wHere will yOur jourNey take you?

Surrender yourself to the pleasures that await on this 8-day Luxury Scotland self-drive tour from an exclusive bolt hole in the Cairngorms National Park to a private West Coast island idyll on our most indulgent of slow-travel Scottish escapes.

Start & End

Edinburgh or Glasgow – Edinburgh or Glasgow

When to travel

March – October

Pricing

From $5,340pp (ex.flights)

Currency: $USD

1

day 1

2

day 2

3

day 3

4

day 4

5

day 5

6

day 6

7

day 7

8

day 8

luxury scotland

day 1

Edinburgh to Deeside

Delve into Scotland’s fascinating history in the footsteps of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce with a visit to its ancient capital, Stirling, or circumnavigate Fife’s coastal Kingdom cruising the thin tarmac trail into the heart of the Cairngorms.

day 2

Royal Deeside

Embrace the essence of this regal holiday destination with a peek behind the scenes of the Royals’ summer bolt-hole, Balmoral Castle or unlock the splendours of this stunning landscape on a personalised wild walking adventure. 

day 3

Spirited mountains

Glide along mountainous roads through Scotland’s largest national park pausing in splendid Speyside with its top flight whisky houses, Macallan and Glenfiddich. Hit cruise control striking forth into the remote epicentre of the Highlands.

day 4

A wilderness retreat

Wind-down in comfort and be wowed by this phenomenal natural arena. Snorkel lochs in search of sea anemones, revive the ancient art of falconry or strap in for a coastal drive along a truly superlative stretch of Scottish coastline, pivotal in WWII history.

day 5

Conquering the Bealach na Ba pass

Take on arguably the most classic drive in Scotland by conquering the Bealach na Ba pass, an old drovers’ road peppered with Highland cattle. Stop for the best seafood lunch at a humble blue cabin and take a selfie beside the most photogenic of castles.

day 6

Highland Heroes

Embark on a day of classic Highland scenery: from the edge of Loch Ness to crossing a rickety bridge to an island retreat, give a nod to towering Ben Nevis, catch a glimpse of the racing Hogwarts’ Express and pay your respects at historic Glenfinnan.

day 7

Island Hopping

Stay put in this tiny castaway haven or venture forth to discover a string of islands visitable in one day including magnificent Mull and cute Kerrera. Go car-less on compact Lismore or head to sleepy Seil to discover that ‘less’ is generally ‘more’.

day 8

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 8

Stirling Castle Balmoral Castle - VisitAberdeenshire Whiskey pouring Falconry Bealach na ba - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Jacobite at Glenfinnan - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam Kerrera - VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton Loch Lomond cruise - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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.

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

    tOrridon

    Hidden deep within the northwest Highlands of Scotland lies the beautiful Torridon, a smorgasbord of deep glistening lochs, towering peaks and inviting glens. Prepare to fall in love with some of the most arresting scenery in the UK where immersion into nature takes minimal effort yet delivers in spades. Hikers, kayakers, stargazers, nature lovers, snorkellers or mere travellers, come hither.

    The Torridon - Exterior
    1

    day 1

    Torridon

    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 Cairngorms National Park, this is an area of exceptional beauty. The area is 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 hidey-hole 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

    cUstomise your tOur

    With Celtic Routes, every journey is designed around you. Our destination experts will 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 →
    Isle of Skye in Scotland

    isle of skye

    For a once in a lifetime trip to Scotland, Skye is a must. The largest and most famous of the Scottish islands is characterised by dramatic brooding landscapes, pretty fishing villages and an intriguing web of myths, legends and folklore. Be sure to bag your room early, it’s a much sought after destination.

    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.

    Edinburgh-Castle

    edinburgh

    A night or two in Scotland’s beguiling capital dubbed ‘the Athens of the North’ perfectly bookends a self-driving tour. The hidden ‘closes’ and ‘wynds’ and landmark castle of the medieval Old Town and smart streets of the Georgian New Town invite exploration.

    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:

    The Torridon - Exterior

    the torridon

    $ $ $ $ $

    Set amidst 58 acres of magnificent parkland on the shores of Loch Torridon, The Torridon offers one of Scotland’s most spectacular retreats. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic Highland scenery, this luxurious country house hotel combines grand Victorian architecture with exceptional hospitality and a spirit of adventure.

    View Property
    Fife Arms Lounge

    the fife arms

    $ $ $ $ $

    Set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is a remarkable blend of Scottish heritage, art, and luxury. Once a 19th-century coaching inn, this beautifully restored hotel offers a unique and immersive experience where history and creativity meet against the backdrop of the Highlands’ stunning natural beauty.

    View Property
    Isle of Eriska Exterior

    isle of eriska

    $ $ $ $ $

    Set on its own private island off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Eriska Hotel offers an exclusive retreat where luxury meets nature. Surrounded by breathtaking views of Loch Linnhe, the Morvern Mountains, and the rugged Scottish coastline, this five-star country house hotel provides a haven of tranquillity, indulgence, and timeless charm.

    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:

    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