Scottish Cuisine is influenced by Scotland’s climate and the culinary techniques of neighboring European countries. Scotland’s lands supply wild game, potatoes, barley and oats. The coastal waters provide an abundance of seafood, including lobsters, oysters, mussels, Atlantic salmon and pollock.
Smoked salmon is a specialty in Scotland, either cold smoked or hot, delivering wonderful flavor and aroma. Fishers in the City Restaurant, a lovely restaurant in Edinburgh, features shellfish platters and serves sublime Scottish lobsters and langoustines. The seeker of a gourmet experience shall visit Rhubarb Restaurant situated in Prestonfield Hotel; a country house surrounded by expansive parkland. (prestonfield.com/eat-and-drink/rhubarb-restaurant/)
Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, butter and milk or cream. In other parts of Great Britain, the soup is also known as smoked haddock chowder. The Hermanns Restaurant (hermanns-restaurant.co.uk), located near Stirling Castle in the town of Stirling, serves a delicious Cullen Skink.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish, an acquired taste. Haggis is made of sheep’s offal, oats, herbs and spices. The sheep’s offal, the edible organs of the sheep, are minced, mixed with other ingredients and incased in the sheep’s intestines. Haggis is usually served with mashed potatoes.
Scotch Whiskey is the national drink of Scotland. The single malt means whiskey is made from spirit distilled from malted barley. Blended whiskeys are made by combining single malt and neutral grain spirit. Higher the portion of malt to other grain, means better quality whiskey. We visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery to take a tour and purchase a few bottles of single malt whisky as gifts.
Preferred Accommodations
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburg, part of the prestigious Rocce Forte Collection. The hotel has a stunning façade and a landmark clock tower. Situated on the famous Princes Street, the Balmoral Hotel symbolizes elegance and Scottish charm. A collection of rooms and suites feature stylish décor and beautiful artwork. The Hotel’s dining venues include the Brasserie Prince, serving classic French cuisine and the Palm Court, offering an Afternoon Tea.
The Torridon Hotel
The Torridon Hotel is a boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Torridon, a remote area of Northwest Scotland, is nestled on the shore of Upper Loch Torridon. The Torridon Hotel is a restored Victorian style structure, surrounded by mountainous landscape and wilderness. A selection of 18 bedrooms and suites is decorated with pleasing textiles and vibrant colors. An expansive parkland encompasses a farm that raises Highland cattle and a vegetable and fruit garden. The 1887 Restaurant features an excellent selection of seafood, meats and ingredients sourced from the Torridon farm and garden. The Torridon Hotel is a luxury retreat and an adventure destination.
Glencoe House
The Glencoe House, situated in Glencoe in the western Highlands, is a beautiful mansion overlooking Glencoe Mountains and Loch Leven. The Glencoe House offers suites situated in the mansion and lodges situated a short distance from the mansion. Our spacious suite has a fireplace and overlooks the mountains. A full Scottish Breakfast, served in our suite, includes oatmeal with scotch, bread, pastries, eggs, haggis and black pudding. We recommend having dinner in the Glencoe House, a multi-course meal served in the suite. The Glencoe House offers a luxury experience in the Scottish Highlands.
The Lovat Hotel Loch Ness
The Lovat Hotel Loch Ness is a four-star boutique hotel, located near the Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. A collection of comfortable bedrooms and the apartment has a stylish décor. The Lovat Hotel Loch Ness includes a lovely restaurant, serving Scottish cuisine and an Afternoon Tea. The hotel is an ideal destination to unwind and explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
