Trip summary statistics
9days
Crown Jewels: Scottish Castles & Scenic Wonders
Edinburgh, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Inverness, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Discover the fishing villages of East Neuk, with historic harbors and scenic coastline.
Uncover Glamis’ 600-year legacy, wander Dunnottar’s ruins, and stroll Balmoral’s gardens.
Experience Loch Ness’ tales and the beauty of Eilean Donan, a stunning 13th-century castle.
Journey Glencoe’s dramatic past and along Loch Lomond’s shores, to medieval Doune Castle.
Indulge in luxurious hotels and castle stays, curated with care 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
- Independent Discovery of Royal Mile
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Edinburgh
EdinburghA Sight To Behold
- Edinburgh City Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs) - Private Tour
Edinburgh to St AndrewsHidden Gems
- Edinburgh-St Andrews - via Fishing Villages of East Neuk of Fife, Crail, Anstruther and St Monans (8 hrs) - Private
St Andrews to AberdeenQuintessential Castles
- St Andrews-Aberdeen - via Dundee, Glamis Castle, Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven (10 hrs) - Private Transfer
AberdeenFairytale Castles and Royal Realms
- The Coastal Trail (8 hrs) - Private
Aberdeen to InvernessWinding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
- Aberdeen-Inverness - via Spey Valley, Glenfiddich, Cooperage Distilleries & Cawdor Castle (9 hrs)
InvernessA Journey Back in Time
- Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye (11 hrs) - Private
Inverness to Loch LomondA Dazzling Drive
- Inverness-Loch Lomond - via Glencoe Valley, Loch Lomond & Luss (9 hrs) - Private Transfer
Loch Lomond to GlasgowBon Voyage
- Loch Lomond-Glasgow (1 hr) - Private 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.
Exploring Edinburgh's exhilarating Royal Mile is your best way to get acquainted with the city's Old Town. Forming the main thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile is a series of connected cobblestone streets, spanning Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. From eateries, tartan souvenir shops, historic landmarks, and an eclectic collection of museums, the Royal Mile has plenty to discover and offers something for everyone. Within your final trip documents, we'll provide you with the best route for a self-guided discovery of The Royal Mile, covering all points of interests. From palaces to whisky shops, there's so much to discover along this legendary path through Old Town.
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
A Sight To Behold
Meet your private driver and guide at your hotel and depart on a half-day tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago. The New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the famous Princes Street with its ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, along with historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. With a structure-free south side of the street, Princes offers panoramic views back across the scenic Old Town, considered one of the most beautiful skylines in Europe. Explore the renowned Royal Mile in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, bookended 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.
Where you’ll be staying
Chamber King Room
EDINBURGH TO ST ANDREWS
Hidden Gems
The Kingdom of Fife in Scotland is home to some of the most picturesque towns and villages to be found. Travel through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk and feel transported back in time. The traditional cottages with crow-stepped gable ends appear unchanged from earlier years. Fishing boats lie at rest in the harbor following the bustle of unloading their catch as they have done for centuries. It is not just the villages that give the East Neuk its appeal - the shoreline of the Firth of Forth is dotted with some of the finest beaches in Britain and some of the most spectacular links golf courses. There are attractive shoreline walks to be enjoyed, as well as a vast array of places to visit, from ancient castles and museums, to country parks and nature trails.
Where you’ll be staying
Rusacks Double
ST ANDREWS TO ABERDEEN
Quintessential Castles
Crossing the “silvery River Tay” through Dundee on onwards, you first visit of the day could be Glamis Castle, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years. The present Earl is Michael, 18th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Glamis is a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality; a place of enjoyment, reflection, laughter and wonder for all. The castle has witnessed more than 600 years of history and locals take great delight in sharing the many stories, secrets and intriguing tales that surround it. Next, discover architectural marvels and artistic wonders at V&A Dundee, where Scotland's cultural heritage meets contemporary design in a breathtaking waterfront setting. Immerse yourself in exhibitions that celebrate innovation and creativity, making every visit a journey through the past, present, and future of design. Continue to Aberdeen with a stop at Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven. The impressive ruins of Dunnottar Castle sit on the cliff tops looking out over the North Sea. There is plenty to explore in the extensive buildings including barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses. The oldest part of the castle is the chapel which dates back to the mid-14th century. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II are some of the notable names who have visited the castle. The castle also played host to Hollywood star Mel Gibson for the filming of Hamlet.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic River View Room
ABERDEEN
Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
Today you'll explore Aberdeen's magnificent Coastal Trail which covers 165 miles of continuous cliff-tops, coves, and breathtaking beaches. With your private driver-guide, you’ll travel around the northeast coast and encounter a wonderful array of wildlife, picturesque harbors and lighthouses. If it’s spectacular scenery and fresh sea air you are after, the Coastal Trail is the one for you.
Please note: Per Person entrances fees have not been included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like all entrances included and this can be added.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic River View Room
ABERDEEN TO INVERNESS
Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
Departing the “Granite City” your journey across country takes you to the Spey Valley. This area is famous for distilleries and as you are going to Islay it would be an ideal opportunity to try some out and see what the differences are. These are just a few you can visit - Glenfiddich, Speyside Cooperage, Strathisla, Aberlour, Macallan. As you near Inverness why not stop at Cawdor Castle. A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle, and just what every visitor is looking for ... Scottish history that you can touch and see and sense for yourself. Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and the home of the Cawdor family to this day. Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. The ancient medieval tower was built around the legendary holly-tree.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Room
INVERNESS
A Journey Back in Time
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 LOCH LOMOND
A Dazzling Drive
After check-out, meet your private driver-guide for a full day transfer to Loch Lomond, taking in some of Scotland's stunning scenery along the way. 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 Loch Lomond.
Where you’ll be staying
Classic Room
LOCH LOMOND TO GLASGOW
Bon Voyage
Meet your private driver for a transfer to Glasgow. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.
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.
ST ANDREWS
The Rusacks Hotel
The Rusacks Hotel is situated next to St Andrews Golf Course overlooking the first tee and the legendary 18th green of the Old Course, with a spectacular view of St Andrews bay. The Hotel combines luxurious room with a front row seat in sporting history. The 2 AA rosette award-winning restaurant serves the finest food and drinks against a backdrop of the world's most photographed golf course. Enjoy a relaxed light lunch or afternoon tea in the bright conservatory with wraparound views of The Old Course, visit their new Jubilee Gallery of golfing greats created by artist Joseph Austin. The Old Course at St Andrew's is, without a doubt, the course that every golfer dreams of playing, and anyone can play as it is open to golfers of all levels.
ABERDEEN
Maryculter House
Steeped in history, Maryculter House is enveloped in nature and inspired by a passion for hospitality. Nestled on the banks of the River Dee, a short 20 minute drive to Aberdeen city centre, many of the hotel's 40 bedrooms boasts stunning views coupled with contemporary Scottish interiors. Relax in comfortable beds, luxuriate in stylish bathrooms and enjoy the personal touches of Scottish hospitality. Savor good food and company in the atmospheric restaurant, offering views of the river. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, a fishing fan, a history buff or someone who relishes trying new things, Maryculter House offers something for everyone. Of course you’re guaranteed the same standards that Maryculter House is renowned for – attention to detail, superb customer service and an experience to remember.
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.
LOCH LOMOND
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond at the illustrious Cameron House Hotel, a 5-star resort set amidst the stunning Scottish landscapes and just a short 30 minute drive to Glasgow city centre. Following a meticulous restoration of a 17th-century Baronial mansion, the hotel boasts 208 luxurious bedrooms and suites. The rooms offer a blend of historic charm and modern comforts, showcasing splendid views of Loch Lomond or the beautiful hotel gardens. Five distinct dining experiences cater to various occasions, while an 18-hole Championship golf course, a rooftop infinity pool, and numerous outdoor activities ensure a memorable stay. Guests can unwind at the fully equipped gym, indoor pools, or cinema, and explore over 50 water and land-based activities. The adjacent spa, with its dramatic landscape and infinity pool overlooking the loch, offers a tranquil retreat. Meanwhile, the 18-hole Carrick on Loch Lomond golf course weaves through the Scottish lowlands and highlands, delivering a unique golfing experience. Cameron House is the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in the wonders of Loch Lomond and Scottish hospitality at its finest.
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.








