Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
17 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £2585 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Loch Lomond
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Relax on the bonnie banks of famous Loch Lomond at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where quaint loch-side villages enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Magical islands
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Enjoy the outstanding scenery of the Isle of Mull, home to magnificent sea cliffs, and visit its neighbour, the tiny and tranquil Isle of Iona. Further north, experience the Isle of Skye, popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery.

Wester Ross
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From Lochcarron to Achiltibuie, the area of Wester Ross has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the world. Journey along a spectacular coastline and visit undiscovered beaches, hidden glens, bird sanctuaries and breathtaking twisty single-track roads.

Malt Whisky Trail
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Speyside is home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. This area is the heart of the whisky industry, and concentrated within a few miles are more distilleries than any other area in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle Estate
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Visit the Queen’s stunning Scottish ‘holiday home,’ a royal retreat since the 1850s, where you can enjoy the extensive castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.

The home of golf
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Explore the lovely town of St Andrews, with its many historic buildings and spectacular beaches. St Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as the world-famous Old Course.

The Ultimate Scenic Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Journey through wonderful lochside and mountain scenery, from the banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Discover the magical Isle of Skye and the outstanding natural beauty of wild Wester Ross. Travel through whisky country and visit fairytale castles in Royal Deeside, as you continue southward through the Kingdom of Fife towards beautiful Edinburgh.

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Beginning on the western banks of bonnie Loch Lomond, this self-drive tour takes you on a journey across the Scottish Highlands towards the dramatic west coast. Wander around the picturesque town of Oban, the hub of the southern Hebrides and northern Argyll. Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you will be amazed by the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, famous for its pretty coloured houses along the seafront.

As you continue northward along the west coast, you will cross the inspiring Isle of Skye, visited for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery. From here, Wester Ross awaits, a raw and remote region on the northwest of the country which features breathtaking unspoilt scenery. After navigating through spectacular mountainside windy roads, enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.

It will now be time to begin your journey south, as you head towards Inverness, the Capital of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield before travelling eastward towards Speyside, home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. Discover Royal Deeside, with its fascinating Victorian history and home to countless romantic medieval castles and grand country houses. 

As you travel along the East Coast, enjoy a round of golf at St Andrews and explore the East Neuk of Fife on your way to your final destination in Edinburgh.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond
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Arrive in Edinburgh, collect your hire car, and travel west to the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond. Enjoy a boat trip on the loch or simply relax in your beautiful surroundings. Your first night will be spent in a quaint lochside village with stunning views across the famous loch.
Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 2: Loch Lomond to Oban
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A wonderfully scenic journey leads to the picturesque coast of Argyll. Visit charming Inveraray and explore the 18th century Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Campbell Clan. Travel on to Oban, ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland.’
Overnight – Oban

Day 3: Oban Sightseeing
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Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland and brooding Castle Stalker are short journeys from Oban. Cruise and experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the west coast of Scotland. See one of the classic malt whiskies being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle, which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive.
Overnight – Oban

Day 4: Isles of Mull and Iona Sightseeing
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Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s most beautiful island retreats. Visit Duart Castle, once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean. Tobermory is the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.

Nearby, the Isle of Iona, known as ‘The Cradle of Christianity,’ is a special place with impossibly clear turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves.
Overnight – Oban

Day 5: Oban to the Isle of Skye
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Travel on the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. On the way, take a detour to visit Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Take the magnificent Road to the Isles and then the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across to the west coast.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 6: Isle of Skye Sightseeing
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A full day on Skye to visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample some fine island whiskies, enjoy a great day’s walking or take a fabulous cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 7: Isle of Skye to Ullapool
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Depart Skye and visit the most famous of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route now travels through an idyllic corner of northwest Scotland as you discover the tranquil Applecross Peninsula. Enjoy a spectacular road trip before travelling along the splendour of Loch Maree, and perhaps pay a visit to Inverewe Gardens. Continue your journey north to Ullapool, a beautiful white-washed fishing village and the largest settlement in Wester Ross.
Overnight – Ullapool

Day 8: Ullapool Sightseeing
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Explore the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands, with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing and magnificent waterfalls. There are many opportunities to wander on a deserted sandy beach at Gruinard Bay, Laide or Aultbea, climb one of the iconic peaks of Wester Ross, or just sit by the side of a loch and soak up the romance and history of the area.
Overnight – Ullapool

 

Day 9: Ullapool to Inverness
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Your route now takes you south to Inverness – the Capital of the Highlands – via the brooding shores of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 10: Inverness Sightseeing
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A full day to explore Inverness, visit the 14th century Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield, where, in 1746, the last battle on British soil took place.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 11: Inverness to Royal Deeside
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Travel into Royal Deeside with a drive through the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail and one of the loveliest areas of Scotland. Visit the famous distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan before heading into the castle country of Royal Deeside.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 12: Royal Deeside Sightseeing
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Discover the close associations Royal Deeside has with the Royal family in the pretty Highland towns of Braemar and Ballater. Visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s official ‘holiday home’ with its wonderful grounds and exhibition of paintings, artwork and royal tartans. Explore the nearby Castle Trail, home to some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture in Scotland. Let your imagination run wild in dark romantic ruins or magnificently furnished castles from the Norman era, to the Renaissance.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 13: Royal Deeside to St Andrews
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Travel south from Royal Deeside through the Angus Glens and into the Kingdom of Fife, to the medieval seaside town of St Andrews.
Overnight – St Andrews

Day 14: St Andrews Sightseeing
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St Andrews is most famously known as the home of golf, with the Old Course located just off the town centre, next to the long sandy beach, which itself was featured in the opening credits of ‘Chariots of Fire.’ The town is also home to a huge Norman cathedral and the oldest University in Scotland.
Overnight – St Andrews

Day 15: St Andrews to Edinburgh
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Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital is your final destination. On your journey south, visit the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

Edinburgh is a great place to wander – narrow alleys, flights of stairs and hidden courtyards tempt you off the main streets at every turn, and take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for one of the most spectacular views of any city in the world .
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 16: Edinburgh Sightseeing
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Enjoy a City Sightseeing Bus Tour and a visit to majestic Edinburgh Castle. Sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience and take a walk through Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the fine views of the Castle high above. Take a tour to nearby Rosslyn Chapel and uncover the myths and legends around the Da Vinci Code.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 17: Edinburgh Sightseeing
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Visit the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile, as Edinburgh’s glorious past is brought to life.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 18: Depart Edinburgh
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Today, your unforgettable Grand Road Trip of Scotland will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 17 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 15 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including
  • Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
  • All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £2585

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £4370

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Grand Road Trip of Scotland

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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