Scottish Mysteries & Legends: Self-Drive Vacation
Self-drive through Edinburgh, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and more!
Spend 10 nights exploring Scotland with this self-drive vacation package. You will see Edinburgh, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and more!
What's Included
Transportation:
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration
Accommodations (as listed or similar):
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at the Ten Hill Place, Crowne Plaza –The Roxburghe Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Royal Deeside area at the Ardoe House, Norwood Hall, or similar
- 2 nights in the Inverness area at the Knockomie Hotel, Boat Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Isle of Skye at the Bosville Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Trossachs area at the Airth Castle, Roman Camp or similar
Other Inclusions:
- Breakfast daily
- Ghost & Ghouls Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Ferry crossing to Skye
- 7 day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Service charges and 20% VAT
Great Ways to Explore
- Find the beauty and magic in Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye and beyond.
- A Ghosts & Ghouls tour in Edinburgh will uncover some of the darker secrets of this city.
- A self-drive vacation allows you to plan your own itinerary!
- Take a trip to the Urquhart Castle in the Highlands of Scotland.
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile in the capital city.
This vacation package to Scotland will give travelers the luxury of self-driving throughout this gorgeous land. Included in this tour is a Scottish Explorer Pass which acts as an admission ticket to 78 different sights including castles, palaces, cathedrals and more! This pass will be extremely beneficial as it can be used for 7 days of your adventure. You will see a large portion of Scotland ranging from the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the scenic landscape of the Isle of Skye and Inverness.
During your time in Edinburgh you will enjoy a Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour. This tour will shed some light on the ancient myths and legends that the city has become famous for. One of the highlights of this vacation package will be the fact that you will have complete control over what stops you make throughout your 10 night journey. We have provided a suggested itinerary with different activities and spots that you might want to visit, but you have the freedom to go where you’d like!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Transportation:
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration
Accommodations (as listed or similar):
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at the Ten Hill Place, Crowne Plaza –The Roxburghe Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Royal Deeside area at the Ardoe House, Norwood Hall, or similar
- 2 nights in the Inverness area at the Knockomie Hotel, Boat Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Isle of Skye at the Bosville Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Trossachs area at the Airth Castle, Roman Camp or similar
Other Inclusions:
- Breakfast daily
- Ghost & Ghouls Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Ferry crossing to Skye
- 7 day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Service charges and 20% VAT
- Find the beauty and magic in Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye and beyond.
- A Ghosts & Ghouls tour in Edinburgh will uncover some of the darker secrets of this city.
- A self-drive vacation allows you to plan your own itinerary!
- Take a trip to the Urquhart Castle in the Highlands of Scotland.
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile in the capital city.
This vacation package to Scotland will give travelers the luxury of self-driving throughout this gorgeous land. Included in this tour is a Scottish Explorer Pass which acts as an admission ticket to 78 different sights including castles, palaces, cathedrals and more! This pass will be extremely beneficial as it can be used for 7 days of your adventure. You will see a large portion of Scotland ranging from the vibrant city of Edinburgh to the scenic landscape of the Isle of Skye and Inverness.
During your time in Edinburgh you will enjoy a Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour. This tour will shed some light on the ancient myths and legends that the city has become famous for. One of the highlights of this vacation package will be the fact that you will have complete control over what stops you make throughout your 10 night journey. We have provided a suggested itinerary with different activities and spots that you might want to visit, but you have the freedom to go where you’d like!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh
After collecting your baggage, pick up your rental car and let your adventure begin! Make your way to your hotel, where the rest of your day is at leisure, until this evening, when you will join the ‘Ghost and Ghouls’ walking tour with Mercat Tours. Leaving the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, you will learn about the dark past of Edinburgh’s Old Town as you follow your guide through the narrow closes and haunted underground vaults that witnessed centuries of murder, torture, hangings and plague. Overnight in Edinburgh for the first of two nights, at Ten Hill Place, Crowne Plaza –The Roxburghe Hotel, or similar.
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - The Roxburghe Hotel
One of the most iconic hotels in Edinburgh, the Roxburghe is adorned in Georgian architecture, some of which is original to this historic building. In other areas of the hotel you will notice a more contemporary feel. The Roxburghe has 198 guestrooms that offer its guests the ultimate in comfort and service. The hotel itself offers hotel health and beauty spas (with heated pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness classes and wide selection of pampering treatments), as well as the elegant and contemporary new George Street Bar & Grill - inspired by traditional grand European cafes, with a stunning interior to reflect the stylish local architecture.
Day 2. Edinburgh
Today you have a full, free day to explore Edinburgh. You may want to travel south of the city to explore the myths and legends of the ancient Rosslyn Chapel. Alternatively, discover the mysteries of Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital City. The Old Town in particular, is host to many mysterious stories such as that of Major Weir, a wizard who lived near the Grassmarket and sent his walking stick out on errands! Make sure to stop at Edinburgh Castle to redeem your voucher for the 7 day Scottish Explorer Pass included in your package, which will give you admission to 78 Historic Scotland properties and attractions along your journey (including skip the line privileges at Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle and a 20% discount on Edinburgh Castle audio tours). The pass is valid over a 14 day period, so depending on our daily itinerary, you can use it any 7 days while you’re traveling! Return to your Edinburgh hotel for the night.
Day 3. Edinburgh - Aberdeen
Leaving Edinburgh today, follow the signs to Perth and take the A94 to Glamis Castle. With over 600 years of history, the Castle is full of intrigue and has been described as the most haunted Castle in Scotland! Head further North on the A90 towards Brechin and from here, take the minor road towards Bridgend. This road passes between the White and Brown Caterhuns – the remote remains of two Iron Age forts which sit on neighboring hilltops. On the northern banks of the White Caterhun you will find a magic stone which, according to folklore, will make you rich if touched in moonlight! Continuing on this road you will reach Edzell Castle where a white lady roams the area. Follow the B974 over the Cairn-O-Mount and into Royal Deeside. Overnight in the Royal Deeside area for the first of two nights at Ardoe House, Norwood Hall, or similar.
Check-in - Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa
Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa is a beautiful 4-star 19th-century mansion house set in 30 acres of tranquil Aberdeenshire countryside. Located just three miles outside the city, its rustic setting makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing weekend for both families and couples alike. After a day of pampering at the Ardoe Spa, enjoy sophisticated and locally-inspired dining or indulge in Soapie's Lounge & Bar for a nightcap.
When it comes to dining, Blair's Restaurant boasts an impeccable menu showcasing the best of Scottish produce with a contemporary twist. Whatever your appetite, you'll find it in or kitchens - from formal feasts and snacks, to afternoon tea and bar bites. Inspired by nearby Balmoral Castle, The Scottish Baronial style chosen for Ardoe House was a popular style, first created for a house built for the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott, whose works fired up renewed passion for Scotland.
Day 4. Aberdeen
Today you have some time to spend in the area of Royal Deeside, which has so much to offer! Keep an eye on the kirk yards of Royal Deeside, many of which date back over 1,000 years. While in the area you might also want to include a visit to a whisky distillery and let the guide tell you about the ‘angel’s share’! Royal Lochnagar Distillery is close by and will lend itself for a visit. As a child, Lord Byron stayed at a farm just east of Ballater. He wrote the poem ‘Dark Lochnagar’ about the area, which was later arranged by Beethoven. Also nearby is Balmoral Castle, the holiday residence of the Queen. The Castle itself will offer some ghostly stories and there are some lovely nature trails around to be enjoyed. (Please check Balmoral Castle opening times to avoid disappointment). Further shorter forest walks can be found around Dinnet and Glen Tanar. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 5. Aberdeen - Inverness
Leaving Royal Deeside, follow the road through the Dee Valley. West of the Cairngorms you will find the second highest mountain in Britain - Ben Macdui. Many people speak of the Grey Man of Ben Macdui; a giant who is often seen wandering the mountain tops in the fog and snow. Now take the A939 via Tomintoul to Grantown-on-Spey. Head north over Dava Moor where the Scottish King Macbeth met with the three witches as described in Shakespeare’s play. From here, follow the signs to Inverness until you reach Culloden. It is here that the English army defeated the Scottish Jacobite troops under Bonnie Prince Charlie in a gruesome battle which was to be the last ever fought on British Soil. Overnight in the Inverness area for the first of two nights at Knockomie Hotel, Boat Hotel, or similar.
Check-in - Knockomie Hotel
Stay in an authentic 1812 stone house in a cozy family-run hotel 1.4 miles from Forres town center and four miles from 16th-century Brodie Castle. Individually decorated rooms have TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some rooms feature 4-poster beds or patio doors leading out to a garden. There's also a grill restaurant serving afternoon tea, plus a whisky bar where guests can unwind with a drink. A complimentary full Scottish breakfast is offered each morning. An Internet point is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Day 6. Inverness
From Inverness, continue North over the Black Isle. The A832 takes you to Fortrose, where you will find a monument for the Brahan Seer. One of the most famous seers in Scotland in the 17th century, he predicted the arrival of the locomotive in the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately he came to a terrible end – he was burned alive in a barrel of tar after making an indiscreet prediction! Continue to Cromarty and discover the tale of Captain John Reid, who caught a singing mermaid in the dropping cave along the shore. Return to your hotel for the night. Special Tip: From Fortrose take a small detour to Chanonry Point – one of the best onshore sites in Scotland from which to view Dolphins!
Day 7. Inverness - Isle of Skye
Today head to Loch Ness, where we recommend a visit to Urquhart Castle (admission is included with your Scottish Explorer Pass!). It is from here that the monster is reported to have been spotted most frequently. At the Loch Ness 2000 exhibition you can get an interesting insight into the phenomenon of Loch Ness and its alleged monster. Now follow the A87 further west and on to the Isle of Skye over the Skye Bridge by Kyle of Lochalsh. On the main road by Sliachan a phantom car was sighted several times - an Austin from 1934! The car approaches from behind, overtakes and then disappears... Spend the first of two nights on the Isle of Skye, at the Bosville Hotel, or similar.
Check-in - Bosville Hotel
We have an unrivalled reputation for superb, award winning cuisine created using the freshest of local produce from the Isle of Skye and the Highlands of Scotland. We look forward to welcoming you warmly you to the Bosville Hotel.
Day 8. Isle of Skye
You may want to head to Dunvegan Castle today, the ancient seat of the Clan MacLeod. At the Castle, you will see the remains of an ancient silk flag which is said to date back to the 4th century. Legend has it that the banner was woven by fairies for the Clan to use just three times as protection. So far, it has been used only twice! Return to your hotel for the night. Special Tip: Staying with the theme of fairies today – at Uig you can visit Fairy Glen. Take the road to Sheader, which runs up behind the Uig Hotel. This leads to a glen which at the top end has a number of small lochs, and small conical shaped hills, which give the appearance of a miniature landscape. You can also get a good overall view of the Fairy Glen from the Glen Conon road. You will find the entrance to this road opposite the post office in Uig. While using these roads for sightseeing, remember that local people are also using these roads to go about their daily business so be careful not to block the road for others.
Day 9. Isle of Skye - Stirling
From the south of the Island, take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Back on the mainland, the A830 takes you south to Loch Morar where there have been many unexplained sightings. The story is that Loch Morar is home to Morag – a monster similar to the infamous Nessie! Special Tip: Turn off onto the old Coastal Road B8008 from Morar and enjoy the stunning views across to Rum, Eigg and Muck. Be sure to stop off at beautiful sands at Cambusdarach Beach, made famous by the film ‘Local Hero’. Continue your journey to Fort William where you can discover more about the area’s history at the West Highland Museum in the center of the town. The museum is also said to have a ghost – a former curator who can still be heard tapping away at the typewriter. Head south through eerie Glencoe, Crianlarich and Lochearnhead into the Trossachs. Spend the first of two nights in the Trossachs area at Airth Castle, Roman Camp or similar.
Check-in - Airth Castle Hotel
In addition to a full-service spa, Airth Castle Hotel & Spa features an indoor pool and a spa tub. The hotel offers a restaurant. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of hotel's 2 bars/lounges. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. This business-friendly hotel also offers a fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room. Onsite parking is complimentary.
Day 10. Stirling
Today, take some time to explore the Trossachs. You can visit the Visitor Center in Callander and learn about Rob Roy who lived in the area. Travel via the A821 to Loch Katrine and Aberfoyle towards the west. Doon Hill and the Old Kirk in Aberfoyle are associated with the Reverend Robert Kirk, a priest who is notorious for his belief in fairies! As Robert was a seventh son, he was said to have been gifted with a second sight and he chatted to fairies frequently. One night in 1962 he was found dead on Doon Hill and has haunted the hill ever since. It is said that by now the fairies have turned him into one of the high spruce trees which grow on the top of the hill. You will find a sign posted path leading you to the top. Special Tip: You can take the ferry to Inchmahome Priory which sits on an idyllic island in the middle of the Lake of Mentieth. Overnight again in the Trossachs area.
Day 11. Depart Scotland
It’s time to bid Scotland farewell today; following breakfast (or depending on the time of your return flight), make your way back to Edinburgh Airport to return your rental car begin your journey home. If time permits, pay a visit to the Royal Burgh of Stirling on the way, and perhaps also visit the famous Castle, with its newly refurbished Royal Apartments. Find out all about the famous Stirling Heads!
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