Essential Scotland

Essential Scotland

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7 Days From

$1837

Essential Scotland

7 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Glasgow

Visiting: Scotland

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 35

Physical rating:

Easy

From:
$1837 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

If you are ready to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary castles, and fascinating cities in the UK, this 10-day small-group tour of Scotland is for you! Your journey will begin in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, known for its medieval streets, ancient buildings, and bustling atmosphere. Visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will uncover thousands of years of history and take in the incredible views of the city. From there you will travel to Stirling, where you will visit the Wallace Monument, built in honor of the 13th-century hero William Wallace, and see the Blair Castle in Pitlochry before you explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Explore Fort Augustus, a charming town in Northern Scotland, from where you will board your boat to Loch Ness Lake. Learn about the legend of the Loch Ness Monster as you sail along the misty waters of the lake and see if you can spot the great creature. Next, you will explore the medieval ruins of the Urquhart Castle, which was once one of the largest castles in Scotland, before you drive to Fort William, the Gateway to Ben Nevis — the highest mountain peak in the UK. Head on a stroll around Lake Lamond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland, before you make your way to Glasgow, known for its incredible music scene and fascinating festivals and events. Your small-group tour of Scotland will come to an end in this fascinating city!

Highlights

  • Travel to Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, to explore the Old Town and visit the Edinburgh Castle

  • Visit the Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish Independence, and the residence of many Kings and Queens

  • Head on a boat ride on Loch Ness Lake in search of Nessie, to uncover the mysteries behind the monster

  • Bask in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, home to the highest mountain peak in the UK, in Fort William

  • Explore Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, famous for its lively music scene, atmosphere, and culture

  • Travel to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, to explore the Old Town and visit the Edinburgh Castle

  • Visit the Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish Independence, the residence of many Royal families

  • Head on a boat ride on Loch Ness Lake in search of Nessie, to uncover the mysteries

  • Bask in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, home to the highest mountain peak in Fort William

  • Explore Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, famous for its lively music, scene and culture

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Edinburgh Arrival (-/-/-)

Welcome to Edinburgh! Upon arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can enjoy free time to explore the area, rest, and relax until your tour begins.


Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh (B/-/-)

Spend your morning at leisure digging deep into the rich history and warm culture of Scotland. In the afternoon you will do a sightseeing tour with a local guide to Scotlands capital city and one of the most active cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle overlooks the city, its steep streets and its parks.


Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 3: Edinburgh (B/-/-)

Spend the day free at leisure. Stroll through the Old Town along the Royal Mile and see the breathtaking Palace of Holyrood house. Soak up the city's festive atmosphere.


Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 4: Edinburgh — Stirling — Pitlochry — Blair Castle - Inverness (B/-/-)

After a delicious breakfast, You will be traveling to northern Scotland, visiting Stirling, famous for its historic downtown area and the castle that sits atop the mighty Castle Hill. Continuing north, not far from the village of Dunkeld, you will stop at Hermitage Forest to enjoy a nature walk along pleasant paths of low difficulty, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels and ages. Your next stop will be Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of the Scottish region where more whisky is produced. Here, you will visit a traditional whisky distillery (entrance included) and have time for lunch. After the break, you can explore Blair Castle (entrance not included) and its impressive grounds. You will then continue traveling north, aiming for a late-afternoon arrival in Inverness, a seaside town close to the world-famous Loch Ness. Please note that hotel and room availability in northern Scotland can be quite limited. For some departure dates, typically in the peak-season month of August, you may need to arrange accommodation in towns around Inverness due to the limited availability. Please note that due to capacity limitations in traditional distilleries, sometimes the visit can be arranged on a Saturday in Edinburgh as part of the \"Whisky & Gin tour,\" where you will visit the manufacturing processes and enjoy tastings of both gin and whisky.


Overnight in Inverness

Day 5: Inverness (B/-/-)

Today after breakfast, you will have a day full of excitement as you travel along the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs and plains of northern Scotland. You will visit the fascinating Eilean Donan Castle probably the most photographed fortress in the entire country (entrance included). Next, you will travel to Fort Augustus where you will visit the sluice gate system. Time to have lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, travel to Loch Ness and go on a boat tour on the lakes dark and mysterious waters. After that, visit the medieval castle of Urquhart (entrance included).


Overnight in Inverness

Day 6: Inverness — Fort William — Inveraray - Loch Lomond — Glasgow (B/-/-)

In the morning after breakfast, continue enjoying a stage with gorgeous landscapes. You will make a brief stop at Spean Bridge to visit a monument that speaks about the Second World War. You will later stop in Fort William, a tourist center at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Then you will go to Kilchurn Castle, which displays its beautiful ruins right by a dark lake. Inveraray is a quite picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne with a large castle and quiet streets. Lunchtime. Time to return to contouring Loch Lomond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland. Time for a stroll around Balloch, the liveliest town on its banks. Arrival in Glasgow at midafternoon. Time for a stroll around the center of this lively city.


Overnight in Glasgow

Day 7: Glasgow — Usa/Canada (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will make your own way to the airport in Glasgow to board your flight back home.

What's Included

  • 06 nights accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at superior hotels or similar

  • Daily breakfast

  • Arrival airport transfers

  • Service of Bilingual/English-speaking local tour guide

  • All Transportation in a modern AC Motor Coach

  • All Tours and Sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary

  • Stirling castle

  • Whisky distillery in Pitlochry

  • Eilean Donan castle

  • Urquhart castle

show more

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities

  • Departure airport transfer

  • Items not mentioned as included

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this Operator

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

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DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

Joe Kang (Google Reviewer)  

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07-Mar-2024

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Jeannie Ruiz (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I planned...

13-Oct-2023

My partner and I planned a trip to Greece with a small group. Indus and their representatives went above and beyond to curate an amazing trip that felt very exclusive. We just returned a couple of weeks ago and are already planning another trip.

JoAnne Van De Wiele-Kimura (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a trip with...

13-Nov-2023

I booked a trip with Indus to South Africa and had a fabulous time! It was easy to book the trip online and any questions I had were answered very quickly by Sabine. The hotels we stayed at were very nice and in good locations. Our tours were well organized and our safari in Kruger National park was definitely a highlight. A few mornings had a bright and early start, but this allowed us to accomplish quite a lot in a day. The hotel restaurants had decent food, which was convenient if we had a longer day and didn't want to go out to eat. Overall, I was very happy with the trip and I felt the price for my tour was excellent value. I would definitely use Indus again!

Natalia (Google Reviewer)  

Exploring Bogota was fantastic -...

04-Jan-2024

Exploring Bogota was fantastic - a lively city with so much to see. The Gold Museum was a highlight, taking us on a journey through centuries of history. We spent hours there, fascinated by the detailed exhibits showcasing the rich culture. After Bogota, we flew to St. Andres, a Caribbean paradise. Despite some rain during the 'rainy season,' the island's charm and our packed sightseeing schedule made every moment unforgettable. Activities like mangrove kayaking, snorkeling, and island hopping showcased St. Andres' natural beauty. WE even rescued a sick blue heron during our tour and transferred it to rescue services. The food was another standout. Local cuisine was not only delicious but also budget-friendly, offering a unique blend of flavors. I love seafood especially seviche, and I was trully impress by quality and diversity. But what really made our trip special was the people. Friendliness was everywhere, whether chatting with locals or getting tips on hidden gems. The genuine hospitality added an extra layer of joy to an already amazing journey. Bogota and St. Andres left a lasting impression, going beyond sightseeing to truly experience the heart and soul of these incredible destinations. Big thank you to Indus team, who put together this trip for me. I am looking forward to exploring other South American countries with Indus.

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Dates & Availability

Thursday - Wednesday

May 02, 2024 - May 08, 2024
$1889 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 09, 2024 - May 15, 2024
$1889 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 16, 2024 - May 22, 2024
$1889 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 23, 2024 - May 29, 2024
$1889 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 30, 2024 - Jun 05, 2024
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Jun 06, 2024 - Jun 12, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 19, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2024 - Jul 03, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2024 - Jul 10, 2024
$2099 (USD)
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Jul 25, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024
$1889 (USD)
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Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024
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Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$1889 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024
$1837 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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