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Essential Scotland

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Essential Scotland

Was From $ 2,440 AUD
Now From $ 1,708 AUD
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Description

Journey through Scotland on this eight-day adventure from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Travel along the scenic railway through the Scottish Highlands, take in the coastal views with a hike on the Isle of Mull and learn how cheese is made on a tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm. Look for the famous mythical creature as you drive past Loch Ness on your way to Inverness, hear the folk tales about fairies as you explore the Fairy Glen on a daytrip to the Isle of Skye and enjoy plenty of free time to explore Scotland at your own pace with your new friends!

Trip Name
Essential Scotland
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Learn how cheese is made during a tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm – a 50-year-old family-run dairy farm powered by renewable energy. Hear how the farm was originally part of the village hall in nearby Salen and meet one of the local farmers.
  • See the towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr, take in the panoramic views from Rigg Viewpoint and hear folk tales about fairies as you explore the Fairy Glen on a daytrip to the Isle of Skye.
  • Ride the scenic railway through the Scottish Highlands to Oban – a seaside town surrounded by countryside. Maybe visit the medieval castles and wander along the esplanade after an orientation walk with your local leader.
  • Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a hike on the Isle of Mull. Take in the beautiful coastal views, slow down and enjoy the fresh air as you follow the trail past Tobermory Harbour.
  • Get your new friends together and explore each stop at your own pace. Maybe wander through The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse, indulge in local cuisine or join a Scotch Whisky Tour in your free time in Edinburgh.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Glasgow
Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Glasgow. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, join the Tennent's Brewery Tour or take a stroll along the River Clyde – once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and get to know them over a whisky or two.
Day 2 - Oban
This morning, take a scenic train trip through the Scottish Highlands to Oban – a seaside town surrounded by countryside. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk. The rest of the day is then free for you to continue exploring the town at your own pace. Maybe visit the Dunstaffnage Castle or stroll along the Corran Esplanade. Tonight, you might like to wander through the town and find a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 3 - Oban to Isle of Mull
Today, set off on a daytrip to the Isle of Mull. When you arrive, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a hike, taking the time to slow down and enjoy the fresh air. Follow the trail past Tobermory Harbour into the woodlands of Aros Park. Wander through Scots pine trees and winding garden paths, with views over the Sound of Mull and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Then, join a tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm – a 50-year-old family-run dairy farm powered by renewable energy. Learn how the farm was originally part of the village hall in nearby Salen, meet farmers responsible for producing and storing the cheese and wander through the ornamental vines. Return to Oban this evening for a relaxing night or to grab dinner with your group. 
Day 4 - Inverness
Look for the famous mythical creature as you drive past Loch Ness on your way to Inverness this morning. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in Inverness – the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands – the rest of the day is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe visit Inverness Castle, explore the Culloden Battlefield or hear stories of the famous Loch Ness monster on a cruise along the loch.
Day 5 - Inverness to Isle of Skye
Take a daytrip to the Isle of Skye today. Connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge, this area is known for its rugged landscapes, small fishing villages and medieval castles. With your local leader, explore some of Skye’s most beautiful landscapes along the Trotternish Peninsula. Pass Eilean Donan Castle, see the towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and visit Portree. Then, take in the panoramic views from Rigg Viewpoint, explore Quiraing and hear the folk tales about fairies as you explore the Fairy Glen. Tonight, head back to town for dinner – maybe try haggis (savoury pudding) or stovies (a potato and oat dish).
Day 6 - Aberdeen
Take the train to Aberdeen this morning. This port city in northeast Scotland is also known as the Granite City for its many enduring grey-stone buildings. When you arrive, get your bearings on an orientation walk through the city with your local leader. This afternoon, enjoy some free time – maybe visit the Maritime Museum, stroll through Duthie Park or learn about the army regiment at the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
Day 7 - Edinburgh
After breakfast, travel to Edinburgh. When you arrive, set out on an orientation walk through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – a series of streets that make up the Old Town. Known for its literary heritage and cobbled stones, the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe wander through The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse, join a Scotch Whisky Tour or visit Edinburgh Castle. With many comedy clubs, art venues and live music bars to visit, Edinburgh’s nightlight scene is central to the city’s creative spirit. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!
Day 8 - Edinburgh
As there are no further activities, your Scottish adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to explore Edinburgh some more, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 1,708-
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 2,550-
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 2,370-
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 2,320-
26-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 2,440-
09-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 2,490-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 2,320-
13-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 2,495-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 2,495-
11-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 2,495-
18-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 2,535-
16-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 2,610-
06-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 2,535-
20-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 2,535-
11-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 2,535-
25-07-202701-08-2027AUD $ 2,535-
08-08-202715-08-2027AUD $ 2,535-
12-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 2,610-
26-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 2,610-
10-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 2,610-

Accommodation

Hostel (multi-share) (4 nights), Hostel (multi-share with shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Transport

Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private Vehicle

Map