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Eastern Scotland’s Best Kept Secrets

Highlights

Go off-the beaten-track to discover the hidden gems of Scotland.

At a Glance

Go off-the beaten-track to discover the hidden gems of Scotland

Price

From $ 4,550 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Welcome to Eastern Scotland, home to the nation’s capital and many other fantastic sights. Ready to explore the region like a local? This tour is made for you! Your off-the-beaten-track experience begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant festivals, and picturesque landscapes. From there your journey will take you to Dunkeld, a charming town in rural Perthshire. Continuing north towards Aberdeen you’ll pass through the heart of Royal Deeside, steeped in history and natural beauty. Onwards to Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, your base to discover this fascinating archipelago. From vibrant city life in Edinburgh to the neolithic splendour of the Orkney Islands, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in some of Eastern Scotland’s most incredible sights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Edinburgh — A different perspective of Scotland’s capital!

Welcome to Scotland for your journey through it's quieter Eastern seabord. One of our trusted chauffeurs will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in the heart of Scotland's capital city! Edinburgh, is a the relatively small capital, is easily navigable by foot. Built on ancient volcanic hills, explore the castle overseeing the city, or venture to Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views over Edinburgh. To discover Edinburgh off the beaten track, we'll arrange a photography tour, allowing you to experience the city in a unique and captivating way! Enjoy a dram of whisky at one of the fantastic bars, and if you're into live music, experience traditional Scottish folk tunes at the Royal Oak or the Captain's Bar. Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh — The Forth Bridges, an engineering masterpiece

Choose to spend more time in Edinburgh or embark on one of the many tours that we can offer to explore the nearby countryside. Why not take a boat tour to see the spectacular Forth Bridges or travel south to Rosslyn Chapel and the Scottish Borders? An evening tour of the Underground Vaults is a surefire way to work up an appetite at one of Edinburgh's many great restaurants or gastro-pubs – the best way to round off your time in the city. Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3: Dunkeld — Picturesque Perthshire village

Your journey through Scotland takes you to Dunkeld, a quaint town one-hour drive from Edinburgh, on the eastern banks of the River Tay, in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Discover its picturesque setting, historic architecture, natural beauty, and 13th-century Cathedral. En route, you can explore Culross, a quaint village in Fife, often used as a filming location and now famous as the fictive village of Cransemuir in Outlander. Another place to explore on the way to Dunkeld, is Scone Palace. Situated just outside Perth, you can wander the palace and gardens at your leisure to enjoy the setting of this fine Georgian Gothic palace and the place where Scottish kings were once crowned. Overnight: Dunkeld

Day 4: Dunkeld — A taste of the Highland at Pitlochry

Venture north to Pitlochry, a picturesque town renowned for its breathtaking Scottish Highland scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, including the famous Queen’s View overlooking Loch Tummel and the local Dam and Fish Ladder. For whisky enthusiasts or golf aficionados, Pitlochry offers options to suit your interests – indulge in a tour and tasting at a distillery or enjoy a round of 18 holes (or both if you wish!). There are also several fine hikes in the area if you wish to gain some height and have breathtaking views, for example, the hike to Ben Vrackie is a great outing. If you're seeking a unique way to explore Pitlochry, then why not consider embarking on a Detective Mystery-themed walking Treasure Trail, an adventure suitable for all the family! Overnight: Dunkeld

Day 5: Royal Deeside — On the footstep of the Queen Elizabeth II

Your off-the-beaten trail journey through Scotland heads north from Dunkeld into Royal Deeside, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and associations with the British royal family. Perhaps the most famous attraction in Royal Deeside is Balmoral Castle: the private residence and holiday home of the British Monarch, most notably Queen Elizabeth II. Balmoral is located in the heart of the wild mountains of the Cairngorm National Park. Not always open to the public, but when it is, do not miss it! You’ll spend the night in Aberdeen, a vibrant port city known for its history, cultural diversity, and strong connection to the North Sea. Overnight: Aberdeen

Day 6: Aberdeen — Stonehaven & journey to Orkney

Just south of Aberdeen lies Stonehaven, a charming fishing town with an old harbour which you can explore on foot. It’s also a great place to try Cullen skink – a Scottish soup made of potatoes smoked (local) fish, and cream. After a hearty bowl, you'll discover the stunning ruins of the 13th-century Dunnottar Castle, set in a dramatic clifftop setting. After you've soaked up the atmosphere of this beautiful part of Scotland's coast, make your way to Aberdeen Airport for the short, early evening flight to Kirkwall, the largest town of Orkney. Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 7: Kirkwall — Time travel to the Neolithic in Orkney

Welcome to the Orkney Islands, located just north of Scotland's mainland where your journey becomes even more remote. Kirkwall is home to St Magnus Cathedral, a name reflecting Orkney Island's historic links to Norse & Viking heritage. Neolithic Orkney refers to a group of ancient archaeological sites renowned for their historical significance and well-preserved remains, offering valuable insights into the lives and culture of Neolithic people in Northern Europe. Take a step back in time by visiting Skara Brae, Maeshowe, The Ring of Brodger, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 8: Kirkwall — Deeper Exploration of the Islands

Your Scottish journey in the Orkneys continues with the Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways constructed during World War II as defensive measures to protect the British naval fleet stationed in Scapa Flow. They link the Orkney mainland with several smaller islands. Step foot into the Italian Chapel, built by Italian POWs during WWII. This area is steeped in history and has strong links to both World Wars. Visible reminders, in the form of shipwrecks & block ships, can be seen scattered all around Orkney Island. Back in Kirkwall, on a hill overlooking the town, a fantastic tour of the Highland Park Distillery awaits. What better way to round off a trip to these islands than with a local dram of whisky, before heading to the airport to catch a flight back to Scotland's mainland and the hustle and bustle of the cities! Overnight: Edinburgh or Glasgow

Day 9: Edinburgh — Scotland like a local

Your journey through some of Scotland's best-kept secrets comes to a close. Finish your trip by relishing one last time a typical Scottish breakfast in a local establishment. Then, a driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport. We hope you’ll return home with plenty of memories to share, having been enthralled by Scotland's quieter side and enriched by Scottish culture.

Welcome to Eastern Scotland, home to the nation’s capital and many other fantastic sights. Ready to explore the region like a local? This tour is made for you!

Services

Included:

accommodation
transportation
visits
immersive experiences
personal crafting
unique roadbook creation
assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded)

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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