Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness will hills in the distance

7 Day Scottish Adventure

Castles, Highlands, Whisky & Coastal Gems

Want to see Scotland in a way that feels complete, not rushed, not stressful, and not like you’ve spent your holiday wrestling Google Maps? This private 7-day tour of Scotland is designed to showcase the best of the Lowlands, Highlands, coastline and islands-facing scenery, with a perfect mix of big-name highlights and places that feel more “local discovery” than tourist checklist.

You can start your tour from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or another convenient location in Scotland. From there, you’ll travel in a private vehicle with a friendly, professional guide, with the flexibility to adjust the pace, swap stops, and tailor the experience to your interests, whether you love castles, whisky, history, Outlander locations, scenic walks, or simply want breathtaking views with minimal hassle.

This itinerary brings together iconic landmarks like Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe and St Andrews, plus lesser-visited gems such as the East Neuk fishing villages, St Conan’s Kirk, and Loch Awe. You’ll also spend time in Speyside, home to some of Scotland’s most celebrated distilleries.

If you’re ready to experience Scotland properly, comfortably, thoughtfully, and with the best routes already planned, book your private 7-day tour and we’ll help tailor the details around your preferences.

We begin by leaving the city behind and heading into the heart of central Scotland and Fife, an ideal first day with varied scenery and plenty of character.

  • The Kelpies (Falkirk) – Scotland’s towering equine sculptures at The Helix. A memorable first stop and a great photo opportunity.

  • Culross (Outlander’s Cranesmuir) – a beautifully preserved 17th-century village with cobbled lanes and historic buildings. Perfect for a gentle walk and a proper sense of old Scotland.

  • Falkland – a charming conservation village with royal connections and a familiar setting for Outlander fans.

  • Crail – one of the East Neuk’s prettiest fishing villages, with a working harbour and classic seaside atmosphere.

  • St Andrews – panoramic time in the “Home of Golf”, with options for cathedral ruins, coastal walks, and a photo stop near the Old Course.

Overnight: St Andrews.

a pile of lobster traps sitting on top of a dock
a pile of lobster traps sitting on top of a dock

Day 1: The Kelpies & The Kingdom of Fife - Culross, Falkland, Crail & St Andrews

Today is a shift into bigger landscapes as we travel north through Highland-edge scenery toward whisky country.

  • Scone Palace – historic crowning place of Scottish kings, with impressive interiors and beautiful grounds.

  • Glenshee & the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint – a dramatic Highland pass and one of the best photo stops on this route.

  • Cairngorms National Park drive – wide-open scenery, forests, mountain views and the chance of spotting Highland wildlife.

  • Braemar (Royal Deeside) – a classic Highland village with strong cultural connections, especially to the Highland Games tradition.

  • Balmoral Castle (optional, time/season permitting) – subject to opening and availability, we can include a visit or viewpoint stop in the Balmoral area.

  • Arrive in Speyside – we finish in Scotland’s most famous whisky region.

Overnight: Dufftown or Aberlour.

Tour Details
  • Duration: 7 Days (7-8 hours per day)

  • Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

  • Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

  • Cost: £6265

  • Included:

    • Private driver-guide

    • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    • Bottled water and local snacks

  • Not Included:

    • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

    • Meals

    • Entrance Fees

Highland cows with Balmoral Castle in the background
Highland cows with Balmoral Castle in the background

Day 2: Scone Palace, the “Snow Roads” & Royal Deeside to Speyside

Day 3: Speyside Whisky Experiences & Coastal Nairn

Daffodils in front of Glenfiddich Distillery
Daffodils in front of Glenfiddich Distillery

Day 4: Culloden, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle

Today blends key Highland history with one of the region’s most atmospheric castles.

  • Culloden Battlefield – the site of the 1746 battle that changed Highland life forever. Visitor centre time available, plus a walk to the clan memorial stones.

  • Clava Cairns – Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a peaceful woodland setting (also known to Outlander fans as inspiration for the stones).

  • Cawdor Castle – a beautiful historic castle with striking interiors and exceptional gardens, open seasonally (spring to autumn).

Overnight: Nairn.

A day of whisky craft, local heritage, and a change of scenery by the sea.

  • Glenfiddich Distillery (Dufftown) – one of Speyside’s most famous names, with a range of tour options depending on how deep you want to go.

  • Speyside Cooperage – see the essential craft behind whisky maturation as coopers repair and rebuild casks.

  • Optional extra distillery stop – depending on interest and bookings, we can add another Speyside visit.

  • Nairn – a relaxed seaside town on the Moray Firth, ideal for an evening stroll and a slower pace after tastings.

Overnight: Nairn.

The Clava Cairns
The Clava Cairns

Day 5: Loch Ness, Great Glen, Glencoe & Oban

A true “Highlands greatest hits” day, lochs, glens, mountains and coastal charm.

  • Dores Beach (Loch Ness viewpoint) – one of the best spots for wide loch views (Nessie sightings remain unconfirmed, but we keep an eye out).

  • Urquhart Castle or Fort Augustus cruise (optional) – choose between iconic castle ruins or time on the loch by boat.

  • Great Glen drive – classic Highland scenery as we head south.

  • Glencoe – dramatic mountain landscape and key viewpoints, with the essential story of the glen shared clearly and respectfully.

  • Castle Stalker (photo stop) – a striking, postcard castle on the route.

  • Arrive in Oban – Scotland’s seafood capital, with time to explore the harbour.

Overnight: Oban.

Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
What Makes This 7-Day Tour Special
  • Private touring: your group, your pace, your interests

  • Balanced itinerary: iconic highlights & lesser-known gems

  • Comfortable routing: scenic drives that make sense (no backtracking chaos)

  • Flexible options: castles vs cruises, whisky stops, Outlander touches, and more

If this sounds like your kind of Scotland, beautiful, varied, and stress-free, book your private 7-day tour, and we’ll fine-tune the details to suit your travel style.

Tour guide Scotland guests in Luss
Tour guide Scotland guests in Luss

Day 6: Loch Awe, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful & Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Inveraray Castle and Gardens
Inveraray Castle and Gardens

A day of beautiful Argyll scenery, historic stops, and a relaxed return toward the city.

  • McCaig’s Tower (optional morning stop) – panoramic views over Oban Bay.

  • St Conan’s Kirk – an unusual and fascinating lochside church with remarkable architecture and atmosphere.

  • Kilchurn Castle (Loch Awe) – photogenic ruins in a classic Highland setting.

  • Inveraray – choose between Inveraray Castle (closed Tue/Wed) or Inveraray Jail, plus time to wander the town.

  • Rest and Be Thankful – famous viewpoint, often paired with a small dram and a moment to take in the scenery.

  • Luss (Loch Lomond) – a picture-perfect lochside village with historic churchyard details and easy strolling.

  • Optional Loch Lomond cruise – if you’d like time on the water.

Overnight: Glasgow

Day 7: Stirling Castle, The Trossachs & Highland Cows

Statue of Kind Robert Bruce in front of Stirling Castle
Statue of Kind Robert Bruce in front of Stirling Castle

A strong finish in the heart of Scotland, castles, lochs, woodland scenery, and the famous hairy locals.

  • Stirling Castle – one of Scotland’s most important fortresses, with royal history, big views, and excellent interpretation on site.

  • Trossachs National Park – scenic drive and lunch stop in a local inn, surrounded by lochs and forest landscapes.

  • Kilmahog (Highland cows) – time for photos with Scotland’s most photogenic residents (carrots optional but persuasive).

  • Return to your chosen drop-off – Edinburgh, Glasgow, or another agreed location.