Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh
You'll arrive in Edinburgh and take the Airlink bus from the airport into the city center. After getting settled at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to yourself. It's a good time to grab some food and rest up before starting your tour tomorrow.
- Day 2
Dundee
Start your day with a hop-on hop-off bus tour around Edinburgh, stopping by Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House at your own pace. Later, you'll take a train to Dundee where you can check out the V&A Dundee and its creative architecture. From there, walk through Discovery Point to see the RRS Discovery ship and spend time in the Discovery Dome. If it's April through September, Mills Observatory might be open for a visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hop-on hop-off city tour in Edinburgh
- Train ride to Dundee
Optional Activities
- Visit Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Palace of Holyrood House
- Explore V&A Dundee
- Visit Discovery Point and RRS Discovery ship
- Experience Discovery Dome with 360-degree views
- Visit Mills Observatory (opens selected dates April-September)
Landmarks/POIs Edinburgh Castle Palace of Holyrood House V&A Dundee Discovery Point Mills Observatory - Day 3
Dundee
You have the flexibility to spend the day in Dundee however you'd like. The McManus Art Gallery & Museum has impressive Victorian Gothic architecture and interesting collections if you want to go indoors. If industrial history appeals to you, check out Verdant Works Museum, which sits in a converted jute mill building. Another option is renting a bike to ride through Camperdown Country Park and see its 190 different tree species scattered around.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit McManus Art Gallery & Museum
- Visit Verdant Works Museum
- Hire a bike from Dundee Cycle Hub
- Explore Camperdown Country Park
Landmarks/POIs McManus Art Gallery & Museum Verdant Works Museum Camperdown Country Park Dundee Cycle Hub - Day 4
Dundee to Aberdeen
A train or coach will take you south through beautiful Scottish scenery toward Aberdeen, known locally as the Granite City. Once you arrive, you can take walks along the long sandy beach and look for street art throughout the city. The Aberdeen Art Gallery is worth a stop if you're interested. You might even spot dolphins from the harbor area before settling into your hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk along Aberdeen beach
- Explore street art
- Visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
- Spot dolphins at the harbor
Landmarks/POIs Aberdeen Art Gallery - Day 5
Aberdeen to Inverness
You'll head north by bus to Inverness, the main cultural hub of the Scottish Highlands. Start by visiting the 19th century cathedral and the older Old High St. Stephen's church. Then make your way to Inverness Castle, which has been recently renovated and now features an interactive exhibition about Highland history and culture. You'll be staying here for two nights, so you'll have time to settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Inverness Castle Experience (interactive exhibition)
Optional Activities
- Visit the 19th century cathedral
- Visit Old High St. Stephen's church
Landmarks/POIs Inverness Castle Old High St. Stephen's Church - Day 6
Inverness
This day gives you a choice. You can take a guided minibus day trip that includes Clava Cairns (ancient burial structures from about 4,000 years ago), the Culloden battlefield visitor center with its historical displays, Glen Affric with its old pine forests and views of Loch Affric, and the remains of Beauly Priory. Or if you prefer to stay in town, visit the Victorian Market or the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided day trip to Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns (transport and guide included, excl. entrance fees)
Optional Activities
- Visit Clava Cairns (admission payable locally)
- Visit Culloden visitor center (admission payable on site)
- Walk through Glen Affric ancient pine forests
- View Loch Affric and mountains
- Visit Beauly Priory ruins (admission payable locally)
- Visit Victorian Market
- Visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Landmarks/POIs Clava Cairns Culloden Battlefield Glen Affric Loch Affric Beauly Priory Victorian Market Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - Day 7
Inverness to Edinburgh
You'll return to Edinburgh by taking a scenic train ride back through the Highlands. The journey itself is a highlight, with views of the landscape changing as you head south. Once you arrive in Edinburgh, check into your hotel for your last night in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh
- Day 8
Edinburgh
It's departure day. Have breakfast at your hotel or grab something nearby before heading to the airport for your journey home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
