Discover the magic of Northern England and Scotland on this captivating journey through historic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions.
Wander York’s medieval streets, feel the romance of Gretna Green, and explore the rugged beauty of the Isle of Mull and the Scottish Highlands. From majestic castles and serene lochs to lively Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and world-famous distilleries, each day is filled with unforgettable experiences and stories waiting to be uncovered.
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Arrive in Edinburgh and pick up your rental car. Drive south along the coast to the large village of Seahouses on the Northumberland Coast. Check into your accommodation and then go out to take a stroll around the village and wander around the fishing boats in the harbor. Have dinner in this lovely village in the evening. Later on, settle into your room for the night.
Overnight in Seahouses
Get up early this morning and watch the sunrise before breakfast. Drive south to the city of York. York is a beautifully preserved medieval city great for history lovers. Once you arrive, begin exploring the cobbled streets and the exquisite architecture. Visit York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. As York was once the capital of a Viking territory, you can visit the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre to discover details of its Viking heritage. Check into your hotel for the evening and then go back out to find a nice place for dinner.
Overnight in York
After a traditional English breakfast this morning, do some more exploring and delve into the city’s vibrant café culture. Take time out to enjoy some of the country’s most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river. Also be sure to visit The Shambles, a street of traditional timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century. You can also visit Barley Hall, a restored medieval townhouse which was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor.
Overnight in York
You will leave York today for the town of Gretna located in Dumfries & Galloway. The town of Gretna was built during the First World War to provide homes for 30,000 employees of a munitions factory that was the biggest in the world. Discover the story of the factory while you’re here. Also be sure to stop in the village of Gretna Green. This is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations with thousands of people tying the knot here every year. Historically it was to Gretna Green that young English runaway couples eloped so that they could be married. Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, where couples have come to marry since 1754, is still here. Check into your hotel and enjoy your evening in Gretna.
Overnight in Gretna
After breakfast today, begin your drive north up to Oban. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours. Do some exploring in the afternoon. You can visit the Oban War & Peace Museum to discover more about Oban’s rich history as a seaside town. Stop by McCaig’s Tower for a beautiful view of Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands. Be sure to have a look at the gardens inside the tower. If you’d like a whiskey sample, Oban Distillery won’t disappoint. You’ll get to see how whisky is distilled and sample some at the end of the tour. Enjoy dinner in Oban, dubbed the “Seaside Capital of Scotland.”
Overnight in Oban
Today might be a nice day to take a ferry to the Isle of Mull. Ferries leave Oban for Craignure every few hours. The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Hebrides. It is an island of peninsulas which give it a long and varied coastline offering the visitor endless days of exploration and discovery. The mountains which stretch across the middle of the island rise to over 900m and are well-loved by hill walkers such is the variety of routes and views to be enjoyed. Between its beaches, long and interesting history, and beautiful scenery, you will have lots to do on Mull or nothing at all if you so choose.
Overnight in Oban
Have an early start today as you have a long drive ahead of you. You’ll be making your way to Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye. Journey up along the coast and take a slight detour through Ballachulish and Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Massacre of Glen Coe of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Cross Loch Leven and continue along the banks of Loch Eil to Fort William. Fort William’s setting is dramatic, on the shore of Loch Linnhe, and under the mighty hulk of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There is a footpath to the top of the mountain starting close to the town. Just a few minutes from the town is Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque Highland glens. Ben Nevis Distillery and Inverlochy Castle are both possible stops on your way to Skye as are Spean Bridge Woollen Mill and Eilean Donan Castle as you get closer. Settle into your hotel in Portree after a long drive.
Overnight in Portree
Today spend the whole day touring the Isle of Skye. Drive alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge and stop at Lealt Waterfall and the Kilt Rock. After a walk at the Quiraing, drive to Uig. Explore the magic of the Fairy Glen, legendary home of the ‘wee people’! After lunch drive to the most westerly point on Skye and walk to Neist Point lighthouse and see some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Scotland, sea birds and maybe even marine wildlife. Along this drive, stop at Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. View priceless family heirlooms and stroll through formal gardens. Return to Portree at your leisure.
Overnight in Portree
Begin your trip from Portree to Fort Augustus this morning. Drive east and make your way off of the Isle of Skye. Continue until you reach Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Home to many great clansmen through the ages and a beautiful historical site, Urquhart Castle is a place you won’t want to miss. Once you’re done exploring on land, be sure to take a boat cruise along Loch Ness and go searching for Nessie – Loch Ness’s elusive sea monster. Continue your drive to Fort Augustus from there. When you arrive, check into accommodation. Enjoy a lovely dinner with a view of Loch Ness in the distance and head back to your accommodation for an early night.
Overnight in Fort Augustus
Make your way to the northern edge of Cairngorms National Park to the world-famous Glenlivet Distillery for a tour and tasting. This is the heart of Speyside which is home to dozens of other whisky distilleries. Following your tour, journey deeper into the park and take in the beautiful scenery. The town of Aviemore is a perfect stopping point for a meal. You may also like to take a tour and generous tasting at The Cairngorm Brewing Company before getting back on the road for Fort Augustus.
Overnight in Fort Augustus
Treat yourself to a late breakfast as you have a longer journey ahead of you today. As you make your way to the beautiful city of Edinburgh take in the beautiful scenic landscape as you navigate back down through the rugged Scottish Highlands. You should arrive in Edinburgh by early evening which gives you time to check into your hotel and explore the the surrounding area of the city and enjoy an evening meal.
Overnight in Edinburgh
See the bustling Princes Street and the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach 11 floors tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and contains the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Scone. Take a Ghost Walking Tour tonight to learn some of the city’s darkest secrets. Enjoy your last dinner in this great city before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Make your way to Edinburgh Airport and begin your journey home.
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
Round trip flights to the tours destination are not included, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip along with travel protection for the duration.
While booking flights may seem simple, hidden fees and service classes that exclude seats, meals, or bags are common. Since 1985, our expertise and exclusive contracts allow us to secure better routes and often better prices than what’s available online.
We would be happy to help create a custom itinerary for you before or after your time in Scotland, if you’d like to extend your trip.
Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.
If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.
Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.
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