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Touring Scotland - Essential Scotland from £1395 per person for 15 nights

Our specially designed self-drive tour starts in the capital and takes a broadly circular route including St Andrews, Aberdeenshire, Inverness, the Isle of Skye, the west and southern highlands, and finishes in southwest Scotland, in Galloway. You will stay in a selection of our hand-picked independent hotels and guesthouses, of 3 to 4 star, chosen for their warm, personal welcome, their suitability for exploring the best of Scotland.

Day One - Edinburgh

Your holiday starts in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and one of Europe’s top city holiday destinations.

Your Hotel

Your friendly hotel offers the warmth and serenity of a country house hotel and enjoys a secluded setting overlooking attractive private gardens on a cobbled Edwardian street. However this is no country retreat, for within a mere ten minutes’ walk you will find the west end of Princes Street, the castle and all that the capital has to offer. After a day’s sightseeing, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in one of the fire-lit lounges, or in the privacy of your comfortable bedroom, several of which feature such individual delights as a slipper roll-top bath, a jacuzzi, a four-poster bed or an oval bath designed for two! All rooms are handsomely appointed in classic style, using rich colours and exquisitely decadent soft fabrics such as linen, silk, suede and velvet. Downstairs, award-winning fine dining features contemporary French cuisine in a choice of settings – the elegant main restaurant or the informal conservatory.

What to see and do

Visitors from all over the world are drawn here by the wealth of historic sites, galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and bars – not to mention the spectacular sight of Princes Street and the castle rock. It is also still perfectly possible to avoid the crowds and find quiet cobbled streets, peaceful cafes and, above all, to simply soak up the ambience of this most scenic of cities. With our local knowledge we are ideally placed to give you plenty of suggestions, including the more unusual, off-the-beaten-track hidden gems that only a local would know.

Day Three - Fife & St Andrews

Leave Edinburgh behind and marvel at the iconic Forth Rail Bridge as you cross over the Firth of Forth and into the Kingdom of Fife. You will find your next destination near to the ancient city of St Andrews. Plenty of time to explore with our recommendations help.

Your Hotel

In an unlikely setting deep in the heart of the Fife countryside, this internationally renowned restaurant and residence, has been so highly thought of that it has given its name to the tiny hamlet which is its home! Visitors from Edinburgh and Glasgow - and the occasional golfing celebrity - make tracks to savour the sumptuous modern cooking, always an imaginative blend of the very best that Fife’s fertile farmlands, river and coastal waters have to offer. The extensive wine list features some excellent choices and the service is both warm and discreet. Incidentally, the place is closed from Sunday after breakfast until Tuesday afternoon, thus ensuring that the head chef is always on duty, whenever you choose to visit. Behind the restaurant is the residence, comprising 8 individually designed suites and allowing you the luxury of staying overnight, so you can linger over your meal and really make the most of all that the wine list has to offer!

What to see and do

You are perfectly placed to explore the delightfully named East Neuk of Fife. Pretty fishing villages such as Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem and St. Monans hug the coast and do a fine line in locally caught fish and chips – as well as offering photogenic little harbours and creelers’ cottages. A little further north, the historic city of St Andrews is best known as the home of golf – pay a visit to the hallowed Royal and Ancient – and the university home of Prince William. Its ruined abbey is a dramatic sight and it’s an extremely pleasant town to wander around. Continue north again to the silvery Firth of Tay and you may be lucky enough to spot basking seals on the broad sandy swathe of Tentsmuir beach.

Day Four - Aberdeenshire

Your route north today passes quickly into Angus and along the Aberdeenshire coast, before turning inland to your second base. Our recommended hotel is in the lovely Don Valley, where you are well placed to explore the many attractions of the area, including the Castle and Whisky Trails, Royal Deeside (including Balmoral castle) and an abundance of glorious walks and gardens.

Your Hotel

If your dream is to stay in the baronial splendour evoked by Monarch of the Glen, then this hotel could be the fulfilment of your Highland fantasy! Set beside glorious botanic gardens overlooking the ruins of the original 13th century castle, it combines splendidly opulent interiors – complete with wall tapestries, vast stone fireplaces and a dramatic oak staircase – with modern amenities and a warm Scottish welcome. In the elegant dining room you will enjoy the delicacies of the Grampian region, including prime Aberdeen Angus, seafood from the Moray Firth and game from neighbouring estates.

What to see and do

This is indeed an area rich in history and scenic beauty and you are in the midst Scotland’s Castle Trail. The sheer profusion of exotic gardens – notably Pitmedden, Candacraig and the neighbouring Kildrummy Garden with its collection of rare Alpines, shrubs and specimen trees (ask for the full plant guide with botanical names!) – is a testament to the region’s richly fertile soil. As well as the Don valley you are close to Deeside and Balmoral and the granite city of Aberdeen is around 40 miles away, for shopping and further sightseeing.

Day Six - Inverness

A choice of routes, perhaps crossing some of the highest mountain passes in Scotland, with time to explore Speyside, the heart of the Scotch whisky industry as you travel. 

Your Guesthouse

Awarded 5 stars by the AA, this elegant former bishop’s home has been transformed into a luxury guest house. The owner is an accomplished interior designer, and her skill is apparent in the careful mix of old and new: bright, contemporary paintings are balanced by ornate Victorian features, Persian rugs and comfy sofas. Situated in a residential street, but just a short ten minute walk from the centre of Inverness, the house is surrounded by mature gardens, which offer extra seclusion. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea or a refreshing drink, whilst admiring the striking flamingo sculptures.

What to see and do

The restaurants of Inverness are just a stroll away for dinner, across the dainty pedestrian bridge, along with all the other attractions of the capital of the Highlands. Loch Ness stretches to the south, where you can breathe in the legends and gasp at the views from many stops along the road – the ruins of Urqhart Castle being a favourite spot. If you are fascinated by Nessie, then the Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre at Drumnadrochit is a must! To the east lies the battlefield of Culloden, boasting a new visitor centre and exhibition which retells the dramatic story in an innovative and interactive way. Cawdor Castle, with lovely woodland walks, offers an insight into days gone by too, and there is a cosy inn in the nearby village for a traditional pub lunch. To the north you can drive up to the lovely historic village of Cromarty to take a dolphin-watching trip and explore the Black Isle.

Day Eight - The Isle of Skye

You start the day with a memorable drive through the Highlands along the banks of Loch Ness and on through Glen Shiel taking in the views of the majestic mountains of Kintail. You will then cross the Skye bridge leaving the mainland behind and head south on the Isle of Skye to your next peaceful hotel.

Your Hotel

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the Garden of Skye thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers. This is a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. Twelve bedrooms (six in the Garden House) are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay. Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate’s culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu. Langoustines are landed at the old stone pier, and oysters come from the hotel's own oyster beds.

What to see and do

On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of ‘The Gaelic Whiskies’, where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop. The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and drinking in the magnificent sea views. Don’t miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits! On the way down to the Point of Sleat, it’s worth stopping off at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, with its fine arboretum and lovely garden. Further afield, in the north of the island, you’ll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the bustling island capital.

Day Ten - Loch Linnhe

A short ferry journey today will take you back to the mainland and the port of Mallaig. From here you will pass the sandy beaches of Arisaig on the way to Fort William where you will turn south west towards the coast to reach your secluded destination on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

Your Hotel

Originally the home of Loch Linnhe’s Pier Master, this award-winning restaurant, with its adjacent modern residence, really is a special place to contemplate the dramatic beauty of the west coast. The views are stunning and the once prolific steam traffic has given way to the blissful sound of silence. Mouthwatering langoustines and lobster are kept fresh off the end of the pier, before being served to you by candlelight in the cosy conviviality of one of Argyll’s finest restaurants. As you contemplate the sunset over the distant Morvern hills, you may be lucky enough to glimpse otters and seals.

What to see and do

The local ferryman might tempt you to board the morning boat to Lismore – an island well worth a day’s exploration either on foot or bike (available for hire locally). Or take the short Corran ferry crossing to explore the remote wilderness of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Meanwhile Oban is just half an hour away by car for ferries to Mull, Iona, Kerrera and other inviting islands. In this enchanted corner of Scotland, history is on your doorstep too: brooding Castle Stalker, ancient seat of the Stewarts, guards the mouth of Loch Laich, whilst to the north, the infamous valley of Glencoe conceals a legacy of bloody battles and heroic deeds.

Day Twelve - The Trossachs

Your route today winds slowly inland, through the majestic and infamous valley of Glencoe, towards the hills and glens of the Trossachs, otherwise known as the Scottish Lakeland.

Your Hotel

Nestling in the heart of Rob Roy country amidst the beautiful lochs, forest and mountains of the Trossachs, this is primarily an award-winning restaurant, with the added benefit of overnight accommodation so that you can really make the most of your dining experience. The Baronial Dining Room, with its vaulted ceiling and magnificent fireplace, is the focal point of a restored seventeenth century farmhouse and a worthy setting for the superb Franco-Scottish cuisine, which has deservedly been awarded two AA rosettes and a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’. An impressive wine list provides the perfect complement to your meal, after which you will not have far to stagger to your pretty bedroom – one of five featuring attractive furnishings and antiques (and one with a romantic four poster).

What to see and do

Perthshire offers some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery and you can walk in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park from the hotel grounds, or in the surrounding hills which so inspired Sir Walter Scott. Besides boasting many scenic roads, this is great walking country and is famous for its connections with Rob Roy MacGregor, the outlaw and subject of a recent Hollywood film – his grave is in Balquhidder churchyard. A little further afield, you can explore Stirling and its dramatic Castle and old centre, Loch Lomond and the Falkirk Wheel.

Day Fourteen - Dumfries & Galloway

Today your route will take you south, past Glasgow and then through the stunning Dalveen pass to your award-winning country house hotel, which lies in the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway region of south-west Scotland – a relatively undiscovered area with a wealth of hidden gems.

Your Hotel

This historic inn, in the peaceful and attractive conservation village of Gatehouse of Fleet, is a perfect base from which to explore Galloway. It dates back over 100 years, and boasts connections to writer Dorothy L Sayers. Now the new owners have provided comfortable modernised rooms. Good food makes the restaurant a popular local destination for dinner, as does the friendly, personal service.

What to see and do

Galloway offers plenty of coastal walks and some lovely sandy beaches, particularly at nearby Sandhead, Port Logan and Port William. Places to visit include Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway (with its working lighthouse); Logan Botanic Gardens with its amazing collection of exotic plants; Castle Kennedy Gardens, with its unique Monkey Puzzle Avenue; the unusual Gem Museum at Creetown and Scotland’s book capital, Wigtown, which boasts more than 20 bookshops. There is also a wide choice of golf courses throughout Galloway, each with its own character and test of skill - from Creachmore, Stranraer, designed by James Braid, to the "links" style of Wigtown County, to the championship test of Southerness.

Day Sixteen

Return Home

Carlisle and the English border lie around two hours by car, or you can easily return to Edinburgh or Glasgow for a rail or flight connection.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from March to November 2011. It can start in the order as described any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It can also be arranged in reverse order, any Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

The price is £1395 per person for March & November, £1455 for April & October, £1495 for May, June, July & September and £1555 for August based on 2 people sharing a double room, for 15 nights. Accommodation in ensuite double or twin rooms on a bed & breakfast basis, for 15 nights.

The price also includes a Historic Scotland Explorer pass, covering entry to key attractions such as Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles for 7 separate days in a 14 day period, as well as a ferry from Skye for car and passengers.

Do note, that as with all our holidays we would be delighted to amend or adapt this itinerary to suit your personal preferences.  

We can also arrange a hire car from Edinburgh, with prices from around £30 per day.

All our holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.