wHere will yOur jourNey take you?

On our 9 day Heritage Scotland & Skye self-drive tour combine Fife’s picturesque fishing villages and ancient towns, traditional Royal Deeside and legendary Loch Ness with the ‘misty isle’ and indisputable star of the glorious West Coast.

Start & End

Edinburgh or Glasgow – Edinburgh or Glasgow

When to travel

March – October

Pricing

From $3,490pp (ex.flights)

Currency: $USD

yoUr journey, your way

All Celtic Routes self-drive tours are unique, curated to suit you. Take a look at our sample itinerary as a starting point to begin planning your perfect trip.

1

day 1

2

day 2

3

day 3

4

day 4

5

day 5

6

day 6

7

day 7

8

day 8

9

day 9

heritage scotland & skye

day 1

From Capital to Kingdom

Ford the Firth of Forth to enter the ancient ‘Kingdom of Fife’ famed for its bulging food and drink larder and impossibly pretty fishing villages.The ‘pilgrimage’ ends in celebrated St Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town and cradle of golf.

day 2

Royal roots

Cross the silvery Tay to Dundee with its feted V&A museum. Drop in on Glamis Castle, the Queen Mother’s childhood home before taking the Old Military Road through layered heathery landscapes to Balmoral, the Royals’ beloved summer home.

day 3

Epic mountains, lochs and legends

Take on one of Britain’s most mountainous roads across the country’s largest national park pausing in Speyside, a mecca for malt whisky lovers. Discover the quieter side of Loch Ness where fantastical tales of a mythical creature come to life.

day 4

Discovering the Great Glen

A monstrously sized loch adorned with crumbling castles and snug waterside inns begs careful exploration. Cruise the loch, marvel at the Caledonian Canal or venture into Scotland’s most beautiful glen amongst ancient pinewoods and reclusive wildlife.

day 5

Scotland’s most iconic castle

A bucket list bonanza, tick off Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan before cresting the Skye Bridge to the mystical Isle of Skye on a drive short on miles but big on wow.

day 6

Discover stunning Skye

Mystical Skye is an intriguing mix of moody mountains, fairy pools, peaty malts and fabulous fruits de mer. Admire the pretty pastel buildings of Portree, sample a wee dram at the Talisker Distillery or freshly hand-shucked oyster at the Oyster Shed.

day 7

Over the sea from Skye

Float back in style to the mainland by Kylerhea’s legendary turntable ferry to Glenelg on a drive of twisty turns and spectacular views. Glimpse the Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct to end your day in peaceful Port Appin.

day 8

The wonderful West Coast

With Oban, ‘Gateway to the Isles’ on the doorstep, a plethora of islands including magnificent Mull and cute Kerrera are visitable in one day. Go car-less to tiny Lismore or over the bridge to sleepy Seil to discover that ‘less’ is generally ‘more’.

day 9

Return to Edinburgh

Ease back into ‘civilisation’ by taking either the ‘high road’ through Glencoe with its hauntingly scarred, arresting landscape or the ‘low road’ to the natural beauty of lush Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park where both routes meet.

Progress – Day 1 of 9

St Monans harbour - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Balmoral Castle - North East 250 / Damian Shields Loch Ness - VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton Caledonian Canal - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland Dunvegan Castle and Gardens - Skye Glenelg Turntable Ferry Kerrera - VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton Loch Lomond cruise - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

priCing

The prices shown are indicative, per passenger, and adjust according to the number of guests you select above. Each bar is divided into three sections, representing different vehicle sizes – small, medium, and large. Prices for single occupants may incur a single supplement charge at hotels.

Please note: We can also accommodate groups larger than 4 passengers on request – get in touch with us for a tailored quote.

    Please let us know your total budget per person for your tour. As a guide, our popular 7 day NC500 itinerary in a mid-size vehicle typically costs £2,900 per person excluding flights, during the summer months

    highLights of this tOur

    rOyal deeside

    Queen Victoria and Prince Albert definitely put this picturesque salmon fishing river valley on the map when they purchased Balmoral Estate in 1852. Nestled deep in the Cairngorm National Park, this is an area of exceptional beauty imbued with royal Victorian heritage and more than its fair share of Scottish tradition with kilts, bagpipes, castles and Highland games aplenty. Accommodation here is unsurprisingly ‘fit for a king’.

    River at Balmoral Castle - North East 250 / Damian Shields
    2

    day 2

    Royal Deeside

    loch neSs

    The enigmatic attraction of Britain’s most famous loch is an enduring source of fascination and a bucket list item for many on a trip to Scotland. Tourist magnet aside, this mysterious expanse of water is the ultimate hideout for camera-shy ‘Nessie’. Gorgeous wood-fringed beaches and scenic walks are overseen by Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks.

    Urquhart Castle - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
    3

    day 3

    Loch Ness

    iSle of skYe

    The most beguiling and celebrated of Scotland’s 790 islands is an enticing place to visit at any time of the year. Characterised by dramatic brooding landscapes, pretty fishing villages, lush glens and calm sea loch inlets, the largest of the Hebridean islands is a haven for wildlife, a magnet for hikers and climbers and a mecca for foodies. Be sure to bag your room early, it’s a much sought after destination.

    Neist Point Isle of Skye in Scotland
    6

    day 6

    Isle of Skye

    cUstomise your tour

    With Celtic Routes, every journey is designed around you. Our destination experts work closely with you to craft a personalised itinerary that reflects your interests and travel style. Whether that means spending more time in a place you love, adjusting the pace of your tour, or curating experiences unique to you, we’ll help shape a journey that feels entirely your own.

    Explore our recommended customisations for this tour.

    Enquire now →
    Fingals Cave - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    mull

    Instantly recognisable by the cheerfully painted houses of the harbour town of Tobermory, Mull understandably draws attention. Diverse, culturally rich and picturesque, it’s easily accessible by boat from Oban and a jumping off point for a day trip to the Hebridean gems of hallowed Iona and Staffa and the fantastic Fingal’s Cave.

    Speyside Whisky - North East 250 / Damian Shields

    speyside

    No need to be a malt whisky lover to divert along this gloriously verdant river valley and discover the ancient crafts alive and well in a rural Celtic enclave. However, if you are partial to a wee dram, strengthen the love affair with a distillery tour and tasting.

    More than a place to slEep

    A key part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience, our accommodation is carefully hand-picked and painstakingly scrutinised. From five-star castles to lochside lodges and cosy country inns, a warm and friendly welcome awaits you on your Scottish journey. On this tour, you could stay at one of these delightful destinations:

    Balmoral Arms Exterior

    the balmoral arms

    $ $ $ $ $

    Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Ballater, The Balmoral Arms offers a refined yet relaxed Highland retreat. Blending traditional Scottish charm with modern comfort, this elegant inn provides a warm welcome to all who come to explore Royal Deeside, a region beloved by generations of the Royal Family.

    View Property
    The Lovat Exterior

    the lovat

    $ $ $ $ $

    Nestled in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, overlooking the southern tip of Loch Ness, The Lovat offers a blend of contemporary luxury, warm Highland hospitality, and a deep respect for its stunning natural surroundings. This charming eco-conscious hotel provides the perfect base for exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

    View Property
    Duidsale House Hotel Exterior

    duisdale house hotel

    $ $ $ $ $

    Set on the enchanting Isle of Skye, overlooking the scenic Sound of Sleat, Duisdale House Hotel is a stylish Victorian retreat surrounded by 35 acres of gardens and woodland. Combining period elegance with contemporary luxury, this award-winning boutique hotel offers an intimate escape amidst some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery.

    View Property

    rEviews

    We’re trusted by clients across the world to make their Celtic adventure the trip of a lifetime. Hear what they have to say:

    Highland Cow

    bev and bob simpson

    Scotland

    “Bob & I are thoroughly enjoying every moment of our travel, we wish to thank you so much for all the detail, and the choices that have been made for our trip. Really loved meeting “Queenie”at her Highland Cow farm and we were so blessed to have her give us her farm tour, she was delightful, engaging, thoroughly fascinating. “

    enQuire about this Tour

      Please let us know your total budget per person for your tour. As a guide, our popular 7 day NC500 itinerary in a mid-size vehicle typically costs £2,900 per person excluding flights, during the summer months

      what’s

      inclUded?

      Your Celtic Routes North Coast 500 package includes everything you need to enjoy your tour of Scotland to the fullest. From a spacious Land Rover suited to the wilder parts of your Celtic adventure, to a dedicated app featuring your itinerary, map and weather forecast, you can be safe in the knowledge we’re with you every step of the way.

      Land Rover Hire

      Full insurance for 2 people

      Accommodation

      Breakfast each day

      Personalised handover and collection

      Detailed personalised trip notes

      Dedicated expert travel advisor

      App navigation

      Detailed day to day information

      £GBP €EUR $USD