The Castles & Lochs of Scotland are among the country's most iconic and romantic landmarks, blending dramatic landscapes with centuries of history. This self-drive itinerary takes you through some of the most scenic sights, steeped in history and embedded in Scottish culture.
Partially guided tour | 10 days | 8 nights
Trip Highlights | United Kingdom
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Edinburgh (if the Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 8 nights of accommodation in your selected category, including breakfast daily
- 8-day car rental in your selected category
- Third Party Liability Insurance / Vehicle Theft Protection / VAT / Airport location fees
- Unlimited mileage for 4-day durations or longer
- Admission to Glamis Castle
- Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
- Loch Ness, Freedom Cruise
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Day 1 | Depart Canada
Day 2 | Welcome to Scotland, Edinburgh
- Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, pick up your rental car at the airport and make your way to your hotel, where you can settle in and start to enjoy the sights and sounds of this historic city. The capital of Scotland has something for everyone, from a gentle introduction to famous whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Experience to the Royal Mile or The Georgian House (National Trust for Scotland, entrance $).
- Spend an overnight in the Edinburgh area.
Day 3 | Edinburgh
- Start the day getting up close and personal with the city. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the unmistakable fortress in the heart of the city. (entrance included)
- Edinburgh is the dynamic capital city of Scotland, located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Known for its dramatic skyline, historic and literary heritage and cultural festivals, Edinburgh blends the ancient and the contemporary like few other cities.
- Spend an overnight in the Edinburgh area.
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4 | Edinburgh - Fife & Perthshire
- Today, you’ll depart the city and head for Loch Leven Castle in Fife. You’ll hop aboard a small boat and recreate the journey taken by both King Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots to visit this Castle in the middle of the Loch. Witness the tower rooms, where the latter was eventually held captive. You’ll continue onwards to Perthshire for your overnight (entrances $)
- Spend an overnight in the Perthshire area.
- (approximately 60 km)
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5 | Perthshire - Angus & Aberdeenshire
- Today, you will set off for Glamis Castle, a fairytale Castle in every sense of the word. The former childhood home of the late Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret, you’ll be able to wander its rooms, steeped in royal history. You’ll also visit the nearby Forfar Loch for a leisurely off-the-beaten path stroll, before continuing to your hotel in the Aberdeenshire area (entrance included).
- Spend an overnight in the Aberdeenshire area.
- (approximately 90 km)
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6 | Aberdeenshire
- Aberdeenshire is home to a number of significant Castles. You will be spoilt for choice with the likes of Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. Another great choice is Craigievar Castle, thought to be the inspiration for classic movie castles. At Fyvie Castle, you can enjoy a private tour with the head gardener (entrances $).
- Spend an overnight in the Aberdeenshire area.
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7 | Aberdeenshire - Inverness area
- On your way to Inverness, you can stop at Brodie Castle in Speyside, which contains an abundance of antiques. The nearby Cawdor Castle is another fine example of a living Castle (entrances $).
- Spend an overnight in the Inverness Area.
- (approximately 95 km)
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8 | Inverness - Fort William
- Today, you’ll stop by the newly restored Inverness Castle before visiting one of the most famous lochs in Scotland, Loch Ness. Have a go at spotting Nessie as you enjoy a cruise on the loch and a visit to Urquhart Castle. You’ll then continue south via Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal (cruise included, entrances $).
- Spend an overnight in the Fort William area.
- (approximately 75 km)
- Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9 | Fort William – Stirling – Edinburgh Airport area
- Today, you’ll head back towards the lowlands. Your journey will take you through the stunning Glencoe landscape before reaching Loch Lomond, a beautiful recreational area north of Glasgow. You’ll spend some time at the loch, perhaps enjoying a champagne cruise before reaching Stirling for your last evening in Scotland (entrances $).
- Spend an overnight in Stirlingshire or the Edinburgh Airport area.
- (approximately 150 km)
- Meal(s): Breakfas
Day 10 | Return Home
- After breakfast, you’ll return your car to the Edinburgh Airport, before boarding your return flight home to Canada. As most flights depart early, please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental.
- Meal(s): Breakfast
3-Star Accommodation
Edinburgh
- Hampton by Hilton (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Perth
- McKays Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Aberdeenshire
- Loch Kinord Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Inverness
- Priory Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Fort William
- Premier Inn Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Edinburgh
- Premier Inn (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
4-Star Accommodation
Edinburgh
- Market Street Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Perth
- Atholl Palace Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Aberdeenshire
- Ardoe House Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Inverness
- Kingsmills Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Fort William
- Corriegour Lodge (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Edinburgh
- Dakota Hotel (or similar)
- Room Category : Standard Room
Important Information | Departure Dates | April 2026 – October 2026
Not included
- Meals and beverages, unless specified
- GPS, fuel, parking fees, traffic violation tickets, car upgrades, intercity toll fees,
- additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights,
- late drop-off fees, cross-border fees
- Damage to tires, damaged wheels, lost keys
- Gratuities
- Local city taxes (payable in Euro at destination)
- Porterage
Activities
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day or replaced with an alternative option depending on availability, weather, seasonality and operational reasons beyond the supplier’s control.
Transportation
- Small Eco Manual - Volkswagen Polo / Corsa or similar (4/5 door)
- Medium Compact Automatic - Ford Focus - Kia Ceed or similar (4/5 door)
Important Note
- The order of the itinerary may change or operate in reverse, and the sequence of consecutive overnights could vary due to accommodation availability. The itinerary above is for reference only.
- Accommodations are provided within the general area or county
Check In, Check Out
- Check in: 3:00 p.m. Must advise hotels if you are arriving after 6:00 p.m.
- Check out: 12:00 p.m.
City Tax
- If applicable, payable in local currency directly to hotels
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