Trip summary statistics
9days
Scotland's Heart: Castles & Wild Highlands
Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Inverness, Glasgow
Walk Edinburgh’s streets and castle with a private guide, then savor a whiskey tasting.
Journey through the Highlands on a thrilling 4x4 safari, spotting wildlife and scenic vistas.
Marvel at Skye’s rugged beauty, visit Eilean Donan Castle and stop for photos by Loch Ness.
Explore the dramatic Glencoe Valley, then relax by Loch Lomond's shores and quaint villages.
Uncover Glasgow’s cultural gems, tailored to your passions by your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
We personalize
There's no formula, we simply listen to you and make it happen.
We expertly plan
From your itinerary to the small details, we prepare it all on your behalf.
We don't settle
Refining your itinerary until you're happy, even while you're traveling.
When would you like to travel?
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What's your ideal trip length?
If anything changes, we can always adjust.
Prefer to speak with a destination expert?
EdinburghThe Adventure Begins
- Airport with Meet & Greet - Private
- Scotland Welcome Package
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Edinburgh
EdinburghAlong Cobblestone Streets
- Edinburgh Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Holyrood Distillery: Whisky Tour & Tasting (1 hr) - Shared
Edinburgh to PitlochryA Change of Scenery
- Edinburgh-Pitlochry - with Highland Safari & Doune Castle (8 hrs) - Private
PitlochryA Sight To Behold
- Blair Castle, Hermitage Walk & Blair Athol Distillery (8 hrs)
Pitlochry to InvernessOnward and Upward
- Pitlochry to Inverness with Reindeer Farm, Culloden & Clava Cairns (8 hrs) - Private
InvernessFrom Sea to Sky
- Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye (11 hrs) - Private
Inverness to GlasgowOn the Road Again
- Inverness-Glasgow - via Glencoe Valley, Loch Lomond & Luss (9 hrs) - Private Transfer
GlasgowTastes and Traditions
- Bagpipes & Haggis: Authentic Scotland (with Lunch, 9 hrs) - Private
GlasgowBon Voyage
- Private Airport Transfer
EDINBURGH
The Adventure Begins
For your added comfort, a Meet and Greet assistant will welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. Your assistant will help to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver at the airport, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
A full welcome package will be waiting at your first property, including your itinerary, destination notes, and any admissions or documents you need for the journey ahead.
Deciding where to eat in any foreign city isn't always the easiest task. To help narrow the field, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for scrumptious bites in Edinburgh, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Chamber King Room
EDINBURGH
Along Cobblestone Streets
Meet your private guide at your hotel and depart on foot for a half-day walking tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago. You'll also explore New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features the famous Princes Street with its ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, along with historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. Stroll the renowned Royal Mile in Old Town, book-ended by the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle at one end, and the 16th-century Holyrood Palace at the other, residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Spot the prominent St Giles’ Cathedral, a religious focal point for nearly 900 years. Pass the National Museum of Scotland and learn of the city’s hidden subterranean passages running below street level. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock with an imposing stance upon the historic old town below. Stroll the courtyard and learn about the historic royal residence from the outside before leaving your guide while you visit the inside of the castle, where you can see the lavish interiors, and even the Crown Jewels.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, Holyrood Distillery pays homage to the city's brewing past. Established in 2019, the facility's team explores recipes, malts, and fermentation ideas that time left behind, giving them a new purpose for today to shape the Scotch of tomorrow. See first hand how the brewmasters make whisky at Holyrood during this shared guided tour. Discover how the distillery team utilizes Edinburgh’s rich brewing history to explore new and innovative distilling methods. End on a guided tasting of 4 drams of the distillery's new make spirit.
Where you’ll be staying
Chamber King Room
EDINBURGH TO PITLOCHRY
A Change of Scenery
Journey from Edinburgh with your private driver-guide to Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold dating back to approximately 1400 AD. Visit and explore this castle, heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Continue on before making a stop at Aberfeldy to experience a one-of-a-kind Highland Safari. Equipped with cameras and binoculars, climb aboard a private Land Rover and journey to the high tops through a land sculptured by the elements and steeped in history, culture, and nature. The breathtaking views promise no shortage of photo opportunities. You may even be lucky enough to see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as you travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks. Leaving your Land Rover behind, At day's end, arrive in Pitlochry.
Where you’ll be staying
Walled Garden Room
PITLOCHRY
A Sight To Behold
Embark on a journey through Pitlochry's picturesque surroundings with your personal driver-guide. Your first stop is the remarkable Blair Castle, the historic residence of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, dating back to the 13th century. Explore the castle's exquisite 18th-century interiors and discover more than 700 years of Atholl family history. Nestled in the heart of Highland Perthshire, the castle boasts one of Scotland's most breathtaking locations. In the afternoon, visit the Blair Athol Distillery, situated on the slopes of Ben Vrackie. Take a guided tour of the distillery and savor a tutored tasting of the local spirit. Your day continues at Tay Forest Park, where you'll embark on the Hermitage & Braan Walk, a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring charming follies and cascading waterfalls. Your day concludes with a return to your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Walled Garden Room
PITLOCHRY TO INVERNESS
Onward and Upward
Journey North out of Pitlochry with your private driver-guide en-route to Inverness through the dramatic Cairngorm National Park. On the slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains, come face to face with 150 reindeer that wander 10,000 acres of magnificent mountainside. The reindeer love to be hand-fed, and their endearing, friendly characters will have you captivated, while their soft velvet noses will have you utterly charmed. Next, it's on to Clava Cairns, home to an exceptionally well-preserved pre-historic burial cairn built almost 4000 years ago. Your last stop of the day will be the battlefield at Culloden Moor, scene of the tragic last battle fought on British soil between the Jacobites and the Government troops.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Room
INVERNESS
From Sea to Sky
Along with your private driver-guide, the Isle of Skye welcomes you to experience its dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque seascapes. Travel by way of the Black Isle to Garve and lonely Achnasheen, down through picturesque Glen Carron to visit the famously romantic 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on a small tidal island, it's one of Scotland's most picturesque and iconic sights. Your tour then continues via Kyle of Lochalsh where you cross "over the sea to Skye" and head for the stunning Ord-Tarskavaig loop road into the hills for spectacular views overlooking the Sound of Sleat. Experience the rural charm of the area, often meeting up with some of the local characters, namely sheep and cattle on the road. Head inland through rolling hills and wild moorlands, ancient forests, bounded by lochs and streams, before heading back for the mainland. Return to Inverness via scenic Loch Duich, the Five Sisters of Kintail Mountains and Glen Moriston before reaching the famous shores of Loch Ness, and stopping for photographs by the loch side. Keep a careful look out, just in case you-know-who makes an appearance.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Room
INVERNESS TO GLASGOW
On the Road Again
After check-out, meet your private driver-guide for a full day transfer to Glasgow. En route, you'll pass through the stunning Glencoe Valley of the Scottish Highlands, a picturesque and historic pass - as it was the location of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, where 38 members of Clan MacDonald were killed by forces of King William II. Continuing along, you'll pass through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, catching views of the Arrochar Alps as you skirt alongside the shores of the massive loch. Enjoy a visit of the quaint village of Luss, with cottages for the 18th and 19th century workers of the nearby quarry. At the end of the pier, you can gaze out over Loch Lomond with the imposing Ben Lomond in the background. Conclude your day on arrival to Glasgow.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic King
GLASGOW
Tastes and Traditions
Explore Scotland’s timeless heritage on a full-day private tour with bagpipe lessons, scenic Loch Lomond vistas, and a hands-on haggis-making experience. After meeting with your personal guide and vehicle at your hotel, set out to The Museum of Piping at The National Piping Centre to start your day in true Scottish style. Guided by a passionate Bagpiper, learn about the instrument's rich history, enjoy live performances, and relish the opportunity to try your hand at playing the iconic bagpipes. Continue to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you’ll be surrounded by charming villages, rolling countryside and views of the shimmering loch. The day continues with a hands-on culinary experience, as you learn the art of making traditional haggis from scratch alongside a skilled local chef. During your class, explore the history of this dishand its ties to the famous poet Rabbie Burns, concluding the experience with a delectable lunch of freshly made haggis and traditional accompaniments. Conclude your day with a return transfer back to Glasgow.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic King
GLASGOW
Bon Voyage
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
EDINBURGH
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Situated in the historic India Buildings, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is reimagining the Old Town, marrying its iconic Victorian architecture with distinctive, contemporary design. Inside the hotel, you’ll experience a world that revolves around you – from a collection of 222 signature guest rooms to numerous drinking, dining and entertainment options that you’ll never want to leave. Discover a contemporary menu at the Commons Club Restaurant or indulge in creative cocktails at the hotel's chic bar. When you do venture out, you’ll find Edinburgh’s top attractions in walking distance - Edinburgh Castle is a mere 4 minute walk away while photogenic Victoria street is right outside your doorstep.
PITLOCHRY
The Old Manse of Blair
The Old Manse of Blair is a heavenly haven in the heart of the Highland Perthshire situates you in the midst of the majestic Cairngorms National Park and just a short 15 minute drive to the Victorian village of Pitlochry. All the character of a 200 year old Highland Estate complete with luxurious yet understated interiors make each of the 26-rooms a unique stay. Originally built in 1828, nearly two centuries of character and charm radiate in this sanctuary which has been recent refurbished to blend history and boutique contemporary style. The Georgian vicarage takes inspiration from the natural majesty of the Cairngorms National Park and national icons of Scottish pride. The unique and boutique touches of art and furnishing gives you a truly one of a kind, bespoke stay in each of their individually themed rooms. Dine on-site at the 5-star restaurant The Orangery which showcases Scottish cuisine and produce.
INVERNESS
Kingsmills
Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the Kingsmills Hotel is a fabulously historic retreat tucked away a short 5 minute drive from the city center of Inverness. The hotel, much like its on-site dining, combines the perfect mix of classic and contemporary features. Between the gardens of the historic mansion house, the lavish Kingsclub and Spa, and 134 guestrooms, many with private balconies and patios or views over the neighboring golf course, your relaxation and comfort are always in mind. Take a stroll in the hotel grounds with scarcely a hint that you’re in the middle of the Highland capital. The Kingsmills Hotel offers authentic Scottish hospitality, along with dashes of character and panache, only delivered by genuine hoteliers.
GLASGOW
Dakota Glasgow
It’s the detail that defines the distinctive, bold and beautiful rooms here at Dakota Hotel Glasgow. Spacious, quality beds made with high-thread cotton linen to aid your most restful sleep. Monsoon showers for an invigorating start to your day. Dine at Dakota Grill Glasgow and feast your eyes on quality, seasonally-inspired produce, a great balance of flavours and pristine presentation. Dakota’s signature impeccable service and stylish interior sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience at one of the best restaurants in Glasgow.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








