whEre will your joUrney take you?

On this 9 day best-selling self-drive tour we take you to the very best of the Scottish Highlands including the legendary island of Skye. Make your route your own, stopping at remote villages, iconic distilleries and sites of unsurpassed natural beauty.

Start & End

Edinburgh or Glasgow – Edinburgh or Glasgow

When to travel

March – October

Pricing

From $3,350pp (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.

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day 9

scottish highlands & skye

day 1

Edinburgh to Dunkeld

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 strike northwards reliving the magic of Outlander on your journey into the Highlands.

day 2

Cairngorms National Park

Encounter Britain’s largest national park to reach the epicentre of malt whisky country and the Moray Firth. Pause for reflection at Culloden’s infamous battlefield or detour to picturesque Cromarty and the Black Isle en route for delightful Dornoch.

day 3

Crossing Flow Country

An epic drive across one of Europe’s last great wildernesses and UNESCO World Heritage Site to the most remote and uninhabited corner of Britain’s mainland. Traverse this ice-scoured landscape in comfort at the wheel of your Land Rover.

day 4

Exploring unspoilt Assynt

Raw and elemental, Assynt with its plethora of peaks, lochs and deserted beaches never disappoints. Be it on foot, on four wheels or on water, this is an outdoor playground like no other waiting to be explored.

day 5

Classic coastal scenery

Sit back and enjoy the ride beside a truly superlative stretch of Scottish coastline, pivotal in World War II history. Famed for its sandy beaches, whitewashed cottages and glorious island views set against a jagged mountainous backdrop.

day 6

Conquering the Bealach na Ba pass

Take on arguably the most classic drive of the NC500 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 on route to the magical island of Skye.

day 7

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 8

Scotland’s most iconic castle

Float back in style to the mainland by Kylerhea’s legendary turntable ferry or crest the Skye Bridge to Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan. Glimpse the Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct to end your day in peaceful Port Appin.

day 9

Return to Edinburgh

Cruise back to ‘civilisation’ by taking either the ‘high road’ through Glencoe to drive the ‘Skyfall’ road in the tracks of James Bond 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

Stirling Castle Cairngorms National Park Scotland Forsinard, Flow Country Assynt in Scotland Shieldaig peninsular Bealach Na Ba Pass Isle of Skye in Scotland Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland Glencoe Valley

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

    dOrnoch

    There’s more to sleepy Dornoch than a regal sounding world famous golf course, super long sandy beach and the most northerly cathedral on the British mainland. Gallows Hill marks the spot where 300 years ago the last woman in Scotland to be accused of witchcraft was burnt alive. Steeped in history, where else can you stay in a former bishop’s palace which today boasts one of the best stocked whisky bars in the country.

    Dornoch Castle
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    day 2

    Dornoch

    ceAnnabeinne beach

    On hitting the north coast of the British mainland, a veritable treat awaits. The winding coastal road to Durness is punctuated by stunning beaches, the most spectacular of which with its white sand and brilliant blue sea is Ceannabeinne Beach (meaning ‘end of mountains’). If that didn’t get the heart racing, take a bird’s-eye view by zipping across the sand on the aptly named Golden Eagle Zipline.

    Ceannabeinne beach in Scotland
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    day 3

    Ceannabeinne Beach

    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.

    Old Man of Storr Scotland
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    day 7

    Isle of Skye

    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 →
    Glasgow University

    glasgow

    Creative, cool and vibrant, Glasgow is a welcoming, contemporary and down to earth city which blends historic charm with modern energy. As a city hub from which to embark upon a self-drive tour of Scotland, it is as well-placed as its old rival to the east.

    Speyside Cooperage

    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.

    Churchill Barriers

    orkney

    Cast off from the mainland on a fascinating excursion to this northern archipelago brimming with prehistoric history, abundant wildlife and tranquil beaches. Life, which began here 5,000 years ago, continues to thrive and makes the journey worth it.

    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:

    Meikleour Arms Hotel

    meikleour arms and estate

    $ $ $ $ $

    The Meikelour Estate is one of the oldest in East Scotland, and has been supporting its local community since at least the 14th century. Built in 1820, the Meikleour Arms is an idyllic holiday destination, and the award-winning restaurant offers a wide range of locally sourced country food.

    View Property
    Shieldaig Lodge exterior view

    shieldaig lodge

    $ $ $ $ $

    Shieldaig Lodge is a recently refurbished Victorian hunting lodge in the beautiful West Highlands. Wander through the beautiful gardens surrounding the hotel and explore the magnificent sandy beaches, mountainous scenery, and stunning lochs across the 26,000-acre estate.

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    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:

    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 holiday 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